Litter Pickup Continues Next Week in Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – In an effort to improve our environment and clean up our local roadways, PennDOT maintenance crews in Lycoming County will continue picking up litter next week along Interstate 180 and Routes 220 and 15, weather permitting.
Crews will be picking up litter on beginning Monday, March 27 to Friday, March 31, during daylight hours.
There will be no impacts to traffic during litter cleanup activities. Motorists are reminded to slow down, drive with caution, be alert for stopped or slow-moving vehicle, and watch for workers near the roadway, along interchanges and entrance/exit ramps.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
Litter Pickup Next Week in Tioga County
Montoursville, PA – In an effort to improve our environment and clean up our local roadways, PennDOT maintenance crews in Tioga County will pick up litter next week on Route 15.
Crews will be picking up litter beginning Monday, March 27 to Friday, March 31, during daylight hours, weather permitting.
There will be no impacts to traffic during litter cleanup activities. Motorists are reminded to slow down, drive with caution, be alert for stopped or slow-moving vehicle, and watch for workers near the roadway, along interchanges and entrance/exit ramps.
Marjorie Werner Conrad, age 97, of 254 George Street, St. Marys, PA
Marjorie Werner Conrad, age 97, of 254 George Street, St. Marys, Pennsylvania died peacefully on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Laurelbrook Personal Care Home in Brookville, Pa.
She was born May 5th, 1925 in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Edith Kaul Werner of St. Marys, and she was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
On April 3, 1948 in Erie, Pennsylvania, she married Harry S. Conrad Jr. of St. Mary’s who predeceased her death on April 2, 2006. They were both lifelong residents of St. Mary’s and enjoyed traveling together throughout the U.S. during their 58 years of marriage. She and her husband wintered in Miami Beach for 18 years after her husband’s early retirement.
Bradford Rotary Club Supports Special Olympics
Rotary Club of Bradford President, Steve Morgan, presented a check for $1710.00 to the McKean County Special Olympics on Thursday to help sponsor the Special Olympics Swimming Invitational held on March 4th.
Over 50 athletes from McKean, Warren, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties competed at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sport and Fitness Center pool. The invitational is the culmination of the swimming season for most of the athletes, who trained for several months.
Pictured left to right: Special Olympians and Rotarians joined Pat Ryan from McKean County Special Olympics who accepted the check from Rotary. Front Row: Eric Lasher, Linda Porter, Kari Johnston, Nan Nelson, Patti Price, Ashley Peterson, Sheridan Phillips. Back Row: Rotarian, Ben Kirsch, Rochelle Thompson, Aaron Briggs, Jay Furman, Margie Kibby, Anthony Clancy, Ryan, and Rotarians, Brandi Buck, Heidi Scrivo, and Morgan.
Several Rotarians volunteered at the Swim Meet by opening the event, presenting medals, and helping medalists on and off the podium. Club members also volunteered at the Special Olympics Basketball Skills Clinic held on March 9th.
As President Elect Ben Kirsch stated in the opening ceremony of the Swim Meet. “The Rotary is honored to support an organization that values diversity, inclusivity, and the power of sports to transform lives. As Rotarians, we are committed to serving our communities and making a positive impact in the world.”
The Rotary Club’s sponsorship was made possible by its annual golf outing and a matching grant from Rotary District 7280.
The SHCTC’s Homeland Security Program marks its 5- year anniversary.
Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center Launches Emergency Services Program for Four Counties in North Central Pennsylvania
In January 2016, Fire Chief Dana Spitler contacted James Young, Director of Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center (SHCTC), to discuss the formation of an emergency service program. Partnering with Carol Duffy, County Commissioner, this led to the establishment of an occupational advisory committee that worked tirelessly to support the development of a high school program that would serve four counties in North Central Pennsylvania. Today, we are proud to announce that the program has been successfully launched and is currently in operation.
The program, which was launched for the 2018-19 school year, has been a successful endeavor thanks to the unique process and tenacity of the committee members. The committee sought funding from municipalities, foundations, and community organizations, resulting in enough funds to launch the program. Currently, 23 municipalities have made financial commitments to support the program, while fire departments, non-profits, foundations, and companies have committed to five years of financial support to pilot the program.
In addition to serving 44 students on a rotating yearly basis for 3 consecutive years, the emergency service program has also set a goal to recruit 75 potential trained volunteers over a 5-year period to serve in McKean, Potter, and Cameron Counties.
The program has already achieved significant outcomes, including the development of a permanent training and certification program at the Seneca Highlands Career Technology Center, serving four counties. The program has a strong focus on providing students with the necessary skills and certifications to pursue a career in emergency services. Over the first five years of the program, there will be 75 students who will graduate from the program, prepared for career paths in fields such as Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services, Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics, First-Line Supervisors, Protective Service Workers, Police & Sheriff’s Patrol Officers, Security & Crossing Guards, Lifeguards, Ski Patrol & Other Recreational Protective Service Workers, Transportation Security Screeners, and Protective Service Workers.
