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It includes breaking news, local news and upcoming events in and around Tioga County, PA and beyond.
Drive With Caution This Morning
FNN Traveler Alert January 20, 2024.
Images provided to FNN 8:00 AM.
MANSFIELD, PA - Traveling is slick this morning as seen in these images sent in to FNN.
Temperatures will rise up around 16 today and PennDOT crews are out treating the roadways.
Please use caution when driving today.
Bradford Man Arrested for Alleged Drug Possession
PSP Release Out of Coudersport, PA - January 20, 2024.
(Individual is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law).
Obituary Notice - Robert G. Hoffman of Blossburg, PA
Robert G. Hoffman, age 59, of Blossburg, PA, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro, PA. He was born on Friday, August 7, 1964, in Baltimore, MD. He was the son of Robert George Hoffman.
Robert worked in construction and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp.
Robert is survived by his companion, Rita Russell of Blossburg, PA; and his son, Robert Thomas (Kasey) Hoffman of Carbondale, PA; and one granddaughter.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. 637 S. Main St. Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com.
Obituary Notice - Harold G. "Stub" McCutcheon of Westfield, PA
Harold G. “Stub” McCutcheon, 82, of Westfield, PA, died Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in his home. Born on Saturday, June 14, 1941, at home on the family farm in Harrison Valley, PA. He was the son of Clifton Hiram and Gladys L. Woodard McCutcheon.
On August 29, 1959, in Harrison Valley, he married the former Delia M. Hill, who predeceased him on July 24, 2022. Stub and his wife owned and operated a dairy farm in Harrison Valley for many years.
Harold was a member of the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company and served on the board of Knoxville Agway.
Surviving are: four children, Ann (Phil) Clark of Gold, Vicki (Blaine) Becker, Bruce D. McCutcheon, and Randall L. (Cheryl Barnes) McCutcheon, all of Harrison Valley; 23 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Basil (Mary Lou) McCutcheon of Harrison Valley; a brother-in-law, John (Kay) Hill of Westfield; nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Tina McCutcheon; a grandson, RJ McCutcheon; and a brother and sister-in-law, Ronald J. and Hulda McCutcheon.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 2:00 PM. Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Whites Corners Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Charges Pending After December Traffic Stop
PSP Release Out of Mansfield, PA - January 20, 2024.
Reported Theft Ends Up Being A Civil Matter
PSP Release Out of Mansfield, PA - January 19, 2024.
Citizens' Police Academy - Sign Up For 7-Week Course
(See notice for full details). PSP Release Out of Mansfield, PA.
Mansfield Woman Uninjured in Rollover Accident
PSP Release Out of Mansfield, PA - January 19, 2024.
Winterfest is This Saturday, Jan. 20 with Free Family Friendly Events at Hills Creek State Park
Press Release - January 19, 2024. Image provided.
Image shows Patriot, a 7-year-old golden retriever, dual certified in Trailing and Human Remains Detection.
WELLSBORO, PA - Winterfest is offering free, fun, family-friendly snow and no snow, and no ice events this Saturday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hills Creek State Park at 111 Spillway Road, eight miles from Wellsboro.
Visitors with specific interests should check the event schedule. Some programs are ‘drop-in’ and others are at definite times.
Two small storms are forecast for this week and should provide enough snow for sledding, and hopefully, cross country skiing, according to organizer Tim Morey. “We will make the call this Friday when the second storm is forecast.”
If snow conditions allow, there will be Winterfest tubing, tobogganing, and sledding on Beach Front Hill from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. there will be 30-minute cross-country ski mini-clinics for all ages. Those who have their own equipment are encouraged to bring it.
Free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available to everyone from 11 a.m. until gone. Fire rings and burn barrels will help visitors stay warm.
Each family can build one bluebird box to take home for free from 10 a.m. until the boxes are gone.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., families will enjoy a free ‘make and take’ craft, including the ever-popular pinecone bird feeder.
During on-land, 30-minute Get Started Ice Fishing demonstrations led by Tackle Shack staff from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., learn some tips and tricks to pull fish through the ice and find out how much fun and rewarding it can be.
A Hot Tent demo by Scott Lee will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Camping in winter doesn’t need to be cold. With the right gear and a small woodstove, find out how to rough it in style.
Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., meet the dogs and their owners involved with Laurel Mountain K9 Search And Rescue, a non-profit SAR team comprised of volunteers dedicated to assisting fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies in incidents involving lost or missing individuals. During a 30-minute presentation, from 11:30 a.m. to noon learn what it takes to turn a dog into a search dog, how the team trains and is deployed.
The Tioga County SAR team was formed in 2017. The group was well on its way to being a deployable resource when they obtained non-profit 501(c)3 status in 2018.
The team now consists of 5 certified K9s and their handlers with three more K9s at various stages in their training. The certified K9s include golden retrievers Patriot (dual certified in trailing and human remains detection) and Freedom, better known as "Little Dude" (live find air scent), bloodhound Tatum (trailing), border collie Rayne (live find air scent) and German shepherd Gideon (live find air scent). K9s in training are Australian shepherd Andie (live find air scent/HRD), mixed breed Luna (trailing) and Labrador mix Ice (HRD).
Laurel Mountain K9 Search And Rescue has been requested and/or deployed on over 80 searches since its inception and credited with bringing several individuals home to their families. The team has been beneficial locally and as a member of the Pennsylvania Search and Rescue Council assisting other teams in Scranton, Allentown, etc. They are always looking for individuals prepared to serve their community. Stop in and visit with the team and meet the K9s this Saturday.
Free one-hour tree identification walks will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on nearby park trails.
Join members of the PA Wilds Astronomy Club for safe viewing of the sun from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn about life at a lumber camp in winter from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and get hands-on with some essential lumber tools.
From noon to 12:30pm stop by the Wild Teas table display to discover what can be used from nature to make a warming winter beverage. Taste samples of wild foraged teas, and take home recipes.
Schedules and updates on conditions, such as confirmation of skiing conditions, will be posted at www.stepoutdoors.org and on pages at Step Outdoors Tioga PA and Hills Creek State Park.
Men’s Basketball 17-Point Comeback Shocks Shippensburg in Overtime
MU Sports Update - January 19, 2024.
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Mansfield Mountaineers men's basketball team (6-9, 4-6 PSAC East) visited Shippensburg (5-10, 2-8 PSAC East) for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division contest as the conference clash headed to overtime after another insane comeback by the team and the Mounties came out victorious, earning the thrilling 98-87 overtime victory, their second in just seven days.
This was the Mounties' first victory in Heiges Field House since February 19, 2014, when they won 80-77. This also marks the first win against Shippensburg since February 11, 2015, winning 60-52, ending the 14-game losing streak.
The 58 points in the second half is the most in a half by the Mounties since November 29, 2015, when Mansfield scored 61 against Alfred State College.
Michael Dickson led the Mounties with 27 points on the night, setting his new career high and most by a Mountie this season.
Idris Ali and Jordan Montgomery each posted 20 points and Montgomery also earned his new career high on the night.
Mansfield flooded the backboard early, throwing up 15 shots in the first five minutes and making three straight to hold a slim 12-9 margin, with Dickson and Manir Waller combining for ten of those points.
The game remained a one possession battle until the Raiders sprinted to a 14-2 run over three minutes to push out to a double-digit lead, 29-19, lead with four minutes remaining in the first half.
Shippensburg landed the only shot beyond the arc of the first half with 1:48 remaining and took a 41-24 lead into the locker rooms, holding the Mounties to no field goals made in the final seven minutes of action.
Mansfield did not sulk in defeat and pushed out the first eight points of the second half in attempts to start another sensational comeback this month, cutting the lead to 41-32.
Midway through the final half, the Raiders held a 59-49 lead, but the Mounties finally got rid of Shippensburg's double-digit dominance, putting five points away in the next minute to create the presence of a comeback.
66-57 was the lead for Shippensburg, but a 10-2 run, including six points from Montgomery shocked the home crowd and the lead was cut to one.
Montgomery caught fire after putting down ten points across two minutes when it became crunch time, but the Raiders still led 72-70 with four minutes remaining.
Mansfield and Shippensburg traded baskets in the final minutes until Waller erupted the Mountie comeback with a three-pointer with 1:10 on the clock to tie the game up at 80.
A free throw gave the Raiders the 81-80 lead, but Waller sank two free throws with 12 seconds remaining.
A late foul gave Shippensburg the chance to end it, but only landed one in the net and the Mounties found themselves heading to overtime for the second time in seven days with the score, 82-82.
Shooting 71.4% (10-14) from beyond the arc and 58.9% (20-34) from the field allowed the Mounties to clench onto the hope of a chance coming out of the locker room at halftime after being down 17.
