AUGUST
24 2021
Wet weather leads to more mosquitoes
Photo by Fran De Lancey Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Fred R. Strathmeyer, Jr., Denise Hale, 2021 Friend of the Fair, and Kristina Francis, president of the McKean County Fair Association.
Hale receives recognition for commitment to McKean County Fair
McKean County is spraying for mosquitos, which have been more prevalent than normal due to the wet weather this summer.
BY FRAN DE LANCEY BY KATE DAY SAGER BRADFORD — The excess rain that everyone is growing weary of is not only causing problems with gardens and farms in the area, but also with mosquitoes. Heather McKean, a private contractor for the Department of Environmental Protection, said she provides mosquito control for McKean County and orchestrates this by spraying from truck units. She said the program is
funded through a grant. “We’re spraying in Eldred Borough, Eldred Township, Annin Township, Port Allegany, Liberty Township and pretty much (in communities) along the Allegheny River,” McKean said, noting Otto and Keating townships have been included in her spraying regimen. “But I haven’t gotten complaints from the Bradford area at all.” However, at the Foster Township Municipal
Building, which has a number of residences and businesses along the Tunungwant Creek and the Foster Brook area, an employee said she has heard more people discussing the higher number of mosquitoes in that area this summer. “We’ve had no calls, but my social friends and customers have small-talked about how many mosquitoes we have here,” the employee said. McKean said she started
spraying in June intermittently, and a handful of times in July, but has sprayed throughout the past week in the communities mentioned. “We’re definitely spraying again tonight,” McKean said on Tuesday. McKean said she uses a landing rate to decide where to spray. The landing rate counts how many mosquitoes are found in
Mosquitoes continued on page 3
HOME & GARDEN
SMETHPORT, PA. — Denise Hale, office manager of the McKean County Fair, is the 2021 Friend of the Fair. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Fred R. Strathmeyer, Jr, presented Hale with a certificate in recognition of her commitment to the fair during the opening exercises of the 115th fair on the mini-stage Sunday evening. In the certificate signed by Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, he commended Hale for “essential leadership, dedication and volunteer spirit that friends of the fairs exemplify in service to Pennsylvania’s 108 agricultural fairs.” The certificate’s wording continues: “Those who place great value in
Pennsylvania’s festivals of agriculture and community ensure that continued success with gifts of time, talent and treasure. “Denise embodies that spirit, providing essential services that allow the fair to remain a showcase of local talent, a celebration of our rural heritage, and a vital tool in connecting farms and fork-teaching how agriculture provides food, fuel and fiber for our Commonwealth and beyond. “Denise’s extraordinary dedication to the fair is securing its future. This faithful and outstanding service deserves commendation and is worthy of emulation.” Since 1983, Hale has been superintendent of group exhibits at the fair. She has served as office manager since July 2011.
Get ahead of chimney repair this season Woodburning fireplaces or fuel stoves can add warmth and ambiance to a home. These appliances are particularly coveted in the cooler months when people spend more time indoors. Maintenance is necessary in order for fireplaces and stoves to function safely, and that upkeep must include paying close attention to the functionality of
the chimney. Chimneys are designed to last for decades. Cracks and spalling in brick chimneys are common concerns that can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Chimney maintenance involves more than cleaning the flue. Rather than running the risk of costly repairs, which can cost several thousand dollars,
homeowners can take some simple steps to keep their chimneys in tip-top shape. Certain components of chimney maintenance are do-it-yourself tasks, while others may be better left to the professionals. • Start from the inside and ensure that dampers are working properly. When using fireplaces and other appliances, dampers need to be open to allow smoke to vent outside; otherwise, smoke will be trapped in the home and could lead to carbon monoxide buildup. Dampers need to be fixed or replaced if they are not operational. Replacement fireplace dampers should be snug and not have any gaps, states Vertical Chimney
Care. • Conduct a visual inspection of the chimney to check for any cracks or spalling. Spalling is the wearing away of masonry due to water, weather and time. If enough of the material erodes, that erosion can adversely affect the structural integrity of the chimney. Some repairs can be made by patching up cracks or replacing missing bricks. Chimney tuckpointing is the process of repairing mortar. • Think about waterproofing the chimney to prevent damage. A water sealant applied to the outside of the chimney can prevent moisture from breaking down the masonry. • Inspect and replace
the chimney cap if it is worn out. A chimney cap is a contraption that sits atop the chimney to allow the smoke to vent while also preventing critters and water from going inside the flue, helping to extend the flue life. The chimney cap attaches to the flue liner, so outside dimensions should be taken to ensure the cap is the right size for the chimney. • Have the chimney swept. Sweeping helps remove the soot and debris that clings to the inside of
the flue, known as creosote. The amount of time the fireplace is used will determine how often the chimney must be cleaned. Generally speaking, the chimney liner needs to be cleaned if it has 1⁄8-inch or more of soot. Regular inspection and maintenance can help keep a chimney working safely for decades. For those who do not like working at such an elevation, leave exterior chimney repair to a certified professional.
