NEWS

The Community Education Center (CEC) partnered with Ridgway FSG Fifth Grade teachers for an engaging Career Day on Thursday, May 15th. The event provided students with the opportunity to explore various careers through hands-on activities led by local professionals.

Designed to spark curiosity and connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities, Career Day featured interactive sessions where students not only learned about different professions but also participated in activities that brought those careers to life.

Guest presenters included:

• Greg Macer, Community Education Center – Led a team building activity, demonstrating how strong communication and collaboration are essential in many workplace settings.
• Jake Pistner and Juliana Silveri, Elk County Conservation District – Presented an eye-opening pollution activity that emphasized the important role conservationists play in protecting our local environment.
• Stephanie Costanza, Free Form Technologies – Guided students through a creative 3D pen activity, showing how additive manufacturing and design technologies are shaping the future of modern industry.

In a major win for ATV/UTV enthusiasts across the Commonwealth, a group of lawmakers announced portions of state highways could soon be opened to serve as connector roads between trailheads under a new PennDOT policy.

Reps. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford), Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Brian Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) have been vocal advocates for expanding ATV riding opportunities both for riders’ enjoyment and for the opportunities it can create for regional economies in the Commonwealth.

“This is fantastic news for ATV and UTV enthusiasts, as well as our communities,” Owlett said. “We’ve seen great things happen here in the Northern Tier since the ATV Regional Trail Connector pilot program launched in 2021, and this change could increase riding opportunities exponentially.”

At a meeting with PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll earlier this week, the lawmakers learned the agency has established a new policy that will help facilitate the opening of certain sections of state highways to serve as connector roads between trailheads. Under the policy, municipal officials can identify a specific section or roadway to serve as a connector and request a PennDOT review of their proposal. If PennDOT agrees, the municipality or municipalities in which the section of state highway is located must enact a resolution affirming the use of the road as a connector.

On May 12, 2025, Coudersport Rotary Club was pleased to present new Rotarian, Mickie Brown with her dinner badge.

Hello, my name is Sabrina Burnside. Some of you may know me as that crazy lady with 11 kids, haha. Well, that may be true, but I love those kiddos more than life itself.

Most of you don’t know, since we prefer to keep our issues quiet and to ourselves, but our almost 3-year-old daughter, Magdalyna, has been sick for over a year. We have been searching for the reason, and after what seems like forever, we finally have that answer. She just got diagnosed with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, a rare kidney disease, especially in young children. This is going to require more testing and removal of her kidney, which needs to be done at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We have already made multiple trips to our local hospital as well as Geisinger in Danville, Pennsylvania. And now we will be traveling to Philadelphia. Now, as much as we hate to, we are asking for help to offset the financial strain this is causing. We have never asked for help and had hoped to not have to. But here we are.

We have always been willing to donate Dan’s artwork to anyone who asked to help others in situations like ours, so we are hoping our community shows us the same kindness we have shown them. This is a tough time for our family, but I know with time and the help and support of our little community, we will make it through this. Please consider helping my daughter. Thank you all in advance.

On May 12, 2025, at Coudersport Rotary Club’s meeting at A&W West End Grill, Paul Herzig introduced his speaker Larry Herbstritt. The local boy who made it to Hollywood and beyond.

Larry explained how his musical career evolved over time beginning in 1964 when he loved music enough to learn to play the guitar and with the influence of the Beatles, Reverend Robert Merten, and Jimmy Webb music it became his passion.

This passion helped him through higher education at Mansfield College as a Music major. He did not tell them he could not read music. The guitar was not an accepted instrument he had to train as a vocal major.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that Greylock Production, LLC., of Charleston, WV, has been approved for an Upgrade Partnership to improve nearly three and a half miles of Route 1003 (Loucks Mills Road) between Galeton and Ulysses boroughs in Potter County. The project includes full-depth roadway reconstruction, drainage improvements, and guide rail upgrades between West Pike and Loucks Mills. The improvements will result in the removal of a 10-ton weight limit posting from the roadway. PennDOT expects work to begin in the fall of 2025 and will issue an update on traffic impacts before construction begins.

“A safe, efficient transportation system is vital to the private sector industries that drive our economy and to the residents of Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT District 2 Executive Thomas Prestash. “This partnership further demonstrates the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring that rural areas have the same access to transportation as those in more urban areas.”

Under the terms of the partnership, PennDOT and Greylock will each contribute 50 percent of the project cost. The project is currently in the design phase and has an estimated contract value of $2.9 million.

“We are very pleased to partner with PennDOT to improve this road,” said Greylock Chief Operating Officer Ryan Deaderick. “Addressing ride quality issues that have arisen in recent years enhances our operations locally while also improving the quality of life for our friends and neighbors in Potter County.”

The two candidates running in the June 24 Republican primary for mayor will take part in a debate at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11.

Incumbent Mayor William J. Aiello and challenger Amy B. Sherburne will square off in Cutco Theater on the Cattaraugus County Campus of Jamestown Community College.

The League of Women Voters of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties is sponsoring the debate in partnership with TAPinto Greater Olean. Richard Lee, co-editor of TAPinto Greater Olean, will serve as moderator.

During the June 11 debate, questions will not be taken from the audience, but members of the public are invited to submit questions for the candidates in advance of the debate. Questions should be emailed to cattarauguslwv@gmail.com by 7 p.m. June 4.

Individuals who have questions or need additional information should email LWVCAC President Margie McIntosh at cattarauguslwv@gmail.com 

Potter County Human Services (PCHS) is working closely with the Potter County Board of Commissioners, county departments, and others to assist individuals impacted by the planned closing of pharmacy services at the Rite Aid store in Coudersport, effective Wednesday, May 21. PCHS caseworkers are available to help clients of the agency’s Children & Youth, Aging, Mental Health, Coordinated Services, Drug & Alcohol and Intellectual Disabilities programs. This includes assistance in understanding the options available and transferring of prescription services to another pharmacy of choice. Updated information, including details on mail order and/or home delivery services, is being posted on the PCHS website (click here) and is also available at a toll-free phone number, 1-800-800-2560.