To start off overtime, six free throws off foul trouble by the Raiders gave Mansfield the early 88-83 lead.
Shippensburg poor defensive struggles allowed to more fouling and gave the Mounties eight more made free throws. Dickson made the only bucket of overtime for the visitors, but it was all Mansfield needed to cement the comeback and win the exciting Eastern Division battle, 98-87.
UP NEXT: The Mounties will return to Decker Gymnasium to host Millersville in another PSAC Eastern Division battle on Saturday, January 20. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Mounties Fall on Road at Shippensburg
MU Sports Update - January 19, 2024.
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa.- The Mansfield Mountaineers women's basketball team (7-8, 4-6 PSAC) traveled to Shippensburg on Wednesday night to take on the Shippensburg University Raiders (3-13, 2-8 PSAC).
Alivia Paeglow scored nine of her team-high 13 points in the fourth including shooting 4-4 from the field in the quarter.
Jasmine Hilton also scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Danae Ellzy had 12 points, a team-high five assists, and went 3-6 from three-point range.
The Mountaineers opened the game on an 8-2 run and maintained their six-point advantage into the first-quarter media timeout. Coming out of the break Ellzy hit a three to extend the Mountie lead to 15-6. Mansfield doubled up Shippensburg in the quarter, outsourcing the Raiders 18-9.
Hilton led Mansfield with seven points in the quarter, Sheeler added five, and Emilie Leidig got on the board as well by knocking down a three.
The Raiders picked up their intensity in the second as they scored 22 points but the Mountaineers continued to play well as they scored 19 of their own to go into the half with a 37-31 lead.
Ellzy led the way for the Mounties in the first half scoring nine points and knocking down all three of her three-point attempts. Sheeler scored eight points, going 2-3 from three and grabbing a team-high three rebounds.
Shippensburg cut the deficit to four at the beginning of the third quarter before Mansfield used a 6-0 run to push their lead back to 10 at the media timeout.
Heading into the fourth the Mountaineers held a 57-50 lead thanks largely to their three-point shooting. Through three quarters Mansfield was shooting 44% (8-19) from behind the arc. Shippensburg was just 33% making only three of nine attempts.
The Raiders quickly cut the deficit to two in the fourth as this matchup was on course to come down to the wire.
Shippensburg took their first lead of the game after a Mia Johnson three at the 5:36 of the fourth quarter. The Raiders capitalized on a 5-5 shooting stretch in the middle of the quarter to maintain their lead with under three and a half minutes to go.
Paeglow gave the Mountaineers the lead with 3:09 to go in the game. The two teams traded buckets down the stretch and Shippensburg tied the game with 55 seconds left after two free throws.
With the game tied 70-70, coming out of a Mansfield timeout, Hilton missed a potential go-ahead three-point shot and Shippensburg grabbed the rebound with 35 seconds to go.
The Raiders took the lead off a Bella Chimienti layup with 26 seconds to go. The ensuing Mansfield possession ended in a turnover as Shippensburg got the ball up two with 23 seconds left in the game.
Shippensburg closed out the game from the free throw line and secured a 75-70 victory over the Mountaineers.
UP NEXT: Mansfield returns to action on Saturday, January 20, to face off against Millersville University. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. in Marion Decker Gymnasium.
NPRC Hosting Virtual Information Session on February 27
Release - Friday, January 19, 2024.
WARREN , PA - Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is hosting a virtual Information Session on Tuesday, February 27 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. This event is designed to welcome anyone who may be thinking about applying to NPRC or registering for a workforce development opportunity in the future. Those interested in attending are encouraged to sign up on NPRC’s website at NPRCEvents.org.
Attendees will learn about the College’s history and mission, receive information and resources regarding tuition rates and how to pay for college, along with more details about NPRC’s offerings. Assistant Director of Community Engagement Kelsey Angove shares, “NPRC can be someone’s clear pathway towards chance at college, the step for a better life for themselves and their family, or a way to reinvent themselves in a new industry or trade. NPRC has something to offer almost anyone, no matter what stage of life they may be at. If you’re interested in completing a degree, earning credentials through a trade, exploring a passion through a community enrichment class, or are just curious about what we do, this is the perfect opportunity to learn about us. We look forward to welcoming you to NPRC!”
