PA Dept of Agriculture Weekly Roundup
 Pennsylvania Poultry Owners Should Take Steps Now To Protect Flocks Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza As spring wild bird migration nears, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield remind poultry owners to protect their flocks, and their neighbors’ flocks, along with the commonwealth’s economy, against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by remaining vigilant and reviewing and implementing strong biosecurity plans and practices.Read More |
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| Shapiro Administration Awards $200,000 To Grow Hemp Industry; Invites Proposals For $392,000 In Grants Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $200,000 in grants to three agriculture nonprofits to fund projects aimed at growing fiber and food hemp markets, sales and awareness in Pennsylvania. Redding also called for proposals from marketing and promotion non-profits for an additional $392,000 in grants to be awarded in March 2023.Read More |
 Governor Shapiro Signs Executive Order, Creating New Office of Transformation and Opportunity to Spur Economic Growth, Create Jobs, and Foster Innovation in Pennsylvania On January 24, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor’s Office and the Economic Development Strategy Group. Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will have a seat at the table representing Pennsylvania agriculture as part of the Economic Development Strategy Group.See More |
| Department Of Human Services Alerts Pennsylvanians About The End Of Emergency Allotment And Other SNAP Changes, Urges Support Of Charitable Food Network Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Val Arkoosh advised Pennsylvanians of upcoming changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Due to passage of the recent federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, starting in March, SNAP recipient households will no longer receive the Emergency Allotment (EA) additional payment created during the COVID-19 public health emergency and will resume receiving one SNAP payment per month. This change will happen for all SNAP recipients, with households receiving letters via mail about the change in SNAP payments. Read More |
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 While in Lancaster County, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding attended Univest’s Agriculture Summit. During the event, he had the chance to recap the past year and the challenges that were brought on with a focus on the future.See More |
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| The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity. Response Deadline: February 2023Learn More |
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| PA Preferred Organic and ESI need your input! Join PA Preferred Organic and Econsult Solutions (ESI) for one of two virtual roundtable discussions on Organic Farming in Pennsylvania. These interactive roundtables will focus on the launch of PA Preferred and ESI’s new analysis on the Economic Impact and Future of Organic Agriculture in Pennsylvania. We need to hear from you about the future of Organic Agriculture in PA, what role the Commonwealth should play, and the opportunities and challenges for agriculture producers. Sign up for one of the roundtables at the links below: |
| Dairy Processing Research & Development Innovation Grant – Now Open This grant focuses on the implementation of community- and climate-forward dairy production. Grants will range from $15,000 to $75,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Licensed dairy processors and producer associations from the Northeast are invited to apply. Educational or research institutions may apply but are required to partner with a minimum of two Northeast-based dairy processors. Deadline: March 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. ET.Apply |
| USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production USDA is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.Learn More |
| SBDC Workshops Available The PA SBDC Agriculture Center of Excellence will be hosting three workshops that focus on product liability, grants and agricultural finance. |
Wendy S. KINNEY, 74, of Scio, NY
Wendy S. KINNEY, 74, of Scio, NY, died Friday, January 27, 2023 in Jones Memorial Hospital after a long fight with cancer.
Arrangements will be announced by OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-18 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga 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: 2023-01-18 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. 78a57(a) – CONTROL, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTION FLUIDS – Operator failed to collect brine and other fluids produced during operation of the well in a tank, series of tanks, or other device approved by the Department for subsequent disposal or reuse. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-18 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Joseph F. Wagner, 61, of Warren, PA.
Joseph F. Wagner, 61, of Warren, PA., died peacefully at his home with his daughters at his side, Thursday evening, January 26, 2023, after an extended illness. He was born May 11, 1961, in Warren, PA. Joe was the son of Dr. Richard and Margaret Gombos Wagner. He was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1979 graduate of Warren Area High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Penn State Behrend. Joe was employed as an architect, with Larson-Karle Architects for many years.
