Wind Chill Advisory issued February 02 at 9:57AM EST until February 04 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo * WHAT…Very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 20 below zero. * WHERE…Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties. * WHEN…From 4 AM Friday to 10 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS…The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.
It’s February 1st and Community Garden Applications are now available! We’re excited to open the garden gates again this spring for individuals and groups to adopt a free garden plot.
The mission of the Potter County Community Garden is 1) to empower the community to plant, grow and harvest their own produce, 2) to provide education on the value of gardening, 3) to promote community interaction & unity, and 4) to offer solutions to food insecurity.
Applications for the 2023 garden are available at the Coudersport Library, Kaytee’s Market, Hershey’s Market, the Gunzburger Building and the Penn State Extension office. Interested parties can also contact Commissioner Barry Hayman at 814-274-8290 x 201 or email pccg2022@googlegroups.com to request an application.
RIDGWAY, PA: The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is hosting a Transportation Funding Opportunities Round Table on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and funding opportunities for rural transportation related improvements. The presentation, led by speakers from the Federal Highway Administration and PennDOT, will provide an overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funding targeted for rural projects, funding application timelines, Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Program, Green Light-Go (GLG) Program, and more.
The round table will be held on Thursday, March 8, from 1-3PM at the North Central Building at 49 Ridgmont Drive, Ridgway, PA 15853. A virtual option to attend is available, please request a link during registration.
You may RSVP To Bert Lahrman by phone at (814) 773-3162 ext. 3012 or by email to blahrman@ncentral.com. North Central asks that you RSVP no later than Friday, March 3, by 4PM.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2023 – Conagra Brands, Inc., a Fort Madison, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 2,581,816 pounds of canned meat and poultry products due to a packaging defect that may cause the products to become contaminated without showing any outward signs of contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The meat and poultry products were produced between December 12, 2022, and January 13, 2023. The following products are subject to recall: [view spreadsheet] [view labels].
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P4247” on the product cans. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
Two Rivers Coffee of South Plainfield, NJ is voluntarily recalling its peanut butter single serve hot chocolate pods distributed as “Brooklyn Bean Peanut Butter Cup Hot Cocoa”, “Pingo Peanut Butter Cookie Hot Chocolate” and “Cold Stone Peanut Butter Cup Perfection” in 12 count, 40count, and 100 count boxes produced from January 2021 to November 2022, due to an undeclared peanut allergen in an ingredient from Two Rivers Coffee’s raw material supplier that was not disclosed to Two Rivers Coffee or its licensors. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Ducks Unlimited (DU) have partnered to improve 1,600 acres of wetland habitats on 61 state game lands across Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Wetland Habitat Initiative (PWHI) is a $6 million investment that aims to replace water control structures and improve existing spillways and levees over the next three years at sites in 31 counties throughout each of the Game Commission’s six regions.
“This is the largest conservation initiative Ducks Unlimited has ever been involved with in Pennsylvania, and we are excited to work with the Game Commission to improve wetland habitat statewide,” said DU Regional Biologist Jim Feaga.
The Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail — a 7.8-mile-long section of the larger Knox and Kane Rail Trail in McKean County — has been named the 2023 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year.
The former rail line provides a level trail for walking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding in The PA Wilds. In winter months, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular.
Pennsylvania workers and businesses often wait months to hear back after applying for a license, certificate, or permit. Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order will begin the process of setting standard response times – and if agencies fail to meet those deadlines, applicants will get their money back.
HARRISBURG, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an Executive Order to improve the Commonwealth’s licensing, permitting, and certification processes, beginning a comprehensive review of how long it takes agencies to process applications and how workers and businesses apply online. This Executive Order will help to establish a date-certain for each license, permit, or certificate by which applicants will hear back – if applicants don’t receive a response by that date, the agency responsible will refund their application fee.
The Shapiro Administration is committed to transforming Pennsylvania government to more effectively and efficiently serve Pennsylvanians. Last week, Governor Shapiro launched a new initiative to grow Pennsylvania’s economy and provide faster, more efficient customer service to Pennsylvanians when he created the Office of Transformation and Opportunity – a one-stop-shop for businesses that want to grow in Pennsylvania. Today’s Executive Order builds on Governor Shapiro’s commitment to improving how government works and creating economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania workers often have to wait months and are forced to navigate inefficient digital systems to receive their professional license, permit, or certification – and Governor Shapiro knows this is unacceptable. The Governor is directing all state agencies, boards, and commissions to compile a catalog of the licenses, certificates, and permits they issue – including the statutory authority governing the length of time they must process applications and the application fee charged by each agency. Commonwealth agencies will have 90 days to send this information to the Governor’s Office, which will then review, analyze, and establish efficient application processing times for all occupational permits or licenses based on agency recommendations. Once those recommendations are put in place, if an agency does not respond to an applicant before the date-certain, the agency will be required to refund the application fee.
ServSafe is a certification program developed by the Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The course meets certification requirements for individuals who are responsible for the safe handling of food in restaurants, schools, elder care facilities, lodges, bed and breakfasts, community centers, and other food concessions (organizations or businesses that sell or prepare food on a regular basis).
