Clearfield, PA – Two major winter storms impacted the north central PA region last month. Now, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in District 2 is reminding motorists that being prepared for winter weather includes being educated about the winter services PennDOT provides. PennDOT District 2 serves nine counties across the region, including Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Junita, McKean, Mifflin and Potter.
“Everyone plays a part in staying safe while traveling in winter weather,” said District 2 Executive Tom Zurat. “Along with understanding PennDOT’s methods for winter service, motorists should also review road and weather conditions through 511PA before they head out.”
Lancaster, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J today filed criminal charges against a former PennDOT employee accused of using his government position to facilitate a fraud scheme that allowed ineligible drivers to operate motor vehicles.
Angelo Carrion, while employed by PennDOT as a driver’s license examiner assistant, solicited money from customers in exchange for his help with knowledge tests. Carrion’s actions allowed the customers to receive learner’s permits and, subsequently, driver’s licenses, according to a criminal complaint filed by Troop J’s Vehicle Fraud Investigations Unit.
Wellsville Police arrested Edward A. Bulkeley III, age 31 of Cuba, charging him with Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd, Resisting Arrest, Reckless Driving, AUO 3rd, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, Improper/No Signal and Failed to Stop at a Stop Sign.
The charges stem from an attempted traffic stop on South Main Street and East Hanover Street area. The vehicle was pursued along East Dyke Street to Williams Avenue to the School Street area. Bulkeley was located on Merriam Heights a short time later and taken into custody.
Bulkeley was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. Bulkeley is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on January 24th at 4:30 pm. Wellsville Police were assisted by New York State Police. Additional charges are pending.
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Wellsville Police arrested Paula M. Hoffman, age 41 of Belmont, charging her with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The charge stems from an incident that took place on Williams Avenue on September 6th. Hoffman was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson. Hoffman was released and is due back in Wellsville Village Court on March 21st at 4:30 pm.
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Wellsville Police arrested Michael J. Simon, age 46 of Wellsville, charging him with Harassment 2nd. The charge stems from an incident that took place on Merriam Heights on December 4th. Simon was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson and released. Simon is due back in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Wellsville Police arrested Patrick W. Gallagher Jr, age 31 of Wellsville, charging him with Disorderly Conduct. The charge stems from an incident that took place on Scott Avenue on November 10th. Gallagher was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson and released. Gallagher is due back in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.
John J. Engel, 81, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home, formerly of 151 Sugar Hill Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Elk Haven, after a lengthy illness.
He was born April 5, 1941 in St. Marys, son of the late John F. and Elizabeth Gregory Engel. He was a lifelong resident of the area, attended St. Marys Parochial and St. Marys Area Schools, and was a lifelong farmer at the Sugar Hill Dairy Farm. He was an avid gardener in the years following his retirement from dairy farming.
On July 12, 1980, in Queen of the World Church, he married the late Margaret A. Ross, who preceded him in death on March 23, 2006.
John is survived by his two children: Ashley Engel of Ridgway and Jonathan Engel (Michelle) of Pittsburgh; one grandchild, Jordan Plyler; his sister, Mary Busch of Phoenixville, PA; his brother, Michael Engel (Winnie) of St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the local Grange, the PA Dairymen’s Association, and was active in the Bells of St. Marys where he met his wife square dancing. John often hosted neighbors, family, and friends at his home for bonfires, gatherings, or to just stop by and share in some fellowship. While working sunrise to sunset daily, he always had time for his children, rarely missing milestones in their lives. He loved wood working and refinished furniture for area residents.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 10:30AM with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM and again on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 9:00AM until 10:00AM.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011.
COUDERSPORT, Pa.–Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Victoria L. “Vicki” Setzer, 56, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, at 2pm on Sunday, January 8, 2023, in the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department Hall, 171 Port Allegany Road, Coudersport.
Vicki passed away on December 18, 2022.
Vicki’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
Joyce W. (Welch) Erway, 90, of Lawrenceville, PA passed away early January 1, 2023 at Carleton’s Senior Care and Rehabilitation in Wellsboro.
She was born August 9, 1932 in New York City to Edmund and Beatrice (Seeley) Welch. On September 1, 1951 she married Robert F. “Pop” Erway and together they shared 71 years of marriage.
Joyce had been a very active member at the First Presbyterian Church in Wellsboro, and loved her Wellsboro community. She enjoyed the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center activities. But Joyce was devoted to her family, frequently baby-sitting for grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she thoroughly enjoyed spending time and being with her family.
Joyce is survived by two sons: Michael Erway (Debra) of Ottawa, KS, and Jeffrey Erway (Alisa) of Richmond, VA; a daughter: Linda Andrews (Ellsworth Richardson) of Middlebury Center, and an adopted daughter: Toni Erway Brauchler of Dunkirk, NY; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son: Timmy Erway, and a granddaughter: Sarah Erway.
Her family has entrusted the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA with her arrangements, and there will be a memorial service for her and her husband at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the First Presbyterian Church of Wellsboro, 130 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
As temperatures decline and residents turn up thermostats, UGI urges customers to take several steps to ensure proper operation of natural gas heating equipment and appliances to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide (CO) inside homes.
CO is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, oil, natural gas, and propane. CO can be caused by malfunctioning heating systems or appliances as well as damaged or blocked vents and chimneys.
Indicators of CO poisoning include flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness, as well as fatigue and shortness of breath. Individuals who think they might be experiencing CO poisoning should immediately seek fresh air and prompt medical attention.
Here are some simple steps to help ensure your safety:
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. CO detectors/alarms should be located on each floor of a home, including one in each bedroom, or sleeping area.
Have a qualified professional check your furnace, water heater, and other internal combustion appliances annually.
