Howard F. “Hooper” Bajor, 84, of Austin, PA.
Howard F. “Hooper” Bajor, 84, of Austin, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, at his home.
Howard was born on March 7, 1938, in Glen Gardner, NJ the son of the late Felix and Elin (Gudmundson) Bajor. February of 1961, he married the former Dorothy Hoagland and they celebrated 59 years of marriage until her passing on December 4, 2020.
Howard worked many years as a self-employed logger. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving from 1961-1963 in Korea in the K9 unit. After retirement he worked for the Potter County Jail as a guard for 10 years. Howard was a founding member of the Austin Dam Association, and was a member of the Austin Vets Club, Trout Unlimited, and Healing Waters. He was active with the Austin Boy Scout Troop 524. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and was an active bow hunter in the early days of the sport.
Howard is survived by a son, Steven (Melanie) Bajor of Emporium; a grandson Eric (Natalya) Orsich of Duluth MN; and a brother, Robert (Darlene) Bajor of Easton. In addition to his wife and parents, Howard was preceded in death by a brother, Martin Bajor.
At Howard’s request there will be no visitation or service. The family suggest memorial contributions in Howard’s name be made to the Mountaineers Search and Rescue, P.O. Box 265, Emporium, PA 15834, Austin Vol. Fire Company & Ambulance Association, 42 Main St., Austin, PA 16720, or to UPMC-Cole Patterson Cancer Center, 1001 East Second St., Coudersport, PA 16915
The family has entrusted Howard’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share your fondest memories of Howard, or to sign his guestbook, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Dean J. Predmore, 50, of Coudersport, PA.
Dean J. Predmore, 50, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, surrounded by family and friends.
Dean was born on November 20, 1972, in Coudersport the son of the late Gary Predmore and Carol (Shalkowski) Predmore of Coudersport. He married the former Laura L. Knight on June 7, 1997 and they celebrated 25 years of marriage.
Dean was a graduate of Coudersport Area High School, Class of 1991. He most recently served as the Potter County Operations and Training Officer and Deputy EMC. For over 30 years he served as a member of the Potter County EMA and 911 programs. He was a member of the North Central Regional Task Force serving on numerous committees and was currently the Chairman of the Regions Training Committee. Dean was an active member of the Potter County Emergency Services Council serving as Treasurer. He was also a member of the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, serving for over 30 years holding many positions within that organization. Dean was a life member of the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department and held many positions over his 30 years of service as well. His volunteer service to his community is an example of someone who genuinely wanted to give of themselves without remuneration because it was the right thing to do. He was the proprietor of D.P. Enterprises and worked for both Adelphia Communications Corporation and Wending Creek Farms. Dean was a member of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, and Knights of Columbus. Dean enjoyed roller skating, camping, setting off fireworks, going to the beach, and was an avid NASCAR fan.
In addition to his wife and mother, Dean is survived by a brother, Joel (Julie) Predmore of Denver; a sister, Colleen (Bill) Majot of Coudersport; and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation, Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 10am to 11 am at St. Eulalia Catholic Church, 6 East Maple St., Coudersport where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am with Rev. Daniel Hoffman, officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions in Dean’s name be made to the North Central Regional Task Force c/o PICCC Cheryl Johnson, 2595 Clyde Ave. #1, State College, PA 16801 or to the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, 122 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915
The family has entrusted Dean’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share your fondest memories of Dean, or to sign his guestbook, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Carol R. Gulnac, 89, formerly of Bolivar Drive, Bradford, PA
Carol R. Gulnac, 89, formerly of Bolivar Drive, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 30, 2023, at Bradford Manor.
Born July 6, 1933, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late George W. and Eunice (Carl) Thrush.
She was a 1952 graduate of Bradford High School, and graduated from Warren Business School. After graduating she worked at Brown’s Plumbing and Heating, Star Garage and several other automobile dealerships.