The success of the program is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the occupational advisory committee, the Essential Emergency Support Training committee, and the leadership of Mr. James Young, Director of the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. The program’s focus on developing a sustainable and long-term approach to emergency service training and certification has ensured that students have the necessary skills to serve their communities in times of need. With continued community support and funding, the program is poised for continued success, producing graduates who will be prepared for a range of careers in the emergency services sector.
Under the current direction of Mr. Young beginning in 2012, there have been a number of program changes/additions that have proven to be successful endeavors. When Alex Johnson was hired to instruct the Homeland Security program in 2018, he brought with him the majority of certifications required to teach the program of study and high valued industry recognized certifications. His knowledge and skill set has been an asset to the program and has contributed to its success.
The program’s success has been made possible through the hard work and collaboration of various entities, including 23 municipalities, fire departments, non-profits, foundations, and companies. The program has brought together individuals interested in helping local rural emergency services be better prepared to serve communities. The committee has secured funding and launched the program with long-term goals to ensure sustainability. As the program progresses, it will continue to seek funding to provide the best opportunities for students and ensure longevity. With the support of the community, the program will continue to serve as a valuable resource for emergency services in North Central Pennsylvania.
Moving out towards the fifth year, there is an expectation that the ten districts who own the career and technical center will develop a budget that will include delivery of the Homeland Security Program of Study. SHCTC, which has delivered quality technical programs since 1979, will continue to deliver this program and others with the required certified staff.
The program has been developed to ensure longevity, and the outcomes are impressive. As the program progresses beyond the fundamentals, higher level certifications will be earned, requiring additional funds.
HOME INVASION REPORTED IN ELKLAND, PA – POLICE ASKING PUBLIC FOR ASSISTANCE
FIRST News Now
FNN Article © Thursday, March 23, 2023.
ELKLAND, PA – Elkland police continue their investigation and search for an alleged suspect that is responsible for breaking into a home in Elkland Borough.
According to police, the incident occurred on Monday, March 20, 2023. Police noted that a man around 5’5″ wearing black pants, a black shirt, as well as a black mask allegedly broke into a home and attacked the owner. The suspect then demanded money from the owner. The homeowner was able to escape from the man.
Police are asking anyone with any information or surveillance footage/trail cam footage of the incident to call (814) 258-5419.
Bysieks and Fergusons Lead Bradford Knights to Victory at States
Twelve participants from the Bradford Knight Owls Chess program attended the 2023 Pennsylvania State Chess Championships. The event was held at the Red Lion Inn Harrisburg-Hershey at 4751 Lindle Road in Harrisburg, PA.
Nearly 700 players participated in the combined State Chess Championships on Friday through Sunday, March 17-19. Participants in the photo below from left to right are:
First row = Coach Bob Ferguson, Sylvia Bysiek, Juliana Bysiek, Aiden Ferguson, Elaina Ferguson, Micaiah Ferguson
Second Row = Brian Ferry, Rob Ferguson, Trenton Johnson, Natasha Ferry
(Missing from the photo are Silence Karl, Ed Bysiek, and Ryan Ferguson)
Photo credit: Brian Ferry
On Saturday, Sylvia and Juliana Bysiek (both 3rd graders) won the first-place team trophy in the U800 section of the Elementary PA State Championships. Micaiah Ferguson, 5th grader, finished tied for third in the Elementary PA State Championships U500 section. On Sunday, the Bysieks and Fergusons competed in the U1100 section to again capture first place. In the two-day sections, Natasha Ferry (11th grader) captured the 1st Place Girl in the Unrated High School Section of the event; Trenton Johnson (9th grader) tied for 17th in the high school section; and Silence Karl, who played in the under 1300 high school section, placed 20th.
The photo below includes the first-place team in the 2023 U1100 States event. From left to right, they are Aiden Ferguson, Micaiah “Ki” Ferguson, Sylvia Bysiek, and Julianna Bysiek.
Photo credit: Ed Bysiek
The 2023 Championship was sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Chess Federation and organized by Tom Martinak. Coach Bob Ferguson said, “I’m very proud of all the kids, but I wish more of our top students could have attended. Being blessed with musical talents, several top chess students were needed for the ‘Damn Yankees musical.’”
Next the students are planning to play in the annual Western NY and Northern PA Scholastic Championship in Friendship, NY on April 15.