Joe is survived by his children – Dustin Wagner of Pittsburgh, PA., Twin Daughters – Katie Harrower and husband, Andrew of Canonsburg, PA., Kassie Wagner of Shippenville, PA., Kristen Mead of Warren, PA., 2 Brothers – Christopher C. Wagner and wife, Meagan of Port Angeles, WA., Alan M. Wagner of Tidioute, PA., 4 Grandchildren – Adalyn, Jade, Baylee, Graysen.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 18 years, Melissa A. Sisson Wagner who died September 7, 2022, 1 son, Eric David Mead, 1 Sister – Marjorie E. Villareal.
A private funeral service will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hospice of Warren County, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org 1 Main Ave., Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The family has entrusted the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. with funeral arrangements.
Diane J. Stenta, 76, of Toby,
Diane J. Stenta, 76, of Toby, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Penn Highlands DuBois following a valiant battle with cancer.
She was born on November 17, 1946 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Russell and Helen Garbic Lowe.
On October 11, 1969, at Queen of the World Church, she married the late Frank W. “Bill” Stenta, who preceded her in death in 2007.
Diane was an exuberant child who attended Catholic schools and graduated from Elk County Christian High School, class of 1965. She worked briefly at Stackpole Carbon Company, where she met and married her husband. She then worked for many years at St. Boniface School in the library, deepening her love of reading while helping children grow in their love of books. She was a talented artist and crafter who loved books, movies, and reading. A true lover of animals, she raised and cherished many animals over the years, including peacocks, pheasants, a donkey, and many cats.
She is survived by 2 children; Sharon (Paul Glatt) Stenta of Kersey, and William (Lisa) Stenta of Ridgway; and by her 2 grandchildren; Alura and Sebastian. She is also survived by a sister; Linda (Richard) Sexton of Kersey, a brother; Wayne Lowe of Wilcox, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Diane J. Stenta will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Saint Boniface Church, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 with Fr. Kevin Holland, Pastor, as celebrant.
Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the St. Boniface Church Gathering Space on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 12:30 PM until the time of the Mass.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Humane Society, Ridgway Animal Haven, or to a animal rescue of choice.
Krise Funeral Home, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Robert D. “Bob” WILLETTS, 68, of Wellsville, NY
Robert D. “Bob” WILLETTS, 68, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, January 27, 2023 at his home.
Arrangements will be announced by OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Brenda K. Nellis, 60, a longtime resident of Eldred, PA.
Brenda K. Nellis, 60, a longtime resident of Eldred, passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday, January 26, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Brenda, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContact Capitol Update Friday, January 27, 2023The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link.  Thank you to Galeton Area School District Superintendent Clyde Pierce for inviting me to the school last week for a tour and discussion of policy issues to support rural schools. Outreach Hours Set for Feb. 2  To help ensure access to state government information and services, I will host monthly outreach office hours at the following locations on Thursday, Feb. 2: • Emporium Borough Office – 9-10 a.m. • Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon. 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. 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 for January is as follows: • Coudersport office: Thursday, Feb. 2, 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, Feb. 8, 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, Feb. 22, 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. New Speaker Blocks Action in House  With newly elected Speaker of the House Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) refusing to call the House into session, I joined most of my fellow House Republicans this week in signing on to a letter demanding we be called back to the state Capitol to do the people’s business.Unfortunately, we are one signature shy of what we need to force the speaker to bring us back into session. That means we are unable either to introduce or vote on legislation. Nearly a month into the new year, this is unacceptable. Please know that it is business as usual here in the district, where I and my office staff stand ready to assist you with any state-related questions or concerns. I also will continue doing all I can to force the speaker to bring us back into session so we may work on the important health, education, economic and other challenges facing the Commonwealth. GOP Appropriations Committee Starts Budget Conversation  House members got an early jump on the upcoming budget as they took part in a roundtable discussion about the state’s finances this week with Matthew Knittel, executive director of the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO). In the coming months, the House Appropriations Committee will be tasked with creating a fair annual state budget that respects taxpayers.Knittel discussed how changing demographics in the Commonwealth – by 2030, Pennsylvanians age 80 and over will increase by 22% — are putting a strain on state services and the budget that funds them. He also noted the surplus the state experienced in the current budget year was the result of short-term federal funding. By 2027-28, the state’s deficit is projected to climb to $3.1 billion. To learn more about the state’s economic outlook, click here. Newly elected Gov. Josh Shapiro will deliver his budget proposal to a joint session of the General Assembly in early March. Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications  The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its summer 2023 semester. The 13-week program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol Building in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. Qualified applicants must be undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and students of any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. The deadline to apply is March 1. |
Blair Dickinson is the Student of the Week in the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center
Blair Dickinson is the Student of the Week. She is in the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Blair is a Junior enrolled at Smethport High School. Upon graduation, Blair would like to work with children in a school setting.
