Coudersport artist, Laurie Angood is offering two classes this month for young students, 8 years old and up. A holiday painting party will be held Thursday, December 8 from 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm and Saturday December 10, from 1:00 to 2:45 pm at the Potter County Artisan Co-op located at 227 N. Main Street, Coudersport. Students will be designing and painting a 3”x3” canvas in acrylic. Class size is limited. Registration is required. Cost is $15.00 and all materials are included. To register, call the Artisan Co-op at 814-274-8165 or Angood at 480-459-1503.
Cherry Springs State Park is presenting three free programs for the public in December. The first two programs are virtual and the last one will be held in person at the park.
“Meteors Demystified” is Tuesday, Dec. 13
There’s a meteor, and another, and another! Through the timely 30-minute virtual program “Meteors Demystified” being held on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. learn about the Geminid Meteor Shower, such as the causes of the Geminids and other meteor showers and our fascination with “shooting stars.” The Geminid Meteor Shower peaks in mid-December just days after this program and is one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year, producing as many as 120 meteors per hour. Find out what you can expect to see during the Geminids Meteor Shower, and come away with some viewing tips and better insight into why it’s all happening. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. This presentation is best viewed on a desktop or larger tablet. Note: This program does NOT take place at the park. Register at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park and program title.
“Know Before You Go – Stargazing” is Dec. 20 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The 30-minute virtual program “Know Before You Go – Stargazing,” designed for first-time or novice stargazers, is being held twice on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The programs are identical. Find out what you need to know about Cherry Springs State Park before you visit, such as what to bring, how to best plan for an evening of stargazing, and how to observe several objects in the night sky. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. This presentation is best viewed on a desktop or larger tablet. Note: This program does NOT take place at the park. Register at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park and program title.
In-Person New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk is Saturday, Dec. 31
Wrap up 2022 with a starry evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44. People of all ages are invited to join the park educator for the one-hour, in-person, 1.5-mile New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk along level ground in the night sky public viewing area. Snowshoes will be available if conditions require. Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. The program will end by 7:30 p.m. leaving time for New Year’s Eve plans. Wear warm clothes and sturdy winter boots. Registration is NOT required.
If there is a problem with registering online or for information about these free programs, call (814) 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.
Joanna Deming Stickler, age 87, of Lawrenceville, PA passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022 at Williamsport North Nursing Facility in Williamsport, PA.
Born on August 9, 1935 in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter to John A. Sr. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Woodford) Deming. Joanna married her high school sweetheart, Lester George Stickler, Jr. on December 4, 1953. They were just six days shy of celebrating 69 wonderful years of marriage together.
Joanna worked as a secretary for Bostwick Motor Sales in Lawrenceville, PA, but most of her life’s work was at home, as a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, preserving food, identifying plants, fishing, crocheting, photography, bird watching, and being hospitable to family and friends. She was also a member of the National Audubon Society, the East Lawrenceville Cemetery Association, and the East Lawrence Baptist Church.
Joanna is survived by her loving husband, George; two children, Mary K. Monger, and Michael Stickler, both of Lawrenceville, PA; seven grandchildren, David (Jill) Trimble, Jolene (Joe) Stickler-White, Dorothy (T.J.) Scott, Charlie (Jessica) Monger, Elizabeth (James) Caldwell, Andrew Takano, Aaron Bliss; many great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a son-in-law, Takashi Takano.
She was preceeded by her mother and father; a daughter, Dr. Jeanne Takano, and brother John “Jack” Deming Jr.
Family and friends are called to join a memorial service on December 17, 2022 at 1:30 PM at Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St., Elkland, PA. Burial will be in East Lawrence Cemetery at a later date.
Open Arms Church will host its annual Christmas Eve’s Eve services on Dec. 23.
The services will include music and message at 6 pm and 8 pm at 1289 E. Main St. in Foster Township, and videos at 6 pm at 105 Smith Avenue, Port Allegany.
“We celebrate every year as a church on Christmas Eve’s Eve to come together to remember the birth of our Savior, the light in the darkness,” said Lead Pastor Zoe Hatcher.“We will have a great time of worship, message and reflection. We encourage you to bring friends and family to join us.”
Transportation is being provided for the 6 pm service to Open Arms Bradford. Pick-up times and locations are 5:30 pm at the Barbour Street public housing area near the VFW Bradford Post 212; 5:35 pm at Marilyn Horne Hall at Marilyn Horne Way; 5:40 pm at the Tops entrance at 150 East Main St.; and 5:45 pm at Togi’s Sub Station at 402 East Main St.
The 6 pm service will also be streamed on the church’s Facebook and YouTube pages for Open Arms Bradford.
