Summer nights in Pennsylvania are a spectacular experience: cool air, countless stars, and the chorus of bugs set a peaceful scene after a hard day’s work for many people across the commonwealth. However, fireflies, an icon of these nights, have been noticeably scarce or even absent in recent years, spurring an alarm for anyone who enjoys watching them.

Fireflies, or lightning bugs, are a favorite of many people in the summer. Kids collect jars of them, and adults like myself love to sit and watch the hypnotic show they perform as the sun fades behind our rolling hills, and the moon begins to rise and illuminate the night sky. These beloved bugs may have been few and far between in the past few weeks, causing many to notice their vacancy among the darkness.

These insects, which are beetles despite the common names firefly and lightning bug, are truly incredible. The captivating ritual they perform at night catches not only our attention, but also the attention of other fireflies nearby. This allows them to find mates to further supply our night with a light show that can only be described as breathtaking.

To this day, Dr. Betsey Abbey Eggler is not sure who it was who changed her life.

A 1967 graduate of Smethport Area High School, she was smart and especially good at science. After graduation, she had a job offer to work at a lab in Bradford. She was just about ready to start that job when she got a call from the four-year-old University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She was offered full tuition, room and board, but never knew who had put up the money.

By contrast, the students who benefit from a new chemistry research fund named for her will know who helped them. The Betsey Abbey Eggler Undergraduate Chemistry Research Fund was created with a $100,000 gift from Betsey and her husband, Dr. David Eggler. Eggler scholars may even have met their donor.

Penn State Extension will offer in-person food preservation workshops in Potter County this July. 

Instructors will present research-backed information to help dispel food preservation myths, point out unsafe practices and offer practical tips to ensure a positive experience when preserving food at home. These workshops will help attendees — whether seasoned experts or beginners — to gain valuable food-preservation skills. 

— Home Food Preservation: Atmospheric Steam Canning. Participants can learn the basics of atmospheric steam canning. Instructors will present recommendations on acidifying tomatoes, the use of salt and sugar, and principles of canning high-acid foods such as tomatoes, pickles, salsa, fruits, jams, and jellies. This session will be held from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17 at the Penn State Extension office, 216 Gunzburger Building, 1 North Main St., Coudersport. The cost is $15. Registration is required at https://extension.psu.edu/home-food-preservation-atmospheric-steam-canning. To register by phone or receive more information, call 877-345-0691.

— Home Food Preservation: Freezing. Although freezing is a long-established method to preserve foods, recent advances have deepened our understanding of the science behind it. This session will provide preparation tips and safe processing methods for successfully preserving foods via freezing at home. The 90-minute workshop will start at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17 at the Penn State Extension office, 216 Gunzburger Building, 1 North Main St., Coudersport. The cost is $15. Registration is required at https://extension.psu.edu/home-food-preservation-freezing-workshop . To register by phone or receive more information, call 877-345-0691.

During the break between workshops, pressure canner gauge testing will be offered free of charge. Please call the Coudersport Extension office at 274-8540 x100 to reserve a 10-minute time slot for testing between 4:30 and 5:30 pm.

Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan opens Thursday, July 10 and runs till Sunday, July 13, with five performances. Hamilton-Gibson Productions brings a cast of over 50 to the Straughn Auditorium stage at Commonwealth University-Mansfield’s campus. Evening shows are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm and matinees are Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm. 

2 Day Estate Sale! July 11th & 12th. Friday and Saturday 9am to 5pm

320 Main St. Hazel Hurst, PA

Woodworking tools, crafting & sewing items, some leather tooling, Gibson guitar, Squire guitars, mandolin, violins/fiddle, harmonicas, Hand tools, power tools, generator,  extension, ladder, dressers, excellent condition standalone kitchen cabinets, kitchen items, many unique books, collectibles, Fender Amp, Blackheart amp, miscellaneous amps, speakers, speaker stands, microphones, guitar, pedals, compressor, miscellaneous wood, hunting & fishing items,  gardening items, knives, vintage chest freezer that works, gas stove, piano, and so much more! 

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Mount Jewett man sentenced to 12 years to 24 years plus 3 years of consecutive probation after his conviction at a jury trial of committing sex crimes against two minor children has had his request to be released to hospice care denied.  McKean County Judge Pavlock denied the request of Kevin BROWN to be placed in hospice at the residence of his wife.  BROWN appealed the Judge’s denial of his motion without first holding a hearing.  The Superior Court affirmed the Judge’s denial without a hearing noting that the Judge found that release of BROWN to the residence of his wife where the crimes occurred would pose an undue risk of escape or danger to the community.  No hearing was necessary for the court to decide the matter. The Superior Court agreed with the Judge’s findings.

