NEWS

Opening this Thursday evening at 7:30pm at the Warehouse Theatre in Wellsboro, Puffs has been rehearsing since mid-June under the guidance of director Cody Losinger to present this hysterical twist on the well-known Potter series. The cast is made up of both seasoned young performers and some who are brand new to the stage.

As director, Losinger brings experience as both a performer and director, having graduated from Lycoming College with a degree in both theater performance and music. He has been seen in many Hamilton-Gibson productions and at other venues since childhood, and continues to write, perform and direct for theater and film. He is now heading up this main stage production at HG to celebrate the Comic Con weekend in Wellsboro. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced a bridge replacement project on Route 1010 (Genesee Mills Road) in Bingham Township, Potter County, which will begin on Monday, August 12. Replacing the bridge deck, which carries 228 vehicles daily on average, will improve the structure’s overall condition rating from fair to good.

Beginning August 12, a detour will be in place around the bridge, which spans Mundy Creek on Genesee Mills Road. The detour will utilize Route 1010, Route 1013 (Hickox/Ulysses Road), and Route 1011 (Bingham Centre Road).

Potter County Maintenance will complete this work, which includes replacing the bridge deck to improve safety and ride quality. PennDOT anticipates completion in early September.

All nonprofit organizations, municipalities, schools and churches are encouraged to apply for grant funding for any new project, or to enhance an existing project that benefits the public in Elk County. Women Who Care, a project of the Elk County Community Foundation, will award approximately $45,000 in grants at their annual meeting in October.

Grant applications are available on the Foundation website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org, with a submission deadline of August 15. For questions or guidance in filling out the grant application contact the Elk County Community Foundation at 814-834-2125. 

The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is dedicated to improving the lives of people in our geographic area by working with philanthropic donors to help them meet their charitable goals.

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College was recently named one of 77 school entities awarded a shared sum of 1.4 million dollars by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his administration formally announced the grant recipients last month, hoping to guide more professionals into special education teacher certification degrees across Pennsylvania.

The $20,000.00 dollars the College received will be allocated to support high school career and technical education (CTE) students, as well as current Child Development Associate (CDA) students or credential completers to become more familiar with the field of special education. The first Developing Future Special Educators cohort at the institution is set to begin their studies at the start of the spring 2025 academic term.

Statement Regarding the Loss of Charles “Chuck” Jessup

Allegany County mourns the loss of former Legislator Charles “Chuck” Jessup and wishes to express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Chuck. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chuck’s wife Linda and the Jessup family.

Earlier this year, Allegany County adopted a resolution recognizing and thanking Mr. Jessup for his extraordinary contributions to the betterment of Allegany County.

UPMC Expert: Partner Support Essential for Breastfeeding

Natalie McCullen, RN, BSN
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
The Birthplace, UPMC Williamsport

The pride, joy, and delight felt in welcoming a newborn into the family is likely mixed with fear and nervousness. After all, your new roles as parents will last for decades to come.

Breastfeeding is often thought of as a gift between birth parent and baby. Not only does it provide bonding time, but the health benefits are undeniable. However, breastfeeding is really a family affair.

The Port Allegany Rotary Club welcomed Borough Manager, Jeremy Morey, at their regular weekly meeting held Thursday at the Moose Lodge.  Morey gave the club an update on the Town Square project and invited the club to participate in the Grand Opening Ceremony to be held August 22nd at 5 p.m. on the Square.     The original Gazebo was a gift from the Rotary Club to the Borough and was dedicated on August 22nd, 28 years ago.  There will be a short ribbon cutting ceremony followed by live music in the Gazebo. 

Richard D. Barber, 63, of Roulette, passed away Thursday (August 1, 2024) at UPMC Williamsport.

He was born December 4, 1960 in Port Allegany, the son of Maynard and Joyce (Schoonover) Barber. On September 14, 2019, in Keating Summit, PA, he married Tina M. Reisinger, who survives.

Mr. Barber was a graduate of Port Allegany High School Class of 1979 and was employed at several locations over the years. His last employement was at Potter Pak in Roulette.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing darts.

In addition to his wife, Tina, he is survived by:

Four sons: Brandon Barber of Smethport, Zachary Barber of Crosby, DeWayne (Michele) Moore of Mechanicsville, NY, and Cody (Teri) Reisinger of Austin

One granddaughter: Braelie Moore

Ann D. Longo, 77, of Bradford, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Bradford Manor.

She was born on June 23, 1947 in Bradford; the daughter of the late Alfred and Dorothy Doughman Ekas.

She was a 1965 graduate of the Bradford Senior High School.  She was also a 1969 graduate of the Lockhaven State College; where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

On June 21, 1969 in the St. Bernard Catholic Church; she married Victor A. Longo who preceded her in death on November 14, 2019.

Summer is in full swing, but Fall is around the corner! Do your future plans include postsecondary education? Northern PA Regional College (NPRC) brings affordable education to you. Their Fall 2024 semester begins Wednesday, August 14^th. Courses being offered include Introduction to Psychology, Music Appreciation, Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Accounting I, Business Technology, Business and Professional Communication, and many more. These courses are part of five associate degrees: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Liberal Studies, and Social Sciences. If you are not interested in pursuing an associate degree at this time, NPRC’s team will help you select courses or training that meets whatever goal you would like to achieve.

These courses are perfect for recent high school graduates, mid-career adults seeking to advance in their career or begin a new one, and even current eligible high school juniors and seniors who want to earn college credits while still in high school. This program is designed to be affordable at 70% less than the average tuition at brick-and-mortar institutions. Students with a high school diploma or its equivalent pay $185 per credit and receive guaranteed admission. Current high school students pay $60 per credit. Institutional Aid and scholarship opportunities are available.

