Kane Dispatched For Lines
At 1:48 PM on Thursday, Kane Fire Dept. dispatched for lines down at 418 Tionesta Avenue.
October 2022
Causer Bill Removing Prohibition on Manufacture, Ownership of Automatic Knives Heads to Governor’s Desk
HARRISBURG – The General Assembly has approved and sent to the governor’s desk legislation authored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) to end the state’s prohibition on automatic knives.
“Automatic knives are commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts like hunters, boaters and hikers, and by tradespeople like contractors, landscapers and mechanics,” Causer said. “They are legal in 43 states, but not in Pennsylvania. It’s time we get rid of this antiquated law that needlessly infringes on our rights and puts knife manufacturers here at a competitive disadvantage.”
“We appreciate Rep. Causer’s leadership on this legislation,” remarked Mark Paup, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Company and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company. “Removing Pennsylvania’s prohibitive laws on automatic knives will be welcomed by knife owners throughout the Commonwealth while providing for continued business growth at Case. These types of knives are some of the best-selling found in the current marketplace, and we’re looking forward to introducing new Case-branded designs with the help of our own talent in Bradford, PA.”
Current law prohibits individuals from repairing, selling, dealing, using or possessing an “offensive weapon.” Included in the definition of an offensive weapon, along with bombs, grenades and machine guns, is automatic knives. Causer’s bill would simply remove automatic knives from the list of prohibited offensive weapons.
However, Causer emphasized, someone in possession of an automatic knife with the intent to employ it criminally would still be in violation of the state’s Crimes Code.
“This ensures we have a mechanism in place to continue to protect the community while also allowing my legislation to remove an outdated restriction on law-abiding people,” he said.
House Bill 1929 received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Should the bill become law, it would take effect in 60 days.
The Port Allegany School District is now accepting bids for the following items:
NOW ACCEPTING BIDS
John Deere Pull-Behind Cart
Western Snowplow
Potential bidders may contact the school at 814-642-2544 if they would like to setup a time to see the units on premises. Bids are due by 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022 and will be opened at that time. Please send sealed bids clearly marked ‘salt spreader bid, cart bid, or snowplow bid’ to the attention of Adam Moate, Business Manager, 20 Oak Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743.
Additional information can be found on the district website:
Ralph Joseph Bottone, 71, of Limestone, NY
Ralph Joseph Bottone, 71, a devoted father, grandfather, and an outstanding member of the community of Limestone, passed away Sunday October 23, 2022, from a long courageous battle with cancer.
Ralph was born on November 7, 1950. He was the son of the late Francis and Annabelle Giardini Bottone.
He graduated from Limestone Union Free School in 1968. Upon graduation he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Nellis Air Force Base where he worked on F-11 fighter jets during the Vietnam War.
After the service Ralph returned to Limestone where he was a mechanic for UPS along with his father, Fran, he opened his own garage called,” Bottone’s Service Center.”
On March 12, 1977, he married the late Patricia Rau Bottone. For 30 years he cared for his wife in her battle against Multiple Sclerosis. Together they had two children, Tara, and Dusty Bottone, both of Limestone.
Throughout the years Ralph was an active member of the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department where he was Fire Chief in 1991 and 1992. In 2017 he received the Outstanding Service Award for over 50 years of service to the fire department. He also served on the Limestone School Board. Other community services he was involved with were Mayor of Limestone, Town Supervisor, and was a current Town Board member. He was the master of ceremonies for Limestone Alumni for many years. Being a Veteran was important to him, so he spoke at many Memorial Day celebrations. One contribution he led was the building of the Veteran’s Memorial that is located in Limestone. Ralph had his hand in many benefits for people throughout the community.
Ralph had a love for sports and music. He was a competitive, passionate coach for many years. During the 70s and 80s he coached midget and high school football. He was not only a coach but offered support to many young athletes. From 1991 to 1995 he coached varsity basketball. Music was another passion of his. In the 70s he played the drums for a band called, “The Shades of Satin.”
In 2000 Ralph opened his own Italian restaurant with his mother, Annie. He did all his own cooking and was well known for his pasta, chicken, and eggplant Parmesan. He also donated his time and pasta to many sports banquets throughout the years. He also built a storage unit called StarDust Storage. His last employment was at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino where he worked security for all concerts.
The true joy in his life was his grandchildren. The love for his family was unmeasurable. Surviving are his grandchildren, Michael, Serena, and Sarea, two sisters, Bonnie Sory {John} and Marianne Baxter.
Ralph’s proudest moments were watching his QB1 Michael play football and basketball and watching his Floor champ Serena compete in gymnastics and volleyball. Ralph taught his grandkids many things and had a role in who they are today. Cooking food for his family on Sundays for the Bills games was the highlight of his life. He was the best grandfather and his influence in their lives and others touched the town of Limestone in so many ways.
