2021 Laurel Queen coronated
Photo by John Eaton
2021 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen Jocelyn Renninger (center) is shown with second runner-up Miss Saegertown Amber Costello (left) and first runner-up and Miss Congeniality Miss Williamsport Alayna Dake (right).
The cause of a fire which destroyed a small office on an Allegany Township farm Sunday has been classified as “undetermined” according to Genesee Fire Chief Chuck Inzana. The blaze was contained to an office in the milk house on the Fred Risser farm. Volunteers from Tri-town, Shinglehouse, Coudersport and Whitesville assisted at the scene. There were no injuries and all units were back in service a couple of hours later.
The theft of some lumber from a torn down shed along Crippen Run Road in West Branch Township is being investigated by state police at Coudersport. The lumber, owned by Russell Main of Galeton was taken between 7:00am and 3:00pm on June 5. Yesterday, we reported on the theft of some 40 to 50 old barn boards in Tioga County.
Both people involved in an altercation Saturday morning at 188 W. Main Street in Galeton have been charged with physical harassment. Police say an argument between Daron Butcavage and Serena Unser both 27, escalated and each shoved the other.
Jocelyn Renninger, a June graduate of Central Mountain High School in Mill Hall, was crowned the 2021 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen during the Saturday, June 19 coronation that began at 6:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. She was awarded a $1,500 educational scholarship.
First runner-up Miss Williamsport Alayna Dake was awarded a $750 scholarship and second runner-up Miss Saegertown Amber Costello, a $500 scholarship. Miss Williamsport was also named Miss Congeniality by vote of the other queen candidates and awarded a $250 scholarship.
The Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce through the Wellsboro Foundation sends the scholarship funds directly to the college each young lady attends to help pay tuition.
Laurel Queen judges included David Cohick, judge coordinator and the director of Tioga County Emergency Services in Wellsboro; Renata Stiehl, WENY-TV news director and anchor in Horseheads, N.Y.; and Jacob Michaels with 93.3 WBZD-FM, Muncy.
“I was surprised to be selected as one of the 10 semi-finalists,” said the newly crowned Laurel Queen. “I didn’t think I was going to be queen because the girls were all great candidates. I was very surprised when I was chosen.” She is the daughter of Diane and James Renninger of Dunnstable Township, near Lock Haven.
The semi-finalists were each asked one question during the program. Asked about year-round schooling, Miss Renninger said she felt it was a good idea because it would decrease education costs, teachers taking time off and students’ loss of knowledge.
Asked what she would be doing this summer, Miss Renninger said, “I will be attending Penn State University in State College. I am moving into the dorms on June 28. June 30 will be my first day of classes. I decided to go for the summer to get acclimated to college life.” She is majoring in special education and plans to be a secondary special education teacher.
All four years of high school, Miss Renninger was on high honor roll, was a member of her school’s soccer team, captain as a senior, was a track team member and pole vaulted for three years and was a four-year section leader and sang soprano in the school chorus. For three years, she volunteered at the Special Olympics and Kent’s Fest. She was a member of the National Honor Society as a junior and senior and on the homecoming court and a Black Lives Matter Club member as a senior.
First Runner-Up & Miss Congeniality
“I am so grateful. I can’t believe I was lucky enough to be named first runner-up and Miss Congeniality,” said Miss Dake who represented Williamsport Area High School. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Dake-Threeton of Montoursville and Michael Dake of Lafayette, Louisiana.
“All of us were really nervous. I am so grateful to the judges. They were so welcoming and made us feel comfortable even though it was a competition. At the dinner, right before the coronation program, one of the judges came over to our table because they heard how nervous and worried I was about answering a question on stage. The judge said, ‘There is no set answer to any question that you need to provide. We are trying to find out who you are.’ I am so grateful that we had people who understood that it was stressful for us and just wanted us to have fun and not feel pressured on stage or during interviews. They actually did want to get to know us and cared about each and everyone of us,” Miss Dake said.