NPRC creates opportunities for those who may have never had the chance to sit in a college classroom before by only requiring a high school diploma or equivalent to apply. NPRC educates, inspires, and serves the region in a way that is unique to its needs. We are more than a college; we are a second chance, a necessity, and an opportunity where learning and growth never stops.
NPRC is a two-year, open admission college that offers associate degrees and workforce development training courses that guide students to prosperous careers and foster economic growth throughout the region. Associate degrees available include business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, liberal studies, and social sciences. Workforce development programs include, but are not limited to, commercial driver’s license (CDL), emergency medical services (EMS), industrial maintenance basics, and supervision and leadership. Several of these programs are eligible for financial assistance through the local CareerLink®.
NPRC will also host additional information sessions this year on Tuesday, June 18 and Tuesday, September 24 at times to be determined. Contact NPRC’s student services team at [email protected] for questions and additional information about information sessions.
About NPRC: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is authorized by the PA Department of Education to award associate degrees and certificates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. NPRC is an open-admission, two-year institution of higher education. The College's mission is to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education to the residents of northern Pennsylvania. NPRC brings affordable education to a 10-county region (Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, and Warren). With flexible scheduling options at numerous instructional locations, attending Northern Pennsylvania Regional is an excellent option for individuals interested in furthering their education close to home. With a growing team of high-quality industry-leading instructors directing our classrooms, students are empowered by a welcoming community to change their lives and brighten their futures. NPRC is a candidate for accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). https://regionalcollegepa.org .
Family Medicine Physician Hamza Mir, MD, Joins Wellsboro Laurel Health Center
Release - Friday, January 19, 2024.
WELLSBORO, PA – Laurel Health is pleased to announce that Hamza Mir, MD, has joined the Wellsboro Laurel Health Center, located at 7 Water St. in Wellsboro, PA. He is accepting new patients of all ages.
Dr. Mir is board certified in family medicine and is passionate about assuring patients have access to the care they need, especially when it comes to managing their mental health and chronic conditions. He has extensive experience providing clinical treatment and preventive care, including global outreach through the Canadian charity Meningitis Relief Canada in Toronto, Canada, and infectious disease prevention at a field hospital in Casablanca, Morocco.
“Plato once stated, ‘be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle,’ and I live by that mantra,” Dr. Mir shares. “Everyone becomes ill at some point in their lives and needs help; I aim to be a beacon of hope for my patients in their times of need and build relationships with them that are meaningful and long lasting.”
He is dedicated to helping all patients receive the care they need, no matter their background, financial standing, or insurance status. His background includes providing primary care for acute and chronic conditions, preventive medicine, long-term care, and pharmacy / laboratory management.
Dr. Mir completed his medical prerequisites at the University of Toronto and York University in Toronto, Canada, earned his medical degree at the University of Medicine & Health Sciences in St. Kitts / New York, and finished his residency at the University of North Dakota (UND).
In his free time, he enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling around the world.
Dr. Hamza Mir is accepting new patients at the Wellsboro Laurel Health Center. To make an appointment, call 570-724-1010. To learn more about Laurel Health’s services and providers, visit laurelhc.org.
# # #
ABOUT THE LAUREL HEALTH CENTERS
The Laurel Health Centers offer award-winning family medicine, behavioral health services, and specialty care for the whole family throughout Tioga & Bradford Counties, including sites in Blossburg, Elkland, Mansfield, Lawrenceville, Towanda, Troy, Wellsboro, and Westfield, PA. The Laurel Health Centers are committed to serving all patients regardless of their ability to pay, offering a sliding fee scale to ensure all patients receive the care they need. Services include primary care, pediatrics, dental services, women’s health, preventive wellness care, internal medicine, chiropractic care, sports medicine, mental health counseling, nutrition / diabetes education, care coordination, chronic disease management, insurance enrollment assistance, and more. For more information, call 1-833-LAURELHC (1-833-528-7354) or visit laurelhc.org.
School Delays And Cancellations
FNN Article © Friday, January 19, 2024.
Athens Area School District - Closed
Canton Area School District - Closed
Epiphany School - Sayre - Closed
Grace Christian Academy - Closed
Northeast Bradford School District - Closed
New Covenant Academy School (Mansfield) -Closed
Northern Tioga School District - Closed - Make up day is Feb 16th.