Another hobby for Ralph was building things. He built his own storage, restaurant and even after the cancer diagnosis and surviving the Whipple procedure he designed and built his own house. His proudest accomplishment was a treehouse he built for his grandkids.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life for Ralph on November 12, 2022, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, at the Limestone Community Center. At Ralph’s request his body was donated to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in hopes of helping the fight against cancer.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department or the Allegany-Limestone Sports Boosters specifically to the football and volleyball programs.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Coudersport Ambulance to Mapleview Lane
At 11:44 AM on Thursday, Coudersport ambulance has been called to Mapleview Lane for a woman fallen.
Port Allegany Ambulance to Pearl Street
At 11:25 AM on Thursday, Port Allegany Fire & Ambulance has been called to Pearl Street for a cardiac arrest.
Scio Woman Arrested For Harassment
Wellsville N.Y. Police Department
Wellsville Police Blotter
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Wellsville Police arrested Jenny L. Vineyard, age 44, of Scio, charging her with Harassment 2nd. The charge stems from an incident that took place on North Main Street on September 29th. Vineyard was processed and arraigned before Associate Wellsville Village Justice Walsh. Vineyard was released and is due back in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.
Mary Mattis, 98, of Kinzua Ave., in Kane, PA
Mary Mattis, 98, of Kinzua Ave., in Kane, PA passed away Tuesday morning (Oct. 25) at the Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Warren. She was born on April 6, 1924, in Ludlow, the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Sorokes) Kerekanich. On Oct. 30, 1945, she married Paul Mattis, who preceded her in death.
Mary had lived in Spokane, WA for a period of time, while her husband was stationed with the US Army Air Forces at Geiger Field. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker, but had worked at both the Shirt Factory in Kane and the Lutheran Home at Kane. She enjoyed her family and was loved deeply by all of them. Mary had a pleasant demeanor, a good sense of humor, and enjoyed painting, adult coloring, playing the accordion and watching Hallmark movies and HGTV shows.
She is survived by one son Ron (Wendy Dolphin) Mattis of Kane; two daughters Rosemary (Ronald) Swanson of Kane and Elizabeth (Donald) Gabriel of Meadville; five granddaughters, Kimberly (Chuck) Irvin of Russell, Lisa Swanson of Kane, Melanie Swanson of Lakeland, FL, Melissa (Tim) Burns of Woods Cross, UT and Allison (Charles) Lukach of Guys Mills; two grandsons, Donald Gabriel of Venango and Dillon Mattis of Ft. Collins, CO; Six great-granddaughters, Shana Wojcik, Camille Hagins, Jessica Burns, Ashley Burns, Cassidy Burns and Olivia Gabriel; four great-grandsons, Chase Irvin, Joey Wojcik, Taye Hagins and Jacob Gabriel; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Charles Mattis and a granddaughter, Natasha Mattis.
Friends are invited to attend a graveside service, which will be conducted on Friday (Oct. 28) at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Callistus Cemetery, with the Rev. William O’Brien, officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Callistus Catholic Church, 342 Chase St. Kane, PA 16735, UPMC-Kane 4372 Route 6, Kane, PA 16735 or to the donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of services.
Ronald John Rees, 56, of Port Allegany, PA
Ronald John Rees, 56, of Port Allegany, PA passed away on Tuesday (October 25, 2022) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
He was born October 5, 1966 in Coudersport, the son of Gene Rees and Connie Meacham.
Ron was a graduate of Port Allegany High School Class of 1984 and he was a veteran having served in the US Navy. While in the US Navy, he toured the Mediterranean on the U.S.S. Saratoga CV-60.
Ron was employed as a carpenter for many years. He especially loved wood working and drywall work.
Ron enjoyed camping, canoeing and fishing. He was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan. His greatest love however was spending time with his 3 daughters. His courage is an inspiration to many. It would be wrong to say Ron lost his battle because he never stopped fighting.
He is survived by his father Gene Rees and mother Connie Brundage.
Three daughters; Kory Anne (Michael) Meacham of Port Allegany PA, Jenna Eileen Rees of Pittsburgh PA, and Brianna Lynn Rees of North Bellmore, NY
Two grandsons; Shy Roman Glover and baby Glover due in November.
Four sisters; Kimberly Sue Rees and Tammy Lynn (Craig) Emerson both of Hampton VA., Angel Rees of Coudersport PA, and Sherri (Roy) McDonald of Springfield WV.
Two brothers; Levi (Donna) Rees of Newton, TX and Alan Rees of Coudersport, PA.
One step brother; Lawren D. “Whitey” (Sally) Brundage of Port Allegany
two step-sisters; Robin Formoso and Amy (Joe) Shelley both of Port Allegany,
And several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his step-father Lawrence Brundage. Maternal Grandparents; Ronald (Bucky) Meacham, Mary & Aaron (Bernie) Haskins. Paternal Grandparents; Donald & Glendolyn Rees.
