Potter County Commissioners Meeting Agenda From February 23, 2023



On this12-day tour, you’ll journey through five of America’s most incredible national parks. It begins in the world-famous resort town of Scottsdale, Arizona, then on to the artists’ colony of Sedona. Travel on to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – the spectacular Grand Canyon, an iconic natural treasure.
On to the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell for gorgeous sunset views. Bryce Canyon National Park is next, truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. Enjoy a hike along the Rim Trail looking into the expansive Bryce Amphitheater. Zion National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world. Climb aboard Zion’s open-air tram and wind your way alongside the Virgin River and through the Zion Canyon. Next, enjoy Salt Lake City en route to Wyoming. Arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson and experience a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and a traditional chuck wagon dinner.
From Jackson Hole, pass through Grand Teton National Park and arrive at amazing Yellowstone National Park. Experience the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. Drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation. Visit Crazy Horse Memorial and the Native American Cultural Center. Later, see one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore.
There is so much more to this tour that departs August 26, 2023. Visit this link for more information: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1112512or call us at (814) 274-4877 to request a brochure and get details, cost, etc. Hurry, you will save $150/per person if you reserve before February 26, 2023!
More 2023 tours to consider: America’s Music Cities departing October 1, 2023 and Hawaiian Adventure departing November 2, 2023. Call or stop in at 5 Water Street, Coudersport for more information!
Cameron County Republican Committee Monthly Meeting Saturday, February 4, Aroma Cafe 9 am Order from the menu if you wish.
Auditions for all roles to be cast in “The Moons of Jupiter,” including three males, eight females and the 11-member Greek chorus, are next Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m., next Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. and Monday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Warehouse Theatre Gallery at 3 Central Avenue in Wellsboro. Casting is colorblind and most of the roles are not age specific.
The eight female roles are: one astrophysicist, three goddesses, each a daughter of Zeus, and four famous male scientists.
The three male roles include: Zeus, king of the gods; his son Hermes and a bartender.
Auditions for the chorus only will be at 9 a.m. next Saturday, Feb. 4, also in the Gallery. “People of all ages who are interested in being on stage but don’t have much time and do not want to memorize a lot of lines should try out for the Greek chorus only,” said Director Lilace Guignard.
The Greek chorus is a group of performers that comment in a collective voice during three scenes in the play about why fresh water is so scarce worldwide. Two of the chorus members will sing or speak their lines. The other nine will only speak theirs.
The challenges of climate change have never been as entertaining as they are in “The Moons of Jupiter” as the Greek gods try to sort it all out.
“Mythology, sci-fi and Beatles songs are woven into this play,” said Guignard. “There is zany humor and dark intensity.”
Performances of this production by the Hamilton-Gibson’s Women’s Project will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 23 in the Warehouse Theatre at 3 Central Avenue in Wellsboro.
For more information about the auditions, email the director at lilacemellin@gmail.com or call the HG office at 570-724-2079.
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 HERE or 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
The Winter Outing Series in Potter and Tioga Counties continues with Winter in the Lumber Camp this Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum and a free, guided snowshoe or hike this Sunday, Jan. 29 on Mt. Tom near Wellsboro; and next weekend, Winter Women in the Wilds Feb. 3-5 at the Sinnemahoning State Park Wildlife Center; Community Climbing Day on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Mansfield University; and Winter Adventure Snowshoe or Hike at Lyman Run State Park on Sunday, Feb. 5.
Winter in the Lumber Camp is This Saturday, Jan. 28
“Based on the weather forecast, we are anticipating there will be enough snow for Winter in the Lumber Camp activities this Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” said Josh Roth, site administrator. The public is welcome to enjoy outdoor fun in the snow with sledding, making snowmen, and snow art activities free on the grounds at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum midway between Galeton and Coudersport at 5660 US Route 6, Ulysses, PA 16948. Or, try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with equipment provided by DCNR and the help of volunteer instructors. “When people drive into the museum’s main parking area, they will see a trailer where the equipment for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing will be,” Roth said. “There won’t be enough ice on the pond for ice-skating.” Food and beverages will be available for purchase inside the museum. At 1 p.m. go indoors for an engaging overview of the Commonwealth’s elk management program presented by Jeremy Banfield, elk biologist for the Pa. Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section. Admission to tour museum exhibits throughout the day and attend the elk management program at 1 p.m. are: $8 for ages 12 to 64; $7 for ages 65 and older or AAA members; $5 for ages 4 to 11 and free for ages 3 and under. For more information, call 1-814-435-2652.
