McKean County Juvenile Probation Placement Specialist Wanted
NOTICE OF VACANCY
ANNOUNCEMENT: McKean County Juvenile Probation Placement Specialist
PAY RATE: $39,643.50 ($20.33/hr.)
37.5 hours per week
The Placement Specialist position performs duties and responsibilities consistent with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure, Principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, and Juvenile Justice Evidence-Based Practices. The mission and purpose of the Juvenile Act mandates that youth who commit delinquent acts be provided “programs of supervision, care and rehabilitation which provide balanced attention to the protection of the community, the imposition of accountability for offenses committed and the development of competencies to enable children to become responsible and productive members of the community.”
The Placement Specialist is responsible for working with youth in court ordered placement and community aftercare settings to ensure community safety, accountability to crime victims, compliance with conditions of supervision and court orders, and competency program participation. Responsibilities further include employing evidenced-based practices which may include screens/assessments, interventions, and treatment approaches that have been demonstrated by research to work most effectively to reduce recidivism with juvenile offenders. Assisting crime victims, as well as, supervision of offenders will occur in the placement facilities, office, school, home and community settings and at times will require non-traditional work hours (nights and weekends), travel and on-call responsibilities.
A bachelor’s degree which includes an academic background of 18 credits in the behavioral and/or social sciences with a minimum of 1 year in probation, or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience working with at-risk youth or victims preferred. Successful completion of New Probation Officer Orientation classes will be required during probationary period. Must complete forty (40) hours of training annually. Applicant must hold a valid driver’s license, pass pre-employment drug screening, be able to obtain criminal record and child abuse clearances as well as successfully complete any additional Human Resources requirements. As a condition of employment, employee must attend the County Probation and Parole Officers’ Firearm Education and Training Commission Basic Training Academy and upon successful completion carry a firearm in the performance of duties.
Submit a résumé, cover letter, unofficial transcripts and a completed McKean County application for employment to:
John Bickford, Chief
McKean County Juvenile Probation
500 West Main Street
Smethport, PA 16749
Pre-Employment Application can be found on Human Resources webpage: http://www.mckeancountypa.org/departments/human_resources/index.php
SMETHPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Is Hiring Multiple Postions
The SMETHPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT is accepting applications for the following professional positions effective for the beginning of the 2023-24 school year at Smethport Area Jr.-Sr. High School:
·English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher – English 7-12 PA Certification required
·Foreign Language Teacher – Spanish and/or German PA Certification required
Send a letter of interest, PA Standard Teaching Application, transcripts, three current letters of recommendation, and clearances.
·Jr.-Sr. High School Secretary
This is a 12-month position with competitive salary and benefits. Anticipated start date is May 15, 2023. Send a letter of interest, current resume, three current letters of recommendation, and clearances.
Please mail to Smethport Area School District Admin Office, Attn: Mrs. Crystal Woodard, 414 S. Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749 or email to applications@smethportschools.com. Application deadline is March 21, 2023 at 3:00 pm. EOE.
S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library in Port Allegany seeks a new member for the library team!
Job Title: PART-TIME Circulation Desk Staff
Location: S.W. Smith Memorial Library 201 East Maple Street Port Allegany, PA 16743
Job Summary: We are looking for a congenial person who has the ability to multitask with interruptions, manage priorities, and communicate with a personable demeanor. A background in providing outstanding customer service is a plus. The Circulation Desk Staff member will greet, direct, and provide information to library users. They will also perform a variety of circulation, reference, internet resource, and general office tasks related to basic library services.
Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Must be able to lift 10 lbs. or more. Must have current computer skills able to work with Microsoft Word, internet resources, and the ability to learn Library Management System software. Applicant must provide on date of hire the following three required clearances: PA State Police Criminal Record Check; PA Child Abuse History Clearance; and FBI fingerprint-based background check. Applicants must complete a PA Mandated Reporter online training within a month of hire.
Schedule: 2-3 days per week plus some Saturdays as needed.
Pay: $8.50 per hour
Application Deadline: April 1, 2023
Application Requirements: cover letter, résumé, three professional references
Send Application Requirements to: swsmith@swsmithlibrary.org or mail to
Mary Grace Collier-Kisler, Library Director
201 East Maple Street Port Allegany, PA 16743
POTTER 4-H VOLUNTEERS
Figure 1: Thankful Batterson leads a workshop on compass navigation
There are over 6,000 volunteers working with the 4-H program in Pennsylvania. Each of these individuals are trusted to mentor, guide, and support youth members through club meetings, hands-on programming, competitions, and mentorship. In Potter County, these volunteers are essential for sharing 4-H programming with members. This group provides members the opportunity to spend time together, learn new skills, and grow into true leaders over the course of their time in the 4-H program. Volunteers work to organize club events, teach specific project areas and interests, and guide activities. These trusted adults are the ones which youth the youth members form relationships, build connections, and ask for advice.
