The USDA Forest Service announced that the River Road Wildfire was 100 percent contained and approximately 447 acres in size as of 3:43 pm on Sunday, April 16, 2023. The wildfire was located in the Marienville Ranger District of Allegheny National Forest in the vicinity of Gregg Hill, River, and Millstone Roads. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
Wildland firefighters continue to mop up the fire by extinguishing any remaining burning material near fire control lines, felling snags, trenching logs to prevent rolling, and other work to make the fire safe and reduce residual smoke. No structures were lost, and none are directly threatened. No evacuations were ordered.
Seventeen volunteer fire departments, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Bureau of Forestry, the PA Game Commission, and the Forest Service worked collaboratively to suppress the River Road Wildfire. Given the progress in containment, current conditions, and the weather forecast, wildland firefighters anticipate calling the fire controlled in the next couple of days.
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is pleased to announce Brandy Schimp, the Mayor of Kane, Pennsylvania, as the 2023 Commencement speaker. Schimp is a proud Kane native and since being elected the town’s mayor in 2018, she has been a critical leader in many redevelopment and revitalization projects in her hometown.
After finishing high school at Kane Area High School, she enrolled at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and earned a degree in marketing. After college, she became a Marketing Associate for Sysco Foods and returned to Kane. Later in her career, she worked in sales and marketing for Allegheny Store Fixtures in Bradford.
When she returned to Kane after college, she also began the process of getting involved in the Kane community through the Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise (KARE) in 2007. This organization, along with the Kane Area Development Center and many small business owners and volunteers, have helped to transform the town and populate the community with new businesses and repaired storefronts. After serving in this organization, she was encouraged to use her business background and run for mayor to continue the great work she was taking part in. Now in her sixth year overall, she is proud of the work her and her fellow residents have done for the future of their community.
“My biggest passion is our region’s greatest asset; our children,” noted Schimp. “I serve because I believe that the work we do now will impact generations to come and I want to do my part to make sure children in our region will have access to a wide range of opportunities here without feeling like they need to leave the Pennsylvania Wilds.”
In what can sometimes be seen as a negative, residing in a rural community, Schimp works every day to make sure area residents have opportunities that will help elevate themselves and their families. She is an inspiration to local residents as she balances being a property manager of a collection of properties, being a mother of three, and serving as mayor. It’s a busy life, but it is one filled with many opportunities in a small town. “When people think about rural, we really want them to reimagine how they see rural, because oftentimes, it comes with a stigma that you cannot have nice or new things. But these communities are a great place to be. There is just so many opportunities here, like the College, that really make it so that you do not have to leave.”
Schimp added, “NPRC is a great asset for our region because it provides access to high quality education, right here, in northwestern Pennsylvania. Additionally, it offers a variety of courses for students of all ages, at a price point that makes it even more accessible. I’m looking forward to sharing stories and experiences with everyone at commencement and hope that everyone in attendance will continue to encourage others to support this region and visit our area!”
The 2023 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at The Titusville Mill in Titusville. The ceremony will be open to attend in person or viewed via livestream.
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.
On Wednesday, March 29, sixteen students were inducted into the Bolivar-Richburg Chapter of the National Honor Society. To be eligible, juniors and seniors at Bolivar-Richburg must maintain an 91% or above cumulative high school average in addition to meeting high standards of character, leadership, and service. The seniors in NHS dedicated the floral centerpiece to Ms. Jacoby as the teacher or staff member who demonstrates the ideals of the National Honor Society.
Congratulations to our new inductees! Front Row: Alex Parker, Maddy Thornton, Madigan Harris, Madelyn Baldwin, McKinlee Harris. Middle Row: Nebula Wilson-Smith, Kori Thomas, Ben Kisel, Cayden Gaines. Back Row: Reiss Gaines, Caden Allen, David Baldwin, Trey Buchholz, Zachary Mitchell, Caden Giardini, Ethan Jones.
Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), parent company of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), is making changes to the visitation policy at both hospital campuses. The changes will be effective starting Monday, April 17, and will expand visiting hours for inpatient families and friends on both sides of the border.