“I definitely want to stay in touch with everyone I’ve met this weekend because we clicked so well.”
As a semi-finalist, Miss Dake answered a question about if it was better for patients to be diagnosed virtually through a live video consultation. “This option allows patients to be more comfortable seeking help for any needs they may have,” she said.
All four years of high school, Miss Dake was a varsity cheerleader. As a junior and senior, she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Government Association and the Class of 2021 Executive Board and, as a freshman and sophomore served as Class of 2021 vice president and was a member of several school clubs, such as the Peace Corps Club, Mini-Thon Club and Key Club. Her hobbies include cheerleading, painting, and yoga.
Second Runner-Up
“What I liked best about the weekend was hanging out with the other girls. They were super helpful and nice,” said Miss Costello who represented Saegertown Junior-Senior High School. She is the daughter of Melissa and Michael Costello of Hayfield Township.
“This is the first time my school has been represented at the Laurel Festival so I was really surprised to be chosen as a semi-finalist and then as second runner-up. I have never been to this area before. I liked visiting the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.”
As a semi-finalist, Miss Costello was asked if she felt texting hurt communication skills? Her answer was “yes.” During the pandemic, people were at home and “texting became an easy way to communicate with family and friends. Now that everything has opened back up, people are able to see others face-to-face, which feels like a whole new experience.” She added that “when people have no physical socialization, it makes it extremely difficult to hold conversations or to speak publicly.”
Miss Costello said she would be spending this summer working and preparing for college. This will be the fourth summer she has been employed at Pampered Palate Cafe & Bistro in Meadville. This fall, she is planning to earn a degree in biomedical engineering with a pre-med track and minor in Spanish at the University of Pittsburgh.
All four years of high school, Miss Costello was on honor roll and a varsity girls’ volleyball team member, earning a varsity letter as a sophomore, junior and senior; was a three-year member of her school’s Math and Science Club, vice president as a senior; a two-year member of the National Honor Society, treasurer as a senior; an on the homecoming court and prom queen as a senior. .
For information about upcoming events in Wellsboro, contact the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce at 570-724-1926 or visit the chamber website at www.wellsboropa.com….
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed that between 12:00 a.m. Friday, June 18 through 12:00 a.m., Monday, June 21, there was a four-day total of 744 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,210,469.
CAMERON-211
ELK-1581
McKEAN-2902
POTTER-1057
TIOGA-2594
ALLEGANY- 3559
CATTARAUGUS -5723
There are 441 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 99 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.
The percentage of COVID-19 cases in 0-to-49-year-olds is rising as indicated by the COVID-19 age distribution of COVID-19 cases from January 2021 to date on June 21, 2021:
Age Range
Percent of cases in January Percent of cases through June 21
0-4
1.7% 3.8%
5-12
4.0% 6.1%
13-18 6.3% 7.9%
19-24 10.5% 11.0%
25-49 37.5% 39.2%
50-64 22.4% 19.2%
65 and older 17.4% 12.7%
The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per continues to drop, after peaking at 2,661 patients which is slightly below what it was at the height of the spring 2020 peak of 2,751 patients on May 3, 2020. The full 14-day moving average since the start of the pandemic can be found here.
Statewide percent positivity for the week of June 11 – June 17 stood at 1.4%.
The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.
Between 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 17 and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 20, there were 24 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 27,570 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Pennsylvania hospitals began receiving shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 14 and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 21. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine was first allocated to Pennsylvania the week of March 1. On Friday, April 23, the CDC and FDA notified all COVID-19 vaccine providers that the pause in administering doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine has been lifted. Following the announcement, Pennsylvania resumed Janssen vaccinations. Vaccination numbers for Pennsylvania do not include Philadelphia, which is its own jurisdiction, or federal facilities, which are working directly with the federal government.
