Reporting North Central PA & Southern Tier NY News As It Happens
CLICK ABOVE TO SEE OUR FACEBOOK EDITION.
The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
List your Yard Sale FREE on our Auction & Yard Sale page: Send to shurfine40@gmail.com
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/21/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. 78a66(b)1 – REPORTING AND REMEDIATING SPILLS AND RELEASES – Reporting releases – Operator or other responsible party failed to report spills and releases of regulated substances to the Department.
he McKean County Conservation District will be holding a Free No-Till Demo Day on May 2, 2023 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the McKean County 911 Center, 17175 Route 6 in Smethport. The field day will give participants a demonstration of the District’s recently purchased Great Plains 10’ No-Till Drill. Participants will also learn more about the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Farm Bill related programs on grazing and pasture practices that are available. Please contact our office at 814-887-4002 to register for the Demo Day.
This field day will serve as the kick-off for the District’s No-Till Drill Rental Program for landowners within McKean County. The following rates have been established:
¨ $12.00 per acre or $24.00 per acre if used on conventional tilled ground.
¨ Free use of the drill up to 30 acres if planting a non-harvested cover crop.
The District will transport the drill; however, landowners leasing the drill will pay a $25.00 delivery fee within McKean County. When completed with the drill, all seed and fertilizer must be cleaned from the machine. Failure to clean the drill will result in a $25 clean out fee.
No-till farming is an agricultural technique for growing crops or pasture without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till farming decreases the amount of soil erosion tillage causes in certain soils, especially in sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain. Other possible benefits include an increase in the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil, soil retention of organic matter, and nutrient cycling. These methods may increase the amount and variety of life in and on the soil. While conventional no-tillage systems use herbicides to control weeds, organic systems use a combination of strategies, such as planting cover crops as mulch to suppress weeds.
Landowners can utilize a no‐till drill to establish a cover crop after harvesting corn silage. Rotate or convert annual crop land to hay or pasture. Improve their hay or pasture and/or establish legumes (i.e. soybeans) or cereal grains without primary tillage.
Rental is FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, contact Adam Causer, Watershed Specialist at 814-887-4003 or accauser@mckeancountypa.org to schedule your anticipated use TODAY!
Our emergency responders are constantly training to be prepared for any emergency situation. I had the opportunity to stop by the Bradford City Central Fire Station Thursday to observe a simulated training session with a high-tech manikin used by EMS, law enforcement and the military for training purposes. This equipment can be used to simulate medical emergencies as well as traumatic injuries. Thank you to Bradford City Firefighters and their medical director, Dr. Brian Walters, for showing me this equipment. Your life-saving work is very much appreciated!
Veterans Services Available
Area veterans are invited to contact my office to schedule appointments to talk with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they are getting the services and support they need.
Due to changes initiated by the American Legion, appointments in the Bradford and Kane offices will be conducted virtually via a tablet.
Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule is as follows: • Coudersport office: Thursday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Coudersport office is located at 107 S. Main St. Please call 814-274-9769 to schedule an appointment. • Bradford office: Wednesday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bradford office is located at 78 Main St., first floor. Please call 814-362-4400 to schedule an appointment. • Kane office: Wednesday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Kane office is located at 54 Fraley St., Suite 2. Please call 814-837-0880 to schedule an appointment. Assistance is available with issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to participate.
Outreach Hours Set for April 6
To help ensure access to state government information and services, I will host outreach office hours at the Emporium Borough Office on Thursday, April 6, from 9-10 a.m.
Services available include assistance with any state-related issues or concerns, driver license and vehicle registration applications, and applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug assistance programs.
EMT Training Opportunity
If you are looking for an opportunity to serve our communities, consider becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT). EMTs save lives, and we need more of them! Check out this upcoming training opportunity available through IUP, EMS West and Mt. Jewett Area Ambulance. Preregistration is required at ems-emt@iup.eduPreregistration.
Respecting the Taxpayers Who Foot the Bill
With respect to the individuals, families and business owners who foot the bill for the annual state budget, the House Appropriations Committee continued its examination of the governor’s $45.8 billion spending proposal during budget hearings this week.
In the area of public safety, members talked about proposed funding for the Pennsylvania State Police and how the agency will meet recruitment challenges for the next generation of state troopers.
With regard to public health, the committee questioned the heads of both the Department of Health and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs about efforts to meet the needs of the state’s most vulnerable citizens, particularly when it comes to the continuing crisis of opioid abuse and overdose deaths. Members questioned the Department of Aging about its support for senior centers, and the proposed expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for seniors and people with disabilities.
Additional hearings featured the Department of State, Department of Corrections and Board of Probation and Parole, and the Department of Transportation.
No hearings are scheduled next week. They will resume on Tuesday, April 11.
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will once again offer a series of financial aid webinars to assist students seeking a higher education and their families.
With the May 1 deadline for filing the Federal Free Application for Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, just around the corner, PHEAA will hold a “FAFSA Overview/Line by Line” webinar on the following dates: • Wednesday, April 5, from 6-7 p.m. • Wednesday, April 19, from 6-7 p.m. Other sessions include: • Paying for College and Options for Balances: Tuesday, April 4, at noon, and Thursday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. • Financial Aid and Planning Q&A: Thursday, April 6, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, April 18, at noon. Registration is required. Visit www.PHEAA.org/virtual.
Apply for Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebates
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is offering rebates to Pennsylvania agricultural producers for energy efficiency projects. Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available, through June 30.
Interested applicants should apply to secure a rebate voucher prior to installing their equipment. Rebates are available for LED lighting, dairy equipment and ventilation equipment. For additional information, or to apply, click here.
PennDOT Offers Free Motorcycle Safety Training
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds residents that free Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) training opportunities are available to riders across the state.
Prospective, experienced and new Pennsylvania riders who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license can develop and refresh operator proficiency through these free training sessions.
Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center for those over the age of 18 and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Motorcycle permit holders who complete a three-wheel basic course will earn a motorcycle license with a restriction prohibiting the operation of a two-wheel motorcycle.
Good luck to all the anglers heading out this weekend for the opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 1. For everything you need to know about fishing in the Commonwealth, including licensing and stocking information, visit www.fishandboat.com or check out the FishBoatPA mobile app.
Celebrating Women’s History Month with Hannah Penn
As the month of March, also Women’s History Month, draws to a close, we remember and honor the first and only woman to have ever governed Pennsylvania – Hannah Callowhill Penn. Hannah was wife of Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn. Watch to learn more about her!
Coudersport Public Library’s Preschool Story Hour series, with the theme “Hello Spring!” will begin Tuesday, April 4!
Participants will learn about and celebrate Spring and all the fun and new beginnings it brings. Sessions will be led by retired educators Brenda Bonczar and Lisa Bretz. Sessions will run on Tuesdays, April 4-May 9, at 10:00 a.m. These are geared for children ages three through five and their parents, and include stories, a craft and snacks.
Advance registration is required to ensure sufficient materials. Stop in at the Library, call 814-274-9382 or email coudersportlibrary@gmail.com to register your child.
“When we express the beauty inside of us, it can help us see the hope.”– Olga Snyder
Olga Snyder, a Potter County, Pennsylvania resident and Ukrainian native, moved to the United States 25 years ago. Although Olga spent her whole childhood into her young adulthood studying and creating art in Ukraine, it was not until just a month before immigrating to the United States that she learned about pysanky also known as Ukrainian Easter eggs for the first time. She was walking down her favorite street in Kyiv with her fiancé, now husband, John, when she spotted a little box full of the most colorful, beautiful round shapes she had ever seen. Olga approached the man standing behind the box, asking him about its contents, and he was shocked by her lack of knowledge.
Wellsville Police arrested Amanda N. Allman, age 36 of Wellsville, charging her with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. The charges stem from an incident that took place on West State Street in the Village. Allman was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. Allman is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on April 18th at 4:30 pm.
Had the opportunity today to meet with Roulette Township, Potter County officials to discuss and take a look at their water system infrastructure. The township has a plan for infrastructure upgrades and is working hard to maintain clean drinking water for the community. Glad to work with them and support state assistance for their project.
Jack S. Keifer has announced his candidacy for a seat on the 2024-27 Potter County Board of Commissioners. He’s seeking a nomination in the May 16 Democratic Primary Election.
Keifer cites his qualifications as a military veteran, a small business owner, the county’s technology consultant for seven years, and as an active member of Coudersport Borough Council.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, he has operated multiple internet-based businesses, ranging from product creation to retail commerce during his 24 years as a resident of Potter County. He also served for 13 years as information technology director for the Coudersport Area School District.