Let’s come together to celebrate Diana’s life with family, friends, food, music and memories~Just as she wished.
Location is the Sacred Heart Church Parish Center 265 Main St. Genesee, PA.

Those who preregister for the Laurel Festival 10K Foot Race by Friday, May 30 and pay the $25 entry fee will receive a free event T-shirt courtesy of First Citizens Community Bank on race day, Saturday, June 21 and be entered in the June 21 “Early Bird Drawing” with a chance to win $25 in Wellsboro Chamber Dollars to spend at any of the 42 participating area businesses. 

The Laurel Festival 10K Foot Race will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, followed by the two-mile Fun Run/Walk at 9:05 a.m. 

Registration, check-in and packet pickup will be at Packer Park on Queen Street in Wellsboro from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on race day. The entry fee for the 10K is $25 and for the Fun Run is $5. Race day registrants pay in cash or by check. 

Children, 12 and under are invited to preregister their favorite pet for the 2025 Laurel Festival Pet Parade by noon on Friday, June 6 to winfun prizesonJune 15. 

Or decorate their bikes and join in the fun. Individuals and groups are welcome.

The Laurel Festival Pet Parade, sponsored by Dr. Kristine Shaw of the Grand Canyon Veterinary Hospital at 23 Water Street In Wellsboro, is being held on Sunday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. It’s free. 

A favorite pet can be a cat, dog, guinea pig, turtle, goat, lamb, horse, cow or whatever each youngster has.  

The Port Allegany CMA Church Ignite Youth Group will be holding the annual car wash at 414 E. Mill Street in Port Allegany on SAturday, May 17th from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Car washes are by donation.  Lunch will also be available for purchase.  All proceeds benefit the youth group and their upcoming events.  You are invited to stop by and support this great group of teens.  Pictured:  Parker Rudolph, Sierra Wiley, Thomas Beeson, Christian Zirckel and Aiden Berkefelt.  This event is being held as part of the Port Allegany Town Wide Yard Sales, a community service project of the Rotary Club.  

The first Turtlepoint Farmers Market is in the books.  The Farmers Markets will be held the 2nd Saturday of each month, May through October.  Organizers are requesting that vendors sell good that are grown, made and/or created by the seller.  The events will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  For further information, check out their Facebook page.  

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of May 12. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:

Manual Patching

McKean County Residents Mobilize Against Massive Wind Project — Petition Gains Momentum

McKean County, PA — A growing number of residents across McKean County are speaking out against Swift Current Energy’s proposed 600-megawatt Black Cherry Wind project, which includes wind turbines and battery storage installations spanning Hamlin, Keating, Norwich, Liberty, and Sergeant Townships.

The project, now active in the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) interconnection queue under ID C24-298, would involve the construction of over 100 turbines, each standing 500–700 feet tall. Critics say the turbines would create noise pollution across the valleys, flashing lights at night, deforestation of scenic ridgelines, and increased risk to local wildlife and water sources.

“There’s been no township-wide vote, no community input, and no clear local benefit,” said one of the organizers. “The electricity is expected to go to New York, not our homes, but we’re left with the environmental and quality-of-life costs.”

Concerns include:

– Environmental degradation in the Allegheny National Forest

– Risk to endangered species such as the wood turtle

– Potential oil leaks into sensitive streams like Blacksmith Run

– Decline in property values, peace, and rural character

– Lack of transparency and public engagement

The group launched a Change.org petition, which has already gathered hundreds of signatures. The petition urges township supervisors to deny permits and calls for federal environmental investigation.

Petition link: https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-black-cherry-wind-project-in-mckean-county-pa

Organizers welcome residents from neighboring counties to join the conversation and stay informed. “This isn’t just about energy. It’s about protecting what makes this area special,” they said.

-Mckean County Against Black Cherry Wind Project

(Busti, NY)…After five consecutive rainouts to open the season, the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Dirt Late Model Flynn’s Tire/Gunter’s Honey Touring Series was finally able to kick-off 2025 on a beautiful Saturday evening at Stateline Speedway. It was the first event under the new ownership of Bill Catania as a huge crowd watched an all-time Stateline record high 49 Chevrolet Performance Late Models from six states plus Ontario, Canada race in the eighth annual “Bill Law Memorial”!

The Galeton 4th of July Parade Booster Club held their annual duck race.  Ducks floated down the West Branch side of Pine Creek.  Shown in photo in Berger Lake is Stacy McInroy corralling the ducks to be saved for next year’s event.  Monetary winners were Cora Shadle, Macie Casher, and Troy Heckman.  Proceeds of the race is used to help offset the costs of bands at the Galeton Independence Day parade held the first Saturday in July.  Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.

Ethan Gable, M.D.
UPMC Magee-Womens

Mother’s Day, celebrated each May during Women’s Health Month, is a great reminder to honor the women who shape our families and communities. But as we pack away the flowers and cards, it’s important to remember that women should prioritize themselves – and specifically their health – beyond just one day a year.

From adolescence through menopause and beyond, women experience a range of health needs that deserve consistent attention and care. Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) play an essential role in supporting women at every stage of life by providing preventive screenings, diagnosing and managing conditions, and serving as a trusted resource for reproductive and overall health.

Comprehensive Care at Every Life Stage

A woman’s health needs evolve with time. Regular visits with an OB/GYN help ensure those needs are addressed early and appropriately, whether related to menstruation, family planning, menopause, or overall wellness.

Key areas of focus include: