American Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday at Coudersport Consistory

McKean County Coroner Office
Michael F. Cahill, McKean County Coroner, is asking for the public’s assistance in helping to locate relatives of William Molnar Jr., his date of birth is November 9, 1958. William resided in Ritterville at the time of his death.
His parents are known to be William and Sophie Molnar Sr. who resided in Mt. Alton and Ritterville.
He is believed to have been married and divorced. He and his former wife are believed to have lived in the Akron, OH area. She is believed to be deceased and may have surviving children in the Ohio area.
If anyone has information about William, please call Michael Cahill at 814-362-6643.
Mike Cahill,
McKean County Coroner
Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding property owners that if planned property improvements include constructing or altering a driveway that connects to a state highway, a Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) must first be obtained by PennDOT.
HOPs for driveways are required by Section 420 of Title 36, also known as the State Highway Law. Property owners without these permits should obtain one from PennDOT as the permit legitimizes the driveway and is evidence of the driveway’s compliance with the law.
Permit applications may be submitted online or by using paper applications. To apply online, visit the department’s webpage on permits by typing “PennDOT HOP” into the search bar. On the page applicants may access PennDOT’s Electronic Permitting System (ePermitting) or complete a paper application by downloading the form here or by typing “PennDOT HOP related forms” into your search bar.

Jeremy Reed, M.D.
Otolaryngology, UPMC
According to urban legend, your ears ring when someone is talking about you; according to doctors, it’s tinnitus. This ringing can be described as a phantom noise, or sounds that aren’t actually there, and can include high-pitched squeals or low rumbles. While this isn’t technically a disease, these symptoms, among others that amount to a tinnitus diagnosis, may drastically affect your quality of life.
Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus may occur for several reasons, including some of the following examples:

At 1:45 PM on Wednesday, Roulette Fire Dept. dispatched to Buckler Trucking for a landing zone for Mercyflight & Roulette ambulance.

The Port Allegany Music Department and Drama Club will present Bright Star on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets for the event can be purchased online. Adult tickets are $10 and $6 for Senior Citizens and students. Visit the district website or Facebook page for ticket link. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Bright Star music, book and story are by Steve Martin; music, lyrics and story by Edie Brickell.

Potter County youth at the 2022 Northwinds 4-H Camp
Summer camps across the state are preparing for a season of hands-on and engaging programs designed for youth of all ages. The Potter County 4-H program is no different. Counselors and staff are currently working on creating and preparing for their busiest season of the year, which includes Northwinds residential camp.
Northwinds 4-H Camp provide a safe environment for building communication, self-esteem, and healthy habits while challenging 4-H members to grow in a variety of ways, push themselves to their full potential, and learn outside of their comfort zone daily. 4-H camp is an outstanding place for youth of all ages to continue to grow as an individual and have an engaging experience surrounded by caring adults who genuinely care about camper experience. Youth at Northwinds participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including food science, crafts, and swimming. While the camp experience for each participant is unique, the life skills, positive youth development opportunities, and friendships created will remain the same.
Registration for the 2023 Northwinds 4-H Camp will be opening soon on zSuites, the 4-H enrollment system. Camp will be taking place at Camp Penuel East in Eldred, PA from June 20-23, 2023. All youth between the ages of 8-13 as of January 1st are eligible to attend. Cost to participate is $200, with scholarships available to Potter County 4-H members at the Extension Office.
If you are interested in learning more about Northwinds 4-H Camp, call the Potter County Extension Office at 814-274-8540 or email Spencer Gee, 4-H Educator, at sqg5901@psu.edu. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
To become a certified pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania, passing a written exam is required. This exam will be offered at the Penn State Extension office at 7 Water Street in Coudersport on Wednesday, April 5th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Anyone interested in either a private applicator license or a commercial/public applicator license should:
Step 1: Obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certification Study packet online at https://extension.psu.edu/certification-exam-study-materials or call Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691.
Step 2: Register to take the exam at the PaPlants Certification Exam search page https://www.paplants.pa.gov/PesticideApplicator/ExamSearch.aspx.
All exams require pre-registration through the PA Department of Agriculture. This can be done on the above website, or you can call the PDA regional office and ask for Jay Bagley (717-731-2463).
Step 3: On the day of the exam, make sure you bring the following:
Examinees have three hours to take the exam which consists of 75 multiple choice questions. Exam results are received within 30 days.
On March 9, 2023, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College was granted the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is a voluntary, non-governmental, institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) that accredits higher educational institutions.
NPRC’s Accreditation Readiness Report was acknowledged and accepted at the March 2023 Commission Meeting after MSCHE representatives completed site visits in November 2022. With this announcement, NPRC is invited to begin the self-study process based on continuous improvement of the College’s compliance; assessment; and integration of the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation, Requirements of Affiliation, MSCHE policies and procedures, and all applicable federal regulatory requirements.
NPRC’s President, Susan Snelick, noted, “This is a significant milestone and one of the most important days in the young history of Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. I am proud of the entire NPRC team, legislative advocates, students, and our community and location partners. We look forward to continuing to work closely alongside the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as we strive to meet NPRC’s mission and service the region’s residents and employers.”
Institutions with Candidacy status are required to achieve accreditation affirmation within five years. While pursuing accreditation, Candidate institutions are eligible to complete the application process to award Title IV Financial Aid. This aid includes programs associated with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®). Upon successful Title IV application completion, the College will be eligible to award aid such as Pell grants and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) funding in addition to the institutional aid the institution currently awards our enrollees.
NPRC will continue to provide further updates on the institution’s status for accreditation and status of being awarded Title IV aid as they become available.
About NPRC: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is authorized by the PA Department of Education to award associate degrees and certificates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. NPRC is an open-admission, two-year institution of higher education. The College’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education to the residents of northern Pennsylvania. NPRC brings affordable education to a nine-county region (Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Venango, and Warren). With flexible scheduling options at numerous instructional locations, attending Northern Pennsylvania Regional is an excellent option for individuals interested in furthering their education close to home. With a growing team of high-quality industry-leading instructors directing our classrooms, students are empowered by a welcoming community to change their lives and brighten their futures. NPRC is actively pursuing accreditation. https://regionalcollegepa.org.
McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Darvin Carpenter, of Bradford, was convicted of 251 counts related to sex crimes against children, providing marijuana to juveniles and other crimes. He was found not guilty of 11 additional counts.
CARPENTER was charged with committing crimes against 7 juvenile victims between the years 2000 and 2022.
The crimes were discovered in 2022 after a juvenile female reported to her mother that CARPENTER had touched her in her “bad spot” and the mother reported it to the Childline child abuse hotline. The report was referred to Children and Youth Services and law enforcement.
Trooper Eric Thompson of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks was assigned the criminal investigation.
Through his investigation, he identified six other victims who reported numerous instances of rape from the age of 5, forced oral sex on victims under age 13, unlawful touching of children under age 16, providing marijuana to juveniles and numerous other crimes.
Six of the victims – all now adults – testified before the jury and described the acts committed by the defendant through the last two decades and at various locations in McKean County – including various places he resided, his vehicle, and some of the victims’ own residences. Some of the victims described not only the crimes he committed against them, but other crimes they witnessed against other children.
The jury convicted CARPTENTER of 10 Counts of Rape Of A Child Under 13 (Felony 1); 10 Counts of Rape By Forcible Compulsion (Felony 1); 55 Counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1); 6 Counts of Criminal Solicitation To Commit Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse On A Person Less Than 16 ( Felony 1); 3 Counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault (Felony 2); 20 Counts of Statutory Sexual Assault (Felony 2); 20 Counts of Sexual Assault (Felony 2); 112 Counts of Indecent Assault – (Felony 3, Misdemeanor 1 & Misdemeanor 2); 11 Counts of Distribution Of Small Amount Of Marijuana (Not For Sale) (Misdemeanor); 3 Counts of Corruption Of Minors, and 1 Count of Indecent Exposure (Misdemeanor 2).
Trooper Thompson filed a criminal complaint against the defendant on July 14, 2022. He has remained incarcerated at the McKean County Jail since the time of his arrest.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Following conviction, DA Vettenburg-Shaffer asked to increase CARPENTER’S bail and it was increased to $1 million.
Because the defendant has been convicted on sexual offenses, the law requires that he undergo an assessment with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board. Sentencing will be scheduled by the Court.
If you suspect child abuse, please call 911 and Childline at 1-800-932-0313.

Figure 1: Teen Council members share their leadership style at a club meeting
While historically 4-H clubs have engaged participants in programs focusing on agricultural interests, such as growing crops, caring for livestock, and preparing nutritious meals, the Pennsylvania 4-H program has expanded to include a wide variety of other topics in recent years. These program topics vary greatly, but all work to develop communication, problem-solving, and personal development in youth across the state.
A recent highlight in 4-H programming is science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). By connecting these technical skills with 4-H, participants can relate their interests to future career opportunities in these fields, find passions solving complex problems in their lives, and work as a team to design and create a better world. In Pennsylvania, 4-H members can engage in STEM topics at all ages of the program, through Engineering Design Challenges, Animal Science Camps, 4-H STEM Labs, and more!
Another popular area of programming in Pennsylvania is leadership. Youth across the commonwealth are encouraged to engage with their club, community, country, and world through programs that provide opportunities for youth to connect with their roles as young leaders of Pennsylvania. The state offers 4-H members opportunities to enhance their understanding of civic engagement and the role they play as active members of their community by providing opportunities to hold office positions in clubs, organize community events, and participate in events such as State Leadership Conference.
These are only some of the opportunities 4-H offers participants throughout the state. Youth members participate in activities ranging from shooting sports and rocketry to sewing and gardening. Other members may find an interest in horses or showing rabbits, while still more members may find their passion lies in leadership projects or public speaking. With such a wide variety of opportunities, 4-H members can work to improve and develop their passions with the guidance of a trusted adult no matter where their interests lie. For more information on 4-H programming or how to get involved, contact the Potter County Extension Office at 814-274-8540 or email Spencer at sqg5901@psu.edu.