Sayre Area School District - Closed
Southern Tioga School District - Closed
Towanda Area School District - Closed
Troy Area School District - Closed - Flexible Instructional Day
Wellsboro Area School District - Closed
Wyalusing Area School District - Closed - Virtual Instruction Day
Kids Program For A Lego WeDo Robotics Program Set For Saturday, Feb. 10th Hosted By Knoxville Public Library
Rollover Accident Reported In Wellsboro Along the Charleston Road
FNN Article Update © January 18, 2024.
WELLSBORO, PA - Around 5:56 PM a truck was reported to have rolled over into a small creek by the ballfield in Charleston Township on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Wellsboro fire, EMS and Wellsboro Police all responded to the scene. Pennsylvania State Police also responded.
One person was trapped in the vehicle and fire crews were able to extricate the driver by 6:06 PM. The driver was not injured in the crash.
A tow truck was requested to the scene.
A fire line was set up by the side of the roadway and Wellsboro fire crews were cleared to return back to their station around 6:28 PM.
PennDOT and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Urge Motorists to Exercise Caution in Coming Winter Weather Event
Release - Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Vehicle restrictions planned during storm
HARRISBURG, PA – Ahead of anticipated snow across the state tonight into Friday, January 19, 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Additionally, the agencies will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.
PennDOT and PTC crews are actively pre-treating roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm. However, salt does not resolve all risks, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website.
The following vehicle restrictions will go into effect at 12:01 AM on Friday, Jan. 19, in accordance with the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan:
Tier 1:
Interstate 80 from Ohio to Exit 173 (Logantown)
Tier 2:
PA Turnpike (I-70/76) from the Ohio Turnpike to the Carlisle Interchange (Exit 226), including PA Turnpike I-376, PA Turnpike 576, PA Turnpike 43 & PA Turnpike 66.
I-70 from West Virginia line to PA Turnpike (I-76)
I-70 from PA Turnpike (I-76) to Maryland line
I-79 from West Virginia to I-80
I-99, entire length
I-279, entire length
I-376, entire length
I-579, entire length
Further planned restrictions as of 3 AM on Friday, Jan. 19:
Tier 1:
I-80, entire length
Tier 2:
PA Turnpike (I-70/76) from Carlisle Interchange (Exit 226) throughout the entirety of the turnpike system (I-76/276) from I-95 to the New Jersey Turnpike and including the Northeastern Extension (I-476) south of Pocono Interchange (Exit A95).
I-76 from PA Turnpike to New Jersey
I-78, entire length
I-81 from Maryland line to I-80
I-83, entire length
I-95, entire length
I-176, entire length
I-295, entire length
I-476, PA Turnpike to I-95
I-676, entire length
U.S. 22 from I-78 to New Jersey
Route 33, entire length
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
Tractors without trailers.
Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.
Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV's, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.
Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.
School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.
Motorcycles.
On roadways with Tier 2 restrictions in place, vehicles prohibited under Tier 1 are not permitted, as well as:
Commercial vehicles towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).
All loaded or unloaded school buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches regardless of the availability of chains or ATDs.
PennDOT urges motorists to avoid travel if possible. If travel is necessary, use caution, reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions. If you are traveling on the PA Turnpike and find yourself in need of assistance, dial *11 on your cell phone. As needed, a staff member of the turnpike's 24/7 operations center can then dispatch help to your location.
To help make decisions regarding winter travel, motorists are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the "Check My Route" tool.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Drivers should prepare or restock their emergency kits with items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families have such as baby supplies, extra medication, and pet supplies.
When winter weather occurs, drivers should extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:
Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.
When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.
Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a "plow train." The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles.
Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can't see, and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.
Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle's wipers are on due to inclement weather.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 135 crashes resulting in one fatality and 61 injuries on snowy, slushy, or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
The Pennsylvania State Police offers this advice if you are involved in a crash:
First and foremost, move your vehicle as far as possible from the travel lanes if it's able to be driven. Remaining in the lanes of travel when your vehicle can be driven is extremely dangerous.
If your vehicle or another involved vehicle is not able to be driven due to damage, or if one of the involved parties is injured, PA law requires the crash be reported to police. Do this by dialing 911 right away.
If your vehicle is disabled in the lane of travel or stuck in the travel lanes due to snow or ice, remain inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazard lights activated. If it's not safe to remain inside your vehicle, assess the situation and get yourself and passengers to a place of safety such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting your vehicle, move as quickly as possible and DO NOT remain in the travel lanes or near your vehicle.
When encountering a crash scene, the law requires you to move over if possible and always slow down. First responders will be active at the scene and focused on helping those involved in the crash and getting the road back open.
During severe weather events, PA Business Emergency Operations Center (PA BEOC) coordinates preparedness and response information and updates from multiple state agencies, all of which is shared in real time via an online dashboard and regular email notifications. Sharing critical information with businesses of all sizes, the PA BEOC offers a forum for a trusted, two-way information exchange and provides an invaluable opportunity for private sector and government to build a common understanding of the impact of an incident. Businesses can learn more about private sector integration and how to become a Trusted Partner with the PA BEOC by visiting PEMA's website.
Motorists are reminded the law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, motorists can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.
Local Mansfield, PA Weather Image provided by Lonny Frost © Dec. 2020.
Blossburg, PA
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1 Flown Out to Trauma Unit When Box Truck Flips Onto Side Along Route 287 in Delmar Township FNN Article Update © Thursday, September 28, 2023. Video Provided to FNN. WELLSBORO, PA - Just before 2:30 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023, a box truck flipped onto its side along Route 287 near the Broughton Hollow Road intersection. Wellsboro fire crews responded to the scene and a PennDot crew as well. Traffic control was immediately set up as other fire personnel checked up on the two individuals that had been inside the truck that rolled over. One lane was blocked by the box truck, while the other lane remained open as traffic was heavy during this time, as traffic control was set up by firefighters and a PennDot crew. Firefighters and EMS personnel treated the injured individuals. One person suffered serious injuries and an the other was said to have suffered minor injuries. The person with more significant injuries was transported to Nessmuk Helipad where LifeNet 7-7 would land and fly the patient out to a trauma center for treatment around 3:37 PM. Pennsylvania State Police are handling the investigation into this crash. Just after 4:15 PM, Route 287 had to be closed down so the towing company could upright the box truck and remove it from the scene. One lane was reopened around 4:33 PM and PennDot crew took over so that Wellsboro fire personnel could return to their station. It is believed both lanes along Route 287 were opened around 5:00 PM, however, that information was not confirmed by authorities.
Driving the New Loop Into the Leonard Harrison State Park as it is Reopened to the Public as Construction Continues FNN Video © Friday, September 1, 2023. WELLSBORO, PA - On Friday, September 1, 2023, the Leonard Harrison State Park was reopened to the public and many changes have taken place. A number of people came out to check on the new changes made to the beloved park and visit the beautiful Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Some liked the new look, while several local residents seemed disheartened that so many of the trees which provided perfect shade as you drive were all cut down and cleared. Others said it would take time to get used to it. The biggest difference is the entire parking lot, that now has an additional exit road. Even the driving pattern into and out of the park has been redone. It is nothing like the old simple loop that allowed people to drive in one way and swing around the loop to head back out of the park. The entire middle section of the entrance is nearly gone as the roadway now swings around in two locations. (Seen in the video). Also in the parking lot near the handicap parking area is a EV charging station. Even the main building is also under renovations as most of the building has been stripped down and expanded. Presently the new entrance to the park is besides the restroom area. Since there is a new sidewalk there it seems the new opening is there to stay. People were coming and going through the day and even a large group of Amish people came to take in the beauty of scenery. Some pointed out towards an eagle flying above the trees, others noticed other large birds spreading their wings on an old leafless tree. Many noticed a yellow biplane fly overhead in circles high in the sky, as the pilot photographed the park from above. Thankfully the Pa Grand Canyon is still an amazing place to visit, the trees were beautiful and the water below sparkling as it ran down Pine Creek. The wind carried a gentle cooling breeze
SDXMM SKATEBOARD COMPETITION WAS HELD IN BLOSSBURG FNN Video provided by L. Frost © Saturday, August 4, 2023. BLOSSBURG, PA - Things were jumping and grinding at Blossburg's Skateboard Park on Saturday, August 4, 2023, as several competitors went out to show their skills on their skateboard or BMX bike. This young man, had a little rough start, but started hitting his line as his 3 minutes ticked away. Although the turn out for competitors was lower than expected, it is believed this event will definitely grow in size and interest in the following years. It was very interesting to watch each individual showcase their skills and styles. The young men who competed had plenty of skills and many great moves during the event. There was food, and three vendors, as well as plenty of music throughout the day. Sponsors for this event included Ward Manufacturing, Mayor Skateboard Co., Hometown Country - KC101.5 FM and Walmart.
