RIDGWAY – The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (North Central) is pleased to announce that Elise Grovanz is now a graduate of Leadership Elk & Cameron.

Those birds you see in the backyard, around camp, while hiking or otherwise outside? They’re more important than you think.

Reporting your observations of them is, too.

The Game Commission, together with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, is conducting the third Pennsylvania Bird Atlas in state history. Between now and February 2029, it will document what birds live in Pennsylvania, where and in what numbers.

BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), are excited to announce the July 2024 Star Award winners. This month’s winners are Carly Cataldo, BRMC, and Mary Jo Inzana, PT, OGH.

Carly Cataldo, a lead ultrasound tech and a team member since October 2019, received the July Star Award at BRMC.

HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) today applauded Victaulic’s commitment to a $100 million-plus expansion project at its Lawrenceville foundry in Tioga County.

“Victaulic’s decision to stay here, invest here and grow here is a testament to the company’s loyalty to our community, as well as the outstanding work force and quality of life our region offers,” Owlett said. “I am excited by the opportunities this creates for us and hope it will encourage other long-time businesses, as well as potential new businesses, to invest in Tioga County and the Northern Tier.”

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Senate confirmed Governor Josh Shapiro’s nomination of Dr. Debra L. Bogen as Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH).

Secretary Bogen was appointed to her post by Governor Shapiro following more than three decades as a primary care pediatrician and nearly three years at the helm of the Allegheny County Health Department. 

“Secretary Bogen has done incredible work leading the Department of Health since the beginning of my Administration – she is working to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to the care they need as they grow and age, has built strong relationships across the Commonwealth, and has helped keep Pennsylvanians safe in emergencies,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “I’m grateful for her leadership and proud she was confirmed by the Senate last night.”

Renee Muchnik, M.D.
Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC

We know that when you get a CT scan or experience other kinds of medical imaging, the staff taking the images needs to protect themselves by leaving the room. Think about when you need an x-ray at your dental office – they put that heavy layer of protection on you just for a picture of your mouth.

They do this because the ionizing radiation that is used to take the images is damaging to DNA and the tissue of living things, and a possible cause of cancer in the future. The cells in our bodies are very efficient at repairing this damage and medical staff use the lowest dosages possible, but what if you didn’t have to be exposed to this radiation in the first place?

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a new technique offered at UPMC in North Central Pa. that offers a sophisticated way to characterize the structure and function of the heart and to diagnose a variety of heart conditions.

What is a Cardiac MRI?

Instead of using ionizing radiation, cardiac MRI uses radio waves, powerful magnets, and a computer to generate detailed images of blood vessels and the heart. This imaging test provides a non-invasive way to deliver quality images for your doctors to use for the diagnosis of various conditions.

You may need a cardiac MRI if you have:

• Previously had a heart attack
• Heart disease, or coronary artery disease
• Cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease
• Ventricular arrhythmia, or a heart rhythm disorder that originates in your ventricles
• Congenital heart defects, or heart problems present at birth
• Blood clots or tumors in your heart

The procedure of a cardiac MRI is typically painless and, on average, may take an hour in total. It begins with a patient lying on a table that slides into a tube-shaped machine. A sense of claustrophobia may be felt due the enclosed nature of the machine, but your health care team will ensure your comfort by providing soothing measures like playing music. An IV may also be used to administer medicine or a contrast material to help get a better picture of the heart.

It is critical to mention any metal implants or devices in your body as the strong magnetic field can interfere with them. It is also important to stay very still so that the images turn out clear and accurate.

Results

After your cardiac MRI, your results will either be normal or abnormal. Normal results mean that your heart chambers and valves are working properly, the amount of blood your heart pumps is normal, there is no extra fluid around your heart, and no tumors or blood clots are present. Abnormal results can vary depending on each patient’s specific condition.

The strong magnetic field does not produce any known harmful effects, and, if contrast material is used, there is a rare chance of an allergic reaction or an infection at the injection site.

Renee Muchnik, M.D., is with UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute and sees patients at UPMC Williamsport, 740 High St., and UPMC Muncy, 10 Shady Ln. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Muchnik at either location, call 570-321-2800. For more information, visit UPMC.com/HeartNCPA.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will meet Friday, July 12 at the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters.

This meeting is one day only, and will begin at 10 a.m. with staff presentations.