RECALLS
Voluntary Recall of One Lot of Kaytee® Wild Bird Food Birders Blend, 8 Lb Bag, Due to Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin
CHILTON, WI – March 18, 2023 – Kaytee Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling one lot of Kaytee® Wild Bird Food Birders’ Blend, 8 lb. bag, UPC 0 71859 02711 1, Lot Number PennPak1 102022 933, best buy date of 041224, due to potentially elevated levels of Aflatoxin above the acceptable limit. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to wild birds if consumed in significant quantities. No illnesses have been reported in association with this product to date and no other Kaytee products are affected.
On March 13, 2023, the Georgia Department of Agriculture notified Kaytee Products Inc. that after conducting a routine laboratory analysis of the product, Lot PennPak1 102022 933 located on the bottom right corner of the front of the 8 lb. bags of Kaytee® Wild Bird Food Birder’s Blend was found to contain elevated levels of Aflatoxin.
PA Permit Violations Issued
PA Permit Violation Issued to EQT ARO LLC in McIntyre Twp, Lycoming County |
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/15/2023 to EQT ARO LLC in McIntyre Twp, Lycoming county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
Incident Date/Time: 2023-03-15 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Irmalee Jane Wheaton LEIGHTON, 89, of Westfield, PA
Irmalee Jane Wheaton LEIGHTON, 89, of Westfield, PA, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in her home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Faith Miller selected student of the week at CTC
Faith Miller is selected as the student of the week. Faith is a senior at Smethport High School. She has been in the Health Assistant class at Seneca Highlands CTC for three years. During these years, she has maintained a 100% average. Her level of professionalism exceeds expectations in class as well as in her community. She enjoys volunteering throughout her community in a variety of roles, including with her church youth group, the Red Cross Blood Drives, and health-related events.
During the summer, Faith represented her high school as Miss Smethport and competed in the McKean County Fair. Faith participates in many extracurricular activities, including cross country, track, and Tae Kwon Do. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society.
She is a student committee member at the CTC. She has also participated in Skills USA for the Seneca Highlands CTC. This year, she placed third in the Health Occupations Portfolio contest. Last year, she was part of a four-person team that completed in the Health Knowledge Bowl contest.
In the classroom, Faith has earned her OSHA 10 certificate, American Heart Association BLS, State Tested Nurse Aide, and Stop the Bleed certificates. She is always willing to assist other students in the lab or in theory components of the class. These certifications validate all of her hard work and will serve to improve her opportunities in the workforce. In the fall, Faith plans to attend St. Bonaventure University’s nursing program. She also plans to obtain a job in the healthcare field to help her gain experience and spending money during her college years.
MENTORED YOUTH TROUT DAY IS THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 25!
HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 23) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that Mentored Youth Trout Day will happen on Saturday, March 25, 2023, beginning at 8 a.m. This is a statewide event open to youth anglers ages 15 and under and their licensed adult mentors on hundreds of waters in all 67 counties.
“Mentored youth day is a fantastic opportunity to introduce youngsters to Pennsylvania’s proud trout fishing traditions while teaching them skills they can carry with them for a lifetime,” said Robert B.J. Small, PFBC President and District 6 Commissioner. “On this special day, kids get to enjoy the water a week before the busy statewide opening day of trout season. We hope that mentors give these young anglers the attention they need to become successful, ethical anglers, and contribute to the future of conservation.”
THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 26 IS FREE SHOWING OF DOCUMENTARY FILM “BEETHOVEN IN BEIJING” ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA’S CHINA LEGACY
Photo provided. Pictured during the creative process in action are pianist Lang Lang and Conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin going over rehearsal notes.
This Sunday, March 26 at 3 p.m., filmmaker Jennifer Lin, whose sister Daria Lin-Guelig resides in Wellsboro, will be attending the free showing of her award-winning documentary film “Beethoven in Beijing” in the Deane Center’s Warehouse Theatre at 3 Central Avenue in Wellsboro. The film explores the Philadelphia Orchestra’s legacy in China, from 1973 until now.
Following the screening of her film, Lin, a former foreign correspondent for “The Philadelphia Inquirer” and her former Inquirer colleague, David O’Reilly will engage in conversation about the making of the film.
The screening is being presented free of charge to the public by the Endless Mountain Music Festival and the Deane Center for the Performing Arts, which are co-sponsoring this event. Refreshments and a question and answer session with the audience will follow. Donations are always appreciated.
“Beethoven in Beijing” starts with a forgotten moment in history when an American President wangled an invitation to have his favorite orchestra visit communist China and help change the world. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 1973 tour was a tentative gesture of cultural diplomacy that resonates yet today, with China producing millions of musicians, erecting dozens of new concert halls and filling chairs in orchestras around the world.
How did this happen? This film shows the awakening through vivid stories from the people who lived it then such as the Chinese musicians who nervously greeted Maestro Eugene Ormandy in 1973 and who live it today, like Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun and renowned pianist Lang Lang, who credit the Philadelphians with inspiring their careers.