This course, taught by Rick Kralj, Penn State Educator, is scheduled for Mondays, March 6 and March 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $185/person. The registration deadline is Monday, February 27th. To register, call (877) 489-1398 or go to http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/serv-safe.
January 2023 was a very mild month. According to Weather World temperatures were 10 to 15 degrees below average. We did not have a below zero reading for the month. Last January we had below zero readings several mornings. This year the morning temperature readings were in the 30’s and mid teens, On January 3 and 4 it reached 40 and 45 degrees. The lowest I recorded was 14 degrees and the 16th. The average high is 29 degrees and the average low is 13 degrees. This January we received 3.19″ of rain and melted snow. Last year the reading was 2.1″ The snowfall total was 8″ and last year it was 18″. We had 1″ or more snow on the ground for 9 days. We measured 4.6″ on the 23rd for the highest reading. We had 6 foggy mornings and ice glaze on one morning. It will be interesting to see if we will catch up with snowfall and cold temperatures in February and March. Don’t put the snowplows away yet and for those who still use shovels keep them ready too.
The Troutman family would like to share a warm thank you to everyone in our communities for the prayers, food, cards, calls, gifts, and hugs after the loss of our funny, hard-working, caring, and much-loved father and husband, Arnie Troutman.
All of your support means so much as we adjust to life without him. He loved our little town, which you all have made feel so big.
Sincerely, Paula, Melissa, Benn, Beth, Brett, Jackie, and Larry
As many of you may have seen or heard, there is a medical helicopter in the Middle/High School parking lot. Please be advised there is no emergency on campus. The helicopter suffered mechanical issues earlier today and has remained parked on our campus.
McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has affirmed the conviction and sentence of a Bradford man convicted of stabbing another man in 2020.
Matthew Howard was charged with stabbing another man in the neck on July 24, 2020 in the City of Bradford. A jury trial occurred in 2021 and a bench warrant was issued for Howard. The jury convicted him of Aggravated Assault (Serious Bodily Injury); Aggravated Assault (Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon); Simple Assault; Recklessly Endangering Another Person; Terroristic Threats; and Possessing an Instrument of Crime.
Following his conviction, he was sentenced to 7 years to 14 years in the Department of Corrections and 1 year of consecutive probation. On a separate case, he was sentenced to another term of 1 year to 2 year consecutive for the crime of Inmate Procuring Weapon.
By opinion filed January 17, 2023, the Superior Court affirmed the judgment of sentence. Officer Clayton Yohe investigated the case.
Kashif Chaudhry, M.D. Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC
February is National Heart Health Month and a great time to familiarize yourself with the signs of a heart emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person succumbs to a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States. Most times, these emergencies happen suddenly. It is vital to take quick action to help someone have the best possible outcome after a cardiovascular incident.
Warning Signs
Not everyone displays the same symptoms of heart attack, and some symptoms can be more subtle than previously believed. If you or a loved one displays a combination of any of the following indicators, do not hesitate to call 911 or to go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Discomfort in the chest or areas in the upper body – This discomfort could be described as squeezing, uncomfortable pressure, fullness, or aching. The location of the discomfort could be in the back, one or both arms, neck, jaw, or abdomen.
Difficulty breathing or lightheadedness – A shortness of breath, like you just walked up a few flights of stairs.
Other signs – These signs may include cold sweats, nausea, indigestion, fatigue, or a general unwell feeling.
These symptoms may happen all at once, start gradually, or occur intermittently. No matter what, it’s vital to get treatment as soon as possible.
Preventing Heart Disease
There are many lifestyle choices that you can adopt to help prevent cardiovascular issues.
Lack of physical activity is the most common way your health affects your heart and vascular system. The goal is to be active in a moderate intensity level for at least 30 minutes a day. You could simply go on a walk or bike ride. Not only will this help improve your health, but physical activity is a great way to practice self-care and improve your happiness.
Many diseases and conditions of the heart are also attributed to unhealthy eating habits. Diabetes, cholesterol levels, and a variety of other conditions can overwhelm your heart if you’re not careful. Some insurances may cover a standard assessment session with a registered dietician to go over healthier eating options. Both exercising and eating a healthy diet will help you manage your weight, ultimately fighting heart disease.
Stress negatively affects your heart health as it increases the risk for hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can damage your arteries over time and increase the likelihood of a heart attack. Making time to unwind or participate in activities you like, talking to others about your feelings or concerns, and taking breaks from social media and the news are just a few ways to help manage stress.
Finally, it is highly advised to quit smoking. Smoking can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, a reduction in blood flow, and promote clotting and fatty substance buildup. Stopping the use of tobacco will reduce your risk for cardiovascular diseases.
it’s important to participate in regular screenings with your physician. A simple check-up and blood pressure screening can help prevent future issues and may end up saving your life.
Kashif Chaudhry, M.D., is an electrophysiologist with UPMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute and sees patients at the UPMC Health Innovation Center, 740 High St., Williamsport. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaudhry, call 570-321-2800. For more information, visit UPMC.com/HeartNCPA.
(SMETHPORT, Pennsylvania) [January 30, 2023]: District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a 6 day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, a jury has convicted former Bradford man Marc Nuzzo of 3 counts of Aggravated Assault (Felony 3) and 6 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Misdemeanor 2) for his actions that resulted in a car crash in 2018.
The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict of Homicide by Vehicle and Manslaughter.
Following the jury verdict, the Judge found the defendant guilty of 8 summary violations of the vehicle code. The charges were the result of a crash that occurred on September 5, 2018 on Rt. 219 near Mead Run where NUZZO had been travelling South when he crossed the center line and entered the Northbound lane. A vehicle driven by Stanley “Guy” Austin and occupied by 5 other passengers had been travelling North when it was struck head-on by NUZZO.
Numerous other drivers stopped to assist the people in the Austin vehicle, including a local couple on their way home from the hospital, a Canadian truck driver, an off-duty EMT, and several others. Numerous fire companies responded to the area as the Austin car erupted in fire upon impact and many of the passengers were still inside. Guy Austin and two of his passengers were flown to out-of-area hospitals for their injuries.
The jury heard from some of those who assisted the occupants and heard some of the 911 calls. Following the verdict, DA Shaffer asked the Court to increase the defendant’s bail. The Judge increased his bail to $150,000 percentage. As a condition of bail, the defendant was ordered to turn in his driver’s license.
On March 28, 2019, an arrest warrant had been issued for the arrest of Marc Nuzzo. Nuzzo had been the subject of an investigation into the crash that occurred on 219 in McKean County. Nuzzo was charged by criminal complaint with Homicide by Vehicle; three counts of Aggravated Assault by Vehicle; Involuntary Manslaughter; 6 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person; and several summary violations.
During the trial, many of the occupants in the Austin vehicle testified to seeing the lights in their lane and Mr. Austin trying to avoid the Nuzzo vehicle in his lane. They described how they were removed from the vehicle – most of whom required the assistance of the people who stopped to help.
Trooper Quinton O’Rourke of the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Corporal David Kostok and now-retired Trooper Robert Manno, both accident reconstructionists with the State Police, testified before the jury. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and First Assistant Michael Alfieri prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. No date has been set for sentencing. Source: McKean County District Attorney’s Office
PHOTO: Front: L-R: Jim Ryan, United Way Vice-President; Don Fleming, UW Board Member; Joe Fleming, City of St. Marys Manager Back: L-R: United Way Board members Rob Oleary, Leah Whiteman, John Dippold, Pete Straub, Becky Piccolo, Doug Bauer, Dani Schneider, City Parks & Recreation Director; Lewis Murray, UW board member; and Jane Olson, UW board member
Elk County- The St. Marys Area United Way board of directors met on January 27, 2023 for their annual board meeting. The meeting was hosted by the City of St. Marys and held within the city chambers conference room. The meeting started with a brief City overview from city manager Joe Fleming and a presentation from parks and recreation director Dani Schneider regarding their efforts to rebuild a new Playland at Memorial Park. Jim Ryan, United Way Vice-President chaired the meeting and presented several agenda items for discussion. Two of the most important agenda items included the voting for the 2023 grant award recipients and the vote to set 2023 campaign goal to $200,000.
Calling all thespians! So you’ve never acted before but would love to? Come learn the essential skills needed to be on the stage. Even if you are not a novice, this is an excellent opportunity to refresh those skills and learn something new to add to your repertoire, such as improvisation or different techniques. The local theatrical group, Potter-McKean Players, has plans to offer productions in the upcoming months. This course will teach you what you need to be ready for those auditions.
This 4-part course will be taught by local director Paul Herzig and actor Jared Empson, of Eliot Ness Fest fame. The classes will take place on Tuesdays, March 7 – March 28, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost of the course is $25 per person. Class size is limited, so register today at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
Lesley Zurek appointed senior director of human resources at UAHS
Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), parent company of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH) announce the official appointment of Lesley Zurek as senior director of human resources.
Lesley steps into the role with over a decade spent in human resources leadership positions. She had spent time working in the gaming industry advancing through the ranks becoming the vice president of human resources at Seneca Resorts and Casinos. She most recently was the regional human resources director for 19 long term nursing care facilities before recently transitioning to UAHS.
“We’re thrilled to have someone with the versatile experience that Lesley has step into the senior human resources director role,” said Jill Owens, MD, president, UAHS, BRMC, OGH. “This position is so important to execute the initiatives dealing with recruitment and retention of our workforce that is comprised of over 1,100 team members. Even with the most recent market adjustments made throughout our organization, there are still a lot of obstacles we need to overcome in regards to our workforce and I think Lesley is the right person to help tackle those barriers,” Owens said.
Lesley acquired her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Columbus, OH and her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Medaille College. She also holds certifications in Professional in Human Resources (PHR), HR Generalist Certificate (SHRM), Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), and Certified Benefits Professional (CBP).
Lesley, a Salamanca High School graduate and Salamanca resident, is also an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation. Outside of work Lesley enjoys crafting, sewing, and machine embroidery along with spending time with her family.