Registration is now open at cattaraugusgives.org

Cattaraugus Gives, powered by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, will return this year on Giving Tuesday, December 2, to support Cattaraugus County nonprofit organizations.

Registration is open to area nonprofits at cattaraugusgives.org.

The high-energy online fundraising event invites 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Cattaraugus County and CRCF funds to collaborate, compete and raise critical dollars for their missions.

Last year, 96 participating organizations raised $331,512 in just one day – contributing to the more than $1.5 million raised since the initiative began in 2018.

In addition to donations, nonprofits compete for cash prizes throughout the event. In 2024, CRCF awarded $23,350 in bonus prizes, further boosting the impact of local campaigns.

Beacon Light Behavioral Health System (BLBHS), an affiliate of Journey Health System, is pleased to announce a new outpatient clinic at 23 Kennedy Street inside Bradford’s Old City Hall building. BLBHS will also continue to serve clients at its established clinic in Warren, Pennsylvania. This expansion will further enhance BLBHS’s goal to provide comprehensive mental health care to consumers of all ages across the region.

Behavioral health services and evidence-based treatments will be provided by Joshua Halbauer, MD, a seasoned psychiatrist with over 26 years of experience in the field, along with a dedicated team of professionals.

Hello, my name is Saige Causer and I am a Life Scout currently working on my Eagle Project. I am working with Pfeiffer Nature Center out of Portville, New York to make picnic tables that can accommodate mobility aids.

Pfeiffer has nature trails that can accommodate different types of mobility aids such as wheelchairs. The style of picnic table I am making has gaps at the edges of the seats so mobility aids can be placed right beside the benches.

My goal is to make 6 of these picnic tables, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature without having to deal with unnecessary obstacles. 

Donations will go towards the materials, safety equipment, tools, and other supplies and will be handled by my mother, Randi Causer because I am under the age of 18. 

If you have any questions relating to the project, interest in helping build the tables, or where in depth the funds will go, I am available to answer.

Thank you!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/saige-causer-eagle-project-accessible-together?attribution_id=sl:0941d7fb-658f-47ba-ba69-957aaf4f9801&lang=en_US&ts=1751572482&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_t2-amp15_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&v=amp14_t2

BRADFORD, Pa. — The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and Northeast College of Health Sciences have a new partnership to give students a faster, more affordable path to earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. New articulation agreements between the schools make it easier for Pitt-Bradford students to transfer into Northeast’s chiropractic program.

The new 4+3 program lets eligible students earn both a bachelor’s degree from Pitt-Bradford and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Northeast in just seven years—one year faster than usual—and guarantees their admission to Northeast’s program. Students majoring in biology, chemistry, environmental science, exercise science or physical sciences are eligible, along with those pursuing a pre-professional program such as pre-chiropractic, pre-nutrition or pre-veterinary medicine.

Fannie Ruth Thomas Cobb, 98, a longtime resident of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at Grand Brook Memory Care in Fishers, Indiana. Born on January 17, 1927, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of Pearl and John Thomas.

She was united in marriage to Calvin Cobb on March 7, 1953. They shared a loving and devoted partnership until his passing in 2019.

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a roadway project scheduled to start soon will close a portion of Route 125 in Coal Township, Northumberland County.

Between Monday, July 14, 2025, and Sunday, July 27, 2025, Route 125 will be closed between Point Breeze Road (Route 3004) and Bear Valley Road, while the contractor installs a culvert under Route 125. Work on the project includes installation of the culvert, paving, and line painting.

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a highway resurfacing project impacting Route 1010 (Genesee Mills Road) in Genesee and Bingham townships in Potter County will begin Monday, July 7. This project will improve ride quality and extend the service life of nearly 12 miles of roadway across three roads in Potter and McKean counties.

While the contractor completes this work, the road will be closed between Route 244 and Route 1013 (Bingham Center Road). Traffic will follow a detour using Route 244, Route 449, Route 1018 (Winter Green Road), Route 1011 (Hickox/Ulysses Road), and Bingham Center Road) around the work zone.

PennDOT to Close West Washington Street for Bridge Replacement July 7

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a detour will go into place on Monday, July 7, as work begins to replace a bridge on Route 346 (West Washington Street) spanning Gates Hollow Run in Bradford Township, McKean County. Replacing the bridge will improve ride quality and enhance safety.