On July 7, 1956, in the Asbury United Methodist Church she married Richard Pollock died in 1973. Then on March 3, 1979, in the Sawyer United Methodist Church she married David Gulnac who died December 5, 2007.
Carol loved boating on the Kinzua Dam.
Surviving is one son, Jeffrey L. (Kimberly) Pollock, of Bradford, one daughter, Jodie Kay (Keith) Sanders, of Wellsville NY, three stepdaughter, Bonnie Smith, and Judith Bransom, both of Comanche TX, and Jane Stewart, of Shreveport LA, and one stepson, David Gulnac, of Bradford, six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, one sister Gwen Alexander, three brothers, Wayde Thrush, Edward Thrush, and George “Skip” Thrush.
Services are private at the convenience of family. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Carol Ann Hanson, 60, of Renfrew, PA
Carol Ann Hanson, 60, of Renfrew, PA passed away on Jan. 14, 2023, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer.
Carol Ann went to Negaunee High School in Michigan and attended Northern Michigan University.
She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, bright red hair and her contagious laugh.
Carol Ann had a great love for animals, her small farm, and a knack for decorating. She especially enjoyed her mini horses, sweet dogs, and pot belly pig, Bacon!
She loved spending as much time outside as possible soaking up the sunshine and spending time at the beach whenever able. Carol Ann worked at St. Clair Hospital as an emergency room tech for nearly 18 years. She also cut hair for friends and clients throughout the years.
Carol Ann is survived by her partner, Justin Briones of Renfrew; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Gloria Hanson of Bradford, and many dear friends.
Carol Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Jeff Hanson, who passed away from cancer in January of 2021.
Committal services for Carol Ann Hanson and Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of her family and her loved ones at a later date with a graveside service to be held at Willow Dale Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, the SPCA or to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
WINTER OUTING SERIES CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND FEB. 3-5 AND NEXT FEB. 10-12
Around 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 99 Main Street in Wellsboro during this year’s Wellsboro Winter Celebration, adults, teens and children can sit on the Old Man Winter Throne made of ice as friends and relatives take their pictures.
The Winter Outing Series continues this weekend with Winter Women in the Wilds Feb. 3-5 at the Sinnemahoning State Park Wildlife Center; Community Climbing Day this Saturday, Feb. 4 at Mansfield University; and Winter Adventure Snowshoe or Hike at Lyman Run State Park this Sunday, Feb. 5.
Next weekend will be the Wellsboro Winter Celebration Friday to Sunday, Feb. 10, 11 & 12 and Snowshoeing Basics on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Sinnemahoning State Park with registration by Thursday, Feb. 9.
Registration is Closed for Winter Women in the Wilds Feb. 3-5
Registration is closed and the wait list is full for Winter Women in the Wilds, a fun opportunity to learn outdoor skills this Friday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Sinnemahoning State Park Wildlife Center at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County. For information about the winter program, email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov or call the park office at 1-814-647-8401.
Beginners of All Ages Can Climb the Wall Free at MU on Saturday, Feb. 4
Beginners of all ages, individuals and families with children are invited to participate in Community Climbing Day to experience the climbing wall for free on Saturday, Feb. 4 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Mansfield University’s Kelchner Fitness Center at 80 Clinton Street in Mansfield. Registration is not required. The climbing wall is 80 feet wide by 29 feet tall. Provided free will be guidance by trained staff and climbing gear to get newcomers off the ground. For more information or for answers to questions, email Director Amy DeLozier at aletts@commonwealthu.edu or call the center at 570-662-4865.
