Frank O. Pier, age 86, of Wellsboro, PA
Frank O. Pier, age 86, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
He was born on May 18, 1937 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Oliver and Dorotha (Lloyd) Pier and was the husband of the late Alice (Arwin) Pier.
Frank was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro, Wellsboro Men’s Chorus, he was a teacher for the Wellsboro Area School District for 29 years, an avid walker and enjoyed woodworking.
PA Lumber Museum Event Saturday Scaled Back Due To Snow Melt
Although we were hoping the snow would hold on for one more day, we experienced a substantial amount of melt today. As such, we will not be able to administer the outdoor recreational activities we advertised for our Winter in the Lumber Camp event slated for Saturday 1/27. You are welcome to visit to tour the museum or purchase food in the program room, but we will not be able to have cross county ski and snowshoe activities; and sledding and snow art will likely be quite limited. We do have some indoor crafts and games set up for families to try. Here’s hoping for more snow for our Snowmobility Weekend event in February!
West Branch Fishing Creek Road CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING in Roulette Township
Roulette Township
****PUBLIC NOTICE**** the Roulette Township Supervisors have closed West Branch Fishing Creek Road due to water over the roadway. Barricades have been placed to close the road off. Please remember that it is against the law to move or remove the barriers and also to drive around them. Be safe and choose an alternate route. Thank you
REOPENED
Seniors 2 Seniors Program
The Potter County Education Council, Tri-Co Connections, the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, and our local school districts are continuing to team up to implement a county-wide program called Seniors 2 Seniors. This program teaches basic computer skills, digital literacy, and cybersecurity to senior citizens so that they have the skills and knowledge to utilize the many benefits of high-speed Internet. As a part of this program, local high school students volunteer to provide on-site support to each of the adults who participate in the course.
The Seniors 2 Seniors technology course is being offered at the Ulysses Senior Center on Wednesdays, March 6 – April 10, 2024, from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m. This course will also be offered in Galeton on Wednesdays, April 17 – May 22, 2024. The registration deadline for the Ulysses course is Wednesday, February 28th. Register yourself, a parent, or grandparent by calling (814) 274-4877 or by stopping by the Potter County Education Council office at 5 Water Street in Coudersport.
2023 Elizabeth “Sis” Simons Memorial Award Announced by Dickinson Center
RIDGWAY, Pa (January 25, 2024)— Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI) is pleased to announce the recipient of the annual Elizabeth “Sis” Simons Memorial Award. This special award was presented to Nikol Chew, LSW, during the January 2024 Dickinson Board Meeting.
The Elizabeth “Sis” Simons Memorial Award recognizes a DCI direct service employee who consistently goes above and beyond in the performance of his/her duties.
Nikol was nominated by her supervisor Tonya Wolfe. Key points from the nomination form stated that since Nikol joined DCI’s team in May 2018, she has embodied the values of DCI in all she does. There are so many other things Nikol does that make her stand out and deserving of this prestigious award. Nikol has demonstrated compassion throughout the last year time and time again for co-workers. She also demonstrates the desire to perform at the highest quality and pushes herself to do so in every aspect of her job. Day in and day out Nikol instills hope in the adolescents and families she serves.
Jim Prosper, DCI’s Executive Director, said, “Congratulations to Nikol on this award and for consistently demonstrating her commitment to improving the lives of our consumers and the community. Her work and dedication support our core values of compassion, excellence and hope in her work with individuals seeking behavioral health care.”
Nikol received a monetary gift, a certificate, and will have her name engraved on the Elizabeth “Sis” Simons Memorial Award plaque displayed at Dickinson Center‘s main office at 43 Servidea Drive in Ridgway.
Elizabeth “Sis” Simons, was a founding member of the original Dickinson Board of Governors and served for over four decades demonstrating exemplary leadership, public relations, caring, and dedication to Dickinson’s mission. She achieved an honorary “life” membership on the Board of Governors until she passed away on July 18, 2001. The Board established the Sis Simons Award to honor her in memory and recognize her significant contributions to Dickinson Center, Inc.
For more information about Dickinson Center, Inc., an affiliate of Journey Health System, visit www.dickinsoncenter.org.
