Thursday, May 17, 2018

SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES RESUMES ACTION WITH A WEEKEND DOUBLEHEADER SATURDAY AT STATELINE FOR "BILL LAW MEMORIAL" & SUNDAY AT ERIEZ


(Pulaski, PA)...After a successful four-night "Battle of the Bay" Speedweek presented by Pancho's Racing Products last month in the Mid-Atlantic, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series powered by Pace Performance is set to resume action this weekend with a doubleheader. Saturday night (May 19) at Stateline Speedway in Busti, NY will feature the "Bill Law Memorial" followed by 50 miles west on Sunday evening at Eriez Speedway in Erie, Pa.   Both events are $2,000 to-win "Marquee" Tour distinctions, and due to rain will open the season at both speedways. The Eriez show has a rain date of June 10, while Stateline will utilize June 23.
 
The "Bill Law Memorial" returns to Stateline for the second straight year on Saturday night. In 2011, Law was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and passed away in July 2012. Law's involvement in racing began in the late 1970s as he loved having muscle cars and going to the drag strip in his high school days.  Even though he never actually raced, he stood behind racing 100%.  In the early 1980s, Law and Leon Szweda put an asphalt car together and raced at New York's Holland Speedway.
Law's taste for racing moved to the dirt tracks in the mid 1980s as he helped Tom Taber for several years.  He met a lot of great people that he became very good friends with; one was Bob "The Bird" Baldwin.  The Law Family traveled with him and his family racing from Pennsylvania to West Virginia to Maryland.
As Bill's son Jon was getting older, they got involved in Go-Kart racing as the family would travel all over New York and Pennsylvania.  Bill was still involved in auto racing as they would race Go-Karts during the day and sell parts and fuel at night at the races.  As Jon got older, Bill bought him an IMCA Modified.  A few seasons later, Jon and Bill bought a Limited Late Model.  That lasted a couple years until Jon was starting his own family and got away from the racing scene.  
Law was the first person to have a Crate Late Model in the region when the class debuted in 2007 in the Northeast. Law had several drivers over the years behind the wheel of his #14 including Baldwin, Ward Schell, Rich Gardner, Jon Law, Curt VanPelt, David Scott, and Kyle Scott. Today, Bill's grandson, Kyle Murray, is entering his second year of RUSH Late Model competition, and in fact, won his first career race on May 5 at Genesee Speedway in Sweeney Weekly Series competition!
With the Scott Family owning Stateline, it's fitting the "Bill Law Memorial" takes place at their track as Jean and Jim Scott's son David and grandson Kyle drove for Law. At last year's inaugural event, Jeremy Wonderling withstood a furious challenge by standout Max Blair to capture the first Sweeney Touring Series event ever held at Stateline.
Blair was the 2017 track champion and RUSH member champion at Stateline where he won six feature events. Dennis Lunger, Jr. picked up four wins, while David Lyon was the only repeat winner with two. Single victories in 2017 went to Darrell Bossard, Jason Genco, and Wonderling.
The Sweeney Tour has made five visits over the past three seasons to Eriez Speedway with the Blairs winning all five as Max has four wins and his father, Rob, one in a substitution role at the May 2016 event.  The average car count for the four events has been 33 cars per night. The Sweeney Tour returns to Eriez for a second appearance on Sunday, July 29.
Mike Knight was the 2017 track champion at Eriez, while Kyle Zimmerman was the top RUSH member point earner. Blair and Chad Wright were tied atop the win list with three victories apiece. Andy Boozel won two of the first four feature events in 2017 at the track, while single wins went to Genco, Knight, and Russ King.  
"We have to thank the Rohrer and Scott Families for continuing their support of RUSH," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig. "They've both fought through a terrible start to the season with Mother Nature so we're hoping the weather this weekend will cooperate. This will be a great way to kick off the season at both tracks. We also have to thank them for working with us on make-up dates in the event Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. Both tracks have tremendous weekly talent and combine that will the bullring-type tracks and it should be an exciting two nights of racing. Bill was a very important part of Crate Late Model racing from the beginning and we're proud to remember him once again on Saturday night."
The Sweeney Tour completed all four events as part of the "Battle of the Bay" Speedweek. Max Blair opened the 2018 season winning his first ever race in the "First State" at Delaware International Speedway. The following night saw, Ross Robinson, who lives across the street from Georgetown Speedway capture his first career RUSH win. The third night saw Logan Roberson win at his Friday night home track, Potomac Speedway, for his first career Sweeney Tour win. Speedweek then wrapped up with Roberson repeating the feat taking the win at his Saturday night home track, Winchester Speedway.
Blair enters the weekend as the Sweeney Tour point leader and will look to build on that lead at his home tracks. Blair has a 28-point lead on Wonderling, who would love to repeat his 2017 "Bill Law Memorial" win on Saturday night. Darrell Bossard sits third in his first season on the Tour. Canadian Charlie Sandercock is currently fourth ahead of 2016 Sweeney Tour Champion, John Waters.
FK Rod Ends will present the $100 "Shock the Clock" Qualifying award and $25 to each winner each night at Stateline and Eriez.
Precise Racing Products will award a $100 gift card for the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger that passes the most cars in the feature.  The TBM Brakes "Tough Brake of the Night" will award three bottles of Xtreme6 Racing Brake Fluid valued at approximately $45 along with a certificate for a discount off any TBM Brakes purchase.  
RUSH Series Officials will also determine the new Dirt Defender "Defensive Drive" to the driver that best defended his position throughout the night, and will receive a $40 product package.  The award could go to a driver holding off another for the final heat race or B main transfer position, a driver denying a hard charging racer a feature win, a move to stay on the lead lap before a caution, or any such deserving move. 
Feature Payoffs: 1. $2,000  2. $1,000  3. $650  4. $550  5. $470  6. $435  7. $410  8. $370  9. $340  10. $310  11. $280  12. $270  13. $260  14. $250  15. $240  16. $230  17. $220  18-24. $210. 

Non-Qualifier Payoffs: 1. $175  2. $150  3. $140  4. $135  5. $130  6. $125  7. $120  8. $115  9. $110  10-24. $105. Tow $100.
2018 Sweeney RUSH Late Model Touring Series points (only Tour members receive points): 1. Max Blair 382 2. Jeremy Wonderling 354 3. Darrell Bossard 346 4. Charlie Sandercock 335 5. John Waters 332 6. Jason Genco 326 7. Jason Knowles 324 8. Garret Paugh 320 9. Brady Wonderling 318 10. Damian Bidwell 312 11. Cody Dawson 302 12. Adam Ferri 300 13. Bruce Hordusky, Jr. 299 14. J.J. Mazur 295 15. Christian Schneider 292 16. Cory Lawler 287 17. Bill Kessler & Mike Franklin 282 19. Jimmy Johnson, Jr. & Beamer Guzzardi 280 21. Joe Watson 210 22. Braeden Dillinger 160.
For Saturday at Stateline, pit gates open at 4 p.m. Drivers meeting will be at 6:15 p.m. with warm-ups at 6:45 and qualifying around 7. Pit passes are $30. There is a $100 entry fee.  Both the Westhold and AMB/MyLaps transponders can be used.
For Sunday at Eriez, pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. Drivers meeting will be at 5:35 p.m. with warm-ups at 6 followed by qualifying. Pit passes are $30. There is a $100 entry fee. Eriez will be testing their new transponder system, which is expected to be able to read both Westhold and AMB/MyLaps transponders.
Stateline Speedway is located nine miles southwest of Jamestown, NY, south of Busti, NY at 4150 Kortwright Rd., Jamestown, NY 14701. For more information, check out their website at www.newstatelinespeedway.com.  Like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newstatelinespeedwaybustiny and follow them on Twitter @NewStateline.
Eriez Speedway is a 3/8-mile track located outside of Erie, Pa. in Hammett at 9821 Sampson Rd., Erie, PA 16509.  For more information, check out www.eriez-speedway.com.  Follow them on Twitter @EriezSpeedway1 and like their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eriezspeedway
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Earl's Performance Plumbing, Quick Fuel Technology, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Racing Electronics, Dirt Defender, Dynamic Drivelines, Wrisco Industries, Frankland Racing Supply, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, TBM Brakes, K&N Filters, Lincoln Electric, Pancho's Racing Products Velocita-USA, Classic Ink USA, Landrum Performance Spring, Schwartzmiller Ground Maintenance, CrateInsider.com, RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions. 
E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

SWEENEY RUSH LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES RESUMES ACTION WITH A WEEKEND DOUBLEHEADER SATURDAY AT STATELINE FOR "BILL LAW MEMORIAL" & SUNDAY AT ERIEZ 
May 16, 2018(By Mike Leone)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, May 13, 2018

2018-19 MIGRATORY BIRD SEASONS SET

2018-19 MIGRATORY BIRD SEASONS SET

Highlights include expanded opportunity for doves and woodcock.
Pennsylvania’s 2018-19 migratory game bird seasons have been selected.

Annual migratory game bird seasons are selected by states from frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Game Commission selections were made after reviewing last year’s season results, population survey data, and input gathered from hunters and the public.

“Under the USFWS regulatory schedule in place since 2016, states now make season selections in early spring rather than late summer,” said Ian Gregg, chief of the Game Commission’s Game Management Division. “Thus, they can be announced and published alongside other hunting season dates, providing hunters additional time to plan their vacations.”

The 2018-19 waterfowl seasons are very similar to those selected in 2017-18. However, hunters will enjoy longer seasons for doves, woodcock, and other “webless” migratory game bird species this year.

“For states where Sunday hunting is closed by state law, the USFWS recently approved compensatory days for webless migratory game bird hunting,” said Gregg. “This provision, which had already been in place for waterfowl, exempts Sundays from being counted against the total number of hunting days allowable under federal frameworks.

“Using doves as an example, in 2017-18, Pennsylvania could only use 78 of the allotted 90 hunting days under the frameworks due to the lack of compensatory days,” Gregg said. “With the change, we are now able to provide 90 actual hunting days for doves.”

Waterfowl season highlights

Game Commission biologist Jeremy Stempka noted that the goose season restrictions enacted in northwestern Pennsylvania for the 2017-18 season will continue this year.

In a portion of western Crawford County, the September Canada goose season will run Sept. 1-15, and the daily bag limit will be one goose.

This shorter season applies to the area south of state Route 198 from the Ohio state line to intersection of state Route 18, state Route 18 south to state Route 618; state Route 618 south to U.S. Route 6; U.S. Route 6 east to U.S. Route 322/state Route 18; U.S. Route 322/state Route 18 west to the intersection of state Route 3013; and state Route 3013 south to the Crawford-Mercer County line.

The season on State Game Lands 214 remains closed.

In the rest of the Southern James Bay Population Zone in northwestern Pennsylvania, the season remains Sept. 1-25 with a daily bag limit of one goose. The bag limit restrictions do not apply to youth participating in the youth waterfowl hunting days, when regular-season regulations apply. Hunters should carefully consult the maps and descriptions at www.pgc.pa.gov to determine the specific regulations applicable to the area they plan to hunt.

“These restrictions aim to stabilize or increase the resident goose population on and around Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area and provide adequate goose-hunting opportunities over the long term,” explained Stempka. “A few additional years of population monitoring will likely be necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these changes.”

Special regulations also remain in place for the September Canada goose season in a portion of southeastern Pennsylvania. In the area of Lancaster and Lebanon counties north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) and east of state Route 501 to state Route 419; south of state Route 419 to Lebanon-Berks county line; west of Lebanon-Berks county line to state Route 1053 (also known as Peartown Road and Greenville Road); and west of state Route 1053 to Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76), the daily bag limit is one goose, with a possession limit of three geese. This restriction does not apply to youth participating in the youth waterfowl hunting days, when regular season regulations apply.

The controlled hunting areas at the Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lebanon and Lancaster counties, as well as all of State Game Lands 46, will remain closed to September goose hunting to maintain harvest on the resident Canada goose flock at sustainable levels.

In the remainder of Pennsylvania (Resident Population Zone and most of the Atlantic Population Zone), the September Canada goose season runs Sept. 1-25 with a daily bag limit of eight Canada geese, and a possession limit of 24. Statewide shooting hours during the September goose season are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, except on Sept. 15 when the season overlaps with the statewide youth waterfowl hunting day and shooting hours end at sunset.

Dates and bag limits for post-September Canada goose seasons, as well as light goose and Atlantic brant seasons, remain similar to those from 2017-18 and are listed at the end of this news release.

For ducks, season dates in all four of Pennsylvania’s established zones are similar to those selected in 2017-18, and with the exception of an increase in the daily bag limit for pintails (from one to two), overall and species-specific duck bag limits are identical to last year’s.

“Pintail bag limits have fluctuated frequently in recent years as the population has alternated between levels slightly above or below the threshold for changing the bag limit,” said Stempka. “While this species is not commonly encountered in Pennsylvania, hunters should be aware that they may legally harvest two pintails this year if presented with the opportunity.”

Similar to past years, there will be a statewide youth waterfowl hunting day in mid-September (Sept. 15) and a second youth day varying by duck zone.

“In 2017-18, the Game Commission experimented with holding the second youth days in the Northwest, North, and South Zones later in the season than previously,“ said Gregg. “Feedback received from hunters about these changes was generally positive, and the dates of the 2018-19 second youth days will be similar to last year’s.” The second day in the Northwest Zone will be Dec. 15; in the North Zone, Jan. 19; and in the South Zone, Jan. 26. In the Lake Erie Zone, the second youth day (Oct. 20) will continue to be similar to previous years.

Youngsters participating in the youth days must be accompanied by an adult, who may assist the youth in calling, duck identification and other aspects of the hunt. During those hunts, youth can harvest ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, coots and gallinules. Licensed adults can harvest Canada geese if there is a general Canada goose season open in the area being hunted.

On youth waterfowl days occurring when there is a general Canada goose season open, youth and adults have the same daily limit for Canada geese in the area being hunted. On youth waterfowl days occurring when there is not a general Canada goose season open, accompanying adults may not harvest Canada geese, and the bag limit for youth hunters is the same as in the regular season for the area being hunted. Bag limits for ducks, mergansers, coots and gallinules also are consistent with the limits for the regular season.

To hunt waterfowl, in addition to a regular Pennsylvania hunting license, persons 16 and older must have a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as a “Duck Stamp.” It must be signed in ink across its face and possessed while hunting.

A temporary, electronic Federal Duck Stamp (eDuck) may be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Automated License System, and is valid for 45 days from date of purchase to hunt migratory waterfowl within Pennsylvania and other states that have approved its validity. The eDuck stamp may be printed out or downloaded onto a mobile device, and must be carried while hunting waterfowl.

Within 45 days of purchasing an eDuck stamp, a physical Duck Stamp will be mailed to the purchaser, at which time it should be signed and carried afield while hunting.

Regardless of age, all hunters must have a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License to hunt waterfowl and other migratory birds, including doves, woodcock, coots, gallinules, rails and snipe. All migratory game bird hunters in the United States are required to complete a Harvest Information Program survey when they purchase a state migratory game bird license. The survey information is then forwarded to the USFWS.

“By answering questions when purchasing a new hunting license, hunters help improve survey efficiency and the quality of information used to track the harvest of migratory birds for management purposes,” Stempka said.

To participate in light goose conservation hunts, hunters will need to obtain a free light goose conservation season permit, in addition to their other required licenses, and file a mandatory report of harvest/participation. In late 2018, the Light Goose Conservation Hunt website will be available at www.pgc.pa.gov so that hunters can apply for and print out the free conservation permit.

Hunters must use non-toxic shot while hunting ducks, geese or coots in Pennsylvania. The use of any sort of artificial substance or product as bait or an attractant is prohibited.

Webless Migratory Game Bird Seasons

As usual, Sept. 1 will mark the beginning of dove season statewide. The first segment of the season will run through Nov. 24. It will then re-open on Dec. 18 and run through Jan. 5.

Hunters are reminded that, through a regulation change approved by the Board of Game Commissioners in April, hunting hours are now one-half hour before sunrise to sunset throughout the entire dove season.

In previous years, hunting hours during the early portion of the season did not open until noon.

For both dove-season segments the daily bag limit is 15, and the possession limit is 45.

Pennsylvania’s woodcock and common snipe seasons now have two segments. For both species, the first segment opens on Oct. 13 and closes on Nov. 24, and the second segment opens on Dec. 10 and runs through Dec. 18. Daily limits are three woodcock and eight snipe, with possession limits three times the respective daily bag limits.

Virginia and sora rail hunting will run from Sept. 1 to Nov. 21. Bag limits, singly or combined, are three daily and nine in possession. The season for king and clapper rails remains closed.

Hunting for gallinules also runs from Sept. 1 to Nov. 21, and the bag limits are three daily and nine in possession.

Migratory game bird hunters, including those afield for doves and woodcock, are required to obtain and carry a Pennsylvania migratory game bird license ($3.90 for residents, $6.90 for nonresidents), as well as a general hunting, combination or lifetime license.

Hunting hours for woodcock, snipe, rails, and gallinules are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

Federal regulations posted on Game Commission’s website

In addition to posting the migratory game bird seasons on its website, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has posted a synopsis of federal regulations that govern migratory game bird and waterfowl seasons to assist hunters in finding answers to questions.

To review the information, go to www.pgc.pa.gov, put your cursor on “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, click on “Hunting,” scroll down and click on “Waterfowl Hunting and Conservation,” then scroll down and click on “Federal Waterfowl Regulations” in the “Waterfowl Hunting Regulations” section.

Additional information can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website, www.fws.gov/hunting/whatres.html, where a complete version of the federal regulations (50 CFR Part 20) is posted. When state law differs from the federal law, hunters must comply with the more restrictive law.

Hunters encouraged to report banded birds

Migratory game bird hunters are encouraged to report banded ducks, geese, doves and woodcock they harvest online at www.reportband.gov.

“Telephone band reporting has been eliminated by the federal Bird Banding Laboratory due to cost and data-quality concerns,” said Stempka. “Hunters encountering older bands inscribed with the 1-800-327-BAND telephone number can still report them, but will need to use www.reportband.gov to do so. Callers to the 1-800 number will receive a recorded message directing them to the website.”

Hunters will be requested to provide information on where, when and what species of migratory birds were taken, in addition to the band number. This information is crucial to the successful management of migratory birds.

Stempka also stressed that reporting leg-bands helps the Game Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service learn more about migratory bird movements, and survival and harvest rates, which are critical to population management and setting of hunting regulations. Each year, nearly 380,000 ducks and geese and 30,000 mourning doves are banded across the United States and Canada. Last year, over 6,000 migratory game birds, including more than 5,000 waterfowl, were banded in Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania continues to monitor migratory game bird populations in cooperation with other wildlife management agencies across North America,” Stempka explained. “Information provided by hunters is essential to manage migratory game bird populations and support hunting opportunities through time. By reporting the recovery of a leg-band, hunters not only assist in managing the resource, but also have an opportunity to learn interesting facts about the bird they harvested.”

Stempka noted that modern band-reporting systems have produced big dividends. Under the old reporting system, used until the mid-1990s, only about one-third of recovered banded birds were reported by hunters. Since initiation of the online and toll-free methods, band reporting rates have improved to more than 70 percent. This has improved greatly migratory bird management while reducing monitoring costs.

2018-19 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

DUCKS:

North Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 6-Nov. 17, and Dec. 18-Jan. 12.

South Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 13-20, and Nov. 20-Jan. 19.

Northwest Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 6-Dec. 8, and Dec. 27-Jan. 1.

Lake Erie Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 29-Jan. 5.

Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except for the following restrictions: daily limit may not include more than 4 mallards including 2 hen mallards, 2 scaup, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 eiders, 4 long-tailed ducks, and 4 scoters. Possession limits are three times the daily limits.

Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession (not more than 2 hooded mergansers daily, 6 hooded in possession).

Coots: 15 daily, 45 in possession.

CANADA GEESE (includes WHITE-FRONTED GEESE):

Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)

All of Pennsylvania except for the Southern James Bay Population and the Atlantic Population zone. Sept. 1-25 (8-goose daily bag limit); and Oct. 27-Nov. 24, Dec. 17-Jan. 19, and Jan. 26-Feb. 23 (5-goose daily bag limit in latter 3 segments).

Southern James Bay Population Zone (SJBP)

The area north of I-80 and west of I-79 including in the city of Erie west of Bay Front Parkway to and including the Lake Erie Duck zone (Lake Erie, Presque Isle and the area within 150 yards of Lake Erie Shoreline). Sept. 1-25 (except in a portion of western Crawford County defined under the “Waterfowl season highlights” section in this news release; 1-goose daily bag limit for entire zone); and Oct. 6-Nov. 24 and Dec. 11-Jan. 19 (3-goose daily bag limit in latter 2 segments).

Atlantic Population Zone (AP)

The area east of SR 97 from Maryland State Line to the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of US Route 30, south of US Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, south of I-80 to New Jersey state line. Sept. 1-25 (8-goose daily bag limit); and Nov. 15-24 and Dec. 15-Jan. 31 (3-goose daily bag limit in latter two segments).

Exception: Areas outside of the controlled goose hunting areas at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and State Game Lands 46 in Lebanon-Lancaster counties have a daily limit of one, and a possession limit of three during the regular Canada goose season. Areas inside the goose hunting areas at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and State Game Lands 46 have a season limit of one.

BRANT (All Zones): Oct. 13-Dec. 21. 2 daily, 6 in possession.

LIGHT GEESE (Snow Geese and Ross’ Geese):

Atlantic Population Zone:
Regular: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, 25 daily, no possession limit.

Conservation Hunt: Feb. 1 – April 19; 25 daily, no possession limit.
Southern James Bay Population Zone:
Regular: Oct. 1-Jan. 19; 25 daily, no possession limit.

Conservation Hunt: Jan. 21 – April 19; 25 daily, no possession limit.
Resident Population Zone:
Regular: Oct. 23-Feb. 23; 25 daily, no possession limit.
Conservation Hunt: Feb. 25 – April 19; 25 daily, no possession limit.

