MAY
18 2021
Construction project to replace water line at UPB
Photo by Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University via Bugwood.org. Female periodical cicada laying eggs in a tree branch.
Concerns about Periodical Cicada in 2021 BY DONALD SEIFRIT For tree fruit growers, the largest concerns are not from the feeding of adults, but from female oviposition (egg-laying) damage as well as nymphal feeding on root systems. The cicadas (Magicicada septemdecim) will begin to emerge from the ground in large numbers in about the third week of May and continue to emerge until June. They will leave the ground as mature nymphs (an immature life stage), crawl to the nearest vertical surface, and climb up several inches to begin the process of molting. They will then emerge from their exoskeletons as winged, sexually mature adults. Adults are about 1.5 inches in length, mostly
black, with large red eyes and other reddish markings. Males produce a very loud mating call. Females are silent but are attracted to the males’ mating calls. About a week to 10 days after the males begin to sing, they mate, and the females lay eggs in tree branches. For larger trees, this is less of a problem. Females have a preferred branch thickness, and this diameter is relatively small. For large trees, you will see evidence of tip dieback, but on smaller trees, such as high-density orchard systems, where the average branch diameter is much smaller than free-standing trees, as well as in blocks of newly planted trees, this is a serious concern. The eggs will hatch after about 6 to 7 weeks, and
small, white nymphs will fall from the trees to the ground. The nymphs will bury into the ground to feed on root systems (first grass roots, but eventually tree roots) for the next 17 years. Exclusion netting is an effective control measure for smaller orchards. The mesh size should be no larger than ¼”. If exclusion practices fail, summer pruning and the removal of cuttings from the orchard could potentially remove eggs and nymphs from the orchard, reducing future cicada infestations 17 years later. If netting is too expensive to be used, pyrethroid insecticides with a long residual action would be useful for young trees. If there continues to be egg-laying pressure, another
application may be necessary. Scouting the orchard every 2 to 3 days would provide the necessary insight to determine if any pesticide applications were effective. A pyrethroid application may also cause an increase in mite outbreaks during the season, due to off-target effects on Stethorus species. Dr. Greg Krawczyk, Extension Tree Fruit Entomologist, contributed to this article. If you have any orchard questions, please reach out to your local Extension office or tree fruit educator. If you’re an orchardist in southeast PA, Don Seifrit (the author of this article) is available to talk at 610-3781327 or available by email at dus970@psu.edu
Construction began Tuesday on a new water line at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford as part of a shared project with the Bradford Water Authority. During the construction, which will last through mid-August, the campus will be under complete excavation to lay new water lines and connect them to all buildings on the campus “loop.” Anyone coming to campus is asked to use extra caution this summer and watch for directional signs. Walkers who want to access the Tuna Valley Trail Association’s Richard E. McDowell Community Trail should park at the trail head across from the Kessel Athletic Complex on Campus Drive. Brief power and water outages may require some buildings to be closed for short periods of time. “As the Water Authority continues to improve the waterline system from the reservoir, the university is upgrading its system as
well to provide redundant supply in case of any future catastrophic breaks in the main line,” said Rhett Kennedy, director of facilities management. During a period of sub-zero temperatures in February 2015, a water authority main line carrying water from the city’s main reservoir to the city burst near Blaisdell Hall, spilling 5 million gallons and causing the university and public schools to close during a declared state of emergency. Since then, the authority has completed an $11.5 million dollar project to install a 6-mile redundant water transmission line from the West Corydon Street water treatment plant to the main finished water reservoir above the city of Bradford. In addition, several new large diameter gate valves have been installed across the system to allow for effective and efficient shut downs and re-routing of water service in the event of any future catastrophic main line failures.
2
MAY 18, 2021
New Case Count Back On The Rise
Photo courtesy of today.pottercountypa.net
County plays major role in $1m grant for Galeton Another major piece of funding puzzle fell into place for Galeton Borough in its years-long mission to upgrade the town’s sewage treatment plant. Galeton was awarded $1 million from a federal grant program administered at the state level to address shortcomings at the 35-year-old
facility. Potter County Community Development Director Ellen Russell and the SEDA Council of Governments, contracted for administrative support, worked together to advance Galeton’s grant application. The project aligned with the Potter County Comprehensive Plan
2020-29, which prioritizes infrastructure investments to support vital communities and retain/grow population. Funds were awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Sewage from 528 households and
businesses is treated at the plant, as is a portion of stormwater runoff in the borough. A sludge holding tank that has failed during times of high water inflow will be replaced. The project will eliminate pollutants from entering Pine Creek.