Free Lyman Run Winter Snowshoe or Hike is This Sunday, Feb. 5
For the free Winter Adventure Hike or Snowshoe, meet outdoorsmen Chip Harrison and John Halter at 1 p.m. this Sunday, Feb. 5in the Day Use parking lot at Lyman Run State Park at 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, PA 16922. Adults and children old enough to handle wearing snowshoes are welcome to participate. Following an introduction to using snowshoes and a short snowshoe, the group will leave from the parking lot, cross the road and begin the one-mile out-and-back snowshoe that will take them to the Lyman Lake beach area and then on Fisherman’s Trail and Lyman Lake, depending on conditions. Those who own snowshoes are encouraged to bring them. Snowshoes will also be available and provided free for those who don’t have them. Wear waterproof boots, dress appropriately for the weather and bring snacks and water. This winter outing may be cancelled due to trail conditions or become a traditional hike if there isn’t enough snow. For more information, call 570-439-1826 or 1-814-435-5010.
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore Sinnemahoning State Park trails in winter. New to the sport? No problem. Park staff will help get people started from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11at the Sinnemahoning State Park Wildlife Center at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County. Snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided. This program will begin indoors with an introduction to snowshoeing equipment and styles, followed by guided practice instruction on level ground and then a short excursion on the trail. If snow depth is insufficient for snowshoeing, the indoor portion of the program will still be held, followed by a 2- to 3-mile nature hike. Registration for this free program is required by Thursday, Feb. 9. Register online through the DCNR Calendar of Events. Questions? Call the park office at 1-814-647-8401 or email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov.
Wellsboro Winter Celebration is Friday to Sunday, Feb. 10, 11 & 12
On Saturday, Feb. 11 from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. will be a free Introduction to Cross-County Skiing on The Green, a park in the heart of downtown Wellsboro. Kids can try out cross-country skis with basic instruction. Tubing races will also be held at 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at this popular in-town event as part of the Wellsboro Winter Celebration. Also on Feb. 11 ice carvers will create a throne for children and adults to sit on and have their pictures taken by friends and relatives at 99 Main Street around 9 a.m. The carvers will then demonstrate their skills by creating four other ice masterpieces on the sidewalks in front of downtown Main Street businesses beginning at 11 a.m. The last sculpture will be finished by 3 p.m. The public is invited to watch the carvers work and ask them questions. It’s free. Find more information on the entire weekend at wellsboropa.com or call the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce at 570-724-1926.
FMI: To learn more about Winter Outing events or for updates on snow and ice, trail conditions, directions and more, search for Step Outdoors Tioga County on Facebook or visit www.stepoutdoors.org.
Free Jazz Concert Saturday in Bradford
On Saturday, February 4, the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center will present a free performance by the Mark Kellogg Jazz Quintet in the Harriett B. Wick Chapel on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
The group features Mark Kellogg on trombone and euphonium, vocalist Amy Azzara, Christopher Azzara on piano, Kyle Vock on bass, and Eric Schmitz on drums. Music includes songs by Duke Ellington, Brooks Bowman, Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer, Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart, and other American greats. The program will also include original music written and composed by members of the ensemble.
This performance is free and open to everyone. Seating is open. Reservations are not required. Doors open at 6:30 and the performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. The chapel is located at 300 Campus Drive, Bradford, Pa. 16701
City of Bradford Police Charge Man With False Reports to 911
On December 14th, 2022 the defendant Dante Love Lockett was charged by the City of Bradford Police Department with false reports to law enforcement and misuse of the 911 communication system both Misdemeanor violations.
Magistrate Cercone arraigned Lockett on these charges and he was released on $1000 unsecured bail.
On January 9th, 2023 the defendant Dante Love Lockett was charged with Misdemeanor Harassment for sending threatening text messages to another. Magistrate Cercone arraigned Lockett and released him on $1000 unsecured bail. Preliminary hearings are set in matters.
Arrest Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 – 1:21pm Reference ID: 2022-12141321 Charges: CC 4906 A False Reports CC 5310 A Communications with 911 Incident Type: All Other – Criminal Source: City of Bradford Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/lockett-dante-love-cc-4906-false-reports-and-1-additional-charge
Bradford Man Charged With Assaulting Hotel Employee
On 01/02/2023 City of Bradford Police Department charged the defendant Austin Jay Crooks with Simple Assault and Harassment for an incident at the OYO Hotel at 153 Main Street. Crooks punched an employee of the Hotel in relation to an argument they were having causing injury.
