NEWS

The Port Allegany Rotary Club held their regular weekly meeting at the Port Allegany Moose Lodge.  The meeting was called to order by club president Jim Young. 

Program Chair Ki Bayline introduced the club to Borough Manager Jeremy Morey.  Morey gave an update on the happenings in the borough followed by a question and answer period. 

There will be no meeting on July 3rd due to the Fourth of July holiday.  Pictured is Borough Manager Jeremy Morey with Rotary Program Chair Ki Bayline.  

The 2025 Vacation Bible School was held recently at the Turtlepoint Evangelical Church.  Theme for this year’s VBS was Road Trip.  VBS Director Shelby Witt is pictured with participants of the VBS prior to their end-of-week certificate ceremony and cookout.  The children collected $81.80 for the children in Liberia which will be matched by the church.  

Six Olean High School students recently received awards from scholarship funds managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.

Blake Kinnaird, Spencer Greenstein, Evan Snyder and Vailon Scott received the Mary Elizabeth Smith Scholarship.

Kinnaird and Greenstein received $1,000. Snyder and Scott received $700.

This scholarship was established through the estate of Mary-Elizabeth Smith as part of the Olean City School District Scholarship Fund to support graduating Olean High School seniors annually.

This year marks our 50th Anniversary! As our BIGGEST event of the year, the festival treats thousands of visitors to lively special activities, contests, and demonstrations that celebrate “woodhick” skills. Unique food and craft vendors provide guests with ample shopping and culinary opportunities. 

There is live music throughout the weekend, crafts and games at the kid’s corner, operating demonstrations of our steam-powered circular sawmill and birch still, blacksmithing, chainsaw carving, and lumber camp cooking. See the Eastern Loggers Model Railroad display in operation.

For more information

Kraft Heinz Foods Company, a Newberry, S.C., establishment, is recalling approximately 367,812 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The turkey bacon was produced from April 24, 2025, through June 11, 2025. The following products are subject to recall.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Mount Jewett man who pled guilty to trying to photograph an 18 year old man in a bathroom stall and leaving a note on the vehicle of a 17 year old male suggesting sexual contact has been sentenced by a judge at a hearing held June 30th at the McKean County Courthouse.  Junior RAINEY pled guilty to Attempted Invasion of Privacy and Corruption of Minors for the crimes that occurred at Walmart in April, 2024.  Video surveillance captured RAINEY approaching a vehicle driven by a 17 year old male after the male entered the store and left the vehicle parked in the parking lot.  When the 17 year old returned to the car after shopping, he found a note that said, ‘Text if you want (oral sex)” and that listed RAINEY’S telephone number.    

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

In the process of moving things around in my office, I came across the following:

• Tell me……..I’ll forget.
• Show me……I’ll remember.
• Involve me…I’ll understand.

Interestingly, despite how simple this sounds, it’s often overlooked because we don’t take the time. Think about this for a moment: if I tell someone what to do, how will they know what it is if I don’t show them and involve them in the process? Yet, we often just tell them and expect that they will do what we want.

• On Thursday, July 10 from 5-8:30, quilters, Brenda Bonczar and Lisa Bretz will be teaching an adult sewing class featuring a  ‘Penny Candy’ Quilted Table Runner. All supplies included.  Price of the class is $45.00.  Ages 14 and up. 

• Laurie Angood will be teaching a ‘Beginner Watercolor Class’ on Saturday, July 19 from 1-3pm.    In this class, students will learn about watercolor sketching techniques and having a daily art practice, using Gouache and artist quality watercolor paper and brushes.  Price of the class is $35.00 and includes all materials.  Students will be given a palette and paper to take home.   

• The’ July Young Artisan Class,’ will be held on Thursday, July 24 from 1 – 2:30.  This class is open to students grades 2 – 6.  Snack and materials provided. Price of the class is $25.00. 

• On July 26, from 1-2:30, Astrophotographer, Mark Casazza, will be teaching a class in Astrophotography: Using the Equipment you Already Have.  Price and material list to be announced.

