USDA Invests $6.6 Million to Deploy Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Funding Will Help People in Rural Communities Lower Energy Costs, Increase Energy Resiliency and Create Jobs
PAWNEE, Okla., April 11, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $6.6 million across the country to help people living in rural towns develop community-sized renewable energy projects that will help them lower their energy costs and create jobs.
“People from rural areas make up America’s spirit and character and provide the everyday essentials our country depends on, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed in their communities,” Torres Small said. “The investments we’re announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration is partnering with rural communities to champion the people living here and improve the quality of life for rural families and build the economy from the bottom up and the middle out.”
These grants are part of the Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) which allows for community-driven solutions to address high energy costs and pollution through renewable energy systems, including wind, solar, and other technologies like geothermal, micro-hydroelectric and biomass/bioenergy. A portion of the awarded funds may also be used for community energy planning, capacity building, technical assistance, efficiency and weatherization. This program, unique within USDA Rural Development, will provide historically underserved communities with the opportunity to keep essential systems functioning during climate change related extreme weather events and build resiliency directly into their energy infrastructure.
To learn more, read the full news release.
Gerald “Jerry” E. Corbran, 83, of Inverness, FL, and formerly of Warren, PA
Gerald “Jerry” E. Corbran, 83, of Inverness, FL, and formerly of Warren, PA, passed away on Saturday April 8, 2023.
Jerry was born in Warren, PA on August 31, 1939, the son of the late Benjamin and Mary Solock Corbran. He resided most of his life in Warren, PA. Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Warren High School. After high school Jerry served as a member of the U.S. National Guard. He was an Assembly Foreman at Betts Industries for 38 years, and a former member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and the Warren Eagles Club. Jerry was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan and enjoyed fishing.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife Charlene Hamm Corbran, whom he married October 26, 1979, in Tionesta, PA; two son’s Jon Corbran and wife Carrie of Warren, PA, and James Corbran and wife Karen of Ormond Beach, FL; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; he is also survived by his extended family, who all loved him dearly, Jane and Fred Larson, of Warren, PA, Darlene and Jeff Barrett, of Russell, PA; Robert Hamm Jr. of Warren, PA; and several nephews, nieces, many friends, and his “Special Girl” Lucy.
Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Paws Along the River, 212 Elm St., Warren, PA or a charity of one’s choice.
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., Warren, PA has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. The Charles E. Davis Funeral Home of Inverness, FL, handled arrangements in Florida.
David R. Zettle, 79, of Montmorenci Road, Ridgway, PA
David R. Zettle, 79, of Montmorenci Road, died on Sunday, April 9, 2023, in Wexford following a brief illness.
He was born on July 17, 1943, in Ridgway, a son of the late Clarence and Evelyn Vasbinder Zettle.
On October 15, 1966, he married the late Charlotte Anderson Zettle, who preceded him in death on July 1, 2019.
David was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School and resident of the area for many years. He served in the U.S. Army making his rank to Master Sergeant and retired in 1987. David was a tool and die maker by trade and retired from Exotic Metals in 2003. He was a member of The Ridgway Elks. He spent his free time having coffee with his friends at Joey’s Bakery, going to Ridgway basketball games, and watching Johnsonburg Rams baseball.
He is survived by 1 son, Jon Zettle and his wife Toni of St. Marys, 1 daughter, Dana Jordan and her husband Chris of Ridgway, 4 grandchildren; Robert, MyKenna, Campbell, Jason, and his beloved dog, Pete.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Zettle.
A Memorial Service for David R. Zettle will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA, 15853, with Pastor Erik Hart officiating.
Burial will follow at Maria Lutheran Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received at Krise Funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of services.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
This Week One Of Worst For Wildfire Danger
Sinnamahoning Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance Service
Please remember it’s very dry even though it may be damp on top of ground it’s extremely dry underneath and fires spread quickly so don’t burn !
Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen Named Pediatrician of the Year
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration today announced Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen is being honored as 2023 Pediatrician of the Year by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (PA AAP). The chapter gives this award annually to recognize a pediatric fellow who exemplifies the ideals of the profession and advocates for children’s health and increased access to health services.
County Line 4-H News
To all the people out there wondering where we went. We are still here and busy with our projects!
The last few meetings were busy. We were asked by a lady named Ilene Altenhein to come and help her at the Roulette library. While the teens were learning the abc’s and putting up the books; the rest of us worked on our window display. After that the teens came to help us finish it up. The teens had placed up our window display at MAD barbershop in Port Allegany. We placed 4th on it!
Our last meeting was our fun Easter meeting. We decorated eggs, we did our QAMs and then we went on an Easter Egg hunt. QAM is Quality Animal Management. We learned a lot of this in the past but the new members hopefully learned something.
Our next meeting is April 23rd. I know we will be working on our Mothers Day Gifts and I am not sure what else we will do. We are looking for donations of fake flowers and yarn for a project. Until next time have a great day. Look at our pictures.
Written By:
Maeson Redmond
Age 8
2023 Potter-Tioga Maple Festival Pet Parade
As you may or may not know every year there is a Pet Parade at the Potter Tioga Maple Festival. Typically the parade is held on Friday evening at the Gazebo. This year the committee has decided to include the pets in the actual parade on Saturday. Line up will start at 2 with the parade beginning at 3. There will be 3 categories that the pets will be judged from and an overall Judges choice award. Prizes will be awarded!!
Categories include:
Largest
Smallest
Best pet/owner costume
Pre-registration is not required but would be greatly appreciated! I will update this post soon with the form.
Help spread the word!!!
UPMC Expert: Allergic Reactions and Their Causes
Nathaniel Hare, M.D.
Allergy and Immunology, UPMC
Allergies are the symptoms of our immune system’s defensive response to things we encounter that our body deems as “unsafe.” Most commonly, dust mites, pollen, mold, certain foods, plants, or bug stings/bites are the trigger. Allergies can put a damper on enjoying the warmer weather, time outside, and all that the season has to offer. For those who battle allergies, spring tends to be a prime time for rashes, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a list of many other symptoms.
Make the most of the season by gaining a better understanding of what’s causing your body’s response and working with your provider to better understand how to treat your symptoms and lessen your chance of encountering a trigger.
Madeline “Maddy” (Phillips) Bartlett, age 86, of Mansfield, PA
Madeline “Maddy” (Phillips) Bartlett, age 86, of Mansfield, PA, died on Monday, April 10, 2023.
She was born on December 29, 1936, in Estella, PA, a daughter of the late Walter Clyde Phillips Sr. and Myrtle (Smith) Phillips and was the wife of the late Robert L. Bartlett.
Maddy and her husband owned and operated R. L. Bartlett Trucking and the West’s Motel, Restaurant and Lounge, Mansfield, PA, for many years and she enjoyed gardening.
She is survived by two sons: Doug (Kristin B.) Broughton of MI, Martin Bartlett of TN, two daughters: Diane (Jim) West of NV, Marcia Bartlett of Mansfield, PA, two sisters: JoAnn (Amos) Osborn of Morris, PA, Nina McCarthy of Wellsboro, PA, grandchildren: Chad (Jenny) West, Brandon (Lori) West, Angela (Mike) Wenrick, Kristin M. Broughton, Katelin (Jared) Kellogg, Zachary (Marisa) Bartlett, MegAnn Bartlett, Rebecca Bartlett, and several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by a son: David Broughton.
An informal gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Mansfield Fire Hall, Mansfield, PA. Interment will be in the Welsh Settlement Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Welsh Settlement Cemetery c/o Pete Mogush, 1185 Rt. 660, Mansfield, PA 16933. Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
Ellen M. Lowry, Bolivar, NY
Ellen M. Lowry of 92 First Street, Bolivar, NY passed away on Sunday April 9, 2023 in the Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness. Born on April 23, 1964 in Bayshore, NY, she was the daughter of Clifton J. and Barbara Dunn Morris. Ellen married Paul J. Lowry on November 14, 1987 in Sayville NY; Mr. Lowry survives.
