Austin Area School District Has An Anticipated Opening
NEWS
McKean County Is Seeking American Rescue Plan Coordinator
Position: American Rescue Plan Coordinator
Status: Temporary Part Time (20 – 29 hrs. per week)
Reports To: County Commissioners
Location: 500 W. Main Street, Smethport
McKean County is seeking an American Rescue Plan Coordinator to assist with managing programs identified by the county commissioners for funding through the America Rescue Plan Funds. Candidate will work an interim time period with weekly hours to fluctuate with release of funds to community partners. Ideal candidate will have general knowledge of McKean County with knowledge of economic impact funding and grant processes.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for compliance for use of funds by McKean County for American Rescue Plan Funds
- Assist Community Partners to identify avenues for resources and/or matching funds
- Monitor and assess project impact and identify funding gaps for sustainability
- Assist with program design in collaboration with the McKean County Commissioners and staff
to identify global focus and goals of initiative and tailor process to align with those goals
- Monitor grant applications and execution from award through compliance to final reporting
- Manage marketing and promotion of program in all media outlets including print, online, radio
and presentations as public meetings
- Assist with needs assessment to identify optimal impact of American Rescue Plan Funds
- Process applications, ensure proper documentation and eligibility and provide general
application assistance to applicants for internal and external reports
- Participate in review and ranking criteria to evaluate applicants
- Maintain detailed records of application status, eligibility criteria and award notifications
- Maintain spreadsheet and financial records of allocated funding, invoices, receipts and
final reporting
- Communicate with grant applicants from public, private, government and non-profit entities
- General Office Assistance and Other Duties as required
Education and Experience:
- Associate’s degree in Business, Planning, Accounting or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred
- 2-3 years of professional experience in economic development, planning or related field
Interested applicants are invited to apply by completing a McKean County job application and resume. Please forward it to: Michele Jubon, Human Resources Director, McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749 or emailing it to: mmjubon@mckeancountypa.org by May 8, 2023. We are an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.
Seneca Highlands Career & Technical Center National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Seneca Highlands Career & Technical Center will hold our annual National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony tomorrow, Thursday, April 27th, at 1 pm.
The ceremony will be live-streamed via our Facebook page. Please watch for the link to be provided shortly before the ceremony begins.
RECALLS
| Ellenos Real Greek LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg In Vanilla Bean Yogurt 4oz Cup In Costco 12-PackEllenos Real Greek LLC of Federal Way, WA is recalling Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt 4oz. cups, sold in Costco 12-Pack case, item #1340833, because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt 4oz. cups sold in Costco 12-Pack case, lot #073, at Costco Warehouse in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. The affected Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt 4oz. cup has the affected BEST BEFORE date of 04/23/2023 printed on a blue foil seal. The Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt 4oz cup has the UPC 8 57290 00620 1 and it is sold as part of the 12-Pack case and each case has the UPC 8 57290 00617 1. This is a refrigerated item and packaged in a clear plastic cup with a blue foil seal and can be identified by the blue lettering on front panel display. |
WELLSBORO WOMEN’S AND MEN’S CHORUSES TO PRESENT SPRING CONCERT WITH WEDNESDAY MORNING MUSICALES THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 29 AT THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Nineteen members of the Wellsboro Men’s Chorus are shown with Director Christina Simonis (front row, third from left) and Pat Davis (black dress, front row, fourth from left). Davis has been the group’s piano accompanist for more than 50 years.
At 7 p.m. this Saturday, April 29 in the United Methodist Church at 36 Main Street in Wellsboro, the Wellsboro Women’s and Men’s Choruses and special guests the Wednesday Morning Musicales Chorus are presenting their annual Spring Concert “Why We Sing.” A good will offering will be taken at the door.
The three choruses will sing a total of 20 different tunes that incorporate musical styles ranging from Broadway to pop songs.
Opening the concert will be the Wednesday Morning Musicales Chorus, directed by Diana Frazier with piano accompaniment by Marian Miller. The group will perform “ Sing, Sing, Sing,” “All the Things You Are,” “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Jeepers Creepers,” and “Who Could Ask For Anything More?”