There will be no visitation. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice
Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Bradford Dispatched to Crash on South Avenue
At 10:09 AM on Thursday, Bradford Township Fire Dept. & City ambulance have been dispatched to a vehicle crash at the intersection of South Avenue and Browntown Road. One male is reported self-extricated.
Causer to Hold Satellite Office Hours
BRADFORD – State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will hold monthly satellite office hours on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the following locations:
- Emporium Borough Office – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon.
Services available include assisting constituents with state-related issues or concerns, assistance with driver license and vehicle registration applications, and help in filling out applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE prescription drug assistance programs.
People who cannot make the satellite sessions may contact Causer’s offices in Bradford at 78 Main St., first floor, telephone 814-362-4400; or Coudersport, 107 S. Main St., Room 1, telephone 814-274-9769; or Kane, 54 Fraley St.,, Suite 2, telephone 814-837-0880. Information is also available at www.RepCauser.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RepCauser.
Owlett-Sponsored Measure to Help First Responder Organizations Heads to Governor’s Desk
HARRISBURG – Continuing the effort to help the state’s vital emergency response agencies, the House and Senate have approved and sent to the governor’s desk legislation designed to help address financial and personnel challenges within the organizations, said Rep. Clint Owlett, prime sponsor of the measure.
“Our fire and ambulance companies are struggling to keep their doors open to continue meeting the needs of our communities,” Owlett said. “It’s important for state government to step up and help.”
To boost recruitment and retention of personnel, the bill provides funding for tuition and loan assistance for higher education as an incentive to students who volunteer for fire and EMS services. It also allocates $1 million to fund scholarships for EMS providers who successfully complete approved training to make that training more affordable to build the EMS workforce. The Bureau of EMS would receive $50,000 to administer the program.
“It is so important to recruit the next generation of emergency responders, and once they have gone through the necessary training, we also need them to continue their service,” Owlett said. “These types of initiatives are designed to give our first responder agencies additional tools to help with personnel needs.”
The bill also dedicates funding to helping the organizations meet growing financial demands. Specifically, the bill provides $1.5 million in additional funding for EMS companies through the annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program; $500,000 for a grant program to support capital improvements to first responder emergency services training facilities; $500,000 for a municipal fire department capital grant program to build, renovate or otherwise modernize facilities, and purchase or repair equipment; and $250,000 for the current firefighter online training program.
It would also provide $500,000 to bomb squads for the safe removal, transportation, storage and destruction of confiscated fireworks; and dedicate $250,000 for a public service campaign on the safe operation of fireworks.
Finally, the bill would ensure fire and/or EMS companies that have consolidated will continue for a period of 20 years to receive the same level of grant funding they would have had they not merged.
Owlett first introduced House Bill 397 to make a technical change in the law authorizing both counties and school boards to implement a tax credit program for active volunteer emergency responders. It was subsequently amended to include initiatives advanced by other members of the House to both support first responder organizations financially and provide tools to help recruit and retain personnel. Most of the measures were previously included in legislation authored by Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill).
“This is a great example of how lawmaking should work,” Owlett said. “We brough a lot of good ideas to the table to address a very serious issue impacting communities across the state but especially in rural areas like ours. I’m pleased to see this bill heading to the governor’s desk.”
The governor has 10 days to either sign the bill into law or veto it, or he may allow it to become law without his signature.
Benninghoff Bill to Divest Commonwealth from Russian, Belarusian Financial Assets Awaits Gov. Wolf’s Signature
HARRISBURG – By a unanimous vote Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation sponsored by House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) that would divest the Commonwealth from Russian and Belarusian financial assets and prohibit future investment of Commonwealth funds in financial assets of those countries.
The bill now heads to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk where it awaits his signature for enactment.
“As Russia’s unprovoked aggression against the people and government of Ukraine continues to amplify, divesting Commonwealth investments from Russian and Belarusian financial assets is an even more poignant message that Pennsylvania is against this unnecessary and illegal conflict,” Benninghoff said.
“With the unanimous support of both chambers of the General Assembly on this legislation, Pennsylvania is continuing to speak with one voice against this ongoing conflict and is joining with the rest of the free world in taking steps that substantively marginalize Vladimir Putin and his domestic and geopolitical allies.”
The legislation, House Bill 2447, was introduced in March and passed the House unanimously in Apri.
Bridge Work Nearing Completion on Interstate 80 in Clearfield County
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is alerting motorists that preservation work is nearing completion on a pair of Interstate 80 bridges in Clearfield County. The bridges span Anderson Creek, a few miles east of DuBois, between mile-markers 105 and 107. Concrete barrier was removed last week eastbound and westbound.
