In the interest of safety, Legislative Board Chairman W. Brooke Harris and County Administrator Carissa Knapp determined that Allegany County Government Offices and non-essential services will close from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, due to the solar eclipse. Services essential to Public Safety will remain operational, and normal business hours will resume on April 9.
On a blustery, snowy afternoon at their home turf, the Otto-Eldred Bird Dawgs fell to the Bradford Youth Trap Team with a score of 169 to 173. Even with the terrible weather conditions, athletes exhibited positive sportsmanship and attitudes.
The top shooters for the Bird Dawgs were Gavin Silvis (senior) and Sebastian Zona (senior) each with an almost perfect score of 24; Nick Brown (senior) earning a 23; Abram Austin (senior), Isaiah Cover, and Korrie Turek (senior) each receiving 20; and Bryce Fessenden and Bryin Roberts with a 19 each.
For the Bradford Youth Trap Team, Brayden Dach had the top position with a perfect score of 25; Kaine Salada earned a 23; Evan Emore earned a 22; Andrew Giordano, Lillian Millett, and Sean Ward each received a 21; while Derek Cullen and Andrew Magee each earned 20.
After two weeks off, the Bird Dawgs will travel to Coudersport to take on Black Forest Falcons on Tuesday, April 9 while Bradford Youth Trap Team will host Smethport Trap Team on March 26.
At 10:05 PM on Friday, Smethport Fire Dept. & Phoenix ambulance were dispatched to a one-vehicle rollover crash on Rt. 6 near Shunk’s Lane, East of Smethport Borough. Report 2 occupants. Unknown injuries.
A writing group, loosely structured under guidelines developed by poet, essayist, teacher, and novelist Natalie Goldberg, is being put together in Coudersport. Plans are to meet on Fridays, beginning in April, for one hour to write together with an opportunity to read the work to one another.
The Purpose of the group is to write in community with others who share a similar passion. The Frequency and time of the Friday gatherings will be determined by the participants. If this concept interests you, please respond to Jane via email at cellojani@hotmail and put writing group in the subject line.
We are thrilled to spotlight Ryan Schimp as our Student of the Week! Ryan is a dedicated senior at Otto- Eldred School who brings passion and commitment to his studies in the Building Construction Occupations class at Seneca Highlands CTC.
Ryan’s enthusiasm for construction is evident in his consistent hard work and positive attitude. He approaches each task with determination and a willingness to learn, setting an excellent example for his peers.
Looking ahead, Ryan has his sights set on a career in the electrical field, with aspirations to become a lineman. His ambition and drive are admirable, and we have no doubt that he will excel in this chosen path.
Congratulations, Ryan, on being named Student of the Week! Your dedication, positivity, and determination are truly inspiring. Keep up the fantastic work, and we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future!
Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans today testified before the House Game and Fisheries Committee and presented the agency’s annual report.
Burhans’ testimony before the House Game and Fisheries Committee follows:
“Good morning Chairwoman Kulik, Chairman Maloney, and members of the House Game and Fisheries Committee. I am pleased to share with you what the Pennsylvania Game Commission has accomplished over the past year.
Montoursville, PA – In an effort to improve our environment and clean up our local roadways, PennDOT maintenance crews in Tioga County will pick up litter next week on certain roadways in the county, weather permitting.
Crews will be picking up litter beginning Monday, March 25, 2024, to Thursday, March 28, 2024, during daylight hours at the following locations:
Rest Area on I-80 Westbound in Clinton County Closing Temporarily
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) alerted motorists that the Interstate 80 westbound rest area at mile marker 194 will close Tuesday, March 26, while crews make improvements to the rest area’s water treatment facility. PennDOT expects the facility to reopen Friday, March 29.
The eastbound facility will remain open during this period. PennDOT reminded drivers that the facilities at mile marker 220 and 147 will remain open.
A wildlife species native to Pennsylvania but long missing is back home again.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission today released 50 bobwhite quail on the grounds of Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County. That brings to 76 the number of bobwhites planted on site in recent weeks, with one more release to go.
The birds – which should increase their numbers exponentially over the course of the spring breeding season – are the final brick in a foundation the Game Commission began laying more than a decade ago.
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold its 14th Empty Bowls and Baskets Dinner, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, March 22 on campus.
The event, which raises awareness and money about hunger in the Bradford area, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. A requested donation of $10 for the public and $5 for Pitt-Bradford students and children will be accepted at the door.
WARREN – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s Workforce Development Division is adding two new micro-credential programs in quality management and industrial maintenance. These programs are available to manufacturing businesses and organizations by working with our customized training team.
To complete either of these programs, it’s required for students to complete all six of the respective courses that last from a few hours to a few weeks. However, individual course certifications are an option as a part of this program. Each class can include up to 15 learners. These programs can even be brought to company’s workplaces to ensure the training is provided in their working environment and on their own time. These customized training programs are a worthwhile opportunity for businesses to help their team members grow in their careers, to reward their hardworking and motivated employees, and to hire talented workers in areas of need.
Quality Management
NPRC partners with Future State Engineering to provide customized training in quality management. This program is a great option for those working in the manufacturing world to learn how to be more efficient in their personal and team processes. Courses are available in Statistical Process Control, Basic Industrial Mathematics, Blueprint Reading, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance, Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis, and Quality System Fundamentals for the Non-Quality Professionals. NPRC’s instructors bring many years of industry and classroom teaching experience and include Paul Andalora, Max Krug, and Greg Anderson, who have all had impressive careers in engineering.
Industrial Maintenance
NPRC’s Instructor of Industrial Technology in Workforce Development Frank O’Connell has over 40 years of experience in industry and will take learners through a six-course program to help them understand the field of industrial maintenance. Courses are available in the areas of Safety, Communication, and Professional Development in Manufacturing (including OSHA 10), Applied Industrial Mathematics Hydraulics/Pneumatics (including fundamentals and basic troubleshooting), AC/DC Electric, Three-Phase Motor Control, and PLC Robotics Maintenance.
Assistant Director of Workforce Development – Industry and Technology Nicole Zaun has helped to help to develop these opportunities and shared, “The path toward a Micro-Credential in the Fundamentals of Quality for Manufacturers and Industrial Maintenance not only enables individuals to flourish without a substantial time investment but also presents the flexibility to pursue courses independently. The instructors for these programs have many years of hands-on experience in these fields and bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. They deliver an engaging and meaningful educational experience for every learner, and we look forward to more students experiencing that as they complete their program.”
For more information about NPRC, pricing for these programs, and the overall capabilities of their Workforce Development Division, check out NPRC’s website and contact them by email at workforcedev@rrcnpa.org.
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced a $1.1 million grant has been awarded to Northern Tioga School District to boost health and safety for its students.
The grant is one of three dozen awarded to schools across the Commonwealth through the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) and its Stronger Connections Grant Program.
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration recently added new tools to help health care providers and public safety professionals across the Commonwealth battle the overdose and opioid crisis.
The Department of Health launched new training opportunities to help prevent unintentional drug overdoses. These online courses are offered at no cost and include continuing education credits for health care providers which may also meet various licensing requirements.
We are all aware of the impact certain lifestyle choices – smoking, activity level, sleep – can have on our health and wellness, but do many of us consider how these decisions also affect our eye health? Our eyes are an essential organ, yet we often take them for granted. Your daily habits can affect your eye health a great deal and, without proper precautions and care, can lead to problems with your eyesight.
Coudersport, Pennsylvania— March 18, 2024 —Olga Snyder, the owner and operator of Olga Gallery and Yarn at Olga’s, announced she is conducting a series of Pysanky (Ukrainian Egg) Decorating Workshops on the next three Fridays and Saturdays, March 22 and 23, March 29 and 30, and April 5 and 6 at noon on each day.
On March 22, 5:12 pm Smethport Fire and Ambulance were dispatched for a two car motor vehicle crash at the Courthouse on Main St. Unknown entrapment and injuries
Fred W. Disney, 85, of Lewis Run, PA was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, after a brief stay at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on October 7, 1938, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Roy E. and Lenore (Ward) Disney. He was a 1956 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
On December 31, 1960, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lewis Run, he married Marie (Frenz) Disney, who survives.
Fred was a member of Hilltop Baptist Church in Gifford. He thoroughly enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, riding his four-wheeler, spending time outside, watching wildlife and tending to his garden. Fred was a prayer warrior and was known for his gentleness, kindness, and his love for helping others.
He was employed at Wright Monumental Works in high school, and continued his working career at Kendall Refining Company, starting in the barrel house. He worked his way up to Lead Production Supervisor at the Kendall/Amalie Packaging Plant and later took on additional responsibilities for Production Planning and Inventory Management at both the Packaging Plant and Blending Plant. He also owned and operated Disney’s Garage, famous for the area’s premier Auto Rust Proofing services, and Disney’s Dairy World.
