NEWS

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Jim Pennington, Jr., President of the Rolfe Beagle Club, announces that the Rolfe Beagle Club will once again offer its popular Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap over two weekends in February.  The 7^th Annual event will take place from February 10-12 and then again on the following weekend of February 17-19.

New this year is an extra prize for the largest coyote of each weekend.  “This idea was actually presented to the club by one of our dedicated coyote hunters.  Why not make it a fun time within a fun time?”, said Jim Pennington.

Registration for both weekends must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, 2/9, if you hunt or trap over both weekends.  Registration must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, February 16 if you are going to participate in the second weekend only.  All registrations must be received at the Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845.  Registration must include a phone number or an email.  Questions may be addressed to wlhab9@gmail.com.

Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day of the six-day hunt.  Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox.  Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.

UPMC in North Central Pa. recruiters are inviting community members to the UPMC Community Life Center, 641 Walnut St., Williamsport, every third Wednesday of the month beginning on January 18, for one-on-one meetings to learn more about UPMC careers. The “Walk-In Wednesdays” sessions are offered from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

To learn more about career opportunities with UPMC, go to Careers.UPMC.com.

The deadline to register for NPRC’s Spring semester is Thursday, January 12, 2023. The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) Spring 2023 semester begins Wednesday, January 18^th, bringing affordable education to a classroom near you!  Nearly forty courses are being offered, including Introduction to Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, Foundations of Math, Music Appreciation, and Environmental Biology. 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 your educational goals.   

These courses are perfect for recent high school graduates, mid-career adults seeking to advance 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 affordable with tuition rates 70% less than the average tuition at brick-and-mortar institutions. Students with a high school diploma or GED pay $185 per credit hour. Current eligible high school students pay $60 per credit hour. Institutional Aid and scholarship opportunities are available.

These courses are offered at the Education Council’s Coudersport office, as well as more than 20 additional locations throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information, contact the NPRC admissions team at  admissions@rrcnpa.org or (814) 230-9010.

We have a large law enforcement family in McKean County with many residents living or working in law enforcement in the county and, with each day, risking potential violence while keeping the rest of us safe.

Their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families are appreciated.  Words do not adequately express the gratitude. 

They risk their own lives to uphold the law.  The legacies of Patrolman Steven Jerman and Sergeant David Distrola live on and they are held in the highest regard.  They made the ultimate sacrifice.

I am honored to recognize Patrolman Jerman, Sergeant Distrola and all law enforcement officers – Bradford City Police, Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania State Police, McKean County Detectives’ Bureau, U.S. Marshalls, McKean County Drug Task Force, McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest, Constables, McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and Attorney General’s Office.

It is a privilege to see what these officers do because their work is largely unseen by the public.

I have seen firsthand extraordinary heroism and have been in awe of the composure they have shown in the face of potential ambush and assault. Many cases come to mind that I credit the composure of the officer with turning a nearly-certain violent assault into a peaceful resolution.

The dedication shown to the community and to their work is evident. Their service to their field – from investigation and arrest of a suspect; detention of a defendant; or supervision of a parolee- maintains our local criminal justice system. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, I am honored to thank these officers.  Thank you.

– Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney

Penn College wrestlers romp

Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers had one of their best outings while the men’s and women’s basketball teams resumed United East play.

FLASHBACK

Wrestling

Competing Saturday in the Waynesburg University Invitational, six Wildcats reached the podium with one first-place finish, two thirds, one fifth and two sixths. In all, seven of 13 Penn College matmen earned points that contributed to the team’s fourth-place finish in an 11-team field.

Freshman Mason Leshock, of Shamokin, led the way by going 3-0 with three first-period pins to claim gold in the 165-pound weight class. In the title bout, he decked his opponent in 1:08.

Claiming third-place finishes were Noah Hunt, of Muncy, who went 5-1 with three pins at 141, and Cullen Van Rooyen, of Dresden, Ohio, who went 5-1 at 157. Battling back through the consolation bracket, Van Rooyen recorded five falls, including his last of the day against his Defiance College opponent who handed him his opening loss.

Liam Goodrich, a freshman of Cogan Station, went 4-2 on the day to finish fifth at 149, while placing sixth was Gabriel Kennedy-Citeroni, of Blairsville, who went 3-2 at 197, and Zach Miller, of Lock Haven, who went 2-3 at 157.

Also earning team points for the Wildcats was Ryan Berstler, of Middletown, at 125, while Brett Patton, of West Chester, at 141, won two bouts, and Nick Semon, of Norristown, at 157, and Billy Bumbarger, of Morrisdale, at 285, each won one bout.

“This was the highest tournament team finish and most medalists we’ve ever had in a tournament,” coach Pankil Chander observed.

“We had a slow start to the day and met as a team after the second round to refocus and revisit our approach to competing. We talked about trusting in our preparation and staying disciplined when executing on the mat. The guys responded well after that and we finished much better than we started. (I’m) proud of our wrestlers’ ability to handle adversity throughout the day and come out better on the other side,” the coach said.

“Goodrich, Van Rooyen, Miller and Kennedy-Citeroni all medaled for the first time in their careers. Hunt now has 21 wins midway through our season, which surpassed the 16 he had all of last season. Van Rooyen has 13 wins so far this season, which exceeds the eight wins he had all of last year,” Chander said.