The regular monthly meeting for December of the Liberty Township Supervisors is cancelled for Thursday and will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 8:30 A.M.
At 1:07 PM on Thursday, Friendship Fire Dept. has been dispatched to I-86 Eastbound for a vehicle fire. Fire Chief on location reports it appears the fire is out. The occupant is out of the vehicle.
At 1:02 PM on Thursday, Lawrenceville & Tioga Fire Depts have been dispatched to a crash on Buckley Hollow Road in Lawrence Township. Vehicle into a pole. Pole & wires down. Roadway is blocked.
Francis “Manny” Gerhart of Kane, PA passed away peacefully at his residence and went home to be with the Lord early Saturday morning, November 26, 2022.
Manny was born in Leeper, Pennsylvania on July 7, 1935. He was the son of Louis L. and Sarah Heasley Gerhart Sr., and the brother to ten siblings.
Manny, a lifetime resident of Kane graduated from the Kane Area High School in 1954. He was an avid basketball player and part of the 1953-54 District Champion basketball team. He married his beloved wife of 61 years, Donna (Dunkle) on August 12, 1961.
On April 1, 1958 through March 16, 1960 he was enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany as a clerk. Manny’s “claim to fame” was meeting Elvis Presley while stationed overseas and loved to share this story. Manny eventually transferred from active duty into the Army National Guard serving for three years in Company D, (Forward Support), 728th Maintenance Battalion, 28th Infantry Division located in Kane, as an Ordnance Supply Specialist. While serving in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, he attained the rank of Specialist 4 prior to receiving an Honorable Discharge from the military.
Manny was a supervisor at Houston Electronics Corporation in Kane both prior to and after his military enlistment until the company closed in the 1990s. He then enjoyed driving for IU9 across local towns during his early retirement years.
Manny was a true sports enthusiast. Whether rooting for the Kane Wolves, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins he enjoyed watching almost any kind of sporting event, many times watching multiple games simultaneously by flipping the TV channels to keep track of scores. He participated in fantasy football pools with friends and had his name added to the trophy after winning the pool on a couple occasions. He loved the community of Kane and could often be found having coffee with friends and visiting local shops. His quick-witted humorous remarks will be missed by everyone.
More than anything, Manny was extremely proud of and loved spending time with his twin daughters and six grandchildren. “Papa” was his family’s rock and will greatly be missed by them.
Manny is survived by his wife, Donna, twin daughters, Lori A. Trunzo of Pittsburgh, PA; Lisa M. McCord and her husband Alan of Hollsopple, PA; six grandchildren, Laurel (Pierotti) and Dylan Hyman, Kaleb Pierotti, Kyle Pierotti, Kieran Pierotti, all of Pittsburgh; Kristen McCord and Amber McCord of Hollsopple, PA; one sister Pearl “Sissy” Benson of Kane; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers Louis, Milton, Thomas, Frank, Robert and John; and three sisters Jane Reed, Gloria Swanson and Martha Kwiatowski.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family requests donations be made in honor of Manny’s memory to either the First United Methodist Church of Kane or the Kane Volunteer Fire Department.
The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of services.
At 12:14 PM on Thursday, Lewis Run Fire Dept. & City ambulance dispatched to the bridge at 59 Main Street for a vehicle into the creek. One occupant is self-extricated with possible minor injuries.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Nov. 30) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced that none of the water samples collected in Presque Isle Bay, Erie County, during October 2022 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) contained environmental DNA (eDNA) of Silver Carp or Bighead Carp.
Invasive carp, including Bighead Carp and Silver Carp, pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem, the $7 billion-fishery, and other economic interests dependent on the Great Lakes and its tributaries. Bighead and Silver Carp compete with native and recreational fish species and are known to quickly reproduce. Anglers are urged to become familiar with the identification of invasive carp, including both adults and juveniles, as the spread of juvenile invasive carp using live bait buckets has been identified as a potential point of entry into Great Lakes waters.
To learn more about invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species, visit the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com) or www.invasivecarp.us. Members of the public can report sightings of aquatic invasive species to the PFBC using an online form: https://pfbc.pa.gov/forms/reportAIS.htm.
At 11:54 AM on Thursday, Coudersport Fire rescue & EMS have been dispatched to 762 North Main Street in front of Vinny’s Tavern for a 2 vehicle crash with severe damage. Three patients are reported.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (December 1) – Whether it’s the holiday season or next year’s fishing season already on your mind, anglers can start gearing up today by purchasing their 2023 Pennsylvania fishing license, permits, and gift vouchers!
Beginning December 1, 2022, fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers for the 2023 season can be purchased through the HuntFishPA online portal on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) website (Fishandboat.com), on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2023 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023.