Smethport – Mary Elizabeth Dibble, 93, of Smethport, PA passed away Wednesday (March 20, 2024) at The Pavilion at BRMC, Bradford, surrounded by her family.
She was born February 13, 1931 at her home in Smethport and was the daughter of Francis Patrick and Margaret Charlotte (Hubbard) Duffy. On August 1, 1953, at St. Elizabeth Church in Smethport, PA, she married G. W. Dibble (aka Mr. Terrible), who died May 10, 2010.
Mrs. Dibble was a Smethport High School graduate and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Edinboro University, and later, her master’s in education as well.
Mrs. Dibble was an elementary school teacher for the Smethport Borough, Farmers Valley and, finally, the consolidated Smethport Elementary School for a total of 27 years.
Her husband’s career in the Air Force found them living in several different states before his retirement allowed them to return to Smethport to be near family. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, the Catholic Daughters of America, the Smethport Garden Club, and the Red Hats. She enjoyed reading, cross-stitching, stained glass work, gardening, reading, and wood carving. She was always ready for family gatherings, a chance to travel or any other fun opportunity that came along.
In her words she is survived by the “best thing that ever happened” to her:
Renaee Lynn Griffin, 49, of 786 North Main Street, Limestone, NY, passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Born March 16, 1974, in Mt. Pleasant, SC, she was a daughter of the late Russell Hunt Sr and Barbara Cornwell She was a graduate of George Mason School.
On July 30, 1991, in the Pioneer Pentecostal Holiness Church in Pinopolis, SC, she married Michael Griffin who survives.
Renaee was happiest being a stay at home wife, mother and grandmother watching the kids play their sports.
(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: March 22, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that Stockton Sisson, of Shinglehouse, was convicted by a Judge at the McKean County Courthouse on March 21st for threatening to shoot a neighboring property owner in July.
Sisson had been scheduled for jury trial on March 21st but requested to proceed in front of the Judge (called a “bench trial”) rather than a jury. Assistant District Attorney Casey Graffius, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth, agreed to a “bench” trial. The bench trial was held at the same time as the jury trial was scheduled.
On July 21, 2023, Trooper Ryan Good of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks was dispatched to the property for reports of SISSON stating he was going to shoot the victim who owned the property nearby. Trooper Good filed charges and bail was set at $10,000 by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther.
At yesterday’s trial, SISSON was convicted of all charges including Terroristic Threats; Simple Assault by Physical Menace; and Harassment. No sentencing date has been set.
McKean County has implemented “trial weeks” this year where an entire week each month is set aside for jury trials rather than individual days scattered throughout the month. Cases are scheduled on a backup system meaning that, for each day a jury is called in, up to 7 cases are scheduled in order – each day having a “primary trial” listed and a first backup trial, second backup trial, etc. If the primary trial does not go for some reason, such as a defendant pleading guilty and a trial no longer being required or the case being continued for some reason, there is a backup case that is ready to go. This allows time for each case to be resolved – either by plea, jury trial, or some other resolution.
This week, 15 cases were scheduled for jury trial on this backup system. Ten cases were resolved by proceeding to trial or the defendant pleading guilty, 3 cases were continued and two cases were removed due to the defendant being the subject of a bench warrant and his whereabouts unknown.
At 2:25 PM on Friday, Kane Fire Dept. & EMS from Kane & Mt. Jewett were dispatched to a 2 vehicle crash on Rt. 6 near West Brook Road. One vehicle is rolled over.
Congratulations to Chief Barry Fritzinger upon being recognized for 38 years of service to Kettle Creek Hose Company in Cross Fork, Potter County. Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) presented a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in honor of his service at the company’s annual banquet. Kettle Creek Hose Company provides fire and EMS service to Stewardson Township in Potter County and a portion of Clinton County. The citation is sponsored by both Causer and state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz.
We have several exciting Collette tours for 2024 and 2025: Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria: August 21 – August 30, 2024; Southern Italy & Sicily: October 25 – November 6, 2024 (same trip that was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid); Tropical Costa Rica: November 4 – November 12, 2024; Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights: February 24 – March 2, 2025; and British Landscapes (England, Scotland & Wales): April 27 – May 6, 2025. Email jmorley@pcedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877 for more info or to request trip brochures.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/20/2024 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Union Township, Tioga county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department.