New Rules For Fracking Companies in PA
Shapiro Administration, DEP Requires All Fracking Companies to be More Transparent About Chemicals Used in Drilling
At Governor Shapiro’s Direction, Following Collaboration with CNX Resources, DEP Will Require Natural Gas Companies to Disclose Chemicals Used in Drilling & Hydraulic Fracturing Before They Are Used On-Site
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration, through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is implementing new policies that will require operators to publicly disclose chemicals they use in drilling and hydraulic fracturing earlier in the well development process. This step will cover all gas companies following the historic collaboration between the Shapiro Administration and CNX Resources Corporation.
This announcement is a next step in the Shapiro Administration’s continuing work to address climate change and protect Pennsylvanians’ Constitutional right to clean air and pure water while maintaining our Commonwealth’s legacy as a national energy leader. In implementing this requirement, the Shapiro Administration is also following through on a key recommendation of the 43rd Statewide Grand Jury Report, which Governor Shapiro oversaw as Attorney General.
The details of which chemicals an operator is using are contained in companies’ site-specific Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency (PPC) plans. Previously, PPC plans were required to be submitted to DEP only upon request. Now, when issuing permits for new unconventional wells, DEP will require the submission of unconventional well operators’ site-specific PPC plans prior to drilling. Moving forward, the PPC documents will be posted online by DEP at PA Oil and Gas Mapping website upon receipt.
As a result of the historic collaboration with Governor Shapiro, CNX Resources Corporation has already publicly disclosed the chemicals and additives used in its new drilling operations, and has begun posting air monitoring results in real time for two of its well pads, with plans to expand the program across its operations statewide.
“As Attorney General and now as Governor, I have listened to Pennsylvanians concerned about their health and safety – and I am delivering on the promise I made to them to secure these protections,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “My Administration is setting a new standard for Pennsylvania natural gas to be produced in a responsible, sustainable way and showing how we can bring people together to get things done. We’re going to follow through on our commitment to ensure the health and safety of our communities while maintaining Pennsylvania’s proud energy legacy and our Commonwealth’s critical role in the nation’s energy economy.”
The Governor’s collaboration with CNX, which addresses many of the recommendations of the 43rd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, demonstrates how industry, government, and public advocates can find common ground and collaborate to keep people safe and move Pennsylvania forward.
In addition to the disclosure of chemicals used in drilling, Governor Shapiro has also directed DEP to take action to pursue formal rulemaking and policy changes mirroring the collaboration, including: improved control of methane emissions aligned with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recently announced performance standards for emission sources in the oil and natural gas sector, stronger drilling waste protections, including inspection of secondary containment, and corrosion protections for gathering lines that transport natural gas.
As part of this collaboration, DEP will also conduct the most intensive independent study of unconventional natural gas wells in the nation. CNX will provide DEP with unprecedented access to two future CNX well sites, allowing for in-depth, independent monitoring of the air emissions at both locations before, during, and after development of the new wells. This will make it possible for communities to understand the facts about natural gas development with more transparency than ever before.
“DEP is setting a new standard of transparency for Pennsylvania’s natural gas regulation and policy actions,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, DEP will continue to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania’s environmental laws and regulations that address unconventional well permits. By requiring unconventional gas companies to make their PPC plans publicly available, Pennsylvanians will have a clearer picture of the types of chemicals being used on unconventional well sites earlier in the process.”
Regulations require well operators to prepare and develop a site-specific PPC plan prior to storing, using, or generating regulated substances on a well site. The PPC plan requires disclosure of “regulated substances,” as defined in 25 Pa. Code § 78a.1. Substances recorded include those from the drilling, alteration, production, plugging, or other activity associated with a gas well or transporting those regulated substances to, on, or from a well site.
To inform unconventional operators of this new process, DEP will include the new request in every cover letter that is attached to issued unconventional well permits as of January 3, 2024. DEP has also notified unconventional operators and industry groups. PPC plans will be uploaded and made publicly available via the PADEP Office of Oil & Gas Management’s eSubmission application, which can be accessed through DEP’s Greenport. Making this information accessible will ensure communities understand the facts about natural gas development.
