ACAP Informational Farmer Breakfast February 17th
NEWS
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.
Wildcat Weekly Highlights
Penn College wrestling, basketball teams earn multiple wins
Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers went 3-1, while the men’s and women’s basketball teams each posted a 2-1 week.
FLASHBACK
Men’s basketball
On Tuesday, home-standing Wells College bolted to an early 11-1 lead and led by 17 points in the first half before the Wildcats rallied to lead twice in the second half — the last time at 58-57 — before falling, 79-64, in a United East game.
Alec Cooper, of Huntingdon, came off the bench to lead Penn College with 12 points.
Hosting Gallaudet University on Friday, the Wildcats opened a 29-22 halftime lead, fell behind twice by three early in the second half and then finished by outscoring the Bison, 32-24, for a 68-63 UE win.
Cooper and Rees Watkins, of Loyalsock Township, each scored 15 points in the winning effort, while Livingston Cross added 14 points and Max Jackowsky 12 points. The Wildcats led in points off turnovers, 14-4.
On Saturday at home with St. Mary’s (Md.) College, Penn College won, 71-64, to go to 3-4 in the UE and 8-8 overall, moving it within one win of matching the most wins in a season for the Wildcats during Geoff Hensley’s four years as the coach.
To get the “W,” Penn College had to overcome a five-point (37-32) halftime deficit, which it did with a 39-27 second-half advantage, including a 17-6 finish over the final 5:30.
Gavin Barrett, of Roselle, New Jersey, topped Penn College with 22 points. The Wildcats led in points off turnovers, 15-6, and in points in the paint, 44-34.
Women’s basketball
Emporium Food Market Can Now Accept WIC Payments
Emporium Food Market has secured approval to accept WIC payments. The supplemental nutrition program focuses on the health of pregnant women and children up to the age of 5. Scott McCann, owner of Emporium Food Market says he is pleased the store can accept the WIC checks. “I have been working with Harrisburg for nearly two years to bring this program to the residents of Cameron County,” McCann noted. Emporium Food Market is the only grocery store in Cameron County where WIC checks are accepted. Cameron County has a WIC office on Chestnut Street in Emporium. Eligibility is reserved for pregnant women, breastfeeding women for up to one year postpartum, women up to six months postpartum, who are not breastfeeding and children under 5 years old including foster children
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO 3 AM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…A several to 8 hour period of snow, then some lighter mixed precipitation or light freezing rain Sunday night near and to the south of Interstate 80. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Snowfall could be around 4 inches across the highest terrain near and to the Northeast of the Williamsport and Lock Haven areas.
* WHERE…Portions of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From 3 PM Sunday to 3 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A 1 to 2 hour delay in the changeover to mixed precipitation Sunday evening could add another inch or so to the snowfall totals.
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.
Beula E. Bodistow Kestler, 97, of Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys, and formerly of Wilcox and Johnsonburg, PA.
Beula E. Bodistow Kestler, 97, of Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys, and formerly of Wilcox and Johnsonburg, died Wednesday night, January 18, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor. She was born on May 14, 1927 in DuBois, PA to the late Herman L. and Edith S. Lydick Delp. On November 20, 1965 in St. Anne’s Church, Wilcox, she married Anthony J. Bodistow. He passed away September 27, 2005. On February 16, 2007 in Sacred Heart Church, St. Marys, she married John R. “Jack” Kestler. He preceded her in death on July 31, 2017.
Beula had lived in St. Marys since 2007. She had previously lived in Wilcox for 47 years and had lived in Johnsonburg for 42 years and DuBois. She was a 1943 graduate of Brady Twp. High School. Beula was a member of St. Anne’s Church and had been a Girl Scout Leader for many years. She loved to cook, bake, sew and quilt and had been a member of quilting groups in St. Marys and Kane. She had retired from Stackpole Corp. in 1980 after 39 years of service in Johnsonburg and Kane.
Beula is survived by step-children: Carl Bodistow of Wilcox and Sharon Kestler of Erie, grandchildren Michael Proctor and his wife Christina and Sara, Mrs. Lars Johannesen and great-grandchildren Lillian and Eli Proctor. She is also survived by sisters Hazel Kriner of DuBois, Jeanette Hayes of Luthersburg and Evelyn, Mrs. Richard Vandervort of Falls Creek.
Beula is predeceased by her parents, husbands Anthony Bodistow and John “Jack” Kestler, a daughter Mary M. Kepner, sisters Vera Shaffer and Elsie King and a brother Willis Delp.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Beula E. Bodistow Kestler will be conducted at St. Anne’s Church, Wilcox on Monday January 23, 2023 at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor, as celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Rasselas.
Friends will be received at the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut Street Johnsonburg, PA
on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 PM.
Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center Students Compete at the SkillUSA District 10 Competition
The SkillsUSA Pennsylvania District 10 Competitive Events were held on Friday, January 13, 2023. Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel by providing educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.