Once the bridge closes on Monday, drivers will follow a detour using Corydon Street and Dorothy Lane to navigate around the closure. Additionally, PennDOT notes there will be no parking permitted along West Corydon Street between South Avenue and Bushnell Street while work is completed.

Overall work includes replacement of the existing structure, approach paving, drainage improvements, guiderail installation, application of paving markings, and miscellaneous construction. Bob Cummins Construction of Bradford, PA, is the contractor on this $1.4 million project. PennDOT expects the detour to be in place for approximately three weeks. All work is weather-dependent.

Motorists are advised a bridge preservation project will continue next week in Lycoming County.

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised a bridge preservation project will continue next week in Lycoming County. This project provides preservation work on 12 state-owned bridges throughout the county. Work includes bridge deck repair, the application of a waterproof membrane, paving, and line painting.

The week of July 7, 2025, the contractor will be placing temporary traffic control signals and will begin milling on the following bridge.

Route 44

• Crews will be working on the bridge over Pine Creek, located 0.8 miles south of Route 414 in Cummings Township. 

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking dedicated, civic-minded individuals to join in its effort to clean up litter along Pennsylvania’s highways through its Adopt a Highway (AAH) Program. Under the program, individual volunteers or civic organizations enter a two-year agreement to collect litter at least twice a year along stretches of state-owned roadway.

PennDOT provides access to safety training for volunteers along with gloves, safety vests, trash bags, and, if requested, highway warning signs for use during litter pick-ups. It also notifies Pennsylvania State Police of all scheduled events, collects bagged litter from the roadside following pick-up events, and posts roadway signage in recognition of the volunteer efforts.

Participants must be age eight or older, and there must be at least one adult age 18 or older for every eight minors (age 17 or younger). Minors must also have parental permission to participate.

Full Depth Reclamation Planned on Bear Hollow Road in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised All Saints Road (T-462), Bear Hollow Road (T-800), and a portion of Happy Valley Road (T-302) will be closed in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County, for a full depth reclamation project.

Starting on Monday, July 14, 2025, Ralpho Township, will begin work on a full depth reclamation on Bear Hollow Road. Motorists can expect the following closures for the duration of the project. The project is anticipated to be completed in August 2025, weather permitting.

          BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – During the month of July, Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are offering a variety of classes and support groups designed to provide health education, encouragement and community connection.

The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Workshop helps individuals take charge of their diabetes with expert guidance and support. The comprehensive program at OGH covers key aspects of diabetes self-care, including meal planning, medication management and lifestyle strategies. The workshop will take place in the OGH Education Center on the first floor. The dates and times are as follows:

HARRISBURG, Pa. –The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that the parking lot and boat ramp at Upper Woods Pond in Lebanon Township, Wayne County, will be temporarily closed from July 21-24, 2025.

During this time, improvements will be made to the access road and boat ramp.

While work is being completed at Upper Woods Pond, anglers and boaters can continue to find local fishing and boating access at Lower Woods Pond nearby.

The PFBC thanks the public for their patience and understanding as these improvements are completed.​

Coudersport Rotary Club’s newest member, Jared Empson receives his dinner badge at our June 2, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill.

Jared, a native of Coudersport, PA, is an IT Systems Engineer and has been very involved in local theater everywhere he has lived over the years.

Welcome to our newest member!

Weekend in the Wilds drew thousands to events and businesses over the weekend.  The 2-days of festivities began Friday and concluded Saturday evening with a new venue for the fireworks.  The event organized by the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce coordinates activities for each day and works with businesses and non-profits to provide a weekend filled with events.

Two bands featuring young musicians kicked off the event Friday evening.  The crowd enjoyed the music and purchased sweet treats from a local vendor.  Saturday brought out a slew of Big Foot Hunters hoping to capture the elusive feet!  Mountaineer Search & Rescue officials say this year everyone with a license received a t-shirt and the successful hunters took home prizes donated by Cameron County businesses.  The sidewalks and streets heated up as the temperature rose.  The thermometer reached nearly 90 during the vendor event which drew more than 50 to set up booths.  Many headed to Smokers Insane Terrain Offroad Park for the smash and crash car mud race.  That event continued until 7pm.  Food trucks and open fields for pick up games of football, horseshoes and other activities kept the crowd busy until fireworks blasted off around 9:30.