The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded two generous grants, totaling $32,880, from the George & Margaret Mee Foundation and the Emporium Foundation. Each organization has provided $16,440 to enable the library to undergo a complete overhaul of its technology systems, benefitting patrons and staff alike.

In the coming months, the library will introduce brand-new patron access computers equipped with advanced capabilities, including video conferencing, digital editing tools, and other specialized software designed to meet the needs of a tech-savvy community. The upgrades will not only enhance the user experience but will also empower patrons to connect, create, and explore in innovative ways.

The New York State Police is warning the public of a nationwide automated sextortion scam in which scammers use people’s email address to coerce payments using intimidation and threats of embarrassment.

Scammers obtain emails and other personal information purchased illegally on the dark web to contact victims, stating that they have the victim’s personal information, and often will include a photo of the victim’s residence, and instructions to make payment in Bitcoin to avoid repercussions.

The scammers will also threaten to publicly embarrass and convince the victim that they have installed software on their phone, tablet, or computer, have access to their personal accounts and are tracking their internet use.

To get the victim to act quickly, the scammer claims they possess images of the victim viewing pornographic material and threatens to disclose this content to everyone in their contact list within 24‐48 hours unless they pay in Bitcoin to have the content deleted.

Despite these claims, the scammer does not have access to the victim’s device or personal information.

If you receive one of these emails, do not engage or share any personal information such as birthdates, phone numbers, social security numbers or any financial information.

Victims should block the sender, delete the email, and report it through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) www.ic3.gov.

If someone believes that they are the victim of sextortion or identity theft, the FBI encourages them to report it by contacting their local FBI office or calling 1‐800‐CALL‐FBI. The New York State Police (NYSP) or local law enforcement agencies can also assist with criminal investigations.

A NEW FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IS OPEN AT THE PENN-YORK RETREAT CENTER IN ULYSSES, PENNSYLVANIA.

IF YOU LIVE IN LYCOMING, POTTER, TIOGA OR UNION COUNTIES AND WERE IMPACTED BY TROPICAL STORM DEBBY ON AUGUST 9-10, THIS IS A PLACE YOU CAN GO TO FIND OUT IF YOU’RE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE FROM FEMA.  

FEMA MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU PAY FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING, HOME REPAIRS, RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER NEEDS CAUSED BY THE DISASTER.

((Address: -Penn-York Retreat Center, 266 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948, Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.))

THE DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 8 AM TO 6PM.

FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS ARE ALREADY UP AND RUNNING IN TIOGA, UNION AND LYCOMING COUNTIES.

YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-621-3362, DOWNLOAD THE FEMA APP OR GO TO DISASTER ASSISTANCE DOT GOV TO REGISTER FOR ASSISTANCE.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE IS NOVEMBER 12.

On September 27, at 1:43 pm Clarksville and Portville were dispatched to 8825 County Road 5 for a serious single vehicle crash with three patients with extensive injuries. Mercy Flight has been dispatched. Bolivar has been dispatched to shut down County Road 5 to shut down the road.

Saturday, October 5th 2024…Don’t Miss the Motorcycle Ride and Fundraiser to Benefit the Family of Robert Kalacinski. Bob passed away unexpectedly on June 3,2024-he served proudly in the U.5. Air Force and was currently serving as Commander of the Raymond Richar Post 6611 in Galeton, PA.

Bob leaves behind his wife Barbara, 5 children: Bobby, Taylor, Micah, Aaliyah, Maria as well as many family members and cherished friends. The Fundraiser and Registration for the Ride will be held at the Raymond Richar VFW Post 6511, located at 221 Germania St. Galeton, PA. Registration for the Motorcycle Ride (which is open to cars and trucks as well) will be held from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. A donation of S25. For a single rider/ $30 per couple and $10.00 per person for cars and trucks participating…meal is included with the registration.

A huge turnout was on hand for the  Artistry on the Allegheny held Saturday at the former PC building and parking lot.  Brenda Freeman Sawyer’s Art Exhibit captivated the audience with colorful paintings and intricate mosaics.  The Historical Fire Engine Showcase featured a collection of historical fire trucks from years gone by and the Port Allegany Fire Department Star Hose Company #1 sponsored a “Touch a Truck”.  The night ended with a Chef’s Table  with food from Eddie’s on Main.  Brokenstraw  Valley Winery from Youngsville served wines from their Bottling House. 

A flu shot is your best shot to beat the flu. There are many different strains of influenza (flu), and which types are most prevalent during flu season can change every year, so it is important to get your flu shot annually. Flu shots can help prevent you from catching certain types of flu and make flu symptoms milder.

Laurel Health will offer drive-through community flu shot clinics at Laurel Pediatrics and all eight Laurel Health Center locations throughout October. Participants are encouraged to schedule ahead with the Laurel Health location of their choice, but walk-ins can be accommodated. You do not have to be an established Laurel Health patient to schedule your flu vaccine at one of these drive-through clinics.

Coudersport, Pa., September 27, 2024 – Jose Quesada-Olarte, M.D., has recently joined the urology team at UPMC Cole.

Dr. Quesada-Olarte completed a urology fellowship in sexual medicine at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla. He also completed additional fellowships and practiced at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

“Urology is a commitment to improving the quality of the lives of our patients,” said Dr. Quesada-Olarte. “By addressing the complex and often sensitive issues of the urinary and reproductive systems, I look forward to restoring comfort, dignity, and well-being, one personalized treatment at a time.”

Jose Quesada-Olarte, M.D., sees patients at UPMC Cole, 1001 E. 2ndSt., Coudersport. To make an appointment with Dr. Quesada-Olarte, call 814-274-7474. To learn more about UPMC in North Central Pa. urology services, go to UPMC.com/UrologyNCPA.

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) is again offering area veterans the opportunity to work with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they get the services and support they need.

Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule is as follows:

James O’Shea, Training & Ops Officer for Potter County Department of Emergency Services, is upping his credentials. O’Shea earned his Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)  Staff Associate Certification, the county announced Wednesday.

This Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro, the 76th Season of the Wellsboro Community Concert Association will open with a concert by Lovelight, the premier Grateful Dead Tribute Band.