HARLEQUIN DUCKS, and TUNDRA and TRUMPETER SWANS: No open season.

JUNIOR WATERFOWL HUNTING DAYS: Statewide: Sept. 15; also in Lake Erie Zone, Oct. 20; in Northwest Zone, Dec. 15; in North Zone, Jan. 19; and in South Zone, Jan. 26. Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.

DOVES: Sept. 1-Nov. 24, and Dec. 18-Jan. 5. 15 daily, 45 in possession.
WOODCOCK: Oct. 13-Nov. 24, and Dec. 10-18. 3 daily, 9 in possession.
COMMON SNIPE: Oct. 13-Nov. 24, and Dec. 10-18. 8 daily, 24 in possession.
GALLINULES: Sept. 1-Nov. 21. 3 daily, 9 in possession.
VIRGINIA AND SORA RAILS: Sept. 1-Nov. 21. Bag limits singly or in the aggregate; 3 daily, 9 in possession.
CLAPPER AND KING RAILS: No open season.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. REPORTS UNAUDITED FIRST QUARTER 2018 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (OTC Pink: CZFS), parent company of First Citizens Community Bank, released today its unaudited consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Highlights
• Net income was $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which is 28.6% higher than the net income for 2017’s comparable period. The first quarter of 2018 was positively impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017, which lowered the federal corporate income tax rate from 34% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The effective tax rate for the first three months of 2018 was 15.0% compared to 21.8% in the comparable period in 2017.
• Net interest income before the provision for loan losses of $11.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was an increase of $1.4 million, or 14.2%, increase over the same period a year ago.
• Net loan growth totaled $31.2 million in the first quarter of 2018, or 12.5% annualized.
• Return on average equity for the three months (annualized) ended March 31, 2018 was 12.62% compared to 10.45% for the three months (annualized) ended March 31, 2017.
• Return on average tangible equity for the three months (annualized) ended March 31, 2018 was 15.52% compared to 12.78% for the three months (annualized) ended March 31, 2017.
• Return on average assets for the three months (annualized) ended March 31, 2018 was 1.24% compared to 1.08% for the three months (annualized) ended March 31, 2017.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to 2017
 • For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net income totaled $4,247,000 which compares to net income of $3,303,000 for the first three months of 2017, an increase of $944,000 or 28.6%. Basic earnings per share of $1.22 for first three months of 2018 compares to $0.94 for the 2017 comparable period. Annualized return on equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 12.62% and 10.45%, while annualized return on assets was 1.24% and 1.08%, respectively.
• Net interest income before the provision for loan loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 totaled $11,420,000 compared to $9,997,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $1,423,000, or 14.2%. Average interest earning assets increased $152.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period last year. Average loans increased $191.1 million while average investment securities decreased $42.7 million. The tax effected net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was 3.68% compared to 3.78% for the same period last year, which was slightly impacted by the change in tax rates between periods.
 • The provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $500,000 compared to $615,000 for comparable period in 2017, a decrease of $115,000. The decreased provision primarily reflects the lower loan growth experienced during the first three months of 2018 compared to 2017. • Total non-interest income was $1,906,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which is $129,000 less than the comparable period last year. Decreases in investment securities gains and gains on loans sold were partially offset by increases in service charges and trust income.
 • Total non-interest expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 totaled $7,832,000 compared to $7,191,000 for the same period last year, which is an increase of $641,000, or 8.9%. Salaries and benefits increased $469,000 primarily due to the increased costs associated with merit increases and branch and loan production office expansion. Other expenses increased $172,000, which was primarily due to office expansions as well as an increase in other real estate owned expenses.
 • The provision for income taxes decreased $176,000 when comparing the three months ended March 31, 2018 to the same period in 2018. The decrease is attributable to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered the Bank’s statutory tax rate from 34% to 21%, partially offset by an increase in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for the first three months of 2018 was 15.0% compared to 21.8% in the comparable period in 2017.

Balance Sheet and Other Information:
  • At March 31, 2018, total assets were $1.38 billion, compared to $1.36 billion at December 31, 2017 and $1.22 billion at March 31, 2017. • Available for sale securities of $251.3 million at March 31, 2018 decreased $3.4 million from December 31, 2017 and $30.4 million from March 31, 2017. The decrease was utilized to fund growth in the loan portfolio. • Net loans as of March 31, 2018 totaled $1.02 billion and increased $30.8 million from December 31, 2017 and $184.2 million from March 31, 2017. The growth in 2018 was in commercial and agricultural relationships, which continues the trend from 2017.
 • The allowance for loan losses totaled $11,587,000 at March 31, 2018 which is an increase of $397,000 from December 31, 2017. The increase is due to recording a provision for loan losses of $500,000 and recoveries of $13,000, offset by charge-offs of $116,000. Annualized net charge-offs as a percent of total loans through March 31, 2018 was .04%. The allowance as a percent of total loans was 1.12% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. • Deposits increased $10.2 million from December 31, 2017, to $1.12 billion at March 31, 2018. Borrowed funds increased $9.5 million from December 31, 2017 to $124.1 million at March 31, 2018. • Stockholders’ equity totaled $129.9 million at March 31, 2018, compared to $129.0 million at December 31, 2017, an increase of $839,000. The increase was attributable to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 totaling $4.2 million, offset by cash dividends for the first quarter totaling $1.5 million. As a result of changes in interest rates impacting the fair value of investment securities, the unrealized loss on available for sale investment securities, net of tax, increased $1.6 million from December 31, 2017.

Dividend Declared
On March 6, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.435 per share, which was paid on March 30, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2018. The quarterly cash dividend is an increase of 7.5% over the regular cash dividend of $0.405 per share declared one year ago, as adjusted for the 5% stock dividend declared in June 2017. Citizens Financial Services, Inc. has nearly 1,700 shareholders, the majority of whom reside in markets where its offices are located.

Note: This press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not historical facts; rather, they are statements based on the Company's current expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, changes in general economic conditions, including changes in market interest rates and changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; legislative and regulatory changes; and other factors disclosed periodically in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this press release or made elsewhere periodically by the Company or on its behalf. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable law or regulation.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

C&N DECLARES DIVIDEND AND ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2018 UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Citizens & Northern Corporation (“C&N”) (NASDAQ: CZNC) announced its most recent dividend declaration and its unaudited, consolidated financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.

Dividend Declared
C&N’s Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share. The dividend is payable on May 11, 2018 to shareholders of record as of April 30, 2018. Declaration of the dividend was made at the April 19, 2018 meeting of C&N’s Board of Directors.


Unaudited Financial Information
Net income was $0.36 per diluted share in the first quarter 2018, up from $0.16 in the fourth quarter 2017 and $0.28 in the first quarter 2017. First quarter 2018 earnings reflected the benefit of the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, from the 35% marginal tax rate in effect throughout 2017. In contrast, fourth quarter 2017 results included additional income tax expense related to a reduction in the carrying value of the net deferred tax asset, resulting in a reduction of $0.18 in diluted earnings per share.
Highlights related to C&N’s first quarter 2018 earnings results as compared to the fourth quarter 2017 and first quarter 2017 are presented below.