To register for these classes or events, please call the Potter County Artisan Co-op on 814-274-8165.  The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street.  The co-op’s hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00-5:00. 

Need an activity while visiting the area?  Potter County Artisan Co-op can arrange a private group class for you and your friends at your convenience.  Just call ahead or message us on Facebook.

Events and classes are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Elk County Council on the Arts, state agencies funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Closures: The library will be closed for the holiday on Friday, July 4th. Regular hours will resume on Saturday, July 5th.

Summer Reading Programs: Our Summer Reading Programs are now in session for July! Registrations are now closed. Program meeting times for those who signed up are as follows: Adults – Tuesdays, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Kids – Wednesdays, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Tweens/Teens – Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Pre-K – Fridays, 10:00 am – 11:00 am.

Diamond Art: Join us at the library on Saturday, July 26th at noon for a Diamond Art Class! The project for this month is a sun catcher. Limited seating is available. Please call or stop in to sign up! 814-697-6691.

Ethan Gable, M.D.
UPMC Magee-Womens

As women enter their late 30s and early 40s, they may begin noticing physical and emotional changes that can feel confusing or even concerning. Irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, and disrupted sleep often lead to the same question: “Is this perimenopause?”

Perimenopause is a natural transition that leads to menopause, and while the symptoms can be disruptive, there are options available to help manage them. One of the most commonly asked-about treatments is hormone therapy. Your OB-GYN can help you navigate this stage of life with personalized care and informed recommendations.

What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause refers to the time when a woman’s hormones like estrogen and progesterone begin to shift. It ends once you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period, which marks the beginning of menopause.

At Coudersport Rotary Club’s June 16, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill, Rotarian Sharon Fitzgerald introduced her friends, Maureen and Tom McDonald, who run the Moore’s Run Fish & Game Preserve.

Maureen grew up on Big Moore’s Run Road outside of Coudersport and moved away after college. In 2016 Tom and Maureen took over Moores Run Fish and Game Preserve from her parents, which has been in operation for 45 years. Six years ago Maureen and Tom moved back up to Potter County from Columbia County.

Big Moore’s Run is a Class A Trout stream which flows to the First Fork of the Sinnemahoning River. The Preserve is a dual business of ecotourism and fish farming. Aquaculture is regulated by the PA Dept of Agriculture.

90% of the trout they raise are sold and delivered to streams and private individuals from late March to early April. The hatchery delivers fish to 9 counties. 80% of the fish are bought by 20% of their customers. 75% of customers are clubs and lodges. The other 25% are small derbies and people who come to get fish to stock their ponds.

They are a true hatchery, They start with adult brood fish, who lay eggs, which hatch into sac fry, which lie on the bottom, absorbing nutrients from an exterior yolk. These then develop a mouth and swim up into suspension. The McDonalds feed these a “milkshake” of ground up beef liver. Between February and April you can arrange to come and see the life cycle of the fish.

To grow from small fish to large ones, the fish need food, protection from predators, good genetics and age. Selective breeding yields the best fish. 25” trout are at least 7 years old, and not every fish can grow to this.

Commercial fishing trawlers waste a lot of fish. From their “waste fish” a paste is made which is 45% protein and high in fat. It is converted into different size pellets for different size fish.

Predators include birds of prey, mink, raccoon, bobcat, river otter and trespassers. Bears steal fish food. Elk may wallow in holding ponds, causing the fish to panic and smother.

They have one full-time employee, Danny Schoonover, who maintains the stream as well as supervising production.

Moore’s Run Fish & Game Preserve maintains 2 miles of stream for catch and release fly-fishing. Those fishing the stream must pinch the barb off their hooks to prevent injuries to fish and to people. They do need a fishing license.

The preserve offers guiding services although most customers are technically strong flyfishers.

People love the beauty of Potter County. They come to the Preserve for privacy and exclusivity. They have the stream to themselves and have the opportunity to catch big fish, which have been able to grow there under favorable conditions in pristine water. Many customers fly in or drive many hours, coming from as far as California and Texas. They patronize local B & B’s, motels, and restaurants, so there is trickle-down revenue to the community.

