Coudersport Public Library will close at 1:00 p.m. today
Library Closing Early
Due to worsening weather conditions, the Coudersport Public Library will close at 1:00 p.m. today (Wednesday, Jan. 25).
NEWS
Oswayo Valley School District to dismiss early today
The Oswayo Valley School District will dismiss early today, Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
The Middle/High School will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. with the Elementary School to immediately follow at 1:05 p.m.
All evening activities are canceled.
PennDOT Announces Additional Restrictions on Regional Roadways
Clearfield, PA – Due to the severity of winter storm Kassandra, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on roadways in the region.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:
- Interstate 80 from I-79 to I-180
- Interstate 99 in its entirety
- Route 322/22 from I-99 to the Juniata/Perry County Line
Roulette Township office will be closed from Wednesday, January 25 until February 1
Roulette Township
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Roulette Township office will be closed from Wednesday, January 25 until February 1. We will reopen at 7:30 on February 1. If you have an emergency please call the office and leave a message between the hours of 7:30 and 4:00 and we will return your call. If you need to make a payment we have a drop box at the front door which is checked multiple times daily. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you and thank you for your patience.
PennDOT Issues Update on Regional Speed Restrictions
Clearfield, PA – Due to the severity of winter storm Kassandra, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on roadways in the region.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:
- Interstate 80 from I-79 to exit 123/Woodland
- Interstate 99 in its entirety
There is also a 55 mph speed reduction on I-80 from exit 178/Lock Haven to mile marker 195.
On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.
These speed limit reductions are in addition to the Tier 1 vehicle restriction that went into effect at 6:00 AM in accordance with the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, 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.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.
The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING…
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 25 at 6:27AM EST until January 25 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo
DESCRIPTION: …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations
of 3 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of a few hundredths of
an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE…Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Livingston, Ontario,
and Allegany & Cattataugus counties.
* WHEN…From 7 AM this morning to 10 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions will impact the evening commute.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will result in slippery
roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while
driving.
Submit snow and ice reports through our website or social media.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS
EVENING…
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
322 AM EST Wed Jan 25 2023
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS
EVENING…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of
3 to 5 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Winds
gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…Until 7 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility
will make travel difficult. Gusty winds and heavy wet snow may
result in downed trees and power outages. Snow will transition
to mixed precipitation during the afternoon and evening.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways.
Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.
To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.
Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to Provide Free Water Testing for a limited number of Private Wells, Springs, and Cisterns in Pennsylvania.
Do you have a private drinking water well, spring, or cistern? Are you interested in learning more about how to protect, test, and treat your family’s drinking water? Would you like to have your drinking water tested for lead and other health-related pollutants? If yes, here’s your chance!
Penn State Extension has once again received funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Health cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Health Capacity building initiative to provide no-cost drinking water testing to a limited number of homeowners in Pennsylvania using private water wells, springs, or cisterns.
To qualify for free water testing, Pennsylvanians must live in a household that uses a private water well, spring, or cistern as their primary source of drinking water and must register for and attend a one-hour educational webinar. Webinars will be offered on March 7 at 6:00 pm, May 2 at 12:00 pm, and June 29 at 2:00 pm. Registration for each event is required and limited to approximately 55 households. After attending the webinar, homeowners will be mailed a water testing kit. Each water supply will receive testing through the Penn State Ag Analytical Services Lab for coliform bacteria, E.coli bacteria, nitrate, manganese, arsenic, lead, copper, barium, and sodium. Only one water test will be provided per household. Registration and further information for this testing program is available online at https://extension.psu.edu/private-water-supply-education-and-water-testing by calling 1-877-345-0691.
If you have any questions about this no-cost testing program, contact Danielle Rhea at 814-849-7361 (phone) or drs5277@psu.edu (email).
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.
Coudersport Rotarians brought Dictionary Project to Coudersport Area Elementary School
Coudersport Rotarians brought fun to Coudersport Area Elementary School 3rd Grade Students today with their annual Dictionary Project. Every 3rd grade student is given a dictionary of their own and given a short lesson on how to look up words by Rotarian Ruth Sallade who has headed up this project for over ten years.
UPMC Expert: Avoiding Common Winter-Related Injuries
With shorter days and unpredictable weather, the winter months can be particularly hard on our bodies. Ice and snow, harsh temperatures, and physical strain, particularly heavy lifting, are all part of the northeastern winter experience. Though many people may prefer to stay inside and wait for the outdoor activities until spring, getting some fresh winter air is important, not just physically, but mentally as well. But it doesn’t come without risk. Here are some common winter injuries to be aware of as well as some tips on how to prevent them and treatment options.
ServSafe Food Safety Certification
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.
Penn College Offering Three Practical Nursing Courses in 2023
Penn College has scheduled three clock-hour Practical Nursing Programs for 2023 – two full-time programs in Wellsboro and Coudersport, and a part-time program in Wellsboro only. The first full-time program will start March 14, 2023, and the second full-time program begins September 11, 2023. Students will graduate approximately one year from the start of the program. The part-time program begins June 8, 2023, and students will graduate twenty-two months later.
Qualified nursing instructors provide classroom instruction in theory and nursing skills. Affiliation with UPMC allows for clinical experiences at UPMC Wellsboro and UPMC Cole. Other local healthcare affiliates are also utilized. Graduates earn a certificate in Practical Nursing and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure (LPN). Graduates find jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, private homes, physician offices, and other health-related offices.
Information Sessions to acquaint prospective students with the program are scheduled on Thursday, February 2; and Wednesday, February 15. Sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Penn College/Wellsboro, 22 Walnut Street, and will be available live via Zoom at the Education Council’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street. Learn how this Practical Nursing Program can help give you a great career boost! Registration is required. For more information, or to register for the Information Sessions, call Marie Van Ess at (570) 724-7703.