Students throughout the region traveled to the New Castle School of Trades (NCST) and Lawrence County Career and Technical Center to compete in a variety of competitions.
The following students, with their competitions and the results, that attended from the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center are: Harlee -Ann Panighetti (Otto- Eldred)– Diesel Equipment Technology, Garry Strait (Otto- Eldred)– Information Technology Service, Faith Miller (Smethport)– Health Occupations Professional Portfolio (Third Place), McKenzie Hurd (Coudersport)– Job Skill Demonstration, Alex Post (Otto- Eldred)– Medical Terminology, Karsen Rees (Otto- Eldred)– Job Interview (3rd Place), Anastasia Penick (Port Allegany)– Restaurant Service, Levi Culver (Port Allegany) and AJ Herring (Northern Potter)– Cybersecurity (3rd Place), Mikya Stake (Port Allegany)– First Aid/ CPR (2nd Place), Bren Carlson (Port Allegany)– Firefighting, Shakira Yoder (Kane)– Employment Application Process (2nd Place), Alyssa Young (Smethport)– Prepared Speech, Blair Dickinson (Smethport)– Early Childhood Education, Ryan Batt (Otto- Eldred) – Culinary Arts, Seth Benson (Port Allegany)– Commercial Baking, Abram Austin (Otto- Eldred)– Carpentry (2nd Place). Maura Hess (Northern Potter) competed on January 10th at Steamfitters in Harmony, Pennsylvania for Welding.
We are very proud of all our students who took extra time to prepare and compete!! The state competition this year will be held in Hershey, Pennsylvania on April 12-14th.
THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 FREE SHOWING OF DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT FIRST 19 LAUREL FESTIVALS TO BE AT THE DEANE CENTER IN WELLSBORO
Pictured is Phyllis Viola, the first Laurel Queen chosen at the first Laurel Festival in June of 1938.
The Gale Largey documentary film being shown for free at 7 p.m. this coming Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the Grand Community Room at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro is about the first 19 Laurel Festivals held from 1938 to 1942 and from 1946 to 1959 with a three-year hiatus in 1943, 1944 and 1945 due to World War II.
Largey is a retired Mansfield University sociology professor who enjoys making fascinating documentary films about local history and involving community people and others in the process.
“The 45-minute documentary about these Laurel Festivals was inspired by ‘Life in Wellsboro 1920 – 1960’ published in 1988,” Largey said. It was the sixth in a series of books about Tioga County communities that Largey had put together beginning in 1973 with the publication of the first one, “Life in Roseville.”
“For this 1996 film, I interviewed many of the laurel queens by telephone, including Phyllis Viola of McKees Rocks,” said Largey.
Larry Woodin initiated the festival under the sponsorship of the Lions Club.
The first Laurel Festival was held Saturday through Monday, June 4-6, 1938. Following a Monday afternoon parade and circus, Miss Viola, one of
37 queen candidates, was crowned the first queen. “I only came because my mother made me,” she told Largey. “I really didn’t want to be in it.”
The first time a queen was chosen from Wellsboro was in 1947 when Janet Evans was named. She shared with Largey the criteria used to select the queen.
The documentary also incorporates a variety of film footage taken at the Laurel Festivals during those years, including some provided by 1958 queen, Heather Streich of Emporium, which shows the 66 candidates walking down Main Street.
Three songs, each written for the festival by different local people, one in 1938, another in 1941 and one in 1949, are sung in the documentary by Mansfield University students.
In 1950, the Laurel Festival officially became “The Pennsylvania
State Laurel Festival, the three-mile parade included 23 bands and drum corps, and 24 floats and for the first time, the 67 queen candidates brought escorts.
In 1954, the first Sunday Service was held on The Green and in 1959, the first Pet Parade.
Now in its 81st year, it is interesting to compare the festival’s early years to the way it works today.
Also being shown on Jan. 25 is Largey’s documentary “Lost & Found: Beliefs & Honesty in the 1950s.” This film offers a unique understanding of honest behavior in St. Marys, a small, rural community. “This was a fun film to do and has humorous moments,” said Largey. It draws attention to praying to St. Anthony to help one find a lost item, and resisting the notion of “finders keepers, losers weepers.” Special recognition is given to local nuns and a local newspaper editor who strongly promulgated the importance of honesty.
This 21-minute film was written and directed by Largey, edited by Mark Polonia and narrated by Adam Brennan. Eleven other local residents were also involved in its production.
“I will introduce each film and point out interesting aspects about it,” said Largey.
After the showings of the documentaries, Largey will host a question and answer session with the audience.
The Grand Community Room is located on the second floor of the Deane Center and is handicapped accessible via a ramp into the lobby from Main Street and an elevator on the right side at the back of the lobby.
More Largey films will be shown for free at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and 22. Donations are appreciated and will be used to support the Deane Center and its programs.
For more information, call the Deane Center at 570-7