First Quarter 2018 as Compared to Fourth Quarter 2017
Net income was $4,375,000 in the first quarter 2018, an increase of $2,432,000 over fourth quarter 2017 net income of $1,943,000. Fourth quarter 2017 results included a tax charge of $2,159,000 resulting from reduction in the carrying value of the net deferred tax asset due to the change in the marginal corporate tax rate. The effective tax rate (income tax provision as a percentage of income before tax), which includes adjustments to the marginal rate for the impact of tax-exempt interest income and other factors, was 14.5% for the first quarter 2018. In comparison, excluding the effects of the tax charge due to the change in rate, the effective tax rate for the fourth quarter 2017 was 25.1%. Other significant variances were as follows:
• Net interest income increased $111,000 (1.0%) in the first quarter 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter 2017. Growth in average loans outstanding of $13,995,000 (1.74%) from the fourth quarter 2017, and an increase in average yield on taxable loans of 0.12%, contributed significantly to the increase. The net interest margin of 3.84% for the first quarter 2018 was 1 basis point lower than the fourth quarter 2017 margin, as the fully taxable-equivalent yield on municipal securities and loans dropped as a result of the reduced corporate tax rate. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 0.49% in the first quarter 2018, an increase of 1 basis point as compared to the fourth quarter 2017, as the average rate paid on deposits increased 0.04% while the average cost of borrowed funds dropped significantly as a result of the pay-off of higher-cost borrowings that matured in the latter portion of 2017.

• The provision for loan losses was $292,000 in the first quarter 2018, up from $23,000 in the fourth quarter 2017. The first quarter 2018 provision included $191,000 attributable to the change in total specific allowances on impaired loans, as adjusted for net charge-offs during the period, and $101,000 due to loan growth and a slight increase in the historical loss experience factor used in the estimate of the collectively determined portion of the allowance for loan losses. In comparison, the fourth quarter provision included $179,000 related to the change in total specific allowances on impaired loans, as adjusted for net charge-offs, along with an estimated $81,000 due to loan growth, partially offset by the net effect of a reduction in the collectively determined allowance related to historical loss experience and qualitative factors.
• Noninterest income totaled $4,406,000 in the first quarter 2018, an increase of $289,000 (7.0%) from the fourth quarter 2017 amount. Within this category, first quarter 2018 income included $166,000 from tax credits related to charitable donations and other activities. There was no income from tax credits recorded in the fourth quarter 2017.
• Total noninterest expense of $9,895,000 in the first quarter 2018 was $494,000 (5.3%) higher than the fourth quarter 2017 amount. Salaries and wages expense was $143,000 (3.6%) higher in the first quarter 2018 than the corresponding fourth quarter 2017 total, including an increase in estimated cash and stock-based incentive compensation expense of $99,000. Pensions and other employee benefits expense was $126,000 higher in the first quarter 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter 2017, as payroll taxes and similar expenses increased, consistent with the normal pattern of such costs being highest in the beginning of the calendar year. The net increase in employee benefits expense also included a decrease of $186,000 in health insurance expense from C&N’s partially self-insured plan. Other noninterest expense was $139,000 higher in the first quarter 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter 2017, as charitable donations increased $149,000. In the first quarter 2018, charitable donations were made under a state program that resulted in a credit to be applied against Pennsylvania Bank Shares Tax of $135,000.


First Quarter 2018 as Compared to First Quarter 2017
Net income of $4,375,000 in the first quarter 2018 was up $941,000 (27.4%) over the first quarter 2017 amount. Pre-tax income was $698,000 (15.8%) higher in the first quarter 2018 as compared to the first quarter 2017, while the income tax provision was $243,000 lower. As noted above, the marginal federal income tax rate in effect in 2018 is 21%, down from the 2017 marginal rate of 35%. Accordingly, the effective tax rate of 14.5% for the first quarter 2018 was significantly lower than the first quarter 2017 effective tax rate of 22.3%. Other significant earnings-related variances were as follows:
• Net interest income increased $738,000 (7.3%) in the first quarter 2018 over the first quarter 2017 amount. Total interest and dividend income increased $778,000, while interest expense increased $40,000. The net interest margin of 3.84% for the first quarter 2018 was 0.06% higher than the first quarter 2017 level. Despite the decrease in fully taxable-equivalent yields on municipal securities and loans resulting from the reduced corporate tax rate, the average yield on earning assets increased to 4.18% in the first quarter 2018 from 4.11% in the first quarter 2017. The improvement in average yield included the impact of an increase in average yield on taxable loans, reflecting the effects of recent increases in interest rates, along with a favorable change in the mix of earning assets with growth in loans and a reduction in securities. Average total loans outstanding were higher by $57.5 million (7.6%) in the first quarter 2018 as compared to the first quarter 2017, while average total available-for-sale debt securities were lower by $34.9 million. Average total deposits were $30.3 million (3.1%) higher in the first quarter 2018 as compared to the first quarter 2017. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities of 0.49% in the first quarter 2018 was up 0.02% as compared to the first quarter 2017. The average rate paid on deposits was up 0.11% in the first quarter 2018 as compared to the first quarter 2017, while the average cost of borrowed funds dropped to 1.64% from 2.20% as a result of the pay-off of higher-cost borrowings that matured in the latter portion of 2017.
• The provision for loan losses of $292,000 in the first quarter 2018 was lower than the first quarter 2017 provision of $452,000. As noted above, the first quarter 2018 provision included $191,000 attributable to the change in total specific allowances on impaired loans,  as adjusted for net charge-offs during the period. In comparison, the first quarter 2017 provision included $388,000 from the net increase in specific allowances on impaired loans as adjusted for net charge-offs.
• Noninterest income increased $542,000 (14.0%) in the first quarter 2018 over the first quarter 2017 amount. Trust and financial management revenue increased $242,000 (20.5%), reflecting growth in assets under management resulting from market appreciation and new business, as well as an increase in fee levels. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $103,000 (9.4%) in the first quarter 2018 over the first quarter 2017 total, mainly due to increased fees from the overdraft privilege program and reflecting the benefit of operational improvements to the program that were instituted early in 2018.
• There were no realized gains or losses from available-for-sale debt securities in the first quarter 2018. In comparison, gains from sales of securities totaled $145,000 in the first quarter 2017.
• Total noninterest expense increased $597,000 (6.4%) in the first quarter 2018 over the first quarter 2017 amount. Salaries and wages expense increased $256,000 (6.6%), including the effects of annual performance-based salary adjustments for a majority of employees along with an increase of $86,000 in estimated cash and stock-based compensation expense and an increase in the average number of full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) to 294 in the first quarter 2018 from 289 in the first quarter 2017. Pensions and other employee benefits expense increased $86,000, including an increase of $81,000 in health care expenses due to higher claims on the partially self-insured plan. Over the last half of 2017 and first three months of 2018, C&N installed a new telephone system throughout most locations and implemented a new loan origination system. Costs associated with these projects contributed to increases in professional fees, data processing and other noninterest expense in the first quarter 2018 as compared to the first quarter 2017.