Closure of County Road #31A (Corbin Hill Road) in Amity
Please be advised at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 30, through
4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, County Road 31A (Corbin Hill Road) in Amity
approximately 500 feet west of the Eymer Road intersection will be closed to traffic.
There will not be an on-site detour to accommodate traffic, and motorists are urged
to seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.
CHARGES FILED IN KANE MAN’S DRUG DEATH
McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that charges have been filed in connection with a Kane man’s death in August.
By criminal complaint filed by Trooper Eric Thompson, Michael Cunningham, formerly of Kane, was charged with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, Involuntary Manslaughter, Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Use of a Communication Device, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
On August 11, 2022, Police, Fire and Ambulance were dispatched due to a man being found unresponsive in the bathroom of an apartment on Edgar James Street. He was pronounced deceased. (The name of the victim has been omitted from this release out of respect for the family.) The matter was referred to the State Police for investigation. A cause of death was determined to be Fentanyl Toxicity.
Cunningham was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David Engman. Bail was set at $500,000. Cunningham was remanded to the McKean County Jail and scheduled for central court.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/charges-filed-kane-mans-death-0
…Slick Roads From Freezing Drizzle Possible Late This Morning…
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
857 AM EST Tue Jan 24 2023
…Slick Roads From Freezing Drizzle Possible Late This Morning…
A moist westerly flow and surface temperatures in the upper 20s
was leading to areas of freezing drizzle across the Northern
Mountains pf Pennsylvania.
Use caution if you plan to travel this morning, as any untreated
roads that appear wet could be covered by a very thin layer of
black ice. Slow down and allow plenty of braking distance between
you and the vehicle ahead.
Stackpole-Hall Foundation Honors R. Dauer Stackpole
Elk County- The Stackpole-Hall Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the R. Dauer Stackpole Scholarship. This scholarship will be held at the Elk County Community Foundation and available to any Elk County high school senior who is planning to attend the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Stackpole graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in the late 1960’s. Today, Dauer serves as an Honorary Trustee of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation. He was first elected a Trustee in 1974; and in 2007 he became Chairman of the Board and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2017. Dauer’s fellow trustees created this scholarship in honor of Dauer’s commitment, leadership, and dedication to the Stackpole-Hall Foundation and his advocacy for the residents of Elk County. Dauer is a passionate Pitt fan and has been a long-time member of the Golden Panther Club,
The scholarship amount will be $1,000, annually for not more than four years. This scholarship will be awarded to one graduate of any Elk County High School who is attending any of the University of Pittsburgh campuses. To learn more about the scholarship or to apply for the scholarship students should visit www.elkcountyfoundation.org/scholarships or contact the Elk County Community Foundation directly.
UPMC Expert: Understanding the Thyroid Gland
By: Ashima Mittal, M.D.
UPMC Endocrinology
There are many reasons a person may experience fatigue or a general lack of energy, and an important one to consider is the activity of the thyroid gland. While many people may not be aware of the gland, it plays a role in controlling how the body uses and stores energy. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, below the Adam’s apple, and it may not be obvious that the symptoms your experiencing may be related to a thyroid issue.
Too Much or Too Little
Your thyroid gland can cause problems when it produces too much thyroid hormone, called hyperthyroidism, or too little, which is known as hypothyroidism. Both conditions, when left untreated, can have a negative impact on your energy, your heart, digestion, and fertility.
While some people with too much or too little thyroid hormone are symptom-free, the most common symptom of hypothyroidism, or low hormone levels, is feeling tired. Additional symptoms include:
United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program Applications Available
McKean County has been awarded grants in direct federal funding for an amount of $19,477 under Phase 40 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).
The National Board is comprised of representatives from health and human service agencies across the country. The United States Congress appropriates funds annually to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas nationally.
The local board, made up of representatives from McKean County, will determine how the funds will be distributed. Local agency representation includes The Salvation Army, McKean/Potter Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way of the Bradford Area, Catholic Charities, Ministerial Association, local government, the McKean County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the YWCA of Bradford. These representative will determine how the funds awarded to McKean County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1). Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2). Be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3). Have an accounting system, 4). Practice nondiscrimination, 5). Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and 6). If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Local Board Chair Sarah Lonzi c/o United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. PO Box 504, Bradford, PA 16701 or email sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org or call at (814) 368-6181. Funds will be allocated to one local recipient organization per program/service; organizations which are able to meet spending and document submission requirements; and those which have electronic communication capabilities. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 27th at 2pm.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/19/2023 to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford county. 78a66(b)1 – REPORTING AND REMEDIATING SPILLS AND RELEASES – Reporting releases – Operator or other responsible party failed to report spills and releases of regulated substances to the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-19 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/19/2023 to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-19 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/19/2023 to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford county. 78a56(a) – TEMPORARY STORAGE – Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-19 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/19/2023 to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-19 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Port Allegany Fire Dept. was dispatched for traffic control
On January 22 at 7:21 pm. Port Allegany Fire Dept. was dispatched to Rt. 155 and Scaffold Lick for traffic control for a one vehicle crash
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 22 at 10:01AM EST until January 23 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo
DESCRIPTION: …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 PM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Widespread snow this afternoon through early this evening, followed by lake enhanced snow later tonight into Monday morning. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches. Greatest amounts will be across the Chautauqua Ridge.
* WHERE…The western Southern Tier.
* WHEN…From 1 PM this afternoon to 1 PM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving. Submit snow reports through our website or social media.