This is the 17th year Moores Run Fish and Game Preserve have hosted the Healing Waters program for Veterans. They also welcome local high school and conservation school programs.

Thank you Maureen and Tom McDonald for speaking before Coudersport Rotary Club.

The COTS series continued on Thursday featuring the music of Alex Cole (pictured).  There will be no concert on Thursday, July 3 due to the 4th of July holiday.  The July 10 concert will feature the music of crowd favorite Twin Tier Community Band under the direction of Diane Smith.  

Do you know someone who wants to become a Master Watershed Steward, but doesn’t have the time to meet in person? Penn State Extension is introducing an online training course for those who may fit this description. The course consists of pre-recordings, quizzes, and optional extras for those who cannot attend the weekly spring training.

What is the Master Watershed Steward Program? Travis Wingard, the Master Watershed Steward coordinator for PA Wilds, describes the program in detail.

“The Master Watershed Steward (MWS) program brings local volunteers, state-wide resources, and world-class science together to help protect and restore what makes the PA Wilds so special- clean water, healthy forests, and conservation-empowered rural communities.” Wingard states. 

 The Potter County Planning Department is hitting the road as part of the Revitalize Potter County initiative—and we want to hear from you! We’re co-planning for future community and economic development projects across the county, and your ideas will help shape what comes next.

As part of this effort, we’re hosting Community Feedback Meetings in eight towns, starting with Genesee (July 7), Roulette (July 8), and Germania (July 9), all 6-8pm. These meetings are designed to be hands-on, energizing, and full of great conversation—plus we’re bringing dinner.

This is your chance to share what you love about your community, what needs attention, and what you’d like to see built, supported, or improved. Everyone is welcome—bring your kids, your neighbors, and your best ideas.

RSVP here so we can plan for food and send you a reminder: https://forms.gle/z5z3pmwq24hd9ziX9

MISS COMMODORE PERRY IS FIRST RUNNER-UP AND MISS CONGENIALITY AND MISS MILLVILLE IS SECOND RUNNER-UP FROM 10 SEMIFINALISTS

“I couldn’t be more surprised,” said Miss Alice Ravert, the newly crowned 2025 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen, daughter of Susan and John Ravert of Montoursville, Lycoming County.  

Night Work Continues Next Week on Continental Boulevard near Danville, Montour County

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement and roadway resurfacing project continues next week with night work on Continental Boulevard (Route 54) in Derry and Valley townships, Montour County.

Route 54 Resurfacing

• Starting on Sunday, June 29, 2025, the contractor HRI, Inc., will begin milling the existing roadway on Continental Boulevard (Route 54) between Route 642 in Valley Township and Route 254 in Derry Township near the village of Mausdale.
• Placement of new pavement is scheduled to begin later in the week.
• Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed. 
• Work will be performed Sundays through Thursdays, between the hours of 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, weather permitting. 

Bridge Replacement

• Mill Road and Hillside Drive remain closed while the contractor continues work on the bridge replacement at the intersection of Continental Boulevard (Route 54) and Stecker Mill Road (Route 3006).
• A detour using Narehood Road (Route 3003), Broadway Road (Route 254), and Continental Boulevard (Route 54) is in place. 
• The contractor is placing backfill around the new culvert in preparation to reconstruct the roadway.
• The speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

There will be no work performed on this project between Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM through Monday, July 7, 2025, at 7:00 AM. 

HRI, Inc. is the prime contractor for this $5.5 million bridge replacement and roadway resurfacing project. Work includes replacement of the existing bridge that carries Route 54 over Stony Brook with a box culvert and minor roadway repairs near the bridge. Additional work includes the mill and resurface of 5.6 miles of Route 54 between Route 254 in Derry Township and Valley Road (Route 3008) in Valley Township and 0.6 mile of Route 54 between Valley Road and the Roadside Rest Area in Valley Township. Work on this project is anticipated to be completed in December 2025.