A warrant was issued for Crooks for this incident and he was taken into custody yesterday 02/01/2023 by the Foster Township Police Department. Magistrate Engman arraigned Crooks and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $2,500 cash bail. Preliminary Hearings are set in the matter.
Arrest Date: Monday, January 2, 2023 – 10:12am Reference ID: 2023-01021012 Charges: CC 2701 A1 Simple Assault (M2) CC 2709 A1 Harassment (S) CC 5503 A4 Disorderly Conduct (S) Incident Type: Assault – Other Source: City of Bradford Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/crooks-austin-jay-cc-2701-a1-simple-assault-m2-and-2-additional-charges
Coterra Energy Donates to the Seneca Highlands Career & Technology Center
EITC Grants Assist Students and Technical Programs at Seneca Highlands Tech
Seneca Highlands Career & Technical Center administrators welcomed a donation from Coterra Energy in the form of Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) donated to the school. SHCTC, based in Port Allegany, is one of 26 career and technology centers, small and large, that Coterra has assisted across the state since 2010. To date, more than $1.3 million in EITC grants have been distributed by Coterra in Pennsylvania to help students cover the costs of instructional material, testing supplies, uniforms, and certifications.
SHCTC’s Kimberly Mooney and Kristin Hawver worked together to coordinate the EITC scholarships for 28 students this year. According to Mooney, the funds were used for technology, educational, and workplace items, such as computers, tools, workwear, and general purpose implements based on individual programs.
“The students report that the purchases assisted them on their career path and in finding employment,” Mooney related. “Whether it was for college or career readiness, the scholarship monies aided in course work and the ability to become self-reliant and have the necessary materials for the trade and to enter the workforce.”
Coterra’s EITC program has grown steadily through the years, doubling in scope in 2019 after a lull in the natural gas industry. CTC’s are seen as a natural incubator for the skilled workers needed by Pennsylvania’s growing industry sector, including natural gas production.
“We’re excited for the jobs that are ahead, and we are making sure that we have the workforce for this next phase in Pennsylvania’s economic development,” said Coterra director of external affairs George Stark. Trade schools like SHCTC, he noted, are training the workforce today for tomorrow that make them productive members of society.
“If our Career and Technical Center did not have this scholarship money, many students would be without some of the items they need that are helpful and required in a clinical setting, cooperative education placement, and in the next step of their educational/employment journey,” Hawver stated.
The program is administered by Commonwealth Charitable Management (CCM), which has partnered with Coterra Energy for over 10 years in support of Career & Technology students across Pennsylvania. CCM program manager Melissa Turlip related that “Building a future relies on a variety of industries,” citing welding, auto mechanics, health services and engineering technology among specialized fields that are always in demand.
“Our Center is very grateful and blessed to have sponsors like Coterra Energy that support students to become successful and motivated in pursuing their dreams,” Mooney remarked. “We are pulling from rural areas that have a high need for financial assistance.”
Photo caption:
Administrators and students at Seneca Highlands Career & Technical Center express their gratitude to Coterra Energy for the donation of Educational Improvement Tax Credits that help cover out-of-pocket expenses for materials needed by students to complete their programs or move into the workforce.
Scialabba Hosts Policy Hearing on Workforce Development
CRANBERRY – Rep. Stephenie Scialabba (R-Butler) hosted a policy hearing today with members of the House Republican Policy Committee and the public, which focused on how to develop our workforce to meet the needs of Pennsylvania employers and consumers.
“In order for Pennsylvania to be competitive against surrounding states, we must be leaders of innovation,” said Scialabba. “The success of small businesses is a critical component of our economy, and it starts with addressing the workforce shortages plaguing our employers.”