The Wellsboro Men’s Chorus, directed by Christina Simonis with accompanist Pat Davis at the piano, will sing “Give Us a Song”, the “Whiffenpoof Song”, “Yellow Bird”, “Down Among the Dead Men”, “River of Dreams”, “You Light Up My Life” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Closing the concert will be the Wellsboro Women’s Chorus, directed by Diana Frazier with piano accompaniment by Judy Smithgall. They will sing “Dream,” “Already Home,” “Joyful, Joyful,” “It’s So Easy,” “Ain’t Misbehavin,” “Why We Sing,” “I Will Survive,” and “Dancing Queen.”
FIFTH FREE GUIDED BIRD WALK FOR THE PUBLIC IS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 29 AT HILLS CREEK STATE PARK; 11 PEOPLE GO ON APRIL 22 WALK
The fifth free guided-bird walk is this Saturday, April 29. Participants will meet at the Hills Creek State Park office at 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, Pa. 16901-9676 a little before 8 a.m. and drive to the nearby starting location promptly at 8 a.m. No registration is required.
Of the 11 people who went on the April 22 walk, one was Bob Edkin, Leonard Harrison State Park environmental education specialist who led the walk, seven were members of the Tiadaghton Audubon Society and three were from the general public. They saw 29 species of birds. “Our most exciting sightings were a great egret and a broad-winged hawk,” said Edkin. “We haven’t seen any warblers yet. It was a comfortable walk with temperatures in the low 50s,” he said.
The other 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 6, 13, 20 and 27. They 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.
TROUT UNLIMITED TIADAGHTON CHAPTER #688 TO MEET IN-PERSON THIS COMING TUESDAY, MAY 2 AT THE TIOGA COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT OFFICE AND VIA ZOOM
Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688 based in Wellsboro is meeting in-person this coming Tuesday, May 2 at the Tioga County Conservation District office at 1867 Shumway Hill Road, Wellsboro PA 16901 (go in the back door) and via Zoom (# 838 766 1706 with Passcode: white (no caps).
Leading the meeting is President Jere White who is also the featured speaker.
The business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7 p.m. The business and general meetings are free and open to the public. Being a TU member is not required to attend.
At 7 p.m., White will give a PowerPoint presentation on night fishing for trout. He will talk about tactics, tackle, flies, when to go based on moon phases and more.
For more information about the meeting, call White at 570-662-2167 or email him at whitesgordonsetters@gmail.com.
LAST TWO AUDITIONS FOR 28 ROLES AND THE CHORUS IN HAMILTON-GIBSON’S SUMMER MUSICAL “MARY POPPINS” ARE THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, APRIL 28 AND 29
The last two audition dates for Hamilton-Gibson’s summer musical “Mary Poppins” are at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, April 28 and at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday, April 29 in the Warehouse Theatre at 3 Central Avenue in Wellsboro.
CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK OFFERS 2 FREE PROGRAMS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 29 BEGINNING AT 7 P.M.
Celebrate Astronomy Day with yard games and a Night Sky Tour 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 occur 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.
Programs will be cancelled in the event of rain or thunder. Telescopes will not be available in the event of significant cloud-cover.
Celebrate Astronomy Day! Launch into Space Yard Games
This Saturday, April 29 from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. join park educators for astronomy-themed educational yard games. These games will provide an introduction to astronomy and are a great way to ease into the Night Sky Tour that follows. Registration is not required for this fun, family-friendly free event.
Night Sky Tour – Goodbye Orion, Hello Planets”
This Saturday, April 29 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. join park educators for a laser-guided tour of the sky in springtime. During the “Night Sky Tour – Goodbye Orion, Hello Planets” get the last looks at Orion until fall and observe the planets Mars and Venus. Listen as staff members recount the legends and myths surrounding the mysterious patterns in the sky.
Registration is encouraged but not required. The public may choose to register. Registered participants will receive an email if a program is cancelled or modified due to weather, etc. Register for park programs at
https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park. Questions? Call 1-814-435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.
PA Route 6 Alliance Accepting Nominations for 2023 “Do 6” Awards
Recognizing outstanding persons, groups, and communities along PA Route 6!
The PA Route 6 Alliance is requesting nominations for their 13th annual “Do 6” Awards recognizing individuals, groups, projects and communities that exemplify and advance the Alliance’s mission of protecting, preserving and promoting the scenic, cultural, historic and recreational resources across the 11-county corridor of PA Route 6.