“This was the start of a tough stretch. We are more than two months into the season and still have two months of wrestling left,” the coach continued. “January is a gut-check month. Between frequent weigh-ins, consistent rigor in training, managing mind injuries, and trying to navigate the stressors of performing at your best, it becomes challenging, and our guys meet that challenge head-on.

“We’re a young group and are learning and applying what it takes to be a great college wrestler every day. Our guys have bought in and put the work in, and it’s paying off now and the experience they’re currently having will prepare them for greatness in the future.”

Men’s basketball

An 11-point advantage in the first half and solid free-throw shooting at the finish (13 points over the last three minutes) paid off as the Wildcats edged Centenary (N.J.) College, 73-70, in nonconference play on Monday.

Max Jackowsky, of Garnet Valley, led Penn College with a double-double (19 points and 10 rebounds). Gavin Barrett, of Roselle, New Jersey, added 14 points to the cause, while Rees Watkins, of Loyalsock Township, and Michael Woolridge, of Hollidaysburg, each contributed 10 points in the team’s first road win of the season.

Hosting Penn State Harrisburg in UE play on Friday, Penn College saw a five-point halftime lead evaporate in an 88-73 loss that dropped it to 0-2 in the conference and 5-6 overall.

Barrett led the Wildcats with 20 points, while Watkins added 15 points and Jackowsky 11 points. Barrett and Jackowsky each pulled down 11 rebounds.

Women’s basketball

In its lone game of the week, Penn College lost, 77-57, to Penn State Harrisburg in UE action on Friday. Penn College now is 0-2 in the conference and 1-10 overall.

Penn State Harrisburg led from start to finish, although the Wildcats overcame an early eight-point deficit to trail by one and later battled back from a 21-point deficit to pull within six.

Lexi Troup, of Huntingdon, and Maddie Adams, of Montoursville, each scored 13 points for Penn College, while Emily Pardee, of Williamsport, recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

SCHEDULES/RECORDS

Wrestling

Members of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), PA Fish and Boat Commission, Penn State Extension, and the Tioga County Conservation District are conducting a free presentation titled “Thinking of Building a Pond?”

This program is for anyone considering building a pond or enlarging or repairing one in Tioga County.

Learn about all aspects of having a pond from required permits, erosion and sediment control to maintenance and even stocking fish.

The program is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at the Tokishi Training Center at 124 Nypum Drive, Wellsboro, PA 16901. 

Those interested in attending “Thinking of Building a Pond?” are asked to call the Tioga County Conservation District office at 570-724-1801 to sign up anytime between now and Friday, Jan. 20.

Those with questions about the program can call Tioga County Conservation District Erosion and Sediment Control Technician Scott Moore at 570-724-1801 ext. 1305. Moore is the coordinator of “Thinking of Building a Pond?”

Bradford, PA – The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) is set to open the fourth floor on Monday, January 9 which will increase the current occupancy by 31 beds, from 64 to 95 beds.

The Pavilion closed operations of the fourth floor in June of 2022 due to the staffing shortages which has plagued long-term care facilities in the region and throughout the entire nation.  Until staffing was able to provide adequate and quality care to the residents, the Pavilion temporarily brought its total census down to 64. 

The Potter County Artisan Center Co-op is conducting a “Warm it Forward” program. The Center is collecting gloves, mittens, scarves, gloves,  and hats for anyone who needs them. The items are hung outside the Co-op at 227 N .Main Street  Coudersport with a sign telling passers by to take one or to leave one.  Community members are invited to put items in clear storage bags and hang them on the line in front of the Center. The program is anticipated to run through February.

2023 WINTER OUTINGS SERIES CONTINUES WITH FREE WINTER SURVIVAL SKILLS PROGRAM THIS SATURDAY, JAN. 7 AT SINNEMAHONING STATE PARK AND AN EAGLE WATCH AT TIOGA-HAMMOND DAM THIS SUNDAY, JAN. 8; TYOGA RUNNING CLUB FREE THURSDAY NIGHT GROUP RUN NEXT THURSDAY, JAN. 12; FREE CROSS COUNTRY SKIING FOR BEGINNERS AT SINNEMAHONING STATE PARK NEXT SATURDAY, JAN. 14 WITH PRE-REGISTRATION BY THURSDAY, JAN. 12 AND SNOW DAY FUN — SNOWSHOEING, A FREE PROGRAM FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE NEXT SUNDAY, JAN. 15 AT CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK

The 2023 Step Outdoors Winter Outings Series continues in Tioga and Potter counties with events this Saturday and Sunday and three more next Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Free Winter Survival Skills Program is This Saturday, Jan. 7 at Sinnemahoning State Park; Pre-registration is Required

Experienced Mountaineer Search and Rescue team member, Steve Bajor is teaching Winter Survival Skills this Saturday, Jan. 7 starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 12 p.m. at Sinnemahoning State Park at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County. It’s free. The program begins indoors in the park’s Wildlife Center classroom with a presentation and kit-making and then moves outdoors for hands-on practice in an off-trail area. Learn what the basic necessities are that people should always carry with them when exploring the outdoors; the steps to take when lost; how to keep safe and warm overnight; and how to improve the chances of being found. FMI: Pre-registration is required. Email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov anytime between now and 4 p.m. this Friday or call the park office at 1-814-647-8401 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 5, or this Friday, Jan. 6 or at 8 a.m. this Saturday, Jan. 7 to find out if there is still space available.