Potter County 4-H appreciates the hard work and dedication of each all its volunteers throughout the years. These passionate adults use their interests and expertise to address the needs of youth throughout the county. Once someone becomes a volunteer with 4-H, they are given the opportunity to learn alongside participants, facilitate learning in subjects that personally interest them, and guide youth into fulfilling their potential as lifelong learners through the program. Whether our volunteers choose to become a lifelong supporter, or assist annually with a specific event, the 4-H program appreciates the dedication of all adult volunteers that work to make the best better, develop youth leaders, and support youth programming through Penn State Extension.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer or participating in the 4-H program, call the Potter County Extension office at 814-274-8540 or email sqg5901@psu.edu. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Small Churches Providing Community Impact Is Focus of New Video-Book Discussion Group
How small churches, many of which are closing their doors every day, can thrive locally and even extend their impacts nationally and internationally is the subject of a video-book study being made available to the public by the United Church of Friendship (UCF).
Weekly sessions are being conducted from 10AM to 11:30AM Mondays at The Carter House Community Ministry Center at 37 East Main Street.
The six-chapter study explores how a church in Canada, where its 10 members were about to close its doors, was revitalized, spawning many new churches in the Saskatchewan province, along with a Bible college and many new ministries.
Flickering Lamps – Christ & His Church was developed and written by Henry Blackaby, an internationally known pastor and speaker and author of the Experiencing God – Knowing and Doing the Will of God study, and his son, Richard.
The book, accompanied by video commentary, traces the path of Christ’s purpose and plans for His church, and His presence, power, provision and pre-eminence in fulfilling such purposes.
The study was written at the request of a major church denomination as a guide to help reverse the trend of several thousand struggling or declining churches in the United States curtailing operations each year.
UCF Pastor Kirk Kirch, who is facilitating the non-denominational study, says it provides a “powerful testimony as to how churches and communities can be revitalized by focusing on the Lord’s plan for leading the way.”
He said the Friendship church is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity to pastors, church leaders, congregants and the general public throughout the area to “help develop and re-develop local churches as significant assets for community outreach to those in need.”
Blackaby’s original Experiencing God video-discussion series also is being offered to the public at The Carter House at separate weekly sessions from 9:45AM to 10:45AM Sundays or 1:30PM to 2:30PM Thursdays.
Further information and pre-registration for Flickering Lamps is available at grammakirch@gmail.com or (585) 973-7951, with the regular retail book cost of $11.95 plus shipping being reduced to $5 total as a result of community churches outreach ministry support from Allegany Hope, Inc.
Laura K. Kelly, 83, of Warren, PA.
Laura K. Kelly, 83, of Warren, PA., and formerly of Tidioute, Pa., died Friday, March 17, 2023.
Friends will be received on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 10;00 to 11:00 A.M. at Holy Redeemer Church, 11 Russell St., Warren, PA.
A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E.Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.
Patrick Lynn Nelson Jr., 45, of Warren, PA
Patrick Lynn Nelson Jr., 45, of Warren, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday March 13, 2023, in his home.
He was born on April 6, 1977, in Warren, PA, the son of Patrick Lynn Nelson Sr. and Laural Falconer. Pat currently worked for Walmart in the Meat Department, he previously drove truck for Fox and Sons, and Falcon Compass. He was a member of Hessel Valley Lutheran Church, Chandlers Valley, PA. Pat was a member with the AM Vets Post 50 of Sugar Grove, PA and the Warren American Legion Post 135.
He enjoyed gardening, working on cars, loved racing, and was always willing to help a person in need. He also had a great joy for his cats Jax and Rollie. Pats main enjoyment in life was spending time with his son KC, and enjoyed watching him wrestle, play football, and soccer, they enjoyed splitting wood and having fires.
Pat is survived by his parents Patrick Lynn Nelson Sr. and Kellie of Corry and Laural Falconer of Warren, PA; his son Kylecole (KC) Nelson of Warren, PA; partner of 8 years Sarah Meddock of Warren; stepdaughter Patricia of Bradford; siblings James Nelson and Tara of Warren, Pa and Beth Olewine and Mike of Youngsville, PA; paternal grandmother Margaret Nelson; 3 nephews Coltton Nelson, Warren,PA, Trenton Olewine and Hunter Olewine, both of Youngsville; two nieces Dakkota Shrefler (Cody), Clarendon and Erikka Nelson of Warren, Pa; two great nephews Ryan Slocum and Ryker Shrefler of Clarendon, PA; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather John A. Nelson Sr. and his maternal grandparents Edwin J. Falconer and Carriebelle M. Falconer.
