GAME COMMISSION WELCOMES NEW DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has a new deputy executive director of administration.
Deana Vance, who recently had been serving as the director of the Bureau of Automated Technology Services, stepped into her new role on April 1.
Vance fills the vacancy created when former deputy executive director Thomas P. Grohol retired on March 31.
UPMC Physician: Sports Physicals Set Baseline for Upcoming Season
By: Edward Gusick, D.O.
Sports Medicine Specialist, UPMC Orthopaedic Care
With the ground beginning to thaw and daisies pushing their way up through sun-starved soil, days are starting to look a little less dreary and a little springier. Parks are starting to fill up and clangs of bats are echoed throughout the neighborhoods. This can only mean one thing: baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. Your son or daughter likely had to complete a sports physical to make sure they were fit for the field. But, as a parent, what do you need to know before your child’s physical?
PITT-BRADFORD STUDENTS TO PRESENT ‘THE DROWNING GIRLS’ THIS WEEKEND
From left, Kaylee McCracken, Katrina Mosely and Adriana Herrera star in “The Drowning Girls” this weekend at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Studio Theater. Photo by Kevin Ewert
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will present “The Drowning Girls” April 6-9 in the Studio Theater in Blaisdell Hall.
The play features three young women, Bessie, Alice and Margaret, who have two things in common: They are married to George Joseph Smith, and they are dead. Surfacing from the bathtubs in which they were drowned, the three brides gather evidence against their womanizing, murderous husband by reliving the shocking events leading up to their deaths.
Dr. Kevin Ewert, professor of theater, said, “Yes, the play is based on the true story of an Edwardian predator, but it is more imaginative and empowering than most true crime tales, and the sheer theatricality of our brides and their bathtubs is a delight as they speak their cast iron, claw-footed truths.”
The actors are Kaylee McCracken, a sophomore environmental science major from DuBois, Katrina Moseley, a first-year history-political science student from Montgomery, and Adriana Herrera, a first-year forensic major from Leasburg, N.C.
“These three actors are troupers,” Ewert said. “They play about 10 roles each and do so while soaking wet for the entire production.”
Eliver Russo, a first-year biology major from Easton, performs live music for the show. Production is by Abby McCullough, a junior interdisciplinary arts major from Aliquippa, Ethan Campbell and Erik Umarov, a first-year accounting major from Bradford.
“The Drowning Girls” will play at 7:30 p.m. April 6, 7 and 8 and 2 p.m. April 9. Tickets are $6 for the public and $2 for students. For tickets, call 814-362-5113, visit www.upb.pitt.edu/TheArts or visit the Bromeley Family Theater Box Office in Blaisdell Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Ruffed Grouse Society to Offer Wild Game Pot Luck
Ruffed Grouse Society to Offer Wild Game Pot Luck at Rolfe Beagle Club, Johnsonburg, Pa., on Saturday, 4/22
Johnsonburg, Pa.: The Upland Bird Hunt (UBH) Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is offering a Wild Game Pot Luck at the Rolfe Beagle Club on Saturday, 4/22, at 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, Pa., 15845. Entry to the Wild Game Pot Luck is FREE with a wild game dish to share with others. If you do not have wild game to prepare and share, then please bring a vegetable dish, or a meat/cheese sampler. Come talk dogs, tell lies about our dogs, listen to other upland conservationists, and enjoy your favorite beverage.
“Based on last year’s success with the Birds ‘N’ Brews in Bradford, we wanted to try this wild game idea,” said Tommy Launer. “We invite you to join us for the evening. We will have some RGS and AWS (American Woodcock Society) items and memberships for attendees. We are looking for a laid-back evening of just enjoying our dogs and, hopefully, some of the food our dogs have helped us harvest. This evening is all about sharing our love for the upland life,” finished Launer.
You must register to attend so we have enough silverware and drinks for all attendees. Register with Tommy at tslauner@gmail.com, or call 724-814-7123 if you should have any questions.
Stay tuned to the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter by checking out the Facebook Group, RGS UBH St Marys PA Chapter, or get on the Ruffed Grouse Society email list for North Central PA by contacting wlhab9@gmail.com with your email. You will then be notified of all upcoming events the RGS has to offer in NC PA.