Public comment – limited to five minutes – is scheduled to be accepted beginning at 11 a.m. The board plans to take up its regular agenda after lunch, likely around 1 p.m.

Al-Safa US LLC Recalls Frozen Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Al-Safa US LLC, the importer of record located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is recalling approximately 2,010 pounds of imported frozen ready-to-eat chicken products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

CLOSURE OF PORTION OF COUNTY ROAD 31A IN THE TOWN OF AMITY

Please be advised County Road 31A from Back River Road to Eymer Road will be closed from July 8 until July 11 to replace a culvert pipe. There will not be an on-site detour and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes.  Thank you for your cooperation.

CLOSURE OF PORTION OF COUNTY ROAD 9 IN THE TOWN OF SCIO

Please be advised County Road 9 from Snowball Hollow Road to Morgan Hill Road will be closed from approximately 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on July 15 to replace a culvert pipe. There will not be an on-site detour and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes.  Thank you for your cooperation.

CLOSURE OF PORTION OF COUNTY ROAD 19 IN THE TOWN OF INDEPENDENCE

Please be advised County Road 19 from SR 248 to County Road 19A will be closed from approximately 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on July 16 to install a temporary detour bridge. There will not be an on-site detour and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes.  Thank you for your cooperation.

OLEAN, N.Y., June 2 – Four recent area graduates received scholarships for students pursuing health care- and education-related degrees from funds managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.

Luke Petryszak of Portville and Amelia Herzog of Allegany-Limestone received the Kothari Family Fund Healthcare Scholarship for $1,000 each.

The Kothari Family Fund Healthcare Scholarship is given to graduating seniors, one from Allegany-Limestone Central School and one from any Cattaraugus or McKean (PA) County high school, pursuing a health care-related field of study. Drs. Ashok and Yogini Kothari established the scholarship as part of the Kothari Family Endowed Fund.

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of July 8. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:

July 5, 2024 — The United Way of the Bradford Area’s 26^th Annual Pig Roast & Clam Bake, is coming on Thursday, August 29th beginning at 5:30 pm at the Bradford Township Lions Club with music provided by DJ Benzo. The event serves as the celebratory kick-off for the United Way’s annual campaign.

PennDOT Potter County Maintenance Work Schedule for the Week of July 8

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in Potter County the week of July 8. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in Potter County for the coming week is as follows:

Request your FREE Yard Sale ad here. at shurfine40@gmail.com
*7-1/2/3/4/5 Yard Sale, Route 6 at Potter-Tioga County Line
*7-3/4/5/6 Garage Sale, 28 Fessenden Road, Roulette, PA
*7-4/5/6 Yard Sale, 1851 Hickox Road, Ulysses, PA
*7-4/5/6 Patio Moving Sale, 313 Catlin Avenue, Port Allegany, PA
*7-4/5/6 Huge Yard Sale, 1030 Costello Road, Austin, PA
*7-4/5/6/7/8 Multi-Family Yard Sale, 1239 Germania Road, Galeton, PA
*7-5/6/7 Indoor Yard Sale, 59 Goodyear Terrace, Austin, PA
*7-11/12 ECCS Yard Sale, ECCS Cafeteria, St. Marys, PA
*8-31/9-1 Coudersport Town Wide Yard Sales, Labor Day Weekend

Our dog accidentally got out during the fireworks. Daisy is 12 years old. A lab/shepherd mix about 50 pounds.  We have looked everywhere! Please contact me ASAP if you see her. She is Black and brown. Area of Old Shovel Rd., Coudersport. Cathy Riley

Freedom

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley 

Are you free or are you a slave? Probably many would say that they live in a free country, but how free are we? Freedom doesn’t exist without boundaries. Boundaries are ways that we keep our freedom in check. Without boundaries we would have anarchy. Being free to do whatever you please is not healthy for any society or individual yet we want freedom. Ironically, although we may see ourselves as being free, we may be slaves.

Would you consider yourself to be a slave? You are a slave to anything that owns you. What owns you? Money, fear, anxiety, worry, work, power, and/or significance. Do I need to go on? We want and strive to have the freedom to choose and to have what we want, but none of this comes without a cost. Isn’t it said that there is nothing free in this world? All that is free often comes with strings attached.