Blair is a hard worker and finishes her work ahead of the timetable established for the course. She wrote many of her lesson plans ahead and completed her workbook in literally 2 months. With the time she freed up, she worked diligently towards the SkillsUSA District 10 competition. She represented the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center for Early Childhood Education on January 13th in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Blair holds two jobs currently. She works at Fox’s Pizza Den in Smethport and works after school for the YMCA program at Smethport Elementary. Blair is currently volunteering at Port Allegany Elementary and helps in Ms. Burr’s room.
She enjoys reading in free time, as well as spending time with her younger brothers. Last year, Blair won the Hamlin Bank Work Ethic Award on the Career and Technical Center’s Award Day for her math skills. We look forward to her efforts paying off as she strives to attain her Child Development Associate credential in the near future.
EPA News: EPA Launches New Initiative to Accelerate Lead Pipe Replacement in Pennsylvania to Protect Underserved Communities
New partnership with states will help communities access funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for lead service line removal and replacement
Penn College Offering Three Practical Nursing Courses in 2023
Penn College has scheduled three clock-hour Practical Nursing Programs for 2023 – two full-time programs in Wellsboro and Coudersport, and a part-time program in Wellsboro only. The first full-time program will start March 14, 2023, and the second full-time program begins September 11, 2023. Students will graduate approximately one year from the start of the program. The part-time program begins June 8, 2023, and students will graduate twenty-two months later.
Qualified nursing instructors provide classroom instruction in theory and nursing skills. Affiliation with UPMC allows for clinical experiences at UPMC Wellsboro and UPMC Cole. Other local healthcare affiliates are also utilized. Graduates earn a certificate in Practical Nursing and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure (LPN). Graduates find jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, private homes, physician offices, and other health-related offices.
Information Sessions to acquaint prospective students with the program are scheduled on Thursday, February 2; and Wednesday, February 15. Sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Penn College/Wellsboro, 22 Walnut Street, and will be available live via Zoom at the Education Council’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street. Learn how this Practical Nursing Program can help give you a great career boost! Registration is required. For more information, or to register for the Information Sessions, call Marie Van Ess at (570) 724-7703.
Free online event for landowners-Northcentral Forest Landowners Association
PA Forest Carbon Programs: The North Central Forest Landowners Association is sponsoring a free online workshop about Forest Carbon programs in Pennsylvania. This webinar will be provided by Penn State Extension Natural Resources staff Melissa Kreye and Calvin Norman and will be held live Thursday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm.
This meeting will give an introduction to carbon sequestration in forests and markets. It is for forest owners and land managers, offering an introduction to how forests store carbon, carbon markets, and opportunities in Pennsylvania. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session where invited speakers answer participant’s questions.
Melissa Kreye is an Assistant Professor of Forest Resource Management and she heads the Forest Benefits and Values Lab.
Calvin Norman is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Forestry.
To participate on Zoom, use the website below at 7 pm on Feb. 23rd. (Mark your calendar and save the link!) Or you can email ncfla2@gmail.com to receive an email with the link.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://psu.zoom.us/j/91975683961