Nominations may be submitted until June 1, 2023, by any individual or group through the online or printable form at www.paroute6.com/annual-do-6-awards. Award winners will be notified upon selection and awards will be presented at the PA Route 6 Annual Meeting and “Do 6” Awards Program on October 6th in Corry, PA.
Currently, nominations can be made in six categories:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Presented to a person or agency who exemplifies outstanding leadership and advances our mission through heritage development.
HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP AWARD – Presented to a group, person or organization that has demonstrated excellence in historic preservation, cultural preservation, interpretation, and/or education through cross-corridor thinking and interagency cooperation.
HERITAGE TOURISM AWARD – Presented to a business or project that furthers economic and tourism development while respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the PA Route 6 Corridor.
ARTISAN OF THE YEAR AWARD – Presented to an artist or artisan group that exemplifies the goals of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail program showing regional thinking and cooperation while promoting the arts along the corridor.
HERITAGE LEADERSHIP AWARD – Presented to a person(s), business or organization for meaningful contributions and/or through partnerships, by enriching our communities through landscape initiatives or historic preservation.
HERITAGE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR – Presented to the designated Heritage Community, who are embracing their Heritage Tourism Work Plans and implementing worthwhile projects and showing impacts and results.
2022 award winners included Erie Arts & Culture (Heritage Partnership); Lackawaxen River Trails (Heritage Tourism); Lisa Glover from Honesdale (Heritage Leadership); Impact Corry in Corry, PA (Heritage Community of the Year); Highlands Chocolates in Wellsboro (Artisan of the Year); and Dan Glotz from the Warren County Planning Commission (Lifetime Achievement). For more information on the “Do 6” Awards Program and the 2023 PA Route 6 Educational Summit & Annual Meeting, visit www.paroute6.com/2023-annual-meeting or contact the Alliance at info@paroute6.com or 814-435-7706.
Bonding Considered Amid Skyrocketing Plugging Costs & Rising Conventional Well Abandonment Numbers
By Laurie Barr, Ulysses, PA
On Monday, April 23, 2023 The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee (EREC) held a public hearing on conventional oil and gas well plugging and bonding. Environmental Resources & Energy Chair Greg Vitali began by providing a quick summary of a December 2022 Department of Environmental Protection report. Between 2017 and 2021, two thousand four hundred and forty six conventional wells were abandoned in Pennsylvania (PA). Vitali explained wells were being abandoned at a higher rate than they were being plugged.
In September of 2021 the Sierra Club, Clean Air Council, Earthworks, Mountain Watershed Association, PennFuture, and Protect Penn-Trafford filed a petition asking the environmental quality board to raise bonding levels for conventional oil and gas wells.
Subsequently,and possibly in response HB 2644 was introduced by (now) Minority Chair Martin Causer and became law. The 2022 Act 96 amended the Oil and Gas Act, freezing individual well bonds at $2,500 per well and froze blanket bonds (that cover all of an operator’s wells) at $25.000. This bond amount has never been increased since 1984.The Act also removed the Environmental Quality Board’s authority to adjust bond amounts for conventional oil and gas wells.
House Bill 962, would “restore the authority taken away from that bill” explained Majority Chair Greg Vitali.
Representative Martin Causer explained he doesn’t believe raising bonds solves the problem. He suggested the DEP focus on making the plugging program work. Rep. Causer continued, If they’re “using public dollars for plugging wells and it’s costing one hundred thousand dollars on average, that’s not making the program work.”
David Hess, Former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection provided testimony during the hearing. Mr. Hess has over 40 years experience dealing with issues related to the oil and gas industry. He pointed out that there is a real opportunity for leadership on the part of the industry, DEP, the General Assembly and the Governor, if we work together. “A business practice based on abandoning hundreds of wells a year– either by transferring them to financially impaired new owners or by just walking away, is simply not sustainable.”
Kelsey Krepps, Pennsylvania Sierra Club offered testimony.”Uncapped wells sitting in our landscapes aren’t just a legacy issue, current policies in Pennsylvania including the legislatures decision last year to keep remediation bonds for conventional wells at a tiny fraction of the actual costs to plug, actively encourages operators of today to leave non-producing wells uncapped, making it harder for state regulators to address the long list of environmental harms associated with uncapped wells.