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AUGUST 24, 2021
Pa. lawmakers won’t give up on reboot of Ski Denton in Potter County BY JIM ECKSTROM State Reps. Martin Causer and Clint Owlett said Tuesday they will continue to advocate for operating a downhill ski and recreation center at Denton Hill State Park — even though there have been no bidders to date. Since April, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has sought a concessionaire to lease the Potter County site, make necessary improvements to current infrastructure to reopen downhill skiing. It has also been hoped that an operator would develop
four-season recreation opportunities at the park, which was developed as a ski area in the 1950s. The DCNR confirmed Tuesday it received no bids for its initial proposal by the deadline last month. “This is disappointing news, obviously, but it doesn’t change what we know about the immense potential that exists for skiing and other outdoor activities at Denton Hill State Park,” the lawmakers said in a joint press release. “Our kids and families need this. Our communities need this. Our tourism industry needs this. “We are not giving up
Rep. Thompson: World is less safe after Afghanistan debacle U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson believes the world is less safe while United States troops have been sent a demoralizing message by the swift fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. “As an Army dad and father of a Purple Heart Wounded Warrior, I am deeply concerned about the message an abrupt withdrawal from Afghanistan sends to our brave men and women in uniform, and those Gold Star Families, who have loved ones that made the ultimate sacrifice,” Thompson said in a statement last week. In July, Thompson said, President Joe Biden gave assurances that a Taliban takeover would not happen. ”A little over a month later, we’re witnessing a total collapse of leadership, an unfolding humanitarian crisis, and a world that is less safe now that terrorist groups will again trying to take a foothold Afghanistan,” the Centre County Republican said. Thompson’s 15th Congressional District includes McKean, Elk and Cameron counties. U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, the Snyder County Republican whose 12th Congressional District includes Potter
County, said, “President Biden’s haphazard withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan demonstrates to the American people, our allies, and our adversaries that this decision was made hastily and without a clear plan. “Now is not the time for President Biden to make excuses,” Keller said, referring to Biden laying at least some of the blame on Afghan government forces who capitulated so easily in the face of the Taliban’s drive on the capital of Kabul. “This administration must focus on safely evacuating remaining Americans and our allies from the country and develop a plan to triage the national security threat that this shift in power will pose to the U.S. at home and abroad,” Keller said. Adding on to what Keller called an “unmitigated disaster at the southern border, skyrocketing inflation and rising energy prices, this strategic blunder in Afghanistan is another unfortunate consequence of the Biden administration leading from behind. President Biden is creating crises faster than he is creating solutions.”
on Denton Hill and encourage DCNR to do the same,” they said. Causer, R-Turtlepoint, whose House district includes McKean, part of Potter and Cameron counties, and Owlett, a Wellsboro Republican whose district includes part of Potter and Bradford counties and Tioga County, said they are encouraged by DCNR’s plan to talk with parties that had expressed some interest in the project to learn more about their reasons for not submitting a bid. The agency also indicated plans to engage in additional advertising and
industry outreach, as well as a vendor forum, in advance of issuing a second solicitation for bids. “Last week, we talked about the beauty of public-private partner relationships and the need for government to serve in a customer service role,” Owlett said. “It is incumbent upon DCNR to do all it can to facilitate a partnership that will support the state’s goals and the vendor’s goals, and most importantly to ensure this valuable recreational opportunity is realized for residents of the Northern Tier and beyond.” Both Causer and Owlett
also stressed the importance of DCNR moving as quickly as possible on the next solicitation. Earlier this year, Causer noted that DCNR has committed $10 million to support implementing the park’s master plan. Denton Hill, which rises above U.S. Route 6 between Coudersport and Galeton, was once known for its downhill skiing and boarding. Operated as Ski Denton, the site had a remote, rustic feel and often featured shorter waits at the lift line than larger ski areas that are closer to larger population centers. Ski Denton also opened
its slopes and trails for mountain bikers in the off season, while there is also access to cross-country ski and hiking trails. Part of the Susquehannock Trail System, an 85-mile loop hiking trail, forms the southern boundary of the 700-acre state park. The ski area facilities were also the site of summer and fall events. Skiing ended in 2014 when the concessionaire stopped operating at Denton Hill. Talks began at that time on how skiing could be brought back.
PennDOT to host job fairs in McKean, Elk counties CLEARFIELD — Prospective employees are invited to attend and apply at two job fairs that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 2 is hosting in McKean and Elk counties. During the job fairs, applicants can learn about wintertime job opportunities that PennDOT offers. PennDOT staff will be on hand to help with online applications and attendees are encouraged to bring
their resume. Available winter positions include: CDL operators, who must have valid Pennsylvania CDL Class A or B with the air brake restriction (L) lifted; diesel/automotive mechanics, who must have a CDL; clerks, tradesman helpers and laborers. “Winter maintenance can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding job,” said district executive Thomas Zurat. “We are always looking for hard-working
people that want to make their community a safer and better place to live. “Come visit one of our locations to learn how these jobs offer paths to permanent employment with benefits and retirement, advancement opportunities, and the potential to work close to home,” he said. The Job Fair will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. at the PennDOT District 2 County Offices: • Aug. 31 at the McKean County Maintenance
Office, 300 Bingham Road, Cyclone. • Sept 1 at the Elk County Maintenance Office, 32 St. Leo Ave., Ridgway. Computers will be available, and staff will be on hand to help interested participants navigate the electronic application system for both civil and noncivil service opportunities. For more information, visit www.penndot.gov/ District2.
Workforce Solutions launches Discover PA SIX website Workforce Solutions for North Central PA announces the launch of the Discover PA Six Website. The URL is www.discoverpasix.com. The initiative is designed to increase awareness of career opportunities that exist in the counties of PA Six as well as promote the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy. Discover PA Six, also known as North Central Pennsylvania, includes the six counties of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter. This initiative was led by Workforce Solutions for North Central PA/the
North Central Workforce Development Board who formed an advisory team made up of employers, economic and community development agencies, chambers of commerce and other individuals to assist in the development and execution of the Discover PA Six Marketing Campaign. Through the Discover PA Six brand, the committee desires to raise awareness of PA Six as a career destination and ultimately attract and retain talented individuals so that employers in the region can continue to thrive into the future.
A virtual overview and launch of the website will be held on Tuesday, August 31st at 10:00 am. Please contact Workforce Solutions at 814-245-1835 for more information.
Discover PA Six Rack Cards are also available. The cards contain a QR Code linking to the website and are available by contacting the Workforce Solutions office.
AUGUST 24, 2021
Mosquitoes continued from 1 a minute or five minutes during surveillance. McKean said she and her cohorts use their own extremities to count the mosquitoes that land on them. “They don’t have to bite us, but if they’re landing on us, we count them for one minute,” McKean shared. “It’s important for people to know this because I had people tell us that the mosquitoes weren’t bad until we started spraying, but it doesn’t work that way.” In commenting on the mosquito increase, McKean said the rainy summer likely has contributed to this. She said mosquitoes in the area are considered to be nuisance mosquitoes, not vectors that carry diseases such as the West Nile Virus. McKean also stressed that if she receives complaints, she checks them
out to determine if spraying would be needed. Lori Coffman, director of finance for McKean County, said she has sent in grants for the spraying, which had been requested and received in the past. Coffman said the grant doesn’t include spraying for the Bradford area, but she could look into including that area in the future if they would receive complaints called in by residents. She added that she had heard of reports regarding more mosquitos in the Foster Brook area, as well. The grant, which had been in the amount of $30,000 last year, was reduced by $7,000 this year because it wasn’t completely used last year. Due to the amount of mosquitoes this year, all of the funding has been used for the contractor, Coffman remarked. She noted a shortage in larvicide also compelled the county to borrow the insecticide from Erie County. To call with a complaint of mosquitoes, contact McKean at (814) 598-3652.
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AUTOMOTIVE Route 219 resurfacing project starting next week in McKean County The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced a start date of Thursday for a resurfacing project along Route 219 near Lantz Corners in McKean County. The project will improve the ride quality and extend the life of four miles of roadway in Hamlin and Lafayette townships. Traffic will be restricted to a single lane starting Thursday, with flaggers in the roadway enforcing an alternating traffic pattern that will see drivers take
turns passing through the open lane. PennDOT urges drivers to exercise caution in work zones, obey posted speed limits and always buckle up. Overall work consists of resurfacing, pavement marking and miscellaneous construction. IA Construction Corporation of Franklin, PA, is the contractor on this $1.9 million project. PennDOT anticipates completion by mid-October. All work is weather and schedule dependent.
Photo provided Hundreds of ATV riders take part in the annual Knapp Creek, N.Y., dice run, which has access to an extensive trail system in both New York and Pennsylvania. More and more, ATV riders seek longer distances to ride, much like the winter’s snowmobile trail systems.
DCNR plans webinar on ATV trail connector on Potter, Tioga counties The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will host a public webinar Wednesday on the ATV Regional Trail Connector pilot program in Potter and Tioga counties. By filling in gaps with state roadways, state forest roads and snowmobile trails that were not previously open to all-terrain vehicle travel, the state greatly expanded continuous-ride ATV travel in that area. The pilot area was opened July 26 to ATV riders, and will remain open until Sept. 26. The program will also be reopened on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend in 2022 to coincide with the full DCNR trail summer riding season and incorporate a planned connection to the Tiadaghton State Forest and the Haneyville ATV Trail System in Lycoming and Clinton counties.
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The informational webinar is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday; the public is encouraged to participate and those who would like to attend virtually may register. DCNR Staff will provide updated information about the pilot and ATV safety during the hour-long webinar. “We hope to connect with ATV riders and community members ... to help educate about the pilot and provide important safety updates,” said State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger. “DCNR continues to recognize the desire of the ATV riding community to be able to travel long distances legally and without interruption and the positive effect such opportunities can have on local businesses.” This ATV Regional Trail Connector program is a response to growing ATV purchases, registrations and public demand for increased riding opportunities. Through collaborating with public and private partners, the pilot aims to offer long-distance riding opportunities and contribute to local economies, while maintaining the many uses and values of the state forest system. DCNR recently revised its ATV trail policy, which lifted the moratorium on new trails that had been in place since 2003. Though the pilot areas will be marked, riders are expected to familiarize themselves with the portions of road and trail that
are open to ensure they are operating in the legal areas. DCNR is gathering public input throughout the two-year period through webinars, surveys, comment cards, public meetings and advisory committees. To comment on the North Central ATV pilot, send an email to: RA-NRATV-Pilot@pa.gov. Included in the pilot program are 208 miles of township roads and 45.5 miles of state forest ATV trails already designated open to ATVs, and 11.8 miles of PennDOT roads, 11.7 miles of state forest roads and 1.93 miles of state forest snowmobile trails not designated as open to ATVs. According to DCNR, through collaboration with public and private partners, the pilot program aims to offer long-distance riding opportunities and contribute to local economies while maintaining the many uses and values of the state forest system. DCNR recently revised its ATV trail policy, which lifted the moratorium on new trails that had been in place since 2003. ATV riders must purchase a Regional ATV Connector Pass permit to use the designated PennDOT and State Forest ATV Connector Roads. The permit fee — $20 for Pennsylvaniaregistered ATVs and $30 for non-Pennsylvania-registered ATVs in 2021, and $40 and $60 in 2022 — will help to pay for implementation
and management of the program. Permits are available for in-person sales only 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays at Tiadaghton, Susquehannock and Tioga state forest district offices. Permit applications are accepted by mail on the form available on DCNR’s website and sent to Penn Nursery, 137 Penn Nursery Road, Spring Mills, Pa., 16875. Officials said the permits are processed according to the date they are received and will be postmarked within 3-5 business days. To gauge the impact of the ATV pilot, the Bureau of Forestry is implementing a monitoring program that will evaluate the impact of the trail to local communities; ecological values; other state forest users and recreational values; Bureau of Forestry operations, staffing and law enforcement capacity; public safety; and impacts to adjacent public lands and natural resources. The monitoring program will also evaluate the effectiveness of the special permit, the adequacy of funding for continued operation of the trial, and the need for additional education, outreach and trail marketing. DCNR will publish a report about the pilot project for further evaluation and stakeholder input by December 2023.
The 5 most expensive vehicles to insure Buyers must consider a host of factors before purchasing a new vehicle. While the make, model and color of the vehicle may garner the bulk of buyers’ attention, the cost of the vehicle bears consideration as well. The sticker price is important, but the cost of insuring a vehicle also can determine just how much a vehicle will cost buyers each month. Insurance premiums are determined after providers consider various factors, including the age of the driver, his or her accident history and how much he or she drives. The make and model of the vehicle also goes a long way toward determining just how much drivers will have to pay to insure their cars and trucks. The insurance comparison site The Zebra (www.thezebra.com) notes that the following were the five most expensive vehicles to insure in 2020. 1. BMW i8: Getting behind the wheel of this high-performance sports car cost drivers an average of $4,303 in insurance premiums. That’s a relatively
small price to pay for a vehicle with a manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP) of $147,500. 2.Maserati Quattroporte: A luxury sports sedan with an MSRP just under $100,000, the sleek Maserati Quattroporte cost drivers an average of $4,062 in annual insurance premiums. 3. Nissan GT-R: As a manufacturer, Nissan might not be associated with the world’s most expensive automakers. But its GT-R, a high-performance sports luxury vehicle with an MSRP of $113,540, will cost drivers a luxury-like $3,864 in annual insurance premiums. 4.Maserati GranTurismo: With the highest MSRP ($150,380) of any car in the top five, the Maserati GranTurismo might be seen as a relative bargain to insure, costing drivers an annual average of $3,735. 5 .M e r c e d e s - B e n z S-Class: The S-Class is a classic Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan with an MSRP of $94,250. Drivers can expect to pay an annual premium of $3,684 to insure this sleek and stylish example of classic luxury.
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AUGUST 24, 2021
A fair perspective
Tom Huntoon captured this view of the McKean County Fair last week. The fair ran through Saturday, with music, rides, food and farm animals.
How consumers can show their support for local businesses The road back to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic figures to have some twists and turns. Even after the rollout of vaccines began in late 2020, public health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization emphasized the importance of people keeping their collective guard up, as previously unseen variants of the virus were still being discovered. A slow march toward recovery has begun, but the uphill nature of that march underscores how important it is that communities continue to come together to support each other as well as the locally owned businesses that make towns and cities so unique. Consumers who want to help the local businesses in their community rebound and thrive in the months and years ahead can show their support in various ways. • Take charge of your to-go order. Convenience became the name of the game when ordering food
during the pandemic. Curbside pickup service was offered as a safety measure, and many restaurants that never previously offered delivery or takeout started to do so to generate revenue at a time when in-person dining was
limited if not disallowed. Some restaurants began offering delivery through apps like Grubhub or Uber Eats, and though that may be convenient for diners, restaurants must pay a fee to utilize those apps. In lieu of ordering through a third party delivery service, consumers can take charge of their to-go orders and pick
This month’s surge in coronavirus cases across the up the food themselves. can continue to support That saves restaurants the those companies by look- region couldn’t come at a delivery app surcharge, al- ing to them first when worse time. Schools are relowing them to increase net they need new products opening, Labor Day weekprofits on the meals they or services. Doing so not end is nearing and multiple only helps small businesses large public gatherings are sell. • Continue to be loyal. retain more customers, in the offing. Notably, the A recent study from re- but it increases the likeli- higher numbers of consearchers at the Harvard hood that consumers will firmed COVID-19 cases again have positive buying come at a time when relatively few people are beexperiences. • Share experiences ing tested for the virus. Pa. via social media. Small Dept. of Health cautions businesses recognize the that the number of people value of social media. A carrying the highly conta2021 survey from Visual gious virus is likely four Objects found that 74 per- or more times than the recent of small businesses in ported cases. There were 15 more the United States are acconfirmed cases in Potter tive on their social media County and five more in accounts at least once each week. Social media can be- Cameron County over the come even more valuable past week. Neighboring to small businesses when counties saw bigger numtheir customers utilize such bers: Clinton, 56; McKean, Business School found platforms to share positive 25; Tioga, 24; Lycoming, that a customer’s eighth experiences and encourage 94; Allegany (N.Y.), 22; purchase was an average their friends and neigh- and Cattaraugus (N.Y.), 60. of 80 percent higher than bors to patronize local Since the pandemic was declared, some 1,276 Potter his or her first purchase. businesses. Consumers can take County residents have been That highlights just how valuable repeat customers various steps to support infected and 25 of them are to small businesses. small businesses in their have died. Public health officials Consumers who have had communities as such eshave been encouraging area positive experiences with tablishments look to reresidents to protect themsmall businesses in their group and recover from the selves and others by getting communities in the past COVID-19 pandemic. vaccinated, particularly
Census: McKean, nearby counties lost population BY KATE DAY SAGER While Pennsylvania saw the growth of about 300,000 additional people in cities and suburbs, the same can’t be said for the rural areas of McKean, Elk, Potter and Cameron counties. All four area counties saw significant declines in population over the past decade, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the 2020 census, McKean County’s population was determined
to be 41,401 a drop from 43,343 in 2010. McKean County is the 51st out of 67 counties in the commonwealth when it comes to population. In the city of Bradford, the Census found that population fell by 700 over the 10-year period — from 8,770 in 2010 to 8,070 in 2020. In Potter County, the 63rd largest county, the population is 16,806, a drop from 17,457 in 2010. In Elk County, the 59th
Case Count Rebounds As School Opening Nears
largest county, the population was determined to be 30,340, a drop from 31,861 in 2010. And in Cameron County, the smallest county in the commonwealth in terms of population, the population is 4,611, a drop from 5,085 in 2010. In nearby New York state, 2010 and 2020, dropping from 80,317 to 77,042. The report was the lowest population reported in the county in a Census since 1940 — then at 72,652. The
population grew until it peaked in 1980 at 85,697, having dropped between 0.3% and 4.3% every decade since. The population of Allegany County dropped by 5.1%, from 48,946 to 46,456. The report was the lowest since the 1960 Census, which saw 43,978 reported. Allegany County’s population peaked at 51,742 in the 1980 Census, dropping between 1.1% and 2.5% until the 2020 Census.
now that the fast-spreading Delta variant of COVID-19 is driving higher case counts. However, “vaccine hesitancy” has taken hold. Potter County has a vaccination rate of 36 percent (5,912) among residents age 12 and older. Approximately seven Potter County residents per day are being immunized. Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy in Coudersport administers the vaccine by appointment; call 814-2748660. UPMC Cole offers two options for residents to set up vaccination appointments. One is a telephone hotline, 814-274-5460. The other is an online resource, vaccine.upmc.com. Rite Aid pharmacies continue to book appointments. To access the online reservation form, click here. Also, a free vaccination clinic will be held at the Coudersport Senior Center from 9 am to 2 pm on Thursday, Aug. 26. The drive-through clinic will administer the first of two Pfizer shots. Booster shots will be administered from 9 to 2 on Thursday, Sept. 16. More information is available from Heather Morey at 814-544-7315.