Friends may call on Thursday March 23, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. 304 East St. Warren, PA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 7:00 pm in the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Dale Haight, officiating. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
Gwen Elizabeth Miller, 93, Former Port Allegany Resident
LIBERTY, Ky. – Gwen Elizabeth Miller is no longer bound by her earthly body of 93 years. As of Thursday, March 9th, 2023 she resides with God and in the hearts of all who love her.
Though a decades-long resident of Port Allegany, Pa., in 2014 she ventured to share life with family in Idaho and moved with them to Kentucky in 2018. She lived at home in Middleburg, Ky. until December, then was tenderly cared for by Liberty Care & Rehab and her family until the time of her death.
The daughter of Herman “Steve” and Lillian Rose Grove, she was born in Bradford, Pa. on July 8, 1929 and grew up there playing stick ball and kick-the-can on Bradford Avenue with her friends, one of which was her childhood sweetheart Gerald “Jerry” Miller, whom she wed on July 19, 1947.
They began their marriage in Bradford, relocating to Port Allegany around 1957 where they raised their six children and had enough love to graft two more into the family. Amidst the flurry of running a large household, Gwen as a young mother was totally “in,” teaching Sunday School, leading Girl Scouts, participating with community youth activities.
She then spread her wings and participated and served Women’s Presbytery (Lake Erie Presbytery President 1978), Church Women United, and Women’s Club. She was instrumental in coordinating start-up and ongoing leadership of “Meals on Wheels,” even into her 80s. She served Camp JJ with Jerry for many years. She even drove a mini school bus for a season. Gwen did all this while singing in the choir at the First United Presbyterian Church!
How in the world did she have time to chase a racing canoe (with Jerry in it) around the country and ride tandem with him coast to coast on their motorcycle, more than once? It’s simple… humble devotion, commitment, grace and love beyond measure! Oh, and the ability to multi-task!
Gwen is survived by her loving children, Kevin (Kathy) Hanley of Portville, N.Y., Kris deDiego of Phoenix, Ariz., Jan Treat of Angola, Ind., Susie (Glenn) Twigg of South Waverly, Pa., Hedy (Curtis) Hopewell of Middleburg, Ky., Holly (Gregg) Schena of Port Allegany, Pa.; 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also, extended family Dave (Julie) Kio.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Jerry Miller; two sons, Gregory Miller and Kim Miller; a daughter, Jill Kio, and brother, Merlyn “Murph” Grove.
Gwen loved to sing, walk, swim, read, bird-watch, and write rhyming poetry. This is what she had to say when her earthly body was letting her down, “The sunrays enter warming my bones, proving to me I’m not alone…God’s in the sun and everywhere, reminding me to meet Him there…No matter what this day may bring, songs of praises I will sing…When night time falls and I’m in prayer, I’ll thank my God for being there.”
There will be a Celebration Memorial Service at First United Presbyterian Church of Port Allegany on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. with Garen Smith officiating. Join the family for a light lunch in the social rooms following service to reminisce and share your favorite “Gwen” remembrance.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Clarion Foundation, Inc. for the Emily Schena Scholarship Endowment, 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214 or First United Presbyterian Church, 12 Church St, Port Allegany, PA 16743.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to McKinney-Brown Funeral Home, Liberty, Ky.
John H. Smith, 78, of Port Allegany, formerly of Austin, PA
“beloved father, grandfather, and brother”
John H. Smith, 78, of Port Allegany, formerly of Austin, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, after a short illness.
Born on Friday, July 7, 1944 in Coudersport, he was a son of George and Juanita Clinton Smith.
John was a graduate of Austin Area High School. He was employed for over 35 years by National Fuel Gas in Wharton.
John was a member of the Austin United Methodist Church, a life member of the Austin Fire Department and Ambulance Association, a member and past master of Arcana Lodge #580 F. & A.M. in Austin, a member of the Coudersport Consistory, and a member of the Cameron County Country Club. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman.
He loved animals and was a generous donor to the McKean County SPCA and while visiting in Florida, John always went to Dogs and Cats Forever, a no kill shelter, donating to them as well. His greatest love was his family.
Left to cherish his memory are a daughter, Annette (David) Carr of Coudersport; a son, Wade (Michelle) Smith of Port St. Lucie, Florida; three grandchildren, Brittany M. (Harry Hooftallen) Simms, Benjamin Simms, and Emily Simms; a great-granddaughter, Molly J. Hooftallen; a sister, Rebecca S. Anthony of Lakeland, FL; a niece; and his caregiver/companion, Betty Springer.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by a sister, Esther Smith.