In order to provide a consistent and thorough response, the DEP Office of Oil and Gas Management will conduct the initial reviews of the submitted PPC plans for completeness and compliance with regulations. DEP will also provide training to unconventional gas well operators to ensure compliance with the regulatory planning requirements. With this oversight, DEP can ensure that operators are well-prepared to avoid and address spills and releases, which can have public health and safety implications as well as environmental impacts.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, please visit website, or follow DEP on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Think About It
Learning To Say No and Set Boundaries
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
One of the healthiest things we can do is to set boundaries and limits with others, but it is also the most difficult at least when it comes to family.
When I got married many, many years ago, setting boundaries and limits was not difficult. Oh sure we had the extended family stuff but that was a small group of people. As the years have slipped by our family has grown. At last count, with all of the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren including the spouses we’re around the 40 mark. That’s a lot of offspring for a couple of crazy in love teenagers. As the patriarch and matriarch of this tribe of hooligans, when one hurts, we hurt. When one gets into trouble, we feel it. Knowing when to step in and when to let things go their course is not easy. We want to fix the hurt and bandage the problem. But sometimes that’s the worst thing we can do. So, learning to set boundaries and limits is an everyday struggle. Knowing when to help and when to let go isn’t easy.
Setting boundaries and limits is never easy. Neither is saying no. I, like many, want people to feel good. I want peace in my own life. To do so, we sometimes compromise. In our attempt to ease the fall we neglect to hold others responsible. We may even be accused of being unloving when we do set limits, boundaries or tell others no especially when it comes to family members.
I’ve often wondered if this is what is wrong with our society. We coddle our offspring and don’t make them responsible. We blame others for their misfortune without recognizing our part in their demise. How have we come to this? It certainly was planned or was our intension, but it’s happened nevertheless. Perhaps the real issue relates to the lack of consequences. Setting limits and boundaries is a consequence. So is saying no. All are healthy responses to unhealthy choices. Easy to do? Probably not, but very necessary if one is going to grow, change and become a responsible member of society. It comes back to my choices. Think about it.
North Central Supply And the “Shops of Quarterwest”
A reminder to all of our customers. Starting this week, we will only be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday for our winter hours until March.
We want to welcome “Bush Rangers Outdoors” ..
See them for all your hunting and fishing supplies…
New 2024 Fishing licenses are for sale…
Get your fishing gear here today!
Stop by and see the exciting things we are bringing to north central Pennsylvania..
Edward L. Stebick, 83, of St. Marys, PA
Edward L. Stebick, 83, of St. Marys, PA passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois.
He was born September 14, 1940, in St. Marys, son of the late Alfred Stebick, Sr. and Geraldine Kreckle Stebick. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1958. He was employed at Powdered Metal Products for 42 years and was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a sacristan at the church and was a devout and loving Christian throughout his life.
On February 4, 1961, in Sacred Heart Church, Ed married Patricia “Patty” Vollmer. They were blessed to share 62 years of marriage and were very much looking forward to celebrating their 63rd anniversary in a few days.
David W. Herzing, 82, of 733 West Creek Road, St. Marys, PA
David W. Herzing, 82, of 733 West Creek Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024, after a lengthy illness.
He was born February 24, 1941, in St. Marys, son of the late Frank X. and Louise Brown Herzing. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1958.
On February 23, 1963, Dave married Carol Jean Haberberger, who survives. They were blessed to share 60 years of marriage. Along with his loving wife, Dave is survived by their four children: David Herzing, Jr., of Concord, North Carolina, Shelley Herzing (Carly) of Richmond, Virginia, Melissa Herzing of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Peter Herzing (Khrista) of Disputanta, Virginia; grandchildren, Alex Herzing, Marlies (Michael) Young, Jacob (Bethany) Herzing, Wyatt, Rion, Kyla, Zeke, and Mazie Herzing; great-granddaughter, Gemma Young; three sisters: Margaret Ruckman of Fredonia, New York, Sally Caskey of St. Marys, and Marie Kresge (Ronald) of Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Frank Herzing (Helen) of St. Marys; a sister-in-law, Donna Herzing of St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.