“My approach has always been based on good planning, hard work and careful financial management,” Keifer said. “That is the same way I would approach my leadership role in county government. I am the only Democratic candidate who is familiar with our county government through first-hand experience, and I do see some areas for improvement.”
If elected, he would work to increase county efficiencies and transparency through more effective deployment of technology. He would also spearhead a comprehensive review of staffing and employee compensation, improve county communications, and pull together stakeholders from across the county to explore strategies for community and economic development.
“County commissioners have an impact on many people across the county,” Keifer said. “A commissioner should be proactive in communicating with the public and seeking input from the citizens.”
If elected, he would be actively engaged with the county’s Human Services Department.
“Thousands of people, especially the underprivileged and others in need, rely on Human Services,” Keifer said.
He would take a similar approach with the Department of Emergency Services.
“The county needs to be an active partner with our volunteer fire and ambulance services, communicating regularly with them and standing up for them in Harrisburg,” he added.
Also on his task list is hands-on support for the county’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
“As a veteran myself, I’m well aware of the challenges these men and women can face when they return home and find themselves caught in a maze of red tape when it comes to accessing the benefits and services they have earned.”
Economic development will also be a priority.
“We need to be marketing the best of what Potter County has to offer, which is our rural lifestyle and outdoor assets, to people who are looking to relocate,” Keifer noted. “With expansion of high-speed internet service, people can move here and still keep their jobs as telecommuters. I know that first hand.”
The candidate added that, through his service on Borough Council, he has gained a great understanding of conservative fiscal management, contract negotiations, personnel management, and engaging members of the public in the decision-making process.
Keifer chairs the borough’s Streets/Utilities committee, spearheading improvements such as the Ross Glen stormwater management that recently qualified for a state grant.
“I believe the county government can also do a better job of securing state and federal grants that can support our communities while keeping taxes down,” he said. “The current board of commissioners has been able to freeze the county taxes for five years and I would work hard to continue that trend but still not reduce needed services. You can do a lot with greater efficiency and better use of technology.”
I want to make you aware that we have coordinated with local law enforcement to conduct an announced lockdown drill at both schools on Tuesday morning, April 4, as part of our routine school safety procedures at Smethport Area School District.
These drills typically last no more than 15 minutes.
Our administration, faculty, and staff members will be reviewing safety protocols with our students both before and after the drill. Working in conjunction with the Smethport Borrough Police Department, we use these brief drills to emphasize a quick response to any threat to school safety. These safety drills are educational as we constantly work to promote a safe and secure learning environment.
Smethport Area School District will be having an Early Dismissal on Wednesday, April 5th, prior to Easter break. The Elementary School will dismiss at 12 PM. The Junior-Senior High School will dismiss at 12:10 PM. Regular Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. School will resume after Easter break on Wednesday, April 12th.
Carol L. REES, 73, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Roulette, died Saturday, April 1, 2023 in Williamsport Hospital.
Born December 25, 1949, in Olean, NY, she was the daughter of Richard S. and Wilma A. Carlson Klein.
A graduate of Port Allegany High School, she devoted her life to raising her family. She was a Buffalo Bills fan.
Surviving are: three children, Wendy (Tom) Rees Manning of Port Allegany, Justin (Tina) Rees of Roulette, and Travis Gaines of Port Allegany; five grandchildren, Josh, Jake, Steven, Rikki, and Trevor; and four great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her longtime companion, Gordon Gaines; a daughter, Laurie Rees; and a sister, Janice Rennells.
Services will be private. Memorials may be made to the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Michael A. O’Leary, 68, of Gardeau Rd., Emporium, PA passed away peacefully at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Sunday night (April 2, 2023).
He was born February 13, 1955 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Charles and Marie Erhensberger O’Leary. In 1993 he married he married Lynne Schultz, who survives.
Mike graduated from Cameron County High School and then from technical school to become an electrician. He worked at Emporium Contracting, Crosby Contracting and then was a co-owner of Custom Contracting and Tile with Scott Baker.
Mike had a big laugh and smile that could light up a room according to his wife, Lynne. He loved riding motorcycles until an unfortunate encounter with a turkey and then a deer. He then shifted his interest to less dangerous tractors. He loved his dogs, and he loved sitting on his porch in Gardeau watching the deer and the wildlife.