Other Information:
Changes in other unaudited financial information are as follows:
• Total assets amounted to $1,258,116,000 at March 31, 2018, as compared to $1,276,959,000 at December 31, 2017 and $1,233,924,000 at March 31, 2017.
• Net loans outstanding (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) were $808,300,000 at March 31, 2018, up from $806,857,000 at December 31, 2017 and up 7.3% from $753,277,000 at March 31, 2017. In comparing outstanding balances at March 31, 2018 and 2017, total residential mortgage loans increased $20.0 million, or 4.7%, and total commercial loans increased $33.9 million, or 10.5%. At March 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of commercial loan participations with other financial entities was $62.8 million, up from $43.6 million at March 31, 2017.
• The outstanding balance of residential mortgages originated by C&N and sold to third parties, with servicing retained, totaled $171,237,000 at March 31, 2018, up from $169,725,000 at December 31, 2017 and $164,291,000 at March 31, 2017.
• Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets was 1.39% at March 31, 2018 as compared to 1.47% at December 31, 2017 and 1.28% at March 31, 2017.
• Deposits and repo sweep accounts totaled $1,023,563,000 at March 31, 2018 as compared to $1,012,215,000 at December 31, 2017, and up 3.8% from $986,495,000 at March 31, 2017.
• Total shareholders’ equity was $186,382,000 at March 31, 2018 as compared to $188,443,000 at December 31, 2017 and $187,350,000 at March 31, 2017. Within shareholders’ equity, the portion of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to available-for-sale debt securities was $5,679,000 at March 31, 2018 as compared to $1,566,000 at December 31, 2017 and $630,000 at March 31, 2017. Fluctuations in accumulated other comprehensive loss have been caused by increases in interest rates and the effect of the lower corporate income tax rate on municipal bonds, which have resulted in an overall net reduction in the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities. Also, the larger accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2018 reflected the impact of the lower federal corporate income tax rate, as the associated deferred tax asset has been reduced, consistent with the lower rate.
• C&N and Citizens & Northern Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements. At March 31, 2018, C&N and Citizens & Northern Bank continue to maintain regulatory capital ratios that exceed all capital adequacy requirements.
• Assets under management by C&N’s Trust and Financial Management Group amounted to $916,295,000 at March 31, 2018 as compared to $916,580,000 at December 31, 2017 and up 4.0% from $880,979,000 a year earlier.


Citizens & Northern Corporation is the parent company of Citizens & Northern Bank, a local, independent community bank providing complete financial, investment and insurance services through 26 full service offices throughout Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Lycoming, Potter, Cameron and McKean counties in Pennsylvania and in Canisteo and South Hornell, New York. C&N’s most recently opened location, in Elmira, New York, offers commercial, residential and consumer lending services. C&N can be found on the worldwide web at www.cnbankpa.com. The Company’s stock is listed on NASDAQ Capital Market Securities under the symbol CZNC.


Safe Harbor Statement: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, the following: changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Government, particularly related to changes in interest rates; changes in general economic conditions; legislative or regulatory changes; downturn in demand for loan, deposit and other financial services in the Corporation’s market area; increased competition from other banks and non-bank providers of financial services; technological changes and increased technology-related costs; changes in management’s assessment of realization of securities and other assets; and changes in accounting principles, or the application of generally accepted accounting principles. Citizens & Northern disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Citizens & Northern Corporation (“C&N”) (NASDAQ: CZNC) announced its most recent dividend declaration and its unaudited, consolidated financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.

Dividend DeclaredC&N’s Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share. The dividend is payable on May 12, 2017 to shareholders of record as of May 1, 2017. Declaration of the dividend was made at the April 20, 2017 meeting of C&N’s Board of Directors.

First Quarter 2017 Unaudited Financial Results
Earnings per basic and diluted common share were $0.28 in the first quarter 2017, as compared to $0.35 per share in the fourth quarter 2016 and $0.29 per share in the first quarter 2016. The annualized return on average assets for the first quarter 2017 was 1.11%, and the annualized return on average equity was 7.38%. Earnings for the first quarter 2017 included an estimated $0.01 per common share after-tax benefit from realized gains on available-for-sale securities, as compared to an estimated $0.02 per share after-tax benefit from securities gains in the first quarter 2016. Highlights related to C&N’s earnings results for the comparative periods are presented below.
First Quarter 2017 as Compared to Fourth Quarter 2016
Net income totaled $3,434,000 in the first quarter 2017, down from $4,231,000 in the fourth quarter 2016.

Significant variances were as follows:
 • Total noninterest expenses in the first quarter 2017 increased $740,000 (8.6%) over the fourth quarter 2016 amount. Pensions and other employee benefits expense was $312,000 higher in the first quarter 2017 as compared to the fourth quarter 2016, as payroll taxes and similar expenses increased, consistent with the normal pattern of such costs being highest in the beginning of the calendar year. Other operating expenses were $281,000 higher in the first quarter 2017 as compared to the fourth quarter 2016. Within other operating expense, charitable donations increased $152,000, including donations totaling $150,000 under a state program that resulted in a credit to be applied against Pennsylvania Bank Shares Tax of $135,000. Also within other operating expense, loan collection expenses increased $110,000, net losses and expenses on other real estate properties increased $52,000 and education and training expenses decreased $35,000. Salaries and wages increased $158,000 (4.3%) in the first quarter 2017 as compared to the fourth quarter 2016, reflecting merit-based pay increases for a portion of the employee base as well as the effects of fourth quarter 2016 reductions in restricted stock and incentive bonus expense based on updated year-end 2016 estimates.

• The provision for loan losses totaled $452,000 in the first quarter 2017 as compared to a credit (reduction in expense) of $3,000 in the fourth quarter 2016. Net charge-offs totaled $181,000 in the first quarter 2017, and total specific allowances on impaired loans increased $207,000 to $881,000 at March 31, 2017 from $674,000 at December 31, 2016. The net increase in specific allowances in the first quarter 2017 included an increase in the allowance related to one real estate secured commercial loan relationship of $225,000. At March 31, 2017, total loans outstanding associated with this relationship amounted to $3,278,000, and the related allowance was $753,000. The small credit for loan losses in the fourth quarter 2016 included the effect of an excess of $55,000 of recoveries on previously charged-off loans over the amount of current charge-offs as well as a net reduction of $11,000 in specific allowances required on impaired loans.

• Noninterest revenue totaled $3,864,000 in the first quarter 2017, down $167,000 (4.1%) from the fourth quarter 2016 total. Net gains from sales of residential mortgage loans totaled $166,000 in the first quarter 2017, which was $164,000 lower than the fourth quarter 2016 total, consistent with C&N’s historical experience of a lower volume of mortgage loan sales in the winter months. Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $1,084,000 in the first quarter 2017, down $88,000 from the fourth quarter amount, consistent with C&N’s typical seasonal trends and also reflecting an ongoing pattern of fewer consumer overdrafts throughout the market area. Other operating income totaled $458,000 in the first quarter 2017, up $113,000 from the fourth quarter 2016 amount. The increase in other operating income resulted mainly from an increase in revenue from tax credit programs, including the tax credits associated with the charitable donations described above.

• The income tax provision was $984,000 in the first quarter 2017, down from $1,500,000 in the fourth quarter 2016, primarily as a result of lower pre-tax income. First Quarter 2017 as Compared to First Quarter 2016
Net income for the first quarter 2017 was $139,000 (3.9%) lower than the first quarter 2016 amount.

Significant variances were as follows:
 • Net interest income increased $126,000 (1.3%), in the first quarter 2017 as compared to the first quarter 2016. The net interest margin was 3.78% for the first quarter 2017 as compared to 3.81% for the first quarter 2016. Average total loans outstanding were higher by $57.7 million (8.2%) in the first quarter 2017 as compared to the first quarter 2016, while average total available-for-sale securities were lower by $22.4 million. Average total deposits were $22.6 million (2.4%) higher in the first quarter 2017 as compared to the first quarter 2016.