Krepps said oil and gas prices are unstable and the markets for fossil fuels are full of risks, booms and busts. In order for the state to ensure that we will have the means to support a massive abandonment of conventional wells when prices fluctuate the state has to have the funds in place and not rely on tax payers to bare the burden.
Kurt Klapkowski, Acting DEP Secretary, Oil and Gas Management offered testimony, explaining to the members of EREC; in response to the passing of Act 96, in 2022, former Governor Wolf directed the Office of Oil and Gas Management to prepare a report reviewing the existing processes and procedures to address abandoned wells and violations of the applicable laws. The report was released on December 22, 2022. Mr. Klapkowski explained his office was directed by DEP Acting Secretary Negrin to develop approaches to slow and eliminate the improper abandonment “to meet our constitutional obligations and to protect Pennsylvania’s tax payers from bearing the burden of future well plugging responsibility.”
Mr. Klapkowski said the Department recently began addressing the abandoned wells using funds provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This was signed into law by President Biden.on Nov 15 2021. Klapkowski said the department has twenty two and a half million dollars in plugging contracts to plug more than 200 wells across the state. Pennsylvania has the potential to receive another 386 million dollars to plug wells through grants provided by IIJA funding between now and the year 2030.
The average cost to US tax payers plug a conventional well in Pennsylvania through the recent IIJA contracts is $94,191.50 per conventional well.
According to a Carnegie Mellon (CM) study titled Economic Incentives and Regulatory Framework for Shale Gas Well Site Reclamation in Pennsylvania, the boom and bust cycles of oil and gas development complicate efforts to hold liable parties responsible. The study, published in 2012 clearly spelled out the low well bonding requirements & related risks of well abandonment. CM researchers concluded (in 2012) that the financial assurance mechanisms that Pennsylvania uses to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas act of 1984 were outdated.
Route 15 Paving Project Continues Next Week in Covington and Richmond Townships, Tioga County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a five-month paving project continues next week on Route 15 in both directions in Covington and Richmond townships, Tioga County. The project location begins one mile south and ends one mile north of the Canoe Camp Creek Exit.
On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, the contractor will close the Route 15 exit ramp at Exit 179 (Canoe Creek). This ramp closure is expected to be in place for three days, weather permitting. A detour will be in place using Route 15 north to Route 6 in Mansfield Borough during times of closure.
HRI, Inc., is the primary contractor for this $3.2 million paving project. Work on this project includes milling of the existing surface, new pavement, guide rail upgrades, and line painting. Work on this project is expected to be completed in September of 2023, weather permitting. All work will be completed during daylight hours.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution through the work zone.
UPMC Expert: Keeping Skin Safe From the Sun
Garrett Russell, PA-C
General Surgery, UPMC
The warmer weather is finally here and it’s time to swap out a beanie and scarf for light layers and sunscreen to help protect you from the elements of the new season. May is Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, a time to gain an understanding about the most prevalent cancer in America.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about six million people receive treatment annually for all types of skin cancer. Like all forms of cancer, prevention and early detection are key.
Susceptibility and Signs of Skin Cancer
Seneca Highlands CTC Student Earns Fifth Industry Certification
Kristopher Herbert, a student in Mr. Bryant’s Networking and Security shop at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center, earned his IT Fundamentals Pro certification on April 26, 2023. Kris is a senior from the Port Allegany School District. He previously earned his Digital Literacy Pro, Office Pro, PC Pro, and Network Pro certifications.
Kris’s certificate is backed by a $1000 employment guarantee, ensuring his skills are workforce-ready. For more information on the Networking and Security program, feel free to contact Mr. Bryant at bbryant@iu9ctc.org or (814) 642-2573. For more information on the benefits of the industry certifications, go to https://w3.testout.com/certification/certhome.
McKean County Commissioners Declare “Conservation District Week”
Recognized by both the Pennsylvania State House and Senate, April 23-29, 2023 has been declared “Conservation District Week.” Locally, the McKean County Commissioners issued a proclamation for “Conservation District Week” at their meeting on April 25, 2023.