The new changes to the policy will extend visiting hours from 8 am to 8 pm. The changes will allow patients to have visitors that are 12 years and older, if accompanied by an adult. At OGH, the intensive care unit (ICU) will allow patients to have visitors from 10 am to 7pm daily, with a no visitation break from 1 pm to 2 pm.
Patients are eligible to have two (2) visitors at a time in their room during visiting hours. Other inpatient services such as the behavioral health unit, emergency department at both campuses and the Pavilion at BRMC have additional restrictions and varied hours for visitation.
Masks are required for all visitors at both campuses. For more information regarding the visitation policy for all services, please visit www.brmc-ogh.org.
Cara Geelen is the Student of the Week for April 17th. She is in the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Cara is a senior enrolled at Austin High School. Upon graduation, Cara would like to attend Lock Haven University for Preschool through fourth grade education as well as special education.
Cara is well liked and is a good role model for the younger students entering the program. She is a hard worker and has shown much growth over the past three years at the Career and Technical Center. She is honest and takes accountability for her actions.
Cara has been volunteering at the Austin Elementary School in Mrs. Fiebig’s preschool class this academic year. She hopes to attain her Child Development Associate soon.
Eryn Fiebig, her Mentor teacher, had this to add about Cara’s performance: “I have had the pleasure of getting to know Miss Cara through her placement in my preschool classroom as a student aide. She is a hard working, committed student who has been a wonderful addition to my classroom. Cara has always presented herself in both a professional and approachable manner. She brings a sense of calm and positivity into the classroom, as she is very kind, caring, and attentive to the needs of all the students. Cara is well-liked and appreciated by staff as she is always pleasant and cooperative. Her positive attitude, willingness to continually learn, and dedication to the students make her a great asset, not only in the classroom but in the school as a whole. Being awarded Student of the Week is well deserved.” Thanks to Mrs. Fiebig and all the Mentor teachers that allow the students in their classrooms to learn about working with young children!
She is also employed at McDonald’s part time. She enjoys going on car rides and listening to music in her free time.
Northern PA Animal Care Workshop Scheduled for April 25 in Potter County
Dairy Producers and Their Employees Are Invited to Attend Free Workshop
PUBLISHED ON
Dairy producers from Northern Pennsylvania are invited to a free Animal Care Workshop on Tuesday, April 25 at Hoffman Farms in Potter County, Pa. Hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence, PA Beef Council, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) and Penn State Extension, this workshop is the final event in the series for dairy producers and their employees. (photo by Center for Dairy Excellence)
HARRISBURG, Pa. —Morning Ag Clips Dairy producers from Northern Pennsylvania are invited to a free Animal Care Workshop on Tuesday, April 25 at Hoffman Farms in Potter County, Pa. Hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence, PA Beef Council, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) and Penn State Extension, this workshop is the final event in the series for dairy producers and their employees.
More than 220 dairy producers have attended the workshops to date this spring. The April 25 workshop will focus on hands-on skill-building to help dairy producers meet National FARM compliance. A certificate will be provided at the conclusion of the workshop to show dairy producers’ commitment to National FARM and animal care. Attendees will also have the opportunity to become certified through the National Beef Council Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA) program by the end of the workshop.
(Pictured from the left: Angel Fritz, Northwest Bank Branch Manager & Small Business Lender in St. Marys; Julie Marasco. Northwest Bank PA Region President; Tana Smith, Journey Health System Director of Institutional Advancement; and Jim Prosper, Dickinson Center, Inc. Executive Director.)
ST. MARYS, Pa (April 13, 2023)—Dickinson Center, Inc., an affiliate of Journey Health System, received a $100,000 commitment from Northwest Bank to support their new building project in St. Marys.
Elk County- Instructions, list of participating employers, and applications for the 2023 Dr. William C. Conrad / Stackpole-Hall Foundation Summer Jobs Program are now available at www.stackpolehall.org under the Summer Jobs section.
Students must be residents of Elk County and attending an approved higher education institution for the Fall Semester of 2023. The website contains complete eligibility information along with a list of employers and jobs available. All jobs are with Elk County non-profit organizations.
Students should download and complete the application forms and send them directly to the employers as soon as possible since employers may begin hiring at their discretion. Students may work from May 7 through August 12th, and will earn $12.00 per hour for up to 480 hours during the summer.