Department Of Health Mask Order Reflects Latest CDC Guidance For Fully Vaccinated Individuals HARRISBURG, PA — Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam announced that the commonwealth’s mask order reflects the announcement made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier today. On March 16, 2021, the SOH amended the commonwealth’s mask order by adding language directing to the CDC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people allow for no face coverings. That means that today’s CDC guidelines automatically go into effect in Pennsylvania. Masking requirement will still be in place as otherwise provided under the CDC guidance and for unvaccinated individuals until 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18
and older are fully vaccinated. “Today’s guidance from the CDC affects only people who are fully vaccinated” Acting Secretary Beam said. “This is another incentive to get the vaccine that is now easily and conveniently available. Once 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over 18 are fully vaccinated, we can completely lift the masking order.” The CDC today provided guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Under the guidance, individuals are still be required to
wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals will still need to follow guidance at workplaces and local businesses. For more information on the CDC guidance, visit hereOpens In A New Window. People can find vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.govOpens In A New Window, also known as Vaccine Finder. Individuals also can text their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish and receive three possible vaccination sites in their area.
Pa. Dept. of Health (DOH) reports an increase in COVID-19 coronavirus cases across the region this week, even as fewer people have been getting tested. There were 20 more cases in Potter County between Monday and Thursday, pushing the overall case count since the pandemic began to 1,130 with 23 COVID-related deaths. More important than the historical data is the number of “active” cases, which reflects those who tested positive over the past two weeks and are considered highly contagious. DOH’s most recent active case count was 55 in the county. Breakdown was: Coudersport area, 20; Shinglehouse area, 17; Oswayo area, 6; Roulette area, 5; Harrison Township area, 2; Genesee area, 2; and 1 each in the Austin, Galeton and Ulysses areas. According to DOH, for each active case that has been diagnosed, there are likely four to five other COVID-19 carriers who have not been tested. Also over the past 72 hours, some 252 new cases were confirmed in the seven counties bordering Potter. There were 46 new cases and another death in McKean County; 23 cases and two deaths in Tioga; 77 cases and three deaths in Lycoming; 22 cases and one death in Clinton; two cases in Cameron; 43 cases and one death in Cattaraugus County, N.Y.; and 19 new cases in Allegany County, N.Y. Total county-bycounty case count since the pandemic was declared is as follows: Cameron, 295 cases with eight deaths; Clinton, 3,619 cases, 63 deaths; Lycoming, 11,635 cases, 280 deaths; McKean, 3,662 cases, 69 deaths; Tioga, 2,950 cases, 106 deaths; Allegany, N.Y., 3,398 cases, 84 deaths; and Cattaraugus,
N.Y., 5,559 cases, 87 deaths. DOH is seeking help from local organizations to increase the number of Potter County residents who have been immunized against the COVID-19 coronavirus. Kristen Faust, DOH deputy director, said the department will work with elected officials, community agencies and others to set up vaccination clinics and other opportunities to distribute the vaccine. As of Thursday, more than 4,200 Potter County residents age 18 or older — roughly 35 percent of the adult population — have received the COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine. Some 2,937 have been fully immunized. A new distribution site was recently established in Potter County. Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy in Coudersport now offers the vaccine by appointment; call 814-2748660. UPMC Cole continues to offer two options for residents to set up appointments for vaccinations. One is a telephone hotline, 814274-5460. The other is an online resource, vaccine. upmc.com. Rite Aid pharmacies continue to book appointments. To access the online reservation form, click here. DOH also notes that case counts across the region have been fluctuating. Officials caution against reading too much into the statistics, since the number of people seeking COVID-19 tests is sporadic. Three testing sites for the virus remain available in Coudersport. In addition to the testing available at UPMC Cole for physician-referred patients, tests are also being administered at Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 1-800-635-8611) and Rite Aid Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 814-274-0439).
Ice Cream sundaes were invented when it became illegal to sell ice-cream sodas on a Sunday in the American town of Evanston during the late 19th century. To get around the problem some traders replaced the soda with syrup and called the dessert an "Ice Cream Sunday.”
3
MAY 18, 2021
Olean woman pleads guilty to homicide by vehicle SMETHPORT — An Olean, N.Y., woman pleaded guilty Thursday to felony homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and other charges stemming from a January accident that killed 24-yearold Ryan Frair of Portville, N.Y. Tifany M. Prescott, 28, entered her guilty plea in McKean County Court by video conference before President Judge John Pavlock to homicide by vehicle while DUI, a second-degree felony; homicide by vehicle, a third-degree felony; and two counts of DUI-alcohol, misdemeanors. She also pleaded to summary charges of careless driving, reckless driving, disregard traffic lane and driving at a safe speed. Before she entered her plea, Pavlock asked Prescott a series of questions to determine if she was ready to move forward. When he started, she was leaning her chin in her hand, her elbow propped up on a table, and he had to ask her to move her hand so he could understand her answers. At one point, Pavlock,
talking about the plea agreement, asked her, “Are those terms acceptable to you?” Prescott said yes and laughed. Pavlock pointed out that she had laughed and asked if there was anything she had a question about. She said no. District Attorney Stephanie VettenburgShaffer outlined the information to which Prescott was entering her plea. Shaffer said, on Jan. 3, Prescott was operating a 2007 Dodge Nitro on Route 44 in Ceres Township at a speed greater than prudent, failing to stay in a single lane. Prescott was under the influence of alcohol and was found to have a blood alcohol concentration of between 0.10 and 0.159 within two hours of driving. The legal limit in Pennsylvania to be considered drunk while driving is 0.08. Prescott failed to properly negotiate a left hand turn, and the SUV rotated in a parking lot and struck a concrete barrier. The SUV was moving between 77 and 86 mph within 5 seconds of
the crash, Shaffer explained. Frair was ejected, and his body landed in the road, Shaffer said. He died at the scene. After Shaffer finished outlining the facts, Pavlock asked, “Is that what happened?” “Yeah,” Prescott replied. He accepted Prescott’s plea, and she will be sentenced June 25. In the meantime, Prescott is being held in McKean County Jail in lieu of $60,000 bail. She is represented by Public Defender Philip Clabaugh. Police reported at the time of the crash that Prescott, who was wearing her seatbelt, suffered minor injuries in the crash. She was transported to Olean General Hospital for treatment. On Feb. 18, Olean City Police reported that Prescott was arrested as a fugitive from justice on Feb. 14 after an off-duty Olean officer spotted her and recognized her as someone who was wanted on a warrant. The officer notified the sheriff ’s department, and New York state troopers took her into custody.
HOME & GARDEN
Department Of Health Mask Order Reflects Latest CDC Guidance For Fully Vaccinated Individuals HARRISBURG, PA — Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam announced that the commonwealth’s mask order reflects the announcement made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier today. On March 16, 2021, the SOH amended the commonwealth’s mask order by adding language directing to the CDC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people allow for no face coverings. That means that today’s CDC guidelines automatically go into effect in Pennsylvania. Masking requirement will still be in place as otherwise provided under the CDC guidance and for unvaccinated individuals until 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and
older are fully vaccinated. “Today’s guidance from the CDC affects only people who are fully vaccinated” Acting Secretary Beam said. “This is another incentive to get the vaccine that is now easily and conveniently available. Once 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over 18 are fully vaccinated, we can completely lift the masking order.” The CDC today provided guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Under the guidance, individuals are still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses,
trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals will still need to follow guidance at workplaces and local businesses. For more information on the CDC guidance, visit hereOpens In A New Window. People can find vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.govOpens In A New Window, also known as Vaccine Finder. Individuals also can text their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish and receive three possible vaccination sites in their area.
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How to care for perennials
Perennials can add color and vibrancy to any garden. One of the more desirable components of perennials is that they come back year after year, meaning homeowners do not have to invest in a gardenful of new flowers every year. That can add up to considerable savings. Perennials often form the foundation of beautiful gardens. Annuals only grow for one season, produce seeds and then die. However, perennials die back to the ground every autumn and their roots survive the winter. So the plants reemerge in the spring, according to The FarmerÕs Almanac. Some perennials are shortlived, meaning they will come back a few consecutive years; others will last for decades. Though planted perennials require less maintenance than annuals, they are not completely maintenance-free. Certain care is needed to help perennials thrive, and that starts with the soil. In fact, soil is the
been established in the soil. Bare-root perennials are just roots that are often packed in peat moss. In order to plant bare-root perennials, soak the roots in water for several minutes before gently planting in the ground, indicates the how-to resource Tip Bulletin. Perennials should be watered deeply, especially during the first growing season. However, the soil should never be overly dry or wet. Most perennials do not need to be fertilized heavily. A single application in the spring typically is all thatÕs needed. Care along the way can include deadheading spent flowers so that plants can use their energy on seed production and rebloomperen- ing. Perennials should be single most important factor container-grown for growing healthy plants. nials, which already have Penn State Extension says most perennials grow ideally in well drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, organic matter can improve soil texture LAW OFFICE Dawn A. Fink Esquire and water-holding ability. When including perenReal Estate • Estate & Wills • Family Law nials in the garden, make Criminal Law • Oil & Gas Lease Negotiation sure you wait for the right time to plant them. The ideal time is during the spring 219 N. Main St., Port Allegany or fall. Perennials come as
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divided when they grow large, every three to four years when the plants are not in bloom. Perennials produce fewer flowers or may look sickly when the time has passed to divide them. Early spring often is a good time to divide perennials, advises The FarmerÕs Almanac. A thick layer of mulch can help perennials to overwinter successfully. Perennials planted in containers will need to be transplanted into the garden before it gets cold because most containers cannot thoroughly insulate perennial roots.
Apart from these strategies, perennials pretty much take care of themselves. As long as sunlight requirements match plant needs, the perennials should thrive. do not have to invest in a gardenful of new flowers every year. That can add up to considerable savings. Perennials often form the foundation of beautiful gardens.plants. Penn State Extension says most perennials grow ideally in well drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, organic matter can improve soil texture and water-holding ability.
4
MAY 18, 2021
Port Allegany’s Music Education program receives national recognition
AUTO
Stock up on vehicle breakdown supplies Unforeseen situations can crop up at any time. Anyone who has had a roadside breakdown in their car understands this. A flat tire or an engine malfunction is something no driver wants to experience, but those with a wellstocked vehicle emergency kit and breakdown strategy can get through most situations rather easily. A 2017 survey from AAA found that 40 percent of drivers in the United States are not ready to handle a typical roadside emergency breakdown. The organization estimates it helps some seven million motorists get back on the road each summer. A well-equipped roadside emergency kit may help drivers get their vehicles back on the road on their own. FIRST AID KIT: The first aid kit will celebrate its 133rd birthday in 2021. The Johnson & Johnson company began commercializing first aid kits in 1888. Having a first aid kit in the car to treat minor injuries can be helpful in the event of an accident or even after injuring oneself during a breakdown. FIRE EXTINGUISHER: Cars are full of various mechanical parts and are susceptible to catching on fire. The National Fire Protection Association says vehicle fire extinguishers need to be rated for Class B and C fires. JUMPER CABLES: A weak or dead battery is often the culprit in breakdowns. Jumper cables enable drivers to get a charge from another motorist, and may help get a person back on the road quickly. If possible, get a
set of cables that also comes with safety gloves and heavy duty clamps, offers Defensive Driving Online, a defensive driving course. MOBILE PHONE/CHARGER: A mobile phone is essential for calling for assistance, but the phone is only useful if it’s charged. BLANKET: Keep a blanket in the trunk or another storage area. Should the vehicle die in cold weather, that blanket can help keep passengers warm until assistance arrives. BASIC TOOLS: Tools like a screwdriver, ratchet set and wrench may enable drivers to complete minor repairs. Tools also should include tire-changing gear, such as a jack and lug nut remover. TRACTION AID: Nonclumping kitty litter or sand can provide the traction needed to get off of a slippery area of roadway. FLASHLIGHT: A flashlight can help keep you visible and able to see your surroundings in dark conditions. FLARES: Should a breakdown occur in the dark, flares can alert other drivers. SNACKS AND WATER: Water and food that stores well, such as emergency rations, granola bars or trail mix, can quell hunger pangs and provide an energy boost while waiting for help. ROPE/BUNGEE CORDS/ TARP: These items can be used in various situations to secure a vehicle. While drivers can gather these items separately, many companies offer all-in-one vehicle emergency kits. A safety kit is essential for all drivers.
Port Allegany School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Port Allegany School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Port Allegany Elementary Principal Mr. Tracy Kio shared, “I am excited to hear about the Port Allegany School District being recognized for the Best Communities for School Award. This honor showcases the work ethic and commitment that our students, staff and community members make in promoting the importance music plays in our daily lives. Music instills qualities such as creativity, focus, and joy into our hearts and this is always on display during our many student performances each year. Congratulations to our entire learning community for this wonderful recognition.” Since the passage by Congress in 2015 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs and found that in this time of a national pandemic, provides a valuable way to keep students engaged in school. ESSA provides designated funding for wellrounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation
research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education. Eighth grade music student Connor Briggs said, “Music has allowed me to grow closer with many people, and it has opened me up to many enjoyable opportunities. I believe that music is one of the most important things a person can experience in their lifetime, and nobody should have to miss out on it. By creating bonds and connecting to viewers through song, you could allow them the chance to witness one of the greatest moments of their lives...” Senior Mallory Causer said, “Port Allegany has given me a wealth of opportunities to grow as an individual in the music program… It has given me the chance to have more confidence on a stage and to perform in front of a live audience. It has made me realize how much I love performing for a crowd. The memories and experiences I have had throughout the years in the music program will forever be in my heart. I will use this newfound confidence in my future endeavors.” Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the
ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism. Port Allegany students have the opportunity to participate in music electives and co-curricular classes in grades Pre-K through 12. Students in the upper elementary grades may participate in band and choir with the opportunity to audition for the Elementary Ensemble. Students in grades 7 through 12 may choose from band, choir, guitar class, piano class, vocal arts, and other music electives. High School
musical theatre production and concerts. In a typical year, many students participate in annual instrumental and choral festivals including: Elementary Song Fest, IU9 Band, PMEA District and Region Band and Chorus. The Port Allegany Music Department has a variety of concerts and performances each year, check the district website at pasdedu. org for details about performances. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
students also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular ensembles including Chamber Singers, Show Choir, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. In the spring, students collaborate on a
DOE Emphasizes The Importance Of Mental Health And Well-Being H A R R I S B U R G , PA— The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is emphasizing the importance of mental health and well-being and reminding school communities about the availability of associated resources, especially as end-of-school-year activities take place and summer approaches. Governor Tom Wolf is committed to providing Pennsylvania residents access to quality mental health services. Last year, the administration launched Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters, a multiagency initiative aimed at ending the stigma behind mental health and expanding access to comprehensive support services throughout the Commonwealth. “Our school communities have done remarkable work creating and maintaining safe, supportive spaces for students to learn and grow throughout the pandemic” said Dr. Dana Milakovic, Mental Health/ Alcohol and Other Drug Specialist. “With the school year ending soon and changes to daily routines beginning to take place, it’s important to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. In addition, you’re not alone - there are many different factors that can contribute to stressors, but there are also many different resources available to help you cope properly and support your social and emotional health.” PDE offers a collection of resources and supports
on its website on topics that include mental health, social-emotional wellness, self-care, grief and loss, and equity and inclusion, among other topics. In addition, PDE’s website provides contact information for various state and national support services that can offer help 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The National Institute of Mental Health has information on its websiteOpens In A New Window to inform individuals on best mental health practices and strategies. The National Suicide Prevention LifelineOpens In A New Window (1-800273-8255) offers free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National HelplineOpens In A New Window (1-800-662-4357) also offers free, confidential, 24/7 national treatment referral and information for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. As part of a larger roadmap for school leaders and communities, PDE developed a Staff and Student Wellness Guide that offers resources to consider when determining methods of communication with stakeholders, universal practices to address social and emotional needs and to create safe, welcoming and equitable learning environments, and conditions for monitoring and supporting
identified staff and students demonstrating needs related to social-emotional and psychological supports. For more information about Pennsylvania’s education policies and
programs please visit the Department of Education’s website or follow PDE on FacebookOpens In A New Window, TwitterOpens In A New Window, or PinterestOpens In A New Window.