Potter County townships, boroughs and certain non-profit organizations are now eligible for financial support to help with recovery from damages incurred from the remnants of Hurricane Debby on Aug. 9-10. They can receive reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expenses related to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration and mitigation of disaster-damaged facilities. Local municipal officials have expressed growing concerns about the potential for additional flooding in the event of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, due to infrastructure damage that they have not yet been able to address.

FEMA said that, in general, townships or boroughs are eligible for work conducted on infrastructure that they own or have legal responsibility for maintaining. Private non-profit organizations could qualify for funding if they provide educational, utility, emergency, medical, or custodial care, including for senior citizens or individuals with disabilities, and other essential social-type services to the public.

All applicants are required to register for a mandatory online FEMA applicant briefing. They are scheduled for 9:30 am or 2 pm on Monday, Nov. 18; 10:30 am or 2 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 19; or 6 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 20. More information is available from Jonathan Skripka at 717-651-2157 or jskripka.gov.

For additional information on the Public Assistance Program, click here. Requests must be submitted through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grants Portal; available here. Potter County Department of Emergency Services continues to assist those who have been affected, providing additional information or referrals at 814-274-8900.

Meanwhile, the deadline has passed for individual assistance applications. However, in rare cases involving extraordinary circumstances, FEMA may be able to accommodate late requests. Additional information is available at 1-800-621-3362, online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or through the FEMA App on a phone. FEMA has been able to pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other needs caused by the disaster, including:

• essential items such as water, food, medical supplies, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuel.
• rental assistance for hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options.
• repair or replacement of vehicles, appliances, room furnishings, computers, books, uniforms, tools, and other items required for school or work.
• moving and storage fees, medical expenses and child care.

Finally, U.S. Small Business Administration advises that businesses and other property owners in Potter, Tioga, Lycoming and Union counties may be eligible for both physical and economic injury disaster loans. More information is available at 1-800-659-2955

On November 16, at 10:34 am Olean Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Rt. 16 for a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries. UPDATE accident scene is clear and all units returned to station

It is an unfortunate fact that fraud happens everywhere. Property and Mortgage Fraud is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes, according to the FBI.

Monitoring the recording of documents/instruments in your name can help alert you to something that is fraudulent and could cost you one of your most valuable assets, your property.

The Recorder of Deeds office is required to record any document that is presented into their office when all required data is properly executed and payment is received with said document. There is no way for the Recorder of Deeds office to know if the document is fraudulent or not if all the required data is executed properly. Once a fraudulent document is recorded, the criminal may use your name as collateral on a mortgage or even attempt to sell your home to an unsuspecting buyer.

The Women’s Giving Circle of McKean County (WGC) granted a total of $9,100 to five nonprofit organizations at their annual business meeting on November 6th held at The Wilds Sonshine Factory in Kane. Along with the grant presentations, voting, and awarding of grants, the women enjoyed appetizers, raffles, and a visit to the gift shop. Eddie’s on Main catered the appetizers.

Carrie Drummond–Otto-Eldred; 12th grade NTL MVP

Emilee Atherhold–Coudersport; 12th grade

Makenna Manning–Oswayo Valley; 12th grade

Ella Moses–Port Allegany; 12th grade

Emilee Ruter–Coudersport; 12th grade

Eva West–Oswayo Valley; 12th grade

Isla Lehmier–Port Allegany; 11th grade

Emma Button–Otto-Eldred; 10th grade

Isabella Rees–Austin; 12th grade

Olivia Fink–Coudersport; 12th grade

Coach of the Year: Dan Drummond–Otto-Eldred

Thank you, Criminal Justice Club of Pitt-Bradford! The Criminal Justice Club organized a First Responders’ Basketball Tournament on November 10th.  All proceeds benefited the County Detectives’ K9 Unit and the City of Bradford K9 Unit.  First Responders from several area municipal police departments, the State Police, volunteer fire departments, FCI-McKean Federal Prison, and many of their family members were joined by Pitt-Bradford students for the tournament. 

The event was held at the University’s gymnasium. K9s Rigby and Duke and trainee Coal were on-hand with handlers Officer Dakota Eaton, Sgt. Seth Shephard and Bob and Vicki Rinfrette.   District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and City of Bradford Police Chief Mike Ward were present as well and accepted the generous donation of the proceeds from Gracie Dixon, President of the Criminal Justice Club, who organized the event. 

During a break, spectators participated in a pie-throwing event.  Both K9 Units work for the benefit of all of McKean County and strive to operate on donations as much as possible.   On behalf of both K9 Units, we extend our gratitude to Gracie and the Criminal Justice Club, Pitt-Bradford, all tournament participants, K9s and K9 handlers, and spectators.  Thank you

MEGA BRIDAL BLOWOUT SALE!! Over 100 Bridal Gowns, many NWT. Racks of $50, $100 and $150.  Other 25% to 50% off.  Sizes 0-30.. Sale dates November 1- December 20.  Sew Much More 127 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA.  Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9-5; Wednesday 9-3.  Or by appointment.  814-335-8681    Hurry in for best selection.

November 14 – The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is gearing up for its annual day of giving, Cattaraugus Gives, with a prize pool exceeding $21,000.

Scheduled for December 3, Cattaraugus Gives has become a vital initiative to encourage community-wide support for local nonprofits. This year’s  prize pool is expected to drive even greater participation and amplify the impact for nonprofits serving Cattaraugus County.

Last year, participating nonprofits raised over $305,000 for their respective causes during the day.

Confirmed prizes for Cattaraugus Gives to date are as follows:

Volunteers at Christmas House are already at work to help Potter County families celebrate the Christmas season. Christmas House has a long tradition of helping those in need throughout the county by providing Christmas gifts to children and teenagers.

 “ Our letters have gone out to school nurses, caseworkers, clergy and others who have provided us with the names of Potter County individuals and families in need in past years,” says Dawn Newton who coordinates the effort. Individuals are also welcome to submit their names by calling Christmas House at (814) 274) 0825 and leaving a detailed message with your contact information or by stopping in our headquarters between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday. 

“We’ve extended our deadline to November 22 as the last date to register but want to make every effort to register families for the program so if you know of a family who might benefit, please let them know about our efforts,” Newton says.

An all-volunteer non-profit organization, Christmas House is supported by the generosity of people who recognize the great need in our community. Support comes from monetary donations as well as toys, books, gift cards, hats, mittens – all of which find their way under Christmas trees across the county. “We know funds are tight for many people this season, but we also know the generous hearts of our community. We thank you in advance for your support in keeping a Christmas tradition alive,” says a spokesperson.

This year there is a special need for toys and other gifts that would be welcomed by teens of both genders.

Christmas House is located in the basement of the Presbyterian Church at 402 N. Main Street in Coudersport. Mailing address is PO Box 716, Coudersport PA 16915.

As a Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator at UPMC Williamsport, I see firsthand the impact that preventable injuries have on our community. National Injury Prevention Day, observed each November 18^th, is a critical reminder of the importance of safety in our daily lives. At UPMC, we are dedicated not only to treating injuries but also to educating the public on ways to prevent them.

Unintentional injuries are among the leading causes of emergency room visits and hospitalizations, particularly among children, teens, and older adults. These include injuries from motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports, and even firearm incidents. Many of these injuries could be avoided with simple, proactive steps.