Through next week, motorists should be alert for lane changes, so crews can apply an epoxy overlay to the bridge surfaces. After epoxy work is complete, lane restrictions will be lifted. Remaining work underneath the bridges will be performed with no impacts to I-80 traffic.
This Clearfield County work is part of a project that started in April in the Loganton area of Clinton County with two bridges spanning Route 477 in Greene Township. Preservation work includes deck repairs, roadway approach work and the placement of high friction surfaces that will improve the rating of all four bridges from fair to good.
Clearwater Construction of Mercer, PA, has been the contractor for this $2.3 million project.
United Way Soup Lunch Slated for November 18th
The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. will be hosting its Annual Soup Lunch, sponsored by First Energy, on Friday, November 18th at the First Presbyterian Church.
This year, the UWBA will be offering: Broccoli Cheese, Stuffed Pepper and Italian Wedding. Each soup is available for pick-up or delivery between 11am and 1:30pm at a cost of $7 for a 12oz bowl or $10 for a 16oz bowl and includes: crackers, utensils and a dessert prepared by the Zonta Club and Bradford Senior Center.
All proceeds will benefit the UWBA. Orders must be placed by Friday, November 11th to the UWBA office by calling 814-368-6181, email sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org, fax 814-368-5300 or mail to PO Box 504, Bradford, PA.
If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please contact Executive Director, Sarah Lonzi, during regular business hours of Monday-Friday, 8am – 2pm, for more information.
John J. Caribardi, 75, Lebanon, PA
John J. Caribardi, 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at his home in Lebanon, PA following a lengthy illness.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home, St. Marys.
Portville, Westons & Olean Town Dispatched to House Fire
At 5:49 PM on Wednesday, Portville, Westons Mills & Olean Town Fire Depts have been dispatched to a house fire at 9341 Nouvoo Road. Scanner report tree fell on house, now there is smoke showing.
Beth A. STEELY, 63, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Lewisberry
Beth A. STEELY, 63, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Lewisberry, died Monday, October 24, 2022 in her home.
Born January 13, 1959, in Williamsport, she was the daughter of Habe and Bessieann Williams Rabuck. On April 20, 1985, in Ephrata, she married Terry L. Steely, who survives.
A graduate of Ephrata High School, she earned a bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Library Science from Shippensburg University. She was employed by the PA State Turnpike Commission. Beth loved the mountains and enjoyed riding motorcycle and atv.
She cherished her relationships with her son and grandchildren.
Surviving besides her husband, Terry, are: a son, Steven M. Steely of Lewisberry; a grandson, Blake Steely; a granddaughter, Bristol Steely; a brother, Bradley (Roberta) Rabuck of Akron; a sister, Marti Rhoads of Leola; nieces and nephews.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Bill to Streamline Hiring of Campus Police Officers at State System Universities Heads to Governor’s Desk, Lawmakers Say
Legislation to make it easier for State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities to hire campus police officers has been overwhelmingly approved by the House and Senate and is now awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.
The action was applauded by the bill’s sponsors, Reps. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter), Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) and Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), who represent Mansfield, Clarion and Indiana universities, respectively.
House Bill 1988 would place campus police departments and campus police officers at PASSHE schools under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education Training and Commission (MPOETC) for police certification, commission and training. The change would allow a campus officer to be immediately employed by a state system campus police force rather than having to go through a potentially months-long process of obtaining a commission from the governor via the state Department of Education.
Officers who complete MPOETC training can be immediately employed by municipal police departments and state-related university campuses; only those who wish to work on state system campuses are required to go through the extra step of obtaining a commission from the state. This, the lawmakers said, puts state system campuses at a disadvantage when recruiting officers.
“Campus security is more important than ever, and this simple and sensible change to the law will make it easier for campus leaders to meet the public safety needs of students, faculty and staff,” Owlett said. “I appreciate the bipartisan support for the measure and encourage prompt action by the Senate.”
“Removing this unnecessary and duplicative paperwork will help make our campuses safer because it will allow officers to get to work that much faster,” Oberlander said.
“Campuses like Indiana University of Pennsylvania and its PASSHE counterparts are experiencing staffing shortages like many other entities in today’s world,” Struzzi said. “I’m glad to see my House colleagues unanimously advance this legislation so we can move closer to full security complements and ensuring safe education environments.”
House Bill 1988 would also ensure recent and future reforms to laws impacting law enforcement apply automatically to campus police officers. It would also authorize state system campus police officers to wear body cameras, furthering increasing campus police accountability and public trust.
Finally, the bill was amended by the Senate to permit school police officers, who were previously certified by MPOETC, to maintain their certification. Under current law, MPOETC certification expires two years from the date of issuance and, because school districts do not fall within the definition of a “law enforcement agency,” MPOETC cannot recertify school police officers. Accordingly, MPOETC-certified school police officers lose their certification when they work for a school for over two years.
If signed by the governor, the law would take effect immediately.