Vaccine highlights
Federal data representing all 67 counties:
According to the CDC, as of Friday morning, June 18, Pennsylvania has administered first doses of vaccine to 61.6% of its entire population, and the state ranks 8th among all 50 states for first doses administered by percentage of population.
According to the CDC, as of Sunday morning, June 20, 58.9% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated while 74.5% have received their first dose.
According to the CDC, as of Sunday morning, June 20 Pennsylvania ranks 5th among all 50 states for total doses administered.
Statewide data representing the 66 counties within the Department of Health’s vaccine jurisdiction:
Vaccine providers have administered 11,436,528 total vaccine doses as of Monday, June 21.
5,248,430 people are fully vaccinated; with a seven-day moving average of more than 28,215 people per day receiving vaccinations.
1,370,772 people are partially vaccinated, meaning they have received one dose of a two-dose vaccine.
6,619,202 people have received at least their first dose.
This week, a total of 13,146,080 doses will have been allocated through June 26:
299,960 first/single doses will have been allocated this week.
299,960 second doses will have been allocated this week.
To date, we have administered 11,436,528 doses total through June 20:
First/single doses: 6,619,202 administered
Second doses: 4,820,585 administered
Fully vaccinated people may choose not to wear a mask indoors or outdoors unless the business or organization requires it, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There are 163,261 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 638 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.
There are 4,719,185 individuals who have tested negative to date.
In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 71,957 resident cases of COVID-19, and 15,523 cases among employees, for a total of 87,480 at 1,596 distinct facilities in all 67 counties. Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 13,341 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here. Note that the number of deaths reported to NEDSS is not exactly the same as the COVID-19 related deaths reported by the death registry. The number of deaths among nursing and personal care home residents and employees is taken from the PA-NEDSS death data, as this information is not available in the death registry data.
Approximately 28,963 of our total cases are among health care workers.
The Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient to all Pennsylvanians:
All Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. Use Vaccine Finder to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.
A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains the current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
All of the locations that received vaccine and how much they have received can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution webpage.
Vaccine dashboard data can also be found on the website to find more information on the doses administered and showcase demographic information.
The Unite Against COVID Weekly Update is a round-up of news you can use and answers to your most pressing vaccine questions – delivered directly to your inbox every week.
Frequently asked questions can be found here.
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
Get vaccinated with one of the three safe and effective vaccines available to provide the best layer of protection.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
Clean surfaces frequently.
Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store
HAMILTON, ONTARIO, CANADA—Daniel “Dan” Roy Milliard, 73, of Hamilton, formerly of Coudersport, Pa., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, following a heroic battle with brain cancer.
Dan was born on Sunday, June 29, 1947, in Fort Fairfield, Maine, a son of Leoned and Alice Shaw Milliard.
He attended American University, Central Missouri State University MBA and University of Tulsa Law. He then moved to Coudersport, Pennsylvania, where he began practicing law before joining Adelphia Communications. He also faithfully served on the Board of Directors of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and Citizens Trust Bank for many years. In 1999, he moved to Toronto, Ontario where he continued successfully leading businesses and serving on various Board of Directors.
Though he was a successful and talented businessman and lawyer, he was an even better father and friend. His successes in life came from his unwavering integrity, trustworthiness, and his ability to relate to everyone he met. He enjoyed hosting friends and family for any occasion, golfing every chance he got, Canadian fishing trips with lifelong friends (where he was crowned the “exalted walleye king”), relaxing with a glass of wine and a book at his cottage on Lake Rosseau, and watching his grandchildren grow.
Dan is survived by his wife Maria, his children—daughter, Allison (Ruyter) of Stoughton, MA, son, John (Amanda) of Wasilla, AK, and their mother, Ann of Abington, MA; his three grandchildren, Lucas, Amelia and Matilda; a stepdaughter, Victoria of Hamilton, Ontario; and his father-in-law Nick of Hamilton, Ontario.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John Henry.
A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cole Foundation/Patterson Cancer Center in his memory would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Dan’s family is being assisted by Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Dan, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.