Held at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building in Cranberry, the policy hearing’s testifiers were:
MoreRECALLS
Global Pharma Healthcare Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops Due to Possible Contamination
Global Pharma Healthcare is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, distributed by /EzriCare, LLC- and Delsam Pharma, to the consumer level, due to possible contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted FDA to an investigation of a multi-state cluster of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)- producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) infections possibly associated with the use of the artificial tears manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare. To date, there are 55 reports of adverse events including eye infections, permanent loss of vision, and a death with a bloodstream infection.
Risk Statement: Use of contaminated artificial tears can result in the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness.
IBSA Pharma Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Select Lots of TIROSINT®-SOL (levothyroxine sodium) Oral Solution Due to Subpotency
IBSA Pharma Inc. is voluntarily recalling 27 lots of TIROSINT®-SOL (levothyroxine sodium) Oral Solution to the consumer level. This voluntary recall has been initiated because these lots may be subpotent. The company’s analyses show a slight decrease below 95.0% of its labeled amount in levothyroxine sodium (T4) for some lots.
County Line 4-H News
On Sunday (January 29) we had our third 4-H meeting. It was held at my farm, Echo Valley Farm. We worked with lamb and piglets. Little Buddy, who is a lamb, needed to have his vaccine. He also needed his tail docked, ear tagged and castrated. He didn’t have a very good day. I got to band his tail. Miley got to tag his ear. Mom gave him a shot. Then Natale held him while mom showed and helped Jessicia to band his testicles. Tails’ piglets needed their iron shot and vitamin shot. They were born just the day before. We each held one and my mom gave them shots. We left Trouble’s piglets alone because she doesn’t like strangers. We talked about why this stuff is needed and how to keep newborn piglets and lambs warm. We washed our hands and had snacks. It was a fun meeting. Maddie, Rolland, Miley, Rosalie, Talyah, Avaree, Ryleigh, Natale, and Maeson. All attend this 4-H meeting. We will see you next time.
Carol J. (Siecker) Morton, 83, of 686 Shelvey Summit Road, Kersey and formerly of Eatonville, WA
Carol J. (Siecker) Morton, 83, of 686 Shelvey Summit Road, Kersey and formerly of Eatonville, WA, passed away Monday, January 30, 2023, at Penn Highlands Elk after a brief illness.
She was born March 31, 1939, in St. Marys, daughter of the late John and Salome Kraus Siecker. She spent most of her youth in Elk County before moving to Nevada. She married the late Frank Morton in Birdeye, NV and lived in Reno for nearly 50 years. She then moved to Eatonville, WA and lived there for close to 20 years.
Carol is survived by her sister, Diana Beimel (Harold) of Kersey; her brother, Roger Siecker (Penny) of Reno, NV; two nieces: Kathy Downs and Debbie Vincent both of Washington; a nephew, RJ Siecker of Nevada; and by her adoring cat, Pretty Boy.
In addition to her husband and parents, Carol was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Morton.
Carol was artistic, creative, and enjoyed her natural surroundings. She liked to paint and embroider, she would make the most lovely tablecloths. She was a kind person, loved animals-especially her cat, and had a special love for her nieces and nephew.
There will be no services.
The family will have a private ceremony for Carol at a future date.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.