Over the past 38 years, the Foundation has provided more than 3,990 jobs and committed over $5.0 million to this program. When the Foundation’s support is added to the contribution by the Pennsylvania State Work Study Program and the employers’ share, millions of dollars have been earned by college students in Elk County.
Penn College softball, baseball teams post key wins
Pennsylvania College of Technology baseball and softball teams each handed rival Penn State Harrisburg its first United East losses of the season last week, while the Wildcats softball team extended its win streak to eight.
Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding candidates for political office that no campaign signs can be placed within the PennDOT right-of-way along state road, interstate, expressway, and other limited access highways. Political signs cannot be attached on light or signal posts, guide rail or other PennDOT traffic control devices.
It is illegal to install, erect or place any sign of any nature, including a temporary sign, on PennDOT right-of-way. Illegal signs can be removed at any time by PennDOT.
When PennDOT workers must remove campaign signs, it takes them away from working on important highway maintenance and safety projects.
Campaign signs placed along roadways may pose the following risks:
Reduced sight distance at intersections;
Possible harm to animals (wire posts could cut animals, and the plastic signs could be mistakenly eaten by animals);
Plastic signs that blow off their posts could clog drains; and
Wire posts left behind may cause safety hazards to PennDOT employees when they mow roadside vegetation
Signs posted in the right-of-way will be removed and stored at the PennDOT county maintenance office for 30 days prior to disposal.
How many times do we encounter hearing impaired people and wish that we could communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones. Here is your opportunity to learn basic sign language that could help you or someone you care about.
This course will cover beginning sign language, the alphabet, conversational phrases and a variety of commonly used signs. In addition, basic facts essential to the correct use of the language will be addressed. A dedicated student could learn as many as 800 signs and understand signing and interpreting rules, basic deaf culture, and medical situations that cause deafness and loss of hearing. An intermediate course may be offered depending on interest.
This course will be taught by Sheri Greene and is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 25 – June 8, 2023 (not meeting the week of May 15th) from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $160/person. To register or for more information, visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
Montoursville, PA – During the warm months, The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) crews and contractors are involved in many projects throughout District 3-0, which includes: Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties.
While many projects involve work being done on interstates and other high-volume roadways, motorists should be aware that they may encounter work on less traveled roads in rural areas. Depending on the work involved, motorists may encounter slow-moving PennDOT work vehicles as well as changes in traffic patterns.
Motorists should be aware that they may encounter mowing, herbicide spraying and line painting vehicles at any time. Please give them plenty of room to operate. Remain alert, slow down and drive with caution in work zones.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised a reclamation project is set to begin next week on Route 3003 (Phoenix Run Road) in Gaines Township, Tioga County.
On Monday, April 24, 2023, and Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Phoenix Run Road will be closed between Route 6 to the Potter County line, while a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crew performs work on the roadway. Work will be performed between the hours of 6:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
A detour using Route 6 (in Potter County), Meeker Road and Phoenix Run Road will be in place while work is being performed.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect travel delays, and drive with caution.
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.
Some go to the woods to wrap themselves in tranquility, surrounded by relative quiet if not outright silence. Spring turkey hunters aren’t necessarily among them.
Matching wits with a gobbler is often most exciting when things are downright rowdy.
That’s why there’s much excitement attached to this coming season, which begins on Saturday, April 22 with a half-day hunt for junior and youth mentored hunters, then runs from Saturday, April 29 to Tuesday, May 30 for everyone. It has the potential to be noisier than usual, given the abundance of 2-year-old birds – the most vocal and likely to engage in back-and-forth chatter with hunters.
$20 million in Technical Assistance Funding is Available to Plan High-Speed Internet Projects in Rural Communities
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $20 million to deliver broadband technical assistance resources for rural communities, and to support the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives.
USDA is offering the funding under the new Broadband Technical Assistance Program. The program supports technical assistance projects such as conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs and developing broadband financial assistance applications. Funding is also available to help organizations access federal resources, and to conduct data collection and reporting.
“USDA is committed to making sure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet. That’s how you grow the economy – not just in rural communities, but across the nation,” said USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small. “USDA is partnering with small towns, local utilities and cooperatives, and private companies to increase access to this critical service which in turn boosts opportunity and helps build bright futures.”