Family and friends may call from 4pm to 6pm on Monday, March 20, 2023, in the Austin United Methodist Church, Turner Street, Austin, where a celebration of life will follow at 6pm with Pastor Todd Lamer of the Austin United Methodist Church and Pastor Donald Caskey of the First Presbyterian Church in Coudersport, officiating. Burial will be next to his mother in the Odin Cemetery.
Members of Arcana Lodge #580 will conduct a Masonic memorial service at 5:45pm in the church on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be made to the McKean County SPCA, 80 Glenwood Ave, Bradford, PA 16701 or to the Austin Fire and Ambulance Association, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720.
John’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of John, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Otto-Eldred Quarterfinals Streamed Online Today
Otto-Eldred School District
O-E will stream Saturday’s PIAA Quarterfinals from Penn West Clarion on our YouTube channel.
Thank you to our alumni, parents and community members for sponsoring this cost!
Otto Eldred – YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ottoeldred
HOVIS RUSH STOCK CARS TO JOIN RUSH LATE MODELS & RUSH PRO MODS AT NEWLY SANCTIONED Freedom Motorsports Park IN 2023
By Mike Leone
(Delevan, NY)…Recently the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Racing Series presented by Born2Run Lubricants announced that Freedom Motorsports Park had signed on to be a weekly-sanctioned track for the RUSH Late Models and RUSH Pro Mods in 2023. Now the Series is excited to announce that Freedom will also run the RUSH Stock Car division on Friday nights at the 1/3-mile western New York dirt track operated by Bob Reis!
Freedom will allow the RUSH Stock Cars to run their own heat race, but will race with the Street Stocks in their feature until car count warrants a separate RUSH Stock Car feature; however, the RUSH Stock Car heat race winner will be eligible for the Street Stock redraw and the highest finishing RUSH Stock Car in the feature will be recognized in victory lane. In addition, the highest finishing RUSH Stock Car in the Street Stock feature will receive first place RUSH points with the second highest receiving second place points and so on (providing the drivers are RUSH members).
FILM FESTIVAL CONTINUES WITH “NESSMUK: IN DEFENSE OF NATURE IN THE PENNSYLVANIA WILDS” NEXT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
The free Film Festival in the Grand Community Room at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro continues next Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. with the showing of “Nessmuk: In Defense of Nature in the Pennsylvania Wilds.” Donations are always appreciated.
The 90-minute film was researched, written, directed and produced by Gale Largey, a retired Mansfield University sociology professor who makes fascinating documentary films about local history and people.
Not only did Largey’s film mark the 200th anniversary of Nessmuk’s birth in 2021 but also shone a light on the national importance of this man who lived most of his life in Wellsboro and is buried in the Wellsboro Cemetery on Nichols Street.
George Washington Sears whose pen name was “Nessmuk” was born on Dec. 2, 1821 and died on May 1, 1890. He was a pioneer, conservationist, poet, adventurer, canoeist and outdoor writer.
In telling Nessmuk’s story, Largey explores the life and ideas of this 19th century American naturalist and reveals his many different facets.
The film is done in the first person with local Brian Morral as the voice of Nessmuk who talks about his experiences growing up as the oldest of 10 children in Massachusetts, signing up when he was 19 for a three-year whaling voyage, moving to Wellsboro, helping a slave escape, serving as a Civil War volunteer, traveling to Brazil, going on canoeing trips in the Adirondacks in the 1880s and information about the contents of his unusual will.
The documentary features the talents of other locals such as Pat Davis who wrote music for two of Nessmuk’s poems that are sung in the film by members of the Wellsboro Men’s Chorus. “It’s a community production,” Largey said.
He will introduce the film and point out interesting aspects about its production. Afterwards, Largey will host a question and answer session with the audience.
For more information about this film festival, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220.
32ND ANNUAL UPPER PINE CREEK TROUT TOURNAMENT IS MAY 20 & 21
REGISTER ONLINE BEGINNING THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 17; ENTRY FEE IS $25 THROUGH MONDAY, MAY 1
Successful anglers who catch tagged fish during the 32nd Annual Upper Pine Creek Trout Tournament can win up to $14,000 in cash, merchandise and gift cards with each prize valued at $50 or more.
The top prize is $1,000 in cash. There will also be six $500 cash prizes.
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Snowmobile Club tournament will be on Saturday, May 20 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. along a 13-mile stretch of Pine Creek between the Ansonia Bridge on Colton Road in Shippen Township and the Mill Street Bridge in Galeton Borough. All 250 of the trout that are float stocked in that section are tagged.
