This June, Verla Bryant of Wellsboro is marking her 51st year of involvement with the Laurel Festival Pet Parade, 50 years as chair and one year as co-chair.  

By: Ronald DiSimone, M.D., F.A.C.S.
UPMC Spine Care

Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point. According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain is one of the most common reasons Americans go to the doctor, second only to colds and the flu.

The Port Allegany Women’s Club is excited to announce the line-up, thus far, for the 2024 COTS (Concerts On The Town Square) Series.  Until renovations on the Town Square are completed, the concerts will be held on the side yard of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church located on Arnold Avenue. New this year, in case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held indoors at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church Educational Unit, also located on Arnold Avenue.  

The COTS are held each Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m.  Food will be sold including hot dogs, chips, baked goods and beverages.  At times there will be additional offerings such as sloppy joes or hot sausage sandwiches.    Proceeds from the food sales go to local community organizations and the 50/50 raffle money goes to PACS.  

The schedule for performers is as follows:  In June Chris Eckert  on the 6th; After Today Band on the 13th; Rachael Karwowski and PAHS Performers on the 20th; and on the 17th, the Kane Guitar Band.

In July, there will be no concert on the 4th due to the holiday; The Twin Tiers Community BAnd will perform on the 11th; Alex Cole on the 18th; and Jerry Kilcoin – Hummin and Strumming on the 25th.  RSVP with Joel Anderson will kick off the month of August followed by Dan Roche on the 8th and Randy Andreano on the 15th.  Two spots are still open for August – the 22nd and 29th.  Call Sharen Horvath at 814-642-5171 to book a date.     

KERSEY – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College celebrated their annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. The event took place at The Red Fern in Kersey, with 17 students being recognized for completing their certificate or degree programs. Three students were recognized in absentia.

President Snelick opened the ceremony sharing words about the graduates and the milestone that they accomplished.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, May 25, 2024, through Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial Day. 

Please join us Thursday, June 6, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM to learn about broiler production opportunities for small farms. Our host site will be Sunny Cove Farm in Alfred Station.

Wellsboro Growers Market is now open every Thursday from 2:30-5:30 on the front lawn of the First Presbyterian Church, 130 Main Street, Wellsboro. There is parking on Main Street and at the rear of the church building. Delicious baked and canned goods, local crafts, flowers and trees that are native to our area, fine-knitted wool items, locally-grown seasonal produce and, so much more  Current vendors include Bakery 303,  New View Farm,  Yorkshire Meadows, Staggering Unicorn Winery, and Growin’ Native. Keeney Farm will be joining the market as produce ripens.

The Wellsboro Growers Market welcomes new vendors now and throughout the season. To become a vendor or more information, contact Jeff or Jackie Berry at Wellsborogrowersmarket@gmail.com or stop by to visit with the vendors and community folk.  

Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library

Get ready to spring into savings at our Used Book Sale May 29-June 1, 2024 during regular library hours. From new reads to ancient relics, CDs to DVDs, we’ve got it all! Dive into cooking, crafts, and loads of kids’ books. With TONS of fiction and nonfiction, there’s something for every age and stage.

Join us in the Multipurpose Room at the back of the library for a bookish extravaganza. Remember, it’s cash only, so bring your wallet and a sense of humor! Just pay what you think it’s worth and pop it in the donation box. Plus, the weather’s fine, snag some goodies outside. All proceeds benefit library programs and improvements.

EMPORIUM — You’re invited to pack your bags, grab your compass & embark on the wildest reading adventure of the summer! The 2024 Summer Reading Theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library” and the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is rolling out loads of events and fun activities this year! This year, we partnered with the Elk State Forest District Foresters and the Lumber Heritage Region to bring you two special events.

The Port Allegany Music Department presented Jazz and Java recently at Port Allegany High School.  The concert featured the Senior High Jazz Band and the Junior High Jazz Band, both under the direction of Mr. Brad Stewart.  The Senior HIgh Jazz Band played seven numbers including Moon River, Blue Bossa and Vehicle. 

The Junior High Jazz Band played three numbers including Moanin’, Rockin’ Robin and Drumtime.  S’Wonderful, a clarinet solo, was performed by Raelin Meacham.  Following the performance, refreshments were served in the Main Foyer. 

Pictured:  Members of the JH Jazz Band – (left to right) Brody O’Rourke, Steven Alcock and Dana Clark and Trace Kazmier on drums, perform Moanin’.  Also pictured:  Members of the SH Jazz Band take a bow at the end of the concert.  

RIDGWAY – Business and industry in the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission’s (North Central) six-county region will have an opportunity through the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission to learn about doing business in Canada and Mexico.

(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania, May 24, 2024):   District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a 1-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Matthew Pritt, of Bradford, was convicted of Failure to Comply with Registration of Sexual Offender Requirements. 

The charges stem from events which occurred between November 28, 2023, and January 9, 2024, when Pritt was alleged to be residing at 43 Forman Street in Bradford, Pennsylvania, instead of his registered address of 41 Main Street in Bradford.  As a person who was required to comply with the requirements of Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law statute, Pritt was required to notify the Pennsylvania State Police of a change in residence or addition of a residence within three business days. 

Despite maintaining an apartment at 41 Main Street during this period of time, testimony at trial established that Pritt spent significant periods of time at his girlfriend’s residence located at 43 Forman Street, and on two occasions (December 28, 2023, and January 8, 2024) informed Bradford City Police Department that he was living at 43 Forman Street.  Pritt never notified the Pennsylvania State Police of this change or addition of residence.

Officer Tyler Blair of the Bradford City Police Department investigated the case and filed charges against Pritt; Assistant District Attorney Tom Coppolo prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM. 

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/bradford-man-convicted-failure-comply-registration-sexual-offenders-requirements