Ellen was a graduate of Sayville High School class of 1982. She received an Associate Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from New York Institute of Technology. Later Ellen received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Jamestown Community College. Ellen was employed for the past twenty-six years as a Registered Nurse and Case Manager at the Jones Memorial Hospital. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Bolivar and Kenyon Andrus Post 772 American Legion Auxiliary, Bolivar.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Brianna Marie (Christopher) Pisani, Adams Center, NY and Emily Anne Lowry, Bolivar; three grandchildren, James Michael Pettit III, Ava Marie Pettit and Jack Paul Pisani; three brothers, James (Sharon) Morris, Douglasville, GA., Kevin (Barbara) Morris, Coral Springs, FL. and Robert (Yvonne) Morris, Bolivar and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents Ellen was preceded in death by a sister Anne Marie Morris 1984.
Friends may call at the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Bolivar with Rev. James Hartwell, pastor as Celebrant.
Memorials may be made to Jones Memorial Hospital Development Council, 191 N. Main St., Wellsville, NY 14895.
To read Ellen’s full obituary, please visit www.schaffnerfuneralhome.com
Pennsylvania State Police Announce Easter Weekend Travel Enforcement Data
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police investigated 410 vehicle crashes which resulted in four fatalities and 110 injuries during the Easter holiday weekend. Alcohol was a factor in 31 crashes, none of which were fatal.
Troopers arrested 329 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and issued 15,146 traffic citations during the three days beginning April 7. Troopers cited 5,344 motorists for speeding, 481 for failing to wear a seat belt, and 80 for not securing children in safety seats.
Table 1: Easter 2023 weekend crash data, with comparison to 2022
| Year | Total Crashes | Fatal Crashes | People Killed | People Injured | Alcohol-Related Crashes | Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes |
| 2023 (3 days) | 410 | 4 | 4 | 110 | 31 | 0 |
| 2022 (3 days) | 449 | 4 | 4 | 101 | 47 | 1 |
Source: Pennsylvania State Police, 2023
Table 2: Easter 2023 weekend enforcement data, with comparison to 2022
| Year | DUI Arrests | Speeding Citations | Child Seat Citations | Seat Belt Citations | Other Citations |
| 2023 (3 days) | 329 | 5,344 | 80 | 481 | 9,241 |
| 2022 (3 days) | 341 | 4,784 | 57 | 415 | 8,234 |
Source: Pennsylvania State Police, 2023
More information on the Easter holiday enforcement, broken down by troop, is available here.
These statistics cover only those incidents investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
Bradford Man Charged With Assaulting Woman
On April 9th, 2023 at approximately 1930 hrs City of Bradford Police responded to a domestic disturbance at 38 Maplewood Avenue in the City of Bradford.
The adult female victim alleged that the defendant, Joe Smith had struck, bitten, shoved, and otherwise assaulted her causing injury to her.
Officers investigated on scene and took the defendant into custody and charged him with simple assault and harassment.
Magistrate William Todd arraigned Smith and he was remanded to McKean County Jail on $5,000 cash bail. Charges CC 2701 A1 Simple Assault (M2) CC 2709 A1 Harassment (S) Location 38 Maplewood Avenue Bradford, PA 16701 Arrest Date Apr 9, 2023 Incident Type Assault – Other Reference ID 2023-04091934
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/smith-joe-cc-2701-a1-simple-assault-m2-and-1-additional-charge
…ELEVATED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON…
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
851 AM EDT Tue Apr 11 2023
…ELEVATED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON…
A combination of dry and windy conditions this afternoon will
create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across all of Central
Pennsylvania. Minimum relative humidity values will range from 15
to 25 percent accompanied by wind gusts between 20 and 30 mph.
Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential
ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches.
If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have
the potential to spread rapidly.
For more information about wildfire danger and wildfire
prevention and education, please visit the Pennsylvania Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources website at
http://dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire.
Basic Sign Language Course in Coudersport
How many times do we encounter hearing impaired people and wish that we could communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones. Here is your opportunity to learn basic sign language that could help you or someone you care about.
This course will cover beginning sign language, the alphabet, conversational phrases and a variety of commonly used signs. In addition, basic facts essential to the correct use of the language will be addressed. A dedicated student could learn as many as 800 signs and understand signing and interpreting rules, basic deaf culture, and medical situations that cause deafness and loss of hearing. An intermediate course may be offered depending on interest.
This course will be taught by Sheri Greene and is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 25 – June 8, 2023 (not meeting the week of May 15th) from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $160/person. The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 18th. To register or for more information, visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
Potter County Housing Authority is requesting proposals for lawn care
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
The Potter County Housing Authority is requesting proposals for lawn care at our housing projects/locations for a TWO (2) YEAR TERM. The responsible Bidder will perform lawn mowing, trimming of sidewalk and building edges, as well as grass and loose tree branch cleanup. The Bidder will perform the requested work with their equipment. All Bidders’ will supply a current certificate of insurance of at least $1,000,000 liability coverage and have current vehicle insurance. Workmen’s compensation coverage must be carried on all employees, and a completed IRS tax form W-9 must be included with the bid submission. Terms of the lawn care service is as follows:
Term of contract: Year #1-April 18 to October 20, 2023. Year #2-April 19 to October 21, 2024.
Mowing Frequency: One (1) time a week if grass is 3” or over before mowing. Mowing and trimming will be completed up to two (2) times a week if needed during the period of April 18 to May 12, 2023 and April 19 to May 13, 2024. Contact Mark Tubbs for pre-approval. Second year schedule will be set weather permitting.
Lawn Clippings: Leave on lawn if not visible within one (1) day of mowing at each location. Rake and remove heavy grass and debris from lawns to designated location on site. Redwood Village requires removal of excess grass and debris from site by Bidder. Contact the Maintenance Dept. for the location.
Sidewalks: Sweep and remove all grass and debris from all sidewalks and parking lots.
Trimming: Use a Weed-Eater to trim sidewalks, building’s edge and around trees & bushes.
Bid pricing terms: Bid price should be on per mow basis per project/location.
Project location: Project Name Address
Freeman House /Garden 79 Maple View Lane, Coudersport
Redwood Village 9 Penn Avenue, Galeton
Honeoye Haven 315 N. Union St., Shinglehouse
Ulysses Family Townhouses 625 Academy Street, Ulysses
ASCS Office 109 Market St., Coudersport
PCHA Coudersport Lot #1 Damascus/Market Sts., Coudersport
MV Coudersport Lot#1 407 S. West St., Coudersport
MV Galeton Lot#1 & Lot#2 169/171 Germania St., Galeton
Please feel free to contact this agency at (814) 274-7031 extension 110 or Mark Tubbs at (315) 717-8873 to request a site visit of a project or projects before submission of your proposal. The safety of our Residents is critical while mowing at each location. Please feel free to contact Richard Duzick at (814) 274-7031 ext. 110 with any questions pertaining to the proposal request and/or to receive a bid packet for your review and completion. Please return your bid proposals to the Potter County Housing Authority at 109 Market St., Coudersport, PA by April 13, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. Please mark the envelope “lawn care” or fax or email your bid proposal to (814) 274-0738 or pcha1@zitomedia.net by the same deadline. The Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, and to waive any informalities in the bid process. The Authority reserves the right to terminate this contract due to financial funding changes. The PCHA looks forward to receiving bids from Section 3, Minority or Female-Owned Businesses.