Muccio announces re-election bid for Coroner
Muccio announces re-election bid for Coroner Michelle A. Muccio of St. Marys, has announced her candidacy for re-election for Elk County Coroner. Michelle is a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Elk County Christian High School. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service Management as well as a Diploma in Funeral Directing and Embalming from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. She is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer and owns the Lynch-Green Funeral Home in St. Marys, as well as funeral homes in Ridgway and Kersey. Her mortuary education provided significant medical training in anatomy and pathology, as well as extensive training in identifying cause and manner of death. She is also highly trained in the medical and psychological aspects surrounding a death, and has attended yearly conferences and training seminars to remain current with all aspects of the Coroner’s Office. She is currently working towards her ABMDI certification (American Board of Medico-Legal Death Investigators). Muccio took office in January of 2012 and has investigated more than 1400 deaths while in office. She has evaluated and authorized more than 1500 cremations. Michelle feels that she continues to be the most qualified for this position given her formal education in death care, her experience serving as coroner and the excellent relationships forged with the local fire departments, police and ambulance personnel. In her tenure as coroner, the office has run smoothly and she has been fiscally responsible with her yearly budget. Muccio is a member of the Pennsylvania Coroner’s Association where she serves on the Vital Statistics and Nominations Committees. She also sits on the MDAIR Team (Medication Death and Incident Review Team), which evaluates and offers guidance for deaths involving prescription medications designed to aid with addiction treatment. She also also pioneered two community-minded programs, one being the Cribs for Kids Program, which provides cribs to families who otherwise wouldn’t have access to a safe sleep space for their child, and the second is the Elder Justice Coalition, which helps bring awareness and education to older adults. She states that a great deal of time and dedication is required to serve as Coroner, and that she has served and will continue to serve the community with utmost compassion and professionalism. Her main objective is to ensure that the respect and privacy of both the decedent and their family is foremost in every situation. The Coroner is responsible for things such as investigating unattended deaths, issuing death certificates, and issuing cremation authorizations to area funeral directors. The coroner must work closely with local and state authorities during death investigations as well as be available around the clock when needed, something Muccio states is already second nature to her. She is grateful for the support that has been shown to her over her last 12 years in office from the community, the EMS providers, the Fire Departments, and Elkland Search and Rescue. Michelle and her family live in St. Marys and are members of Sacred Heart Church, where she also serves on Parish Council. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association. The continued support from the community is greatly appreciated, and Michelle would also appreciate write-ins on the Democratic ticket. |
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContact Capitol Update Friday, February 3, 2023The latest news from the State Capitol Think Spring! Trout Stocking Schedules Available The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced this week its 2023 trout stocking schedules are now available online and on the FishBoatPA mobile app. The PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 126 lakes open to public angling. Stocking is set to begin the week of Feb. 21 in advance of the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 25, and the statewide opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 1. The 2023 adult trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates and the species of trout that will be stocked. For more information about stocking, fishing and licensing, click here. Property Tax and Rent Rebate Clinics Start This Month Now that the 2022 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open, my office is hosting a series of events to help you apply. There is no cost for assistance, and no appointments are needed. If you are unable to attend any of the clinics, assistance is also available at my offices in Bradford, Coudersport and Kane. The first of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 15-16. The schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Feb. 15 • Eldred Senior Center, 169 Main St., Eldred – 9:30-11 a.m. • Ulysses Senior Center, 522 Main St., Ulysses – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Smethport Senior Center, 119 W. Main St., Smethport – noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 • Galeton Senior Center, 111 Germania St., Galeton – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Kane Senior Center, 100 N. Fraley St., Kane – 1-3 p.m. Click here to view the full schedule. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Revenue Department automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners. The deadline to apply for a rebate is June 30. Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. Additional information, as well as claim forms and a link to apply online, are available at www.revenue.pa.gov. Leading House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee I am honored to be appointed Republican chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy (ERE) Committee for the 2023-24 Legislative Session. Now more than ever, Pennsylvania’s role as an energy producer is vital to the future of our Commonwealth and our nation. I look forward to advancing policies that will grow our energy industry and opposing those that seek to crush it. The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has broad jurisdiction over the state’s energy resources and development. This includes regulations and conservation efforts; initiatives related to public lands and their renewable resources; policies affecting surface mining, coal, oil and gas, forestry, and mineral leasing; and oversight of air and water resources. The committee also has legislative oversight of the departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). I was also reappointed to the Pennsylvania Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, which was created to advise and assist the DEP to prevent overregulation of the conventional oil and gas industry, and to develop a plan to increase production of Pennsylvania grade crude. I was also appointed to serve on the Environmental Quality Board, a 20-member board which is responsible for reviewing and giving final approval to DEP regulations. Did You Hear? Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Selected As Pennsylvania’s 2023 Trail Of The Year The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee has named the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Pennsylvania’s 2023 Trail of the Year. The annual designation aims to help build enthusiasm and support for trails across the state, and to raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania’s land and water trail network. The Commonwealth is home to approximately 12,000 miles of trails. The Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail is a 7.8-mile-long section of the larger Knox and Kane Rail Trail in McKean County. The former rail line now provides a level trail for walking, jogging, biking and horseback riding. In winter months, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular. Congratulations to the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club and its partners, the Knox and Kane Rail Trail and Kinzua Bridge State Park, for this important recognition! Learn more here. |
PDA Roundup: PA Awarded $8.8 Million Funding Boost for Low-Income Senior Nutrition Programs
Biosecurity is most important for anyone who owns or works with poultry – whether on a commercial farm, in the wild, or a backyard flock. Pennsylvanians should take proper steps to keep HPAI from spreading.Biosecurity Checklist |
Pennsylvania Awarded $8.8 Million Funding Boost, Plus Performance-Based Increase for Low-Income Senior Nutrition Programs The Shapiro Administration has announced that there will be a more than $8.8 million increase in federal funding for food access for low-income seniors through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.Read MoreSenior Food Box Program |
Department Of Human Services Alerts Pennsylvanians About The End Of Emergency Allotment And Other SNAP Changes, Urges Support Of Charitable Food Network Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Val Arkoosh advised Pennsylvanians of upcoming changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Due to passage of the recent federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, starting in March, SNAP recipient households will no longer receive the Emergency Allotment (EA) additional payment created during the COVID-19 public health emergency and will resume receiving one SNAP payment per month. Read More |
The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention brought together hundreds of growers in the northeast to Hershey, PA to learn, network, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined attendees at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention banquet for an evening of celebration and remembrance. See More |
In addition to the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention banquet, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding attended the Apple Growers Reception and ice cream social that was held at the convention. Executive Deputy Secretary, Greg Hostetter, joined the PA Co-Operative Potato Growers Reception. Did you know that PA has the 5th highest number of fruit and vegetable farms in the U.S.? See More |
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity. Response Deadline: February 6, 2023Learn More |
Dairy Excellence Grants Open for Applications The Dairy Excellence Grant is ideal for Pennsylvania dairy producers who want to improve cow comfort, milk production per cow, or overall efficiency on their dairy farm. Leveraging funds provided through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this is a competitive grant program that offers up to a 50 percent, or up to a maximum matching level of $5,000, to dairy farms approved into the program. Deadline: February 28, 2023Apply |
Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species Funding Opportunity The Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species (MAPAIS) is offering a small grants competition to encourage interested groups and individuals to submit proposals for possible funding. Approximately $30,000 in funding is available to support several one-year aquatic invasive species projects. Proposals must be submitted as one PDF file to MAP-Proposals@mdsg.umd.edu Deadline: March 20, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Learn More |
Legal Webinars Offered by Penn State Penn State’s Center for Agricultural and Shale Law is offering a free quarterly Zoom webinar series covering U.S. dairy industry legal and regulatory developments with an in-depth focus topic presentation. In addition, a free six-webinar series that focuses on legal-planning for specialty crop producers is available. |
PA Preferred Organic and ESI need your input! Join PA Preferred Organic and Econsult Solutions (ESI) for one of two virtual roundtable discussions on Organic Farming in Pennsylvania. These interactive roundtables will focus on the launch of PA Preferred and ESI’s new analysis on the Economic Impact and Future of Organic Agriculture in Pennsylvania. We need to hear from you about the future of Organic Agriculture in PA, what role the Commonwealth should play, and the opportunities and challenges for agriculture producers. Sign up for a roundtable at the link below:Roundtable Sign Up |
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture | 2301 N. Cameron Street | Harrisburg, PA 17110 |