St. Marys Area United Way Holds Annual Meeting
Elk County– The St. Marys Area United Way board of directors met on January 25, 2024, for their annual board meeting. The meeting was hosted by the City of St. Marys and held within the city chambers conference room. Two important agenda items included the voting for the 2024 grant award recipients and the vote to set 2024 campaign goal to $220,000.
The board approved the 2024 campaign goal increase from $200,000 to $220,000. The board agreed that this campaign goal increase was necessary to meet all the needs of our local nonprofits. Several board members suggested the need to leverage more funding from company payroll programs, the need to ask existing donors to consider increasing their donations, and to seek out additional local companies that may have an interest in supporting the St. Marys Area United Way. For 2023, the St. Marys Area
Scott Aaron Bebko, 52, of Bradford, Pennsylvania,
Scott Aaron Bebko, 52, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, died all too suddenly while at work on January 17, 2024.
Scott was born on April 8, 1971, in Erie, PA. He was the beloved son on the late Ronald J. and Peggy Comita Bebko. Scott graduated in 1989 from Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie. He then attended Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, where he pledged and became an Active in the Alpha Phi Omega (ABN) fraternity organization. This was one of the most pivotal and happy times in Scott’s life, and where he made lifelong friends.
Scott lived in Richmond, Virginia for 5 years, where he worked for Time-Life. After moving back to Olean, NY in 1999, Scott met the love of his life, his wife, Lori. On August 21, 2004, they were married in Allegheny State Park. They were each other’s best friend.
Scott worked in many trades, with the majority being in sales. He was employed by Bradford Forest Products, Autozone, Walmart, and then found his calling at Keystone Powdered Metal in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania. He was employed as a CNC Operator at the time of his death.
Scott was the epitome of honor, loyalty, and goodness. Anyone who met him was better for having the opportunity. His love and expertise at Magic the Gathering and D&D was legendary.
Causer to Hold Satellite Office Hours
BRADFORD – State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will hold monthly satellite office hours on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the following locations:
- Emporium Borough Office – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon.
Services available include assisting constituents with state-related issues or concerns, assistance with driver license and vehicle registration applications, and help in filling out applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE prescription drug assistance programs.
Geraldine P. “Gerri” Hoffman, 80, of 148 Upper Cherry Road, Kersey, PA
Geraldine P. “Gerri” Hoffman, 80, of 148 Upper Cherry Road, Kersey, PA passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.
She was born February 27, 1943 in St. Marys, daughter of the late George and Elsie Martin Pfaff. She was a lifelong resident of the area, graduated from the first graduating class at Elk County Christian, Class of 1962, and was employed at Sylvania.
On November 23, 1962 in Sacred Heart Church, Gerri married Louis Hoffman, who survives. They were blessed to share 61 years of marriage.
Potter County Artisan Co-op plans Cross Stitch classes in February
Julia Overton-Healy, Cross Stitch Artist, will be teaching a Beginner Cross Stitch class on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Potter County Artisan Center. Participants are asked to bring a small pair of sharp scissors. All materials, including the pattern, are provided. Students should choose two colors to be used in the project when registering.
Curt Weinhold will be teaching a beginner/intermediate photography class at the Potter County Artisan Center on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 1;30 pm – 3;00 pm. Curt is a PaWilds Juried Artisan, former wedding photographer and teaches starry sky photography at Cherry Springs State Park. Curt will teach students how to set up their cameras for varying subjects and acquaint them with shutter speed, f-stop and ISO. Also covered in this class; the importance of proper lighting, photo composition, landscape photography and portraits. This class is geared towards cameras with interchangeable lenses (DSLR). Please bring cameras to class.
To register for these classes, please call the center at 814-274-8165. The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street and is open from 12 pm to 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday.
2 Men Down at Domtar Paper in Johnsonburg
At about 3:00 PM on Thursday, Johnsonburg Fire Dept. & EMS have responded to Domtar for a report of 2 men down, possibly from carbon monoxide or a chemical. Hazardous materials equipped firefighters are recovering the workers, bringing them to fresh air. Air Medical has been requested but is unavailable due to the fog. Details are sketchy.
St. Marys engine requested to Penn Highlands Elk hospital to assist with decontamination.