These courses will be offered at the Education Council’s office in Coudersport, as well as more than twenty locations throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. The application deadline is Friday, August 9^th. Apply today and see why Brighter Futures Begin at NPRC. For more information, contact the Student Services team at info@rrcnpa.org or (814) 230-9010.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for… Southeastern Cattaraugus County in western New York… Southwestern Allegany County in western New York… * Until 300 PM EDT. * At 205 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Weston Mills, or near Olean, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include… Olean, Weston Mills, St. Bonaventure, Hinsdale, Bolivar, Portville, Alma, Richburg, Haskell Flats, and West Clarksville. This includes Interstate 86 between exits 25 and 27.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
211 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024
…A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN MCKEAN AND
NORTHWESTERN POTTER COUNTIES THROUGH 300 PM EDT…

At 210 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Olean, moving southeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.

Locations impacted include…
Shinglehouse, Oswayo, and Ceres.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
north central Pennsylvania.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 597 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN PENNSYLVANIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 10 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA CAMERON CLEARFIELD CLINTON ELK LYCOMING MCKEAN POTTER SULLIVAN TIOGA WARREN THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BRADFORD, CLEARFIELD, COUDERSPORT, DUBOIS, EMPORIUM, LAPORTE, LOCK HAVEN, MANSFIELD, RENOVO, RIDGWAY, ST. MARYS, WARREN, WELLSBORO, AND WILLIAMSPORT.

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is accepting applications for the Mental Wellness Fund in Cattaraugus County.

Applications will be due by September 1.

The online grant application can be accessed at cattfoundation.org/grant-seekers/grant-opportunities/.

Grants from this fund support programs and services provided by nonprofits that support the mental wellbeing and mental health of residents in Cattaraugus County.

Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500 but up to $4,000 may be available for special projects, particularly those that impact vulnerable and/or disadvantaged individuals.

Coudersport Rotary Club was pleased to welcome Mike Delp of the Pennsylvania State Police at their July 29, 2024, meeting at A&W West End Grill.

Trooper Delp spoke about the occurrence in Potter County of criminal incidents, DUI and drug-related arrests, new troopers coming to our county, burglaries, vape pens, and much more.

Thank you Trooper Delp for coming to speak before Coudersport Rotary Club!

PennDOT, Safety Partners Host Bicycle Rodeo in Williamsport, Lycoming County

​Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation(PennDOT), Safe Kids PA- Lycoming County Partner, Pennsylvania State Police, the Highway Safety Network, Geisinger Medical Center, and other safety partners held a children’s bicycle rodeo Thursday, August 1 as part of the city of Williamsport’s Summer Camp program. The event marked the start of National Back to School Month.

The Shapiro Administration Awards $2.3 Million to Schools, Businesses, And Local Governments Working To Switch To Zero- Or Low-Emission Vehicles

The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program provides funding to replace older gasoline or diesel fueled vehicles with new, clean, alternative fuel vehicles

On August 4, at 3:40 pm Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to Old Rt. 49 for altered mental status

Six area graduates recently received athletics-related scholarships via the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.

Gabreall Milligan and Sarah Jordan of Olean received the JF20 Scholarship for $250 each.

Established by former Olean High School graduate and star football player Julio Fuentes, the JF20 Scholarship Fund exists to provide scholarships for graduating seniors from Olean High School who participated on a varsity sports team with preference for a football player.

You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me!

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Sound familiar? How many times have you uttered those words? If you’re like most of us you’ve said them before, and you’ll probably say them again.

Often, we’ve said that phrase in desperation to an event or situation that we’re suddenly facing and wasn’t planned. You know the scenario, a flat tire, a sudden break down of an appliance or your vehicle. Perhaps even a news report that catches you completely off guard. Whatever the case it usually is something we were not expecting, and it takes us by surprise. For some it’s followed up with “Now what?” or “What’s next?” Times like these we feel like we’re never going to get a break. But it’s life, isn’t it?

We get surprised by life. Things that we didn’t see coming suddenly appear. Our best developed plans can’t foresee that untimely event. It is why I often say that life happens while we’re making other plans. But in the end, it’s not what happens to us but rather what we do with what happens to us. When we allow the events of life to control us, we give our control away. Although it’s true that we often can’t control what happens, we can control our responses. When we see ourselves as the victim, we become powerless, but it’s always a choice.

Have you ever wondered if God has ever used that expression? Do you think He has looked down at your life and shook his head and uttered, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Yeah, probably not. I have though wondered if he’s laughed at my shenanigans. I’m really good at taking one step forward and two steps back. Finding that I’m on my second or third trip around the same mountain seems to happen much too much.

Perhaps we’re looking at the problem or situation from the wrong position. Maybe what has taken place is there to teach us something, something that we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. Perhaps it’s happened for me rather than to me. Think about it 

Johnsonburg, Pa.: There’s a saying we just learned about buckthorn: “It consumes all the nutrients and space, and doesn’t contribute to habitat”.  The thirty plus attendees at Part 2 of the Buckthorn Workshop in Johnsonburg, sponsored by the Allegheny Forest Health Collaborative (AFHC), left the workshop with that saying burned into their brain.

The AFHC started day 2 of their workshop by reiterating the biology of buckthorn and a few other highly invasive plant species, and different herbicide methods that can potentially manage these plant pests in our woods.  The attendees then traveled to the Rolfe Beagle Club to view the different herbicide work done a month earlier at the club.  Lots of dead leaves to look at, but as instructor Art Gover stressed, “Managing buckthorn is a double treatment process.  The first treatment gets a majority of the buckthorn if done properly, but you have to come back the next growing season and treat the new shoots coming in.  Double treatment is a strategy you need to incorporate into your buckthorn management”.