Elk County- The St. Marys Area United Way Board President Doug Gaffey presented a $11,500 grant to Gregg Bennett, Scout Executive with the Bucktail Council Boy Scouts of America (BSA). This grant award was as a result of the United Way’s 2022 campaign. Gregg Bennett, Scout Executive, reports that the funding will be used to further the camping program at Camp Mountain Run where hundreds of youth attend each year. The United Way funding will be used to train and hire a portion of the camp staff for summer camp, support the maintenance cost for Camp Mountain Run, and purchase program materials.
Scouts BSA is designed for boys and girls ages 11-18, Scouts learn responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs. For over 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in 1910. Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.
The Boy Scouts are one of the many partnering organizations that have sought grant money from the St. Marys Area United Way. Over the next couple of weeks, the United Way will continue to notify the public of all the grant recipients and award amounts. The grant funding disseminated in 2023 is as a result of the donations raised during the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. Funding raised in 2023 will be available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2024.
The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. If you would like to become one of these individuals or corporate donors, please call 781-6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857

OLEAN, N.Y., March 14, 2023 — Four area school districts and one New Jersey school recently received grants supporting new projects and education opportunities, together totaling $4,633, from the Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund.
Harold “Sandy” and Connie Wolfinger established the Wolfinger Family Fund in 2019 and designed the fund to provide annual support for educational programming and enrichment opportunities for area students in schools.
The Smethport Area School District received three grants, totaling $1,187, for three projects in the district schools.
PENELEC PLANNED OUTAGE
Day/Date Tuesday, March 28th
Time/Duration 08:30 until 15:00
Alternate Date N/A
Town/Street In Galeton, West St., Germania St.,1st St., West Branch Ave., Penn Ave., Division Ave., 5th St., Poplar Ave., Second St.
Reason for Outage Upgrade our facilities for enhanced circuit reliability for our customers.
# of Custs. 195
The regular meeting of the Galeton Borough Council was held this date in the Municipal Building with the following members present: Joe Petrencsik; Doug Droppa; Darrell Jackson; DJ Fuller, and Denny Dean. Not present was Ron Tarabori.
Others present were: Mayor-Garrote; Foreman-Joe Cimino; Secy-Andrea Caracciolo; Office Asst-Eleanor Boyd and Borough Crew-Joe Cimino Jr.
President Petrencsik called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Followed by the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES
The 2/8/23 minutes were reviewed, Joe Petrencsik pointed out that they needed to state that both sides of Germania Street is to have restricted parking for the week of the 4th of July. A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by DJ Fuller to approving the minutes with the change. All were in favor, motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by DJ Fuller approving the treasurer’s report for Feb/March 2023 as reported. All were in favor, motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Committee toured the Chattanooga Bldg. and agreed to proceed with the first study.
BOROUGH FOREMAN
Orchard Ave and Adams Street sewer issues. There are 8 customers on the list where they are having sewer issues. The sewer is continuously being plugged up with wipes and paper towels. The customers in this area will be sent letters.
Test Wells were drilled and the following were found: The one that was drilled at the Right Branch produced approx. 70 gallons per minute and the water was good. The one on the Left Branch wasn’t successful as well as the one drilled on the Holly Smith property. They are going to drill another one at the Main Branch next.
DJ reported that two culverts on Pine Street have concrete blocks that are caving in and need repaired.
ORDINANCES
A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Darrell Jackson to advertise Ordnance #377 of 2023 to amend Parking on Germania Street during the week of the 4th of July. All were in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by Darrell Jackson appointing the mayor as designee to exercise the parking on Germania Street for the 4th of July week. All were in favor, motion carried.
****At this Time, 7:52PM, AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS CALLED TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL ISSUE
***AT THIS TIME 8:35 PM, THE MEETING RECONVENED.
The executive session was held for Joey Cimino to make a presentation. The proposal was for Joey to attend the Mansfield Act 120 academy to become a police officer at his own expense. After graduating from the course the Borough will hire him as an officer. Joey will remain an employee on the Borough crew also in the process of getting his water and sewer licenses. There will be a probation period of a year to see if this works out.
A motion was made by Darrell Jackson, seconded by DJ Fuller to accept the proposal. All were in favor, motion carried. Further details will be discussed at a later date.
BILLS
A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Denny Dean to pay the bills for March 2023. All were in favor, motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Denny Dean, seconded by Doug Droppa to Adjourn. All were in favor, motion caried. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
The Seneca Library District that includes the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library will be migrating data into a new inter-library system over the next month. Patrons will be able to easily access more library materials and services after this transition! This is an exciting process that will have a very beneficial end, but sometimes getting to the end of the road can be bumpy. As the library transitions, there will be a few “pauses” in library service:
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Application opens March 15, submissions due by May 3
After a successful pilot program in 2022 for The Wilds Are Working: A Remote Lifestyle Experience, remote workers will have the chance to apply to test out living in two new communities for 2023. Those communities will be Emporium and Warren.
Funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission through Ben Franklin Technology Partners and administered by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., this project seeks to help address the issue of outmigration in rural areas by marketing PA Wilds communities as great places to live and work.
Originally piloted in summer 2022 in the PA Wilds communities of Bellefonte and Kane, the initiative allows remote workers to live, work, volunteer, and explore all that the rural region has to offer. Participants could come from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a sense of adventure and the ability to work remotely.
Applications open on March 15 and are due by May 3.
Coudersport Public Library’s Preschool Story Hour series, with the theme “Hello Spring!” will begin Tuesday, April 4!
Participants will learn about and celebrate Spring and all the fun and new beginnings it brings, with leaders Brenda Bonczar and Lisa Bretz. Sessions will run on Tuesdays, April 4-May 9, at 10:00 a.m. These are geared for children ages three through five and their parents, and include stories, a craft and snacks.
Registration is required to ensure sufficient materials. Stop in at the Library, call 814-274-9382 or email coudersportlibrary@gmail.com to register your child.
Steps to Vote
· Go to the website What’s So Cool….North Central Contest
· Watch the videos by clicking on each one
· Press vote on the video you like the best
· Can’t decide which one you like best – you can vote for more than one!
· The video with the most votes will be the winner of the Viewer’s Choice Award to be presented on March 28th! There are other awards being made by our team of judges.
Voting will open March 13th at 12:01 am and will end on March 15th at 11:59 pm.
Thank you for taking the time to vote and recognizing the hard work of the students, teacher coaches and employers!
* WHAT…Accumulating snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to
3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE…Livingston and Allegany counties.
* WHEN…Until 8 AM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing
snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
conditions could impact the evening commute.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow could result in snow covered secondary roads and
limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Route 220 is closed in both directions between Route 42 and just north of Route 3006 (Thorne Street) in Laporte Township, Sullivan County, due to a tractor trailer crash.
A detour using Route 42 and Thorne Street 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.