• The first quarter 2017 provision for loan losses was $84,000 higher than the first quarter 2016 amount.
The $452,000 provision in the first quarter 2017 included $388,000 related to the change in total specific allowances on impaired loans, as adjusted for net charge-offs during the period and a $64,000 increase in the collectively determined allowance for loan losses, mainly due to loan growth. In the first quarter 2016, the $368,000 provision included $82,000 related to the change in total specific allowances on impaired loans, as adjusted for net charge-offs during the period and a $286,000 increase in the collectively determined allowance for loan losses. The increase in the collectively determined allowance in the first quarter 2016 included the effects of loan growth, increased qualitative factors associated with residential mortgage loans and an increased net charge-off experience factor for commercial loans.

• Noninterest revenue increased $174,000 (4.7%) in the first quarter 2017 over the first quarter 2016 amount. Other operating income increased $87,000, including an increase of $50,000 in revenue from tax credits. Interchange revenue from debit card transactions increased $57,000 (12.3%), reflecting benefits from a consulting project in 2016 that identified opportunities for improvements in card-related volumes and processing. Loan servicing fees, net, increased $50,000, as the fair value of mortgage servicing rights decreased by $30,000 in the first quarter 2017 as compared to a reduction of $71,000 in the first quarter 2016. Trust and Financial Management Group revenue increased $36,000 (3.1%), in part due to market valuation increases. Service charges on deposit accounts decreased $54,000 (4.7%), as revenue from consumer overdrafts declined due to lower volume.

• Realized gains on available-for-sale securities totaled $145,000 in the first quarter 2017, down from $383,000 in the first quarter 2016.

• Total noninterest expenses increased $226,000 (2.5%) in the first quarter 2017 over the first quarter 2016 amount. Other operating expense increased $169,000, including increases of $89,000 in loan collection expenses and $42,000 in losses and expenses associated with other real estate. Pensions and other employee benefits expense increased $93,000, including the effect of higher health care expenses on C&N’s partially self-insured plan. Automated teller machine and interchange expense increased $45,000, including costs associated with issuing new debit cards with EMV functionality. Software subscriptions increased $39,000, including costs associated with new applications as well as annual licensing increases.
Professional fees expense decreased $62,000, including a reduction in information technology and sales and service -related consulting. FDIC assessments expense decreased $48,000, reflecting a lower
assessment level.

• The first quarter 2017 provision for income tax of $984,000, or 22.3% of pre-tax earnings, was $109,000 lower than the first quarter 2016 tax provision of $1,093,000, or 23.4% of pre-tax income. The lower effective tax in the first quarter 2017 resulted primarily from lower pre-tax earnings.

Other Information:
Changes in other unaudited financial information are as follows:

• Total assets amounted to $1,233,924,000 at March 31, 2017, as compared to $1,242,292,000 at December 31, 2016 and $1,216,544,000 at March 31, 2016.

• Net loans outstanding (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) were $753,277,000 at March 31, 2017, up from $743,362,000 at December 31, 2016 and up 8.6% from $693,994,000 at March 31, 2016. In comparing outstanding balances at March 31, 2017 and 2016, total residential mortgage loans increased $38.0 million, or 9.8%, and total commercial loans increased $19.5 million, or 6.4%. At March 31, 2017, the outstanding balance of commercial loan participations with other financial entities was $43.6 million, down slightly from $43.9 million at March 31, 2016.

• The outstanding balance of residential mortgages originated by C&N and sold to third parties, with servicing retained, totaled $164,291,000 at March 31, 2017, up from $163,296,000 at December 31, 2016 and $153,778,000 at March 31, 2016.

• Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets was 1.28% at March 31, 2017 as compared to 1.43% at December 31, 2016 and 1.36% at March 31, 2016. The balance of loans subject to troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) was $4.8 million lower at March 31, 2017 as compared to December 31, 2016, mainly due to removal of one commercial relationship from TDR status. Loans to this borrower are performing as agreed based on a modification agreement entered into in 2016.

• Deposits and repo sweep accounts totaled $986,495,000 at March 31, 2017, down from $989,018,000 at December 31, 2016, and up 2.4% from $962,989,000 at March 31, 2016.

• Total shareholders’ equity was $187,350,000 at March 31, 2017 as compared to $186,008,000 at December 31, 2016 and $188,310,000 at March 31, 2016. Tangible common equity as a percentage of tangible assets was 14.35% at March 31, 2017 as compared to 14.64% a year earlier. Within shareholders’ equity, the portion of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale securities was in a loss position of ($630,000) at March 31, 2017 and ($949,000) at December 31, 2016 as compared to a gain position of $5,347,000
at March 31, 2016. The decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) was caused by increases in interest rates, which resulted in a decrease in the fair value of available-for-sale securities.

• Assets under management by C&N’s Trust and Financial Management Group amounted to $880,979,000 at March 31, 2017, up from $879,844,000 at December 31, 2016, and up 6.6% from $826,470,000 a year earlier.

Citizens & Northern Corporation is the parent company of Citizens & Northern Bank, a local, independent community bank providing complete financial, investment and insurance services through 26 full service offices throughout Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Lycoming, Potter, Cameron and McKean counties in Pennsylvania and in Canisteo and South Hornell, New York. C&N’s most recently opened location, in Elmira, New York, offers commercial, residential and consumer lending services. C&N can be found on the worldwide web at www.cnbankpa.com. The Company’s stock is listed on NASDAQ Capital Market Securities under the symbol CZNC.

Safe Harbor Statement: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, the following: changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Government, particularly related to changes in interest rates; changes in general economic conditions; legislative or regulatory changes; downturn in demand for loan, deposit and other financial services in the Corporation’s market area; increased competition from other banks and non-bank providers of financial services; technological changes and increased technology-related costs; changes in management’s assessment of realization of securities and other assets; and changes in accounting principles, or the application of generally accepted accounting principles. Citizens & Northern disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Bradford Little Theatre Announces Open Registration for 2nd Annual Kids Summer Theatre Camp


Bradford Little Theatre Announces Open Registration for 2nd Annual Kids Summer Theatre Camp Local children and teens performed "How To Eat Like A Child" at Bradford Little Theatre's Kids Summer Theatre Camp last year. Bradford Little Theatre proudly announces open registration for their highly anticipated 2nd annual summer kids theatre camp. The camp is accepting 24 children, going into first grade through age 17. 

 The participants will perform in the final show of the theatre’s 20th season “We Are Monsters.” The hilarious musical, which was written by Denver Casado and Betina Hershey, follows human kids into a monster cabaret filled with unique monster characters. The humans adventure to uncover vegetarian vampires and rock-star werewolves - soon realizing that these monster share many similar interests and problems as humans do. The monsters and humans soon discover the meaning of friendship and celebrating the things that make each of us different and unique. This year’s camp will be co-directed by Hannah Leposa, who directed last year’s camp, and Mandi Droney. 

Leposa is a sophomore music major at Messiah College and Droney is a freshman math co-op engineering major at Clarion University. “I wanted to pick a show that built upon what was taught at camp last year, but also a show that I could use to teach the fundamentals to new campers,” Leposa said. “The kids do not need any prior experience to participate.” “Seeing the passion building in the children last year, and seeing them change and learn, and seeing how theatre could become something for them like it was for me through my youth, really made me want to return to direct the camp again,” Leposa added. “I have always been the performer, so this is a new experience for me,” Droney said. “I am really looking forward to passing my love of theatre on to little kids.” 