Archival footage from then and first-person recollections from American and Chinese musicians bring to life that 1973 visit, while behind-the-scenes access on current tours captures the dynamism of present-day China. The result, complete with a sublime symphonic soundtrack, is a compelling look at the transcendent power of music.
“Beethoven in Beijing” is more than just an eye-and ear-opening look into a forgotten chapter in history when President Richard Nixon recruited the Philadelphia Orchestra to visit communist China in hopes of reopening the closed-off nation to the West.
To be sure, there are shocking accounts of the repressive horrors of the Cultural Revolution, when western music was banned and artists suffered.
But quickly the story becomes one of rebirth and optimism, as a nation craving artistic expression embraces classical music and within decades becomes a major player in the world’s concert halls. The documentary chronicles not only this sweeping renaissance but also the effects on individuals.
When Nixon asked for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s help in rekindling diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, he could not have known how this bit of cultural diplomacy would change the world of classical music over the next half-century.
For 31 years, Lin worked at The Inquirer as a reporter, including posts as a foreign correspondent in China, a financial correspondent on Wall Street, and a national correspondent in Washington, DC. She is also author of a family memoir, “Shanghai Faithful: Betrayal and Forgiveness in a Chinese Christian Family.” She is currently working on a documentary, “Beyond Yellowface”,
about eliminating racial stereotypes from ballet and opera.
For more information, call the Deane Center a 570-724-62
TRIBUTE CONCERT TO THE LEGENDARY PATSY CLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 24
Photo provided “Memories of Patsy,” The national touring show which pays tribute to the music of Patsy Cline, is this Friday, March 24 at the Deane Center.
This Friday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro, the national touring show “Memories of Patsy,” an incredible tribute concert to the legendary Patsy Cline, will take the audience on a trip back in time to the days when this amazing singer graced the stages of America.
Find out why this remarkable show featuring a woman who sounds like Patsy Cline backed by a five-member band has received rave reviews nationwide.
Cline is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century and one of the first country singers to cross over into pop music. Born on Sept. 8, 1932, she died in an airplane crash on March 5, 1963 at the age of 30.
In 1957, Cline made her first national TV appearance on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts. After performing “Walkin’ After Midnight” the single became her first major hit on both the country and pop charts.
She moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1958 to further her career, signed with a new manager, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and in 1960 signed with Decca Records. Under the guidance of producer Owen Bradley, her sound changed and she achieved consistent success. Her 1961 single “I Fall to Pieces” was her first to top the Billboard Country Chart. Her next single “Crazy” also became a major hit. She had more hits in 1962 and 1963.
Some of the great tunes the audience can expect to hear at Wellsboro are: “Walkin’ After Midnight”, “Crazy”, “I Fall to Pieces”, “She’s Got You”, “San Antonio Rose”, “Blue Moon of Kentucky”, “Sweet Dreams” and many more.
The concert is BYOB with audience members encouraged to bring their favorite snacks and beverages and sit at a table with family and friends. For tickets and to reserve a table, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220 or visit deanecenter.com. Admission is $30.
New Wells Started in Gaines & Sergeant Twps.
STL RESOURCES LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Gaines Twp Township |
Description: STL RESOURCES LLC reports drilling started on 3/23/2023 at site TRACT 856 822 1005H in Gaines Twp township, Tioga county |
Incident Date/Time: 2023-03-23 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
STL RESOURCES LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Gaines Twp Township |
Description: STL RESOURCES LLC reports drilling started on 3/23/2023 at site TRACT 856 822 1003H in Gaines Twp township, Tioga county |
Incident Date/Time: 2023-03-23 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
PVE OIL CORP INC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Sergeant Twp Township |
Description: PVE OIL CORP INC reports drilling started on 3/23/2023 at site BURNING WELL PV 61 in Sergeant Twp township, McKean county |
Incident Date/Time: 2023-03-23 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
McKean County Juvenile Probation Department is seeking applicants to perform duties of Boondocs Staff
The McKean County Juvenile Probation Department is seeking applicants to perform duties of Boondocs Staff in the McKean County Boondocs Program. This program is run under the direction of the McKean County Juvenile Probation Department and is slated to operate for eight weeks, Monday thru Friday, from June 12, 2023 to August 5, 2023.
The requirements for this position are:
- Be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. College students are encouraged to apply, applicants working towards a college degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Education or related field are preferred but not necessary.
- Ability to work at least 40 hours per week from June 13, 2023 to August 5, 2023.
- An interest in working with court involved youth ages 14-17.
- Valid and clean state driver’s license.
- Clean child abuse and criminal history.
- Ability to pass a drug screen.
- Ability to perform physical labor as necessary.
- Ability to work predominately outdoors
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to:
John Bickford, Chief McKean County Juvenile Probation
500 West Main Street Smethport, PA 16749