In Luke 4:18 Jesus said: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Freedom for the prisoners? Are we prisoners? Prisoners of opinions of others, of wanting more money, or a better job? Are we prisoners of our own making? The consequences of our choices often put us in bondage to debt and all sorts of other things that tie us down and keep us from moving forward in life. We can even be prisoners to the addictions in our life and I’m not talking about drugs or alcohol. I’m referring to the addictions to social media, shopping, the approval from others, and a host of other things that keep us stuck. Remember, a prisoner is one who is under the power of another, but it can also be one who is under the power of a thing. So, what is Jesus referring to?

The passage says that he was proclaiming freedom. You get it through following after him. As you follow after him you will find freedom because your life will start to change as his life is reflected in you. Yes, that means living as a reflection of his character. It’s possible for all who choose it. Think about it.

Do you have what it takes to become the Grand Champion Bark Peeler? Is your beard the envy of all your friends? Or maybe you bake the greatest apple pie this side of the Mississippi? No matter the reason, the Bark Peelers’ Festival, July 6-7, 2024, is the place to be!

Join us for the BIGGEST event of the year and celebrate Pennsylvania’s lumbering heritage. Enjoy live music, food and craft vendors, demonstrations, and more. The two-day festival is full of competitions and fun for the whole family. Be there – July 6-7, 2024 from 9 AM – 5 PM – and release your inner lumberjack!

The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday (weather permitting) from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, July 5th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

[NOTICES: 

*  The outdoor market is held each Friday from May through October (weather permitting; on very rainy days, we will relocate into the Riley Gallery (if available)).  In November, the Farmers  Market goes indoors for the winter market.

 *  Market times have been established after many trial times over the years.  If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly.  They are willing to try to accommodate your request.

 *  If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]

ALPACA CREATIONS will be a vender at this week’s market.   Large variety and sizes of Alpaca socks, hand knit hats, headbands, mitts and mittens as well as neck warmers.  Hand woven & knit scarves of alpaca, dryer balls, alpaca boot inserts, roving for spinning or felting.    Large rack of colors and sizes of yarns to stock up for winter.    Not too early  Christmas.   Credit accepted. Juried, Pa Wild’s Artisan & Pa Preferred. 814-601-0049 https://alpacas75.wixsite.com/website  Alpaca Creations, follow on Facebook

BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market with local, organically grown beautiful produce and plants.  We will have BLACK RASPBERRIES, Romaine Lettuce, Rainbow Swiss Chard, Cabbage, Salad Turnips, Beets, Snap, Shell and Snow Peas.  And we will have Cilantro plants. We accept cash, checks, FMNP and credit cards. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com, 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com

CARING CRAFTS will be attending this week’s Market! Weather Permitting! We will be bring a variety of Homemade Travel Pillows! Along with our Plastic Canvas Magnets/Ornaments! Our selection of both is very wide and unique! Don’t forget to like us Facebook! If your not able to stop by or would like to place an order please contact Jess at 814 203 2482! Caring Crafts excepts Cash or PayPal (cowgirl_jess16915@yahoo.com) payment! Hope to see everyone there! 

DIXON DESIGNS will be attending.  Selling earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and pins.  Also have resin bookmarks and keychains. Accept cash.

JULIE BENNETT will be a vendor this week. I have dish scrubbies and washcloths, various crochet animals, some knitted items, and earrings.  I accept cash. For more information contact Julie Bennett at julieb3440@gmail.com or call/text 814-989-0413.

ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Friday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products that are made with milk from our herd of goats. Products that we have are Soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions, lotion bars, and bath bombs. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.

QUIET ACRES will be at market Friday, weather permitting, with our selection of Haldeman Mills products – NEW Stauffer’s cornmeal,Teff Flour (African Ivory and Dark) and buckwheat flour for the gluten sensitive, Buttermilk and Buckwheat Pancake Mixes, Shortcake/Cobbler Mix, Funnel Cake  and Soft Pretzel Mixes as well as Brinser’s Best Cornmeal.  On the craft side: NEW rope coasters, trivets,trinket bowls and baskets. We will also have upcycled braided rugs/runners/mug rugs of all sizes as well as aprons for all occasions, for kids and adults including summer sports teams.  Orders are welcome – you can choose your fabric, color, size and shape. We accept cash payments. You can contact us at QuietAcresPortAllegany@gmail.com 

THORNY BUSH FARM will be at this Friday’s market with homemade goat milk fudge, delicious herbal honey and a variety of crafts. We take cash and checks. See you there!