“Conservation District Week celebrates and highlights McKean County Conservation District’s 60+ years of the development, improvement and conservation of the County’s soil, water and related resources as well as educating the community in various conservation and environmental practices and methods,” said Cliff Lane, District Treasurer/Secretary and Commissioner Director.
The McKean County Conservation District was declared a District by the Board of County Commissioners on August 19, 1959 under the provision of the Soil Conservation Law, Act 217. This Law enacted in 1945 gives Districts broad powers to provide services, employ and manage staff, charge fees for services, own and manage property, and authorizes Commonwealth agencies (including Counties) to cooperate with District in carrying out programs.
The District is administered by a board of seven Directors, Jeff Larson, Chairman, Chase Miles, Vice Chairman Cliff Lane, Treasurer/Secretary, Commissioner Director, Kerry Fetter, Ken Kane, Blaine Puller and Greg Bell. The Board also appoints associate directors, Pete Mader, Charlie Kirkpatrick, Boyd Fitzsimmons, John Stratton, Lori Coffman and Jeff Holcomb. These associate directors do not vote, but their knowledge and experience are a great asset with guiding the district’s programs. These volunteer directors are your neighbors who are working to prevent pollution in your backyard. That deserves to be celebrated!
Board members are appointed by the County Commissioner from a list of names submitted by countywide nominating organizations. The Commissioners also designate one of their members to serve as a Director. “The board identifies local conservation needs, decides which programs and services to offer, and develops a strategic plan.”, said Kerry Fetter, Board Member. The current strategic plan focuses on three objectives to achieve goals – protect, maintain and improve McKean County’s natural resources; market and increase awareness of conservation district programs and functions, and provide educational outreach; and develop resources to sustain & enhance the conservation district and our natural resources.
Staff members include Sandy Thompson, District Manager, Lindsay Trojanowski, Resource Conservationist, Adam Causer, Watershed Specialist, and Matt Siszka, Conservation Technician. The staff provide technical assistance to farmers, landowners, municipalities, and anyone in need. They coordinate a variety of conservation projects to improve the environment and educate citizens about our natural resources.
For more information on the McKean County Conservation District go to our website at
Black Forest Falcons Youth Trap Team Wins Southern Conference
The Black Forest Falcons won the Southern Conference of the Scholastic Trap Shooting Youth Trap League (STSYTL) for the first time in their 7-year history! The Falcons shot against Bradford, Otto Eldred, Oswayo Valley and Smethport at the season’s 5-team finale on Tuesday afternoon. The Falcons finished the season with a total team score of 1076 birds.
The top eight shooters for the Falcons included:
Logan Jackson – 47
Caine Wright – 46
Otto Deutschlander – 45
Wyatt Kibbe – 45
Tyler Boyd – 44
Macey Crowell – 44
Cael DeLong – 44
Ethan Hamilton – 44
Logan Jackson won the top Junior High Shooter (boys) award and Taylor Knowles won the top Junior High Shooter (ladies) award for the final tournament.
The Black Forest Falcons would like to thank the Bradford, Smethport, Otto Eldred, and Oswayo Valley trap teams for their great sportsmanship and for hosting our club during the season.
PUC Encourages Shopping Consumers to Know ‘End of Contract’ Details, Next Steps as Competitive Energy Contracts End
Reminds Customers They Must Act on Supplier Contract Renewal Notices Detailing Their Options for Electric Generation, Natural Gas Supply Services
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) continues encouraging consumers who have contracts with competitive energy suppliers to know their contract expiration dates and to carefully review contract renewal notices from suppliers detailing energy shopping options and next steps.
The Commission notes that last spring, as energy prices began to rise steeply across Pennsylvania, more than 80,000 consumers enrolled with competitive suppliers through their utility’s Standard Offer Program (Standard Offer) – which provides customers with a “standard” fixed-rate product offering for one year at 7% below the utility’s Price to Compare at the time of enrollment. At the same time, thousands of utility customers switched to various other competitive supplier offers that were lower than their utilities’ energy prices.
A year later, those customers are now starting to receive contract renewal notices from their supplier – including an Initial Notice 45-60 days prior to the contract’s expiration date and an “Options Notice” at lea…