“A fishing license is truly your ticket to outdoor fun for the whole year,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Whether you’re purchasing a license for yourself, or a voucher to give as a gift to a family member or friend, you’ll be opening the door to fishing adventures that can become lifelong memories. Purchasing a license now ensures that you’ll be covered for every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year.”
Fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers can be purchased easily, conveniently, and safely online from your computer or smart phone. Licenses may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. While many customers still prefer to purchase fishing licenses in person from local issuing agents, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
“Introducing someone new to fishing can be very rewarding and purchasing a fishing license gift voucher is an easy way to get a new angler started,” added Schaeffer. “Vouchers are also great gift ideas for active anglers, or maybe someone who likes to fish but hasn’t been out on the water for a while. The gift of a voucher might be just what they need to rediscover their passion for fishing and join you next season.”
Once again for the 2023 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year’s button features a vibrant yellow background with the PFBC logo. In 2023, a limited-edition production of 10,000 buttons will be produced, and customers will receive a randomly numbered button between 00001-10000. Please note that buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
In 2023, anglers who visit a license issuing agent in person can receive the Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. The book outlines current fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits, and safety information, and includes advertising and coupons. A digital version of these publications can be viewed and printed for free on the PFBC website, or viewed on the FishBoatPA mobile app. Customers should note that 2023 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbooks are still being shipped to retail locations in early December and may not be immediately available at all locations. Customers should access the free online version or return to a retail location later for a free printed copy.
Voluntary Permits
Customers who purchase a 2023 fishing license can once again support their favorite PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout/Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective program. Thanks to the generosity of anglers, the PFBC has invested more than $520,000 into special projects funded by the sale of voluntary permits since 2019.
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in any special youth opportunities throughout the 2023 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
The PFBC is a user-funded agency that operates primarily on funds generated through the sale of fishing licenses, boating registrations, and associated fees. The PFBC receives no Pennsylvania General Fund tax revenue to support its programs.
The PFBC reminds anglers and boaters to protect themselves by always wearing a life jacket during the fall and winter months. From November 1 through April 30, all boaters aboard boats less than 16 feet, including all kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, are required to wear a life jacket. Anglers should also wear a life jacket while ice fishing.
Important 2023 Fishing Dates:
December 1 (2022) – 2023 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses, permits, and vouchers on sale
March 25, 2023 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
April 1, 2023 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
The Education Council has an opening for a part-time Career and Vocational Mentor (“Mentor”). If you enjoy working with students and would welcome the opportunity to have a positive impact on the next generation, this position may be a good fit for you!
The Career Mentor Program was developed to help all students establish career paths and connections before they leave school. Mentors work closely with school counselors in school districts to introduce students to career opportunities. They assist school counselors with career activities and help develop opportunities for job shadowing, apprenticeships, internships, mock interviews, and more. Mentors coordinate guest speakers within the school environment to improve the students’ knowledge about specific career paths, such as required education or training, salary, duties, etc. They also assist with completing end of school year surveys with graduating high school seniors.
Mentors are passionate and self-motivated. Their job is interesting, and they make a difference in the lives of students. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Mr. Bob Wicker, Business Education Liaison, Potter County Education Council, at (814) 274-4877.
Galeton weather for November was fairly normal. Daytime highs were mainly in the 40s and morning lows were in the 20’s . However, it did hit 60 on the 6th and it dropped into the teens from the 19th through the 24th. We reported 6 foggy mornings. Tomorrow is the beginning of meteorological winter. The lawnmower may officially be put away until spring unless of course you would like to have them set outside to look at as a reminder that mowing season will be just around the corner. Now is the season when snow shovels should be brought out and a snow blower or blade installed on the tractor. Just a reminder. Now to get back to the details of the November report.
The average high temperature is 45 degrees and the average low is 28 degrees. The average rainfall total is 3.07″ This year we received 4.69″ and last year we recorded 1.63″ Snowfall. This year we received 4.3″ last year 5.2″ We had 2 days with 1″ or more snow on the ground with the greatest depth of 3″ on the 16th. We had 5 days with at least a trace of snow on the ground. In three weeks we will begin to see longer days.
Real estate taxes in Potter County are expected remain at their current rate for a fifth straight year in 2023.
In addition, Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel have decided not to collect the $5.00 per-capita tax that many other counties levy.
Actions will be finalized at the commissioners’ year-end meeting next month.
A copy of the drafted 2023 operating budget will be available for public review at the commissioners administrative office in the Gunzburger Building beginning on Nov. 30.
Under the spending plan, real estate taxes would be 18.5 mills. A mill is one-tenth of one percent, levied against a property’s assessed value. Because state law prohibits county governments from levying an income tax, property owners bear the heaviest tax burden.