Black Forest Falcons Begin Season 3-0
The Black Forest Falcons Youth Trap Team improved to 3-0 on the season with a 187-175 win over Otto Eldred this week. Caine Wright shot a perfect 25 to lead the Falcons. The top eight scorers included:
Caine Wright – 25
Logan Jackson – 24
Wyatt Kibbe – 24
Izayah Freeman – 24
Owen Deutschlander – 23
Garrett Fuhrer – 23
Kaylea Empson – 22
Otto Deutschlander – 22
The Falcons next match is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18th in Bradford.
Capitol Update By Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContact Capitol Update Thursday, April 6, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. Celebrating New Opportunities for Students, Employers   It was so exciting to take part in the ribbon cutting last week for the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. What a great opportunity for our students, our community and our employers who will benefit from some great graduates of the program!Visiting W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company   It was a pleasure to visit W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company this week to tour the factory and celebrate passage of legislation I sponsored that will allow the company to produce automatic knives. Thank you to Brian Piscitelli, director of manufacturing, and Todd Yonker, vice president of operations, for the informative tour and conversation.Discussing Infrastructure in Roulette   Thank you to Roulette Township, Potter County, officials for the opportunity to see and discuss their water system infrastructure. The township has a plan for infrastructure upgrades and is working hard to maintain clean drinking water for the community. I am glad to work with them and support state assistance for their project.Spotted Lanternflies Hatching Soon  Starting later this month, many of us will encounter spotted lanternflies (SLF), an invasive insect that has now spread through 51 of 67 Pennsylvania counties since its initial discovery in 2014. Locally, SLF has only been reported in Cameron County, but not in McKean and Potter counties. Unfortunately, its spread is expected to continue. SLF feeds on the sap of many different plants and trees including grapevines, maples, black walnut and other important plants in PA. If you see SLF, Penn State Extension encourages you to report it online here or call their hotline at 1-888-422-3359. To learn more about this nuisance pest, including how to identify and manage it, click here. State Budget Hearings Resume Next Week  As lawmakers continue to review the governor’s $46 billion spending proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year, members of the House Appropriations Committee will hold a final week of budget hearings next week.The sessions begin on Tuesday, April 11, with the Department of Human Services. As one of the largest segments of the budget, a full day has been allotted for this hearing. On Wednesday, April 12, the committee will hear from the Department of Labor and Industry in the morning, followed by the Department of Revenue and Office of Inspector General in the afternoon. Thursday, April 13, will feature the Department of Community and Economic Development in the morning and the state employee and school employee retirement systems in the afternoon. House budget hearings will conclude on Friday, April 14, with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in the morning and the governor’s budget office in the afternoon. All hearings are streamed live at www.PAHouseGOP.com. For a schedule of upcoming hearings and video of completed hearings, click here. Protecting Children from Abuse  April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. While state laws have identified people, such as teachers, health care providers and clergy members, who are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse, we all have a role to play in protecting our children.Signs of potential physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect may include sudden changes in a child’s behavior or school performance; being overly compliant, passive or withdrawn; always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen; and a reluctance to be around a particular person or to return home from school or activities. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. Boosting Autism Awareness, Acceptance  April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month. The month is designed to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and long-term support services. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs works to provide an array of support services for individuals of all ages, as well as their families. The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a statewide initiative to provide streamlined access to information for Pennsylvanians living with autism. To learn more, visit www.paautism.org. Call Before You Dig  April is Safe Digging Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of calling 8-1-1 before digging to ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state. Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents. State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their lines are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776. Learn more at www.PA1call.com.  Happy Easter and Happy PassoverI want to wish everyone celebrating Easter this weekend a blessed and holy day filled with hope and peace. And to all who celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, Chag Pesach Sameach! Let’s Get Connected Our District Web Site RepCauser.com |
Metzgar: $200 Million to Be Disbursed Toward Broadband Development Projects
HARRISBURG – As the House Republican designee for the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) announced that the authority will begin the process of disbursing $200 million of federal funding in the Pennsylvania Broadband Infrastructure Program. The program aims to boost broadband deployment to aid unserved and underserved communities in the Commonwealth.
“As broadband is a crucial issue for Pennsylvania, I am pleased to see us begin the process of ensuring this vital service reaches every home and business in the Commonwealth,” said Metzgar. “As Pennsylvanians deal with day-to-day challenges, having adequate broadband service is a must. I look forward to working with my colleagues on how we can best use our resources.”
Hello Community Gardeners!
Potter County Community Garden
Colleen Bray · ·
Hello Community Gardeners! We are all ready to plant, but the soil temperature is telling us something else. It’s still too cold for seeds, even with cold hearty vegetables. Soil temps are at 43 degrees and we’re monitoring until soil gets to 50 degrees.
If you applied for a garden plot, you will receive an email or postcard in the next week informing you of your assigned plot number. We will have soil amendments for you to add, so please don’t do anything more than pick weeds for now.
The plan is to officially open on Earth Day (April 22nd). We will have an open house that day from 9-12. Committee members and Master Gardeners will be in the garden to answer questions, assist new plot owners, and just hang out. Please save the date and come on down. — with Sheila Gabreski.
Fire Chief Warns About Potential For Brush Fires
Fox Township Volunteer Fire Department
Scott Surra · ·
Folks, it looks like we may get a little rain tonight into the morning but it will not be enough. The 7 day forecast looks pretty dry, and with the wind we have been having everything is dried up. April is historically peak brush fire season. Do not do any outside burning right now. You may think you can watch it and keep it contained but you can’t. I have heard over and over at brush fires someone tell me “I didn’t think it would go anywhere.” It will. Then DCNR gets called and you could be looking at fines if leaves your property and costs for equipment to come put it out.
Don’t be that guy. The brush pile and burn barrel can wait.
Scott A. Surra
Fox Twp Fire Chief
Harold H. McConaghay, 92, of Galeton, PA
Harold H. McConaghay, 92, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at The Green Home in Wellsboro, PA.
Born May 25, 1930, in Wharton, PA, he was a son of the late Wilbur and Mildred (Walker) McConaghay.
Harold was a 1949 graduate of Galeton High School and was a Veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
On June 19, 1955 at the Galeton Presbyterian Church, he married the former Barbara Grant, who survives.
Harold worked and retired from the Consolidated Gas Company in Genesee, PA. He was a member of the All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Brookland, PA, a member and past Master of the Galeton Lodge #602-F. & A.M., a member of the Gale Hose Ambulance Company, and a member of the Potter County Consistory.
Harold was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Barbara McConaghay, are two sons, David (Tammy) McConaghay, Ulysses, PA and Allan McConaghay, Genesee, PA; a granddaughter, Katelyn (Kyle) Tice, Mansfield, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by a two brothers, LeRoy McConaghay and Wilbur McConaghay, Jr.
A Private Memorial Service will be held at the family’s convenience. Military Honors will be accorded by the Potter County Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Galeton Public Library. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Collins Chapel, Galeton.
John “Big John” Burger, 69, of Emporium, PA
John “Big John” Burger, 69, of Emporium, PA passed away on Friday, March 31st, 2023.
He was born on January 23rd, 1954 in Coudersport, PA to the late Robert & Virginia (Cannon) Burger.
John spent most of his life traveling with the carnival & loved every second of it. Other than his passion for traveling with the carnival, he loved hunting, fishing & gardening. John was well liked among his friends and if he considered you a friend, there is nothing he wouldn’t do.
Surviving are his children Christie Hepfner & C. John Burger; his siblings Paula, Robert & Edward Burger; and his grandchildren Genna, Mackenzie & Kennedy.
John was preceded in death by his brother Jeffrey Burger.
All services and burial will be held privately through SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD, BUTLER, PA 16001. WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM.
Eldred Township Dispatched To School Bus/Passenger Car Crash
At 2:20 PM on Wednesday, Eldred Township Fire & Eldred ambulance 24 have been dispatched to the 4 corners on the Prentissvale Road for a school bus vs passenger vehicle. There were no children on the bus. Elderly operator of the passenger vehicle is being transported by private vehicle to the hospital. The bus driver signed off on treatment or transport. Eldred Borough Fire Dept. has been requested to close Prentisville Rd. at Kendall Bridge
Open Arms Church to host Easter services in Bradford, Port Allegany
Open Arms Church will observe Easter on Sunday, April 9, in Bradford and Port Allegany.
The Bradford location, at 1289 East Main St., will host services at 9 am and 11 am. Meanwhile, the Port Allegany location, at 105 Smith Ave., will host a service at 10 am. Open Arms Bradford will also offer a sunrise service at 7 am that will be livestreamed on Facebook.
Lead Pastor Zoe Hatcher said Easter is a time of renewal and hope as it marks the resurrection of Jesus.
“Despite the followers of Jesus losing hope when He was buried, His triumphant return defeated death and conquered the grave for all,” she said. “With Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have a choice to follow Him and walk with Him.”
On Easter Sunday, Open Arms will launch “The Path” series, which aims to explore the path that Jesus wants everyone to walk on and how to navigate it.
“If you have chosen to follow Jesus, where are you headed?” Hatcher asks.
For more information about the Easter services, visit openarmseaster.com or call 814-368-8846.
CHOOSE TWO SONGS NOW TO SING AT UPCOMING AUDITIONS FOR HG’S SUMMER MUSICAL “MARY POPPINS”
To prepare for the upcoming auditions for Hamilton-Gibson’s summer musical “Mary Poppins,” go to the HG website now at www.hamiltongibson.org where the songs to be sung in the show are posted.
“Choose one of songs listed on the HG website to sing at the audition plus one of the other songs in the show,” said Director Thomas Putnam.
Among the songs are: “A Spoonful of Sugar”, “Feed the Birds”, “Chim Chim Cher-ee”, “Step in Time”, “Practically Perfect”, “Brimstone and Teacle”, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”, “Anything Can Happen.”
There are 28 roles in this show, including the main characters – Mary Poppins, the Banks’ children’s new nanny; Bert, the narrator, a good friend to Mary Poppins and a song-and-dance man; the members of the Banks family, including George Banks (father), Winifred Banks (mother), Jane Banks (daughter) and Michael Banks (son); Mrs. Brill, the Banks family housekeeper and cook; and Admiral Boom, the Banks’ family neighbor. There are many smaller roles and a large chorus of strong singers and those who are eager to dance.
Auditions will be at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26 and Friday, April 28 and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 in the Warehouse Theatre at 3 Central Avenue in Wellsboro.
The production is open to all races and creeds. No experience is necessary. The ability to read music is not required. Most of the roles are for adults. High school students can play some of the roles. Jane and Michael Banks are children and must have strong speaking and singing voices.
Performances are Thursday through Sunday, July 13, 14, 15 and 16 at Straughn Auditorium on the Mansfield University campus.
Email hamgib@gmail.com or call the H-G office at 570-724-2079 for more information.
Mary L. Francis, 84, of Lewis Run, PA.
Mary L. Francis, 84, of Lewis Run, died Sunday (April 2, 2023) at The Pavilion at BRMC, Bradford.
She was born August 23, 1938 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Rossi) Keltz.
Mrs. Francis was a 1956 graduate of Port Allegany High School and was a 1959 graduate of the Bradford School of Nursing. Mrs. Francis work for all the local hospitals and several nursing homes. She was active as a private duty nurse in New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Ms. Francis was member of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Allegany. She loved football and was a diehard Eagle’s fan. She was a cheerleader in high school. She loved arranging flowers and doing puzzles. She was involved with the STEPS program in Bradford. She loved her family, doting on her grandchildren, collecting recipes and baking for family events.
She is survived by three daughters; Christine (Sandy) Bussard of Harrisburg, NC, Crystal Keufer of Bradford, PA and Deborah (Larry) Laktash of Smethport, PA
Two grandchildren; Christopher (Kristi) Laktash and Nikolas (Jeanne) Laktash
Two great grandchildren; Lucas and Kateri Laktash
five nieces and one nephew
She was preceded in death by her parents one brother Henry Keltz and one sister Carol Cannan, and one nephew.
Visitation will be held on Saturday. April 8, 2023 from 11:00 am till noon at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., 105 Main St., Port Allegany. A funeral service will start at 12:00 noon with the Rev. Garen Smith, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.
Memorials if desired may be made to the McKean County SPCA or First Presbyterian Church of Port Allegany. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
SBDC PennWest Clarion Presents QuickBooks Course in Coudersport
Clarion SBDC is offering a QuickBooks 2022 course, and you can attend the in-person workshop or via Webinar. Level I: If you’ve recently purchased QuickBooks or plan to in the near future, we can help you learn the basics. Learn to create, use and maintain your books with ease. Keep track of your payables and receivables. The Level I course will meet Wednesday, May 4th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $199*per person.
Level II: Now that you’re familiar with the basics, come and see what else this amazing accounting program can do for you. Learn how to run professional looking reports, personalize your forms, send letters through Microsoft Word, export to Excel, and more. The Level II course will meet Thursday, May 5th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $199*per person. Discount rate* for those registering for both Level I and II is $360, a savings for $38. Class size is limited, so register today. For more information or to register, call (814) 393-2060, email sbdc@pennwest.edu or visit www.clarion.ede/sbdc.