My name is Brenda Langan, and I am announcing my candidacy for the Potter County Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts in the 2023 primary election.
I have been a member of the Potter County community for most of my life. After graduating from Port Allegany High School, my husband Todd and I raised our children a few miles from his childhood home in Ulysses. Now we’re involving our grandchildren in the same civic and church community that has nurtured us for so many years.
Let’s be candid; the first and foremost role of our county officials is to serve the public. My priority is customer service for all of our residents and assisting them with transactions in this office.
I appreciate how important these transactions are as both a resident and a previous small business owner. While it is certainly true that meticulous and secure filing and record-keeping are essential for the court staff, it is also true that the Prothonotary’s role isn’t solely for the benefit of the court. Your business, whether related to a request for court records, managing a lien, or even applying for a passport, deserves to be done as quickly, reliably and painlessly as possible. I can relate because I’ve had experience on both sides of the County Government counter.
Professionally, I was in the workforce for several years before deciding to pursue a college degree. I graduated with high honors from Gannon University in Business Administration. After a brief career in real estate, I joined Adelphia Cable, where I rose to the position of Corporate Inventory Manager in charge of over 200 inventory locations across the country. After that, I spent several years in Supply Chain Management at Arvos Ljungstrom LLC, where in addition to my regular responsibilities, I implemented new financial software. Subsequently, the opportunity for public service drew me to county government work in my current position.
Currently, I am the Director of Finance in McKean County. This position has provided me with keen insight into the inner workings of government offices. In this role, I am responsible for developing the County budget with input from Department Heads, ensuring proper cash flow and appropriate expenditures, and confirming that the maximum reimbursements have been received on grants. This requires collaborating and working with others while still accepting full responsibility to ensure the integrity of the budget expenses and revenues.
In my 30 years of professional experience, I have gained the perspective and experience that Potter County residents deserve in their Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts. In addition to the professionalism and integrity expected from any public official, I’ll remember what it’s like to be on the other side of the counter – to conduct your transactions quickly and courteously so as to get you back to your families or businesses. I appreciate your consideration when casting your vote on May 16th and look forward to the opportunity to serve my Potter County friends and neighbors as their next Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts.