In addition to his wife he is survived by a brother, John E. “Salty” Solveson (Mary), Emporium and a sister, Sally Mumford (John), Jersey Shore, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
There will be No Visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Marks Catholic Church, 235 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, as Celebrant.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Cameron County SPCA, 678 South Mountain Rd., Emporium, PA 15834
George Duke addressing guests at the dedication of Pitt-Bradford’s new engineering and information technologies building, which is named in his honor.
From left, Rick Esch, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, George B. Duke, owner of Zippo Manufacturing Co., and State Rep. Martin Causer celebrate the dedication of the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building at Pitt-Bradford Friday.
Photos by Glenn Melvin
BRADFORD, PA – April 3, 2023–If the presence of hundreds of local industry executives at the dedication of the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building on Friday didn’t make it clear, then the building’s namesake did: local industry sees itself as a partner with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in the technical training of professionals that they need to maintain and advance their businesses
Duke, the owner and chairman of Zippo Manufacturing Co., pledged $2 million to Pitt-Bradford last year to equip the new building’s ultramodern engineering labs with the best and newest of everything students need to learn, test and build.
The $24.5 million building, with its labs full of precision measuring and automation devices, 3D printers, a plasma cutter, CNC milling machines and lathes, fluid dynamics systems, strength of materials testers, and state-of-the-art electronics measurement systems has made two new majors possible: mechanical engineering technology and energy engineering technology.
Duke said that when Zippo made its pledge, the company’s President and CEO Mark Paup said to him, “We can make this very cool. Let’s think about this as a collaboration with Pitt-Bradford. … Zippo wins. The university wins.”
Zippo is eager to see Pitt-Bradford mechanical engineering technology students at work as interns and show them the possibilities of working in Bradford. Other area industries that supported the project financially are just as eager to work with interns and graduates, including KOA Speer Electronics Inc., American Refining Group, Northwest Bank, Control Chief Corp. and Napoleon Engineering Services.
Duke explained why industries are hungry for engineers.
“Our equipment wears out. The pieces that come in [to replace them] are very, very complicated, and they take engineers to keep running, and that’s not just at Zippo.”
Other speakers included Chris Napoleon ’86-’88, owner of Napoleon Engineering Services in Olean, N.Y., who said he saw supporting the building financially as an investment.
Napoleon said that at the start of his career, former engineering faculty Dr. August Freda and Dr. Ronald Mattis were teaching at Pitt-Bradford.
“They invested their time and energy in me for two years, [and eventually] Pitt’s investment [in me] enabled the creation of a business,” he said. “My coworkers and I are thankful to be a part of this project with a real return on investment. … It all starts with filling this awesome space with awesome students.”
In addition to making two new engineering technology programs possible, the Duke Building is the home to one of Pitt-Bradford’s most popular and successful majors, the computer information systems and technology program, another vital program for area employers seeking to hire technical workers. For the information technology program, the Duke Building has a new virtual reality lab and a systems, networks and projects lab as well as the most up-to-date classrooms.
“This is a second-to-none facility,” Duke said. People will be banging the doors to get in this place.”
Other speakers for the dedication included Dr. Ann E. Cudd, provost and senior vice chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh; State Sen. Cris Dush; State Rep. Martin T. Causer ’96; Pitt-Bradford President Richard T. Esch ’93, Dr. Matt Kropf, director and designer of the new engineering and technology programs; and Mychal Berlinski, a junior energy engineering technology student from Allegany, N.Y.
Following speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the hundreds of guests were able to visit the labs, talk with students and current faculty, and see some of the machinery in action, including scene-stealing CNC lathes that students were using to create light metal bottle openers. Large windows on the sides of the machine allowed guests to watch the process as it happened.
In a crowd full of engineers, several reminisced about their own schooling as they admired the new lab equipment.
One of the visitors was former professor Mattis, who retired after 36 years of teaching engineering at Pitt-Bradford in 2021, just before ground was broken on the Duke Building.
“It’s great to see it done, and you can tell how excited people are,” he said. “It really helps complete the campus.”
At 2:28nPM on Monday, Mt. Jewett Fire Dept. & Ambulance with Medic 5 dispatched for a land rescue of a male trauma victim near 1875 Burning Well Road in Sergeant Township.