PennDOT continues to focus on enforcement and education to improve traffic safety

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that the number of people who lost their lives on Pennsylvania highways decreased to 1,127 in 2024, the second lowest since record keeping began in 1928 and 82 less than in 2023.

“While this decrease in fatalities is certainly good news, even one life lost is one too many,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “PennDOT will continue to work with our partners to decrease traffic deaths through education and outreach, but we will only get to zero fatalities when everyone works together. Please pay attention when you are driving, always follow the speed limit, and never drive impaired. And buckle up! Your seat belt can save your life in a crash.”

As part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians, PennDOT annually invests approximately $32.4 million statewide in federal grant funds in behavioral safety programs to reduce fatalities and serious injuries. In addition to behavioral safety, PennDOT focuses on infrastructure improvements. Approximately $591 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds were invested in 392 unique safety projects from 2020 to 2024. During that same time, another $50 million in state funds was invested in low-cost safety improvements at over a thousand locations – which include centerline and edge-line rumble strips, warning signs and pavement markings, and high friction surface treatments.

Seven long-time employees of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will be retiring before the end of summer, including some of the longest-serving members of the staff and faculty.

All told, Bill Kline, Dr. David Soriano, Leasa Maley, Dr. Don Ulin, Pat Frantz Cercone, Jody Randolph and Dr. Nancy McCabe have a combined 218 years of service at the university.

“Each retiree has left a unique imprint – whether in the classroom, behind the scenes or out in the community representing our values,” said Richard Esch, president of Pitt-Bradford, at a reception held for retirees last month.

Kline, director of computer, telecommunications and media services is the longest-serving staff member at Pitt-Bradford. He and Soriano, associate professor of chemistry, both began working at Pitt-Bradford in 1984.

ATTENTION WATER CUSTOMERS! The Boil Water Advisory has been LIFTED. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

April weather was more like March. “just enough spring to ———” It was  a drier than average month and very windy. However, we did have some April showers with measurable precipitation on 14 days.  Morning temperatures were mainly in the 30s except a few 40’s were were recorded. Afternoon readings were in the 60’s except the 70’s did show up in the final week.

Of course lawn mowers were heard in early April guided by the thinking that one must start mowing in April whether the grass needs it or not.  More serious and realistic mowing started mid to late month.

We had three thunderstorms in April and serious hail on the 16th.  Damaging winds were noted on the 16th and 29th. The power was off in parts of town on the 29th and 30th. Driving over Denton Hill on the 15th it looked more like January with white ground cover.Last April we received 5.72″ of rain and this year the total rainfall and melted snow was 3.43′ with 0.5″ of snow.

The flowering bushes and trees are very nice this year.  May flowers are showing up too.
Get ready for summer. It will be arriving soon.

Henry W. Lush

National Weather Service Observer

Excellence in Law Enforcement:

The Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Officer of the Year Award was presented to WCO Chad Lauer, whose district includes Tioga County in the Northcentral Region.  In 2024, WCO Lauer’s exemplary law enforcement efforts included 46 days of onboard boat patrols, 600 boardings, the investigation of 12 environmental incidents, and the investigation of timber theft from PFBC property resulting in charges being filed.  Additionally, WCO Lauer participated in multiple public educational events in his district.  Lauer is a 2016 graduate of the PFBC’s H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety.

During the month of May, 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.

Whether you are managing a newly diagnosed health condition, grieving the loss of a loved one or caring for a loved one, programs offer valuable guidance and are open to the public.

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:

Closures: The library will be closed on Saturday, May 24th, for the holiday weekend. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, May 27th. 

Music Story Hours In Memory of Pen: Join us at the library on Friday, May 16th, 23rd, & 30th at 10:00 am for special story hours in memory of long-time volunteer, Pen Yunghans, with special guest Mrs. Beth Lewis! 

Mycology 101: Have you ever wanted to forage for mushrooms but aren’t sure which ones are safe? Join us at the library on Tuesday, May 13th at 5:00 pm for Mycology 101! Mycology Educator Sam Warren will present how mushrooms are used in our food, medicine, and ecosystems! Limited seating is available! Please call or stop in to sign up! 814-697-6691

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.” 

Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, particularly those who defended our country. Historically, every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities.  Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other activities.

During May 2025, the Office for the Aging will be honoring older adults across Allegany County by hosting May parties at each of the Office for the Aging’s Congregate Luncheon centers. We invite you to join us in celebrating Older Americans by sharing a great meal while enjoying guest speakers and/or entertainment with your friends, family, and peers. Join us at any of our 9 site May Parties! Locations, dates and times are as follows;

BRADFORD, Pa–As Journey Health System (JHS) welcomes the month of May, their affiliates are coming together to recognize National Mental Health Awareness Month. Their theme this year, “There is help, There is hope.” serves as a reminder of the important link between mental health and overall well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in four adults in the United States lives with a mental health condition.

PUC Reminds Residents: Safety First, Especially Around Downed Wires, Generators, and Storm Cleanup

HARRISBURG – Following a powerful and fast-moving storm system that swept across much of Pennsylvania, causing widespread damage to electric utility infrastructure, roadways, and telecommunications networks, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents to remain alert, informed, and cautious during the ongoing recovery process.

Maintenance Project This Weekend on Route 61 and I-80 in Northumberland and Union Counties

Montoursville – Motorists in Northumberland and Union counties are advised a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) contractor will be working along Route 61 and Interstate 80 this weekend.

On Saturday, May 3, 2025 and Sunday, May 4, 2025, the contractor, Chase Enterprises, will be applying herbicide along roadways in the following locations: