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 â 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. âWeâre spraying in Eldred Borough, Eldred Township, Annin Township, Port Allegany, Liberty Township and pretty much (in communities) along the Allegheny River,â McKean said, noting Otto and Keating townships have been included in her spraying regimen. âBut I havenât gotten complaints from the Bradford area at all.â 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. âWeâve had no calls, but my social friends and customers have small-talked about how many mosquitoes we have here,â 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. âWeâre deďŹnitely spraying again tonight,â 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. â Denise Hale, oďŹce 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 certiďŹcate in recognition of her commitment to the fair during the opening exercises of the 115th fair on the mini-stage Sunday evening. In the certiďŹcate signed by Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, he commended Hale for âessential leadership, dedication and volunteer spirit that friends of the fairs exemplify in service to Pennsylvaniaâs 108 agricultural fairs.â The certiďŹcateâs wording continues: âThose who place great value in
Pennsylvaniaâs festivals of agriculture and community ensure that continued success with gifts of time, talent and treasure. âDenise 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 ďŹber for our Commonwealth and beyond. âDeniseâs extraordinary dedication to the fair is securing its future. This faithful and outstanding service deserves commendation and is worthy of emulation.â Since 1983, Hale has been superintendent of group exhibits at the fair. She has served as oďŹce manager since July 2011.
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the ďŹue, known as creosote. The amount of time the ďŹreplace is used will determine how often the chimney must be cleaned. Generally speaking, the chimney liner needs to be cleaned if it has 1â8-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 certiďŹed professional.
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