Registration for the “We Are Monsters” camp is open to the first 24 applicants on a first come, first serve basis. After the initial 24 spots are filled, remaining applicants will be put on a waiting list. All money collected will be returned if your child is wait-listed and a spot does not open up. The registration form is available for download at www.bradfordlittletheatre.org. All registration forms are due by June 15th, without exception. Forms can be sent to Bradford Little Theatre, ATTN: Monster Camp, P.O. Box 255, Bradford, PA 16701. 

A separate registration form is required for each child. A deposit of $20 is due with each registration form. More than one registration form can be mailed in the same envelope and the $20 deposits can be combined into a single check. By registering you are committing your child to a 2 1/2 week theatre camp beginning on July 6th. Camp will be held Monday thru Friday from 10am to ­ 3pm. All participants are expected to attend the camp every day as well as bring a bagged lunch. The show will be held on July 21st and 22nd at 7:00pm, your child will need to be there by 5:00, and July 24th at 2:00pm, your child will need to be there at noon. An “Orientation/Casting Day” will be held on June 25th from 4­-6pm which both you and your child need to attend. 

You will receive a list of all the materials needed for camp at the Orientation meeting. You are also promising to pay the full camp fee of $100 for the first child and $60 for each additional child (less deposit) on Orientation/Casting Day. Any child not paid in full by June 25th will not be casted and your deposit will be forfeited. You will be contacted by June 20th to confirm that your child was accepted into the camp or put on the waitlist. 

If your child registers to participate and cannot end up doing the camp for any reason you will be fully refunded and your child’s spot will be passed along to the next person on the waiting list, as long as that notice is received by June 15th. “We are also looking for adults to volunteer to help with the camp,” Leposa added. “Volunteers will help watch the campers and help them with their sets and costumes.” Anyone interested in helping with the show please contact Bradford Little Theatre at contact@bradfordlittletheatre.org or call Chelsea at 814-598-9956. 

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

WINCHESTER TO KICK-OFF 2017 SWEENEY LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES SATURDAY WITH $2000 TO-WIN MARQUEE EVENT

 
WINCHESTER TO KICK-OFF 2017 SWEENEY LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES SATURDAY WITH $2000 TO-WIN MARQUEE EVENT
April 18, 2017(By Mike Leone)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



(Winchester, VA)...The Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Touring Series powered by Pace Performance will kick-off the 2017 season this Saturday (April 22) at Virginia's Winchester Speedway.  Warm-ups are slated for 5:45 p.m.  It will be Touring Series race #1 of 17 and will be a Marquee Event designation.  Saturday's event will be the only Sweeney Tour event for the season in the Mid-Atlantic. 
For the first time in nearly two years, the cars and stars of the Sweeney RUSH Tour will converge at Winchester for a $2,000 to-win event.  Past Tour winners at Winchester include Rick Singleton (2014), Walker Arthur (2015), and Allen Brannon (2015).  Brannon in fact won the April 8 and 15 Sweeney Weekly Series races at Winchester this season, while Tyler Bare captured the March 25 opener.  Thirty-two different racers have competed in the three Sweeney Weekly Series events to date with four of them being Tour racers prepping for Saturday including Eric Wilson, Jason Knowles, Greg Beach, and Dillan Stake. 
Atop the $5,000 to-win Sweeney Weekly Series standings is Logan Roberson, a regular at both Potomac and Winchester Speedways.  While he's yet to win at Winchester this season, the 19-year-old Waynesboro, Virginia racer is one of the favorites for Saturday, and does have two wins this season at Potomac.
Eighteen drivers have already joined the Touring Series with more expected to join on Saturday.  John Waters will return to defend his 2016 championship, the first of his career in RUSH.  The Whitesville, NY driver battled for most of the season with fellow New Yorker, Bryce Davis, and overtook him in the points in the season finale after a DNF by Davis.  Davis, the 2015 Pace Performance "Summer Chase" Champion, will set out on Saturday in hopes of his first Touring Series crown. 
Northwestern Pennsylvania standout Chad Wright has made a commitment to follow the Tour for the first time in many years.  While many of last year's Touring regulars will return, new Touring Series members thus far for 2017 include Beach, Stake, Bobby Cossell IV, Bill Kessler, Hunter Hulley, Mike Franklin, Matt Bassaro, Jon Rivers, and Kyle Murray.
"We're excited to return to Winchester on Saturday," stated RUSH Director Vicki Emig.  "We had originally planned to have an event there last year, but some scheduling conflicts nixed the possible event dates.  Potomac and Winchester have been true success stories of RUSH and a testament to what a strong sanctioning body can do for the overall stability and growth of a division.  Both speedways stayed the course over the initial three-year period under RUSH and the results have been phenomenal.  They have always been very supportive of our decisions to keep Crate Late Models healthy and viable into the future.  We constantly point to these two tracks as a success story and how being steadfast can payoff in the long run.  We cannot thank track owner Greg Gunter and general manager Denise Hollidge enough."
FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock Qualifying and Beat the Heat" will be utilized meaning the fastest qualifier will receive $100 and all heat race winners will earn $25.  The K&N "Cold Air Induction" Dash will be run paying a $100 K&N certificate to win, $50 K&N certificate for second with $25 cash for third and fourth place.  The K&N Dash will also set the beginning of the 30-lap feature lineup for the top two finishers in the heat races if there are less than five heats or for the heat winners if there are five or more heats. 
Precise Racing Products will award a $100 gift card for the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger that passes the most cars in the feature.  The TBM Brakes "Tough Brake of the Night" will award three bottles of Xtreme6 Racing Brake Fluid valued at approximately $45 along with a certificate for a discount off any TBM Brakes purchase.  
RUSH Officials will choose the "Maxima Performance" Award for a driver that exhibits a performance worthy of such.  The winner will receive a free case of either Maxima Semi-Syn High Performance Racing Oil or Maxima Performance Racing Oil of your choice.  In addition, the winner will receive one can of SC-1 clear coat, one 16-oz bottle of Maxima Cool-Aide concentrate, one 32-oz quart of Maxima PSF power steering fluid, and a Maxima t-shirt.  The value of this prize package is $170!  Also, CrateInsider.com will award a $25 gift certificate to the driver that finishes last on the lead lap at the finish. 
Feature payoff: 1. $2,000  2. $1,000  3. $650  4. $550  5. $470  6. $435  7. $410  8. $370  9. $340  10. $310  11. $280  12. $270  13. $260  14. $250  15. $240  16. $230  17. $220  18-24. $210. 

Non-Qualifier payoff: 1. $175  2. $150  3. $140  4. $135  5. $130  6. $125  7. $120  8. $115  9. $110  10-24. $105.  Tow $100.
You do not have to a member of RUSH to compete.  The yellow Westhold transponders will be used.  RACEceivers are always mandatory.  There will be a $100 entry fee for the event.  Pit passes are $30.  Pit gates open at 3 p.m.  Drivers meeting is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. with warm-ups at 5:45 followed by qualifying and racing.    
Winchester Speedway is a high-banked 3/8-mile dirt track located just off Route 50 at 950 Airport Road Winchester, VA 22604.  The track first opened in 1936 under the name of Airport Speedway.  For more information, check out their website at www.winchestervaspeedway.com, "like" them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wincvaspeedway and "follow" them on Twitter @Wincvaspeedway.
RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, Earl's Performance Plumbing, Quick Fuel Technology, FK Rod Ends, Maxima Racing Oil, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, TBM Brakes, K&N Filters, Lincoln Electric, Velocita-USA, Classic Ink USA, Rocket Chassis, Landrum Performance Spring, CrateInsider.com, RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.
E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.