Mt. Tom Free Guided Snowshoe or Hike is This Sunday, Jan. 29
At 8:45 a.m.this Sunday, Jan. 29, meet at the Pine Creek Rail Trail Darling Run parking lot in Ansonia in Shippen Township, near Wellsboro to go on a hike or to snowshoe the Mt. Tom trail depending on conditions. To get to Darling Run, take U.S. Route 6, turn onto Route 362 and drive about 1.5 miles to the parking lot at Darling Run and park. At 9 a.m. on Sunday, participants will cross Route 362 on foot to hike or snowshoe up the Mt. Tom Trail. This free slow-paced guided hike or snowshoe will be a climb of over 1100 feet to see breathtaking views of Ansonia and the upper Pine Creek Valley. Depending on trail conditions and the number of participants, it can take up to three hours to complete the hike or snowshoe and get back to the parking lot. Experience and conditioning by doing moderate to difficult hikes are a must for those who decide to do this course preview for the upcoming Mt. Tom Challenge being held there on Sunday, Feb. 12. Dress in layers. Bring a snack and water. Those who have their own equipment are encouraged to bring it. A limited number of snowshoes will be available. Due to snow and/or ice, traction aiding devices, such as snowshoes or simple boot cleats will be required. For more information, call Tom Oliver at the Bureau of Forestry office at 570-724-8130 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
MoreThe SHCTC Networking and Security instructor, Mr. Bryant is proud to announce the Student of the Week, Gabriella Salamone. “Gabi” (Grade 12, CASD) has demonstrated the resiliency and persistence needed for success in her future endeavors. She provides consistent help to her classmates and exhibits an outstanding work ethic in shop labs and on theory assignments. Gabi earned her Network Pro certification in 2022 and is currently seeking her PC Pro certification. Gabi is also seeking dual enrollment college/high school credits in both Psychology and American Government. These courses are offered through the CTC’s partnership with Penn College.
Montoursville, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily restricting certain vehicles on Interstate 80 in northcentral Pennsylvania.
Vehicle restrictions reflect Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan (PDF), and are in effect on the following roadways: Interstate 80 from Ohio State line to the New Jersey State line
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.
Montoursville, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several 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:
On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.
Over 170 scholarship opportunities are available to area students who are attending colleges, universities or vocational schools. Students can apply for the scholarships through the Elk Community Foundation (ECCF) and the McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF), who are both affiliates of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies. The deadline for the submission of their online applications is March 7.
Students can access applications on the Foundation websites: www.elkcountyfoundation.org for ECCF and www.mckeancountyfoundation.org for MCCF. Students should go to the “Scholarships/Information for Students” section on the website that gives detailed information on the wide variety of scholarships available. Here they can begin the application process through an online portal. There are opportunities for everyone who is attending a post-secondary education or vocational school, including non-traditional students.
Students will create an account on the online portal where they will take an eligibility quiz that will automatically match them to all the scholarships that are available to them based on the criteria they enter. Each student will then fill out applications online. Students can easily upload letters of reference and transcripts to their applications. Applications can be worked on, saved, and then completed at a later time. Students are able to track the status of each application. The online program will keep applicants on track with their scholarship reporting requirements with automated email reminders and online reporting forms.l
Between Elk and McKean County there have been 15 new scholarship funds added just this year. Donors established these scholarships in memory of, in honor of, or on behalf of groups or individuals who believe in the power of education and want to help local students.
The Community Foundation is one of 40 statewide partners with PATH (Partners for Access to Higher Education). Students who receive a scholarship award from the Community Foundation may qualify for matching dollars through PHEAA and the PATH program if they attend a PA school. In 2022, 58 students received a total of nearly $75,000 in matching funds.
Visit our websites to see what is available. For further details, contact your guidance counselor or the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125 or 1-844-238-2289.
At 4:52am on 1/18/23 the mt Jewett Fire Department ( station10) and Hamlin twp fire departments (station 20) where dispatched to a tractor trailer fire on Halsey road… upon arrival chief 10 had command.. the driver had put the fir out with a fire extinguisher.. station 20 was recalled by command . Squad 10 responded to the scene to finish cooling down the brake drum .. the tractor trailer was able to be driven from the scene by the operator.. psp assisted on the scene..there where NO INJURIES.. there was minor damage to the trailer ..
Library Closing Early
Due to worsening weather conditions, the Coudersport Public Library will close at 1:00 p.m. today (Wednesday, Jan. 25).
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.
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:
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:
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 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)
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.
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 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.
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.
MoreServSafe 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 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.
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.
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.