Check the connections to your chimney or flue for damage or corrosion. Contact a heating professional to have your chimney and flue checked.
Verify that both internal and external combustion air vents are unobstructed. External vents can become blocked by leaves and other debris.
Potter County has signed up for another year of service from a notification system that provides the public with important alerts and time-sensitive messages on tornadoes, floods, or other emergencies.
At last week’s business meeting, Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel renewed a contract with OnSolve, the company that provides the “CodeRED Reverse-911 System.” Cost for another year of service is $4,763.
CodeRED sends early warnings using phone calls, email, social media sites and text messaging. Residents of Potter County are encouraged to click on the CodeRED logo to enroll their contact information. There is no fee. Additional information is also available at 274-8900, extension 501.
Do your future plans include taking college courses? The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) Spring 2023 semester begins Wednesday, January 18th, bringing affordable education to a classroom near you! Nearly forty courses are being offered, including Introduction to Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, Foundations of Math, Music Appreciation, and Environmental Biology. These courses are part of five associate degrees – Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Liberal Studies, and Social Sciences. If you are not interested in pursuing an associate degree at this time, NPRC’s team will help you select courses or training that meets your educational goals.
These courses are perfect for recent high school graduates, mid-career adults seeking to advance their career or begin a new one, and even current eligible high school juniors and seniors who want to earn college credits while still in high school. This program is affordable with tuition rates 70% less than the average tuition at brick-and-mortar institutions. Students with a high school diploma or GED pay $185 per credit hour. Current eligible high school students pay $60 per credit hour. Institutional Aid and scholarship opportunities are available.
These courses are offered at the Education Council’s Coudersport office, as well as more than 20 additional locations throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.
The Spring 2023 registration deadline is Thursday, January 12, 2023. For more information, contact the NPRC admissions team at admissions@rrcnpa.org or (814) 230-9010.
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), Republican Whip Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), Caucus Chairman Rep. George Dunbar (R-Westmoreland), Caucus Secretary Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) Caucus Administrator Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) and Republican Policy Committee Chair Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) on Tuesday congratulated Rep. Mark Rozzi (I-Berks) on his election to Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“We want to congratulate Rep. Mark Rozzi, Pennsylvania’s first Independent Speaker of the House, on his election today. Reflecting the realities of an evenly divided chamber, it is imperative we have a truly independent voice to conduct House business and manage the House floor.”
Rozzi was elected to be Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 115-85. Upon being elected, Rozzi pledged to become an Independent and caucus with neither party in the House.
Leader Cutler added, “As a former Speaker myself, I can attest to the fact that the presiding officer of this chamber must remove himself or herself from their own political beliefs and put the institution before individuals. I have known Rep. Rozzi for many years and know he will rise to the occasion and meet the moment as a truly independent leader for the Pennsylvania House.”
Upon Rozzi becoming an Independent, the partisan makeup in the House will be 101 Republicans, 98 Democrats and one Independent.
BRADFORD – State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will hold monthly satellite office hours on Thursday, Jan. 5, 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.
Hazel P. Wolcott, 94, of 359 1/2 East Main Street, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 2, 2023, at Bradford Manor.
Born May 5, 1928, in Riterville, she was a daughter of the late Cecil and Hazel (Wagner) Pollock. She was a 1946 graduate of Bradford High School.
On July 26, 1958, in Kushequa, she married Robert F. Wolcott who preceded her in death on September 7, 1987.
Hazel was the benefits administrator at Zippo Manufacturing for 25 years, retiring in 1993. After she retired she was a child sitter for area families including the Wilsuz, Jadlowiec, and Rodgers families.
Hazel was could be described as a force of nature with a heart of gold. She was a very sweet lady who will be missed, and a wonderful mother and grandmother. She always giving to her family, friends, and community. She was often called “Grandma Hazel” by many people.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Wimodausis and the United Women in Faith. She was a past member and Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star Chapter #61, and a current member of the Phoenix Chapter #15, a Masonic Temple Associate, and a Girl Scout Volunteer. She also volunteered five days a week at the Friendship Table for over 10 years.
Surviving is one daughter, Cindy Ervin, of Rew, one son, Neil P. (Anita) Wolcott, of Bradford, six grandchildren, Lisa Ervin, Pam Christjohn, Mark Ervin, Sarah Rounsville, Mike Tingley, Jaime Digel, 14 great-grandchildren, Hannah Ervin, Ryder Christjohn, Kaiden Christjohn, Flynn Ervin, Layne Ervin, Kameron Rounsville, Emily Rounsville, Braidon Rounsville, Lucas Tingley, Kody Bair, Brianna Digel, Callie Digel, Dani Adams, and Tyler Adams, one great-great-granddaughter, Ellianah Buck, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob of 29 years, one granddaughter Adina Lynn Wolcott, one great-great-granddaughter, Savanah Buck, three brothers, Harold, Dallas, and Richard, and three sisters, Viola Gulnac, Audrey Stidd, and Norma Trumbull.
Friends will be received on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main Street and again on Friday, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, follow by a funeral service at 11:00 am with Rev. Rick Nelson, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Members of the Order of the Eastern Star Phoenix Chapter #15 will conduct a service at 10:45am in the church.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Victoria M. “Vicki” Setzer, 65, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA passed away with her loving family by her side, on Monday, January 2, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Born on Tuesday, August 13, 1957, in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Dalevin Lamer and Keith and Betty Stuckey Purdy. On June 30, 1973 in Coudersport, she married Ronald B. Setzer, Sr., who survives. They had just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.
Vicki was a graduate of Austin High School. She was employed at the former Galeotti’s Restaurant in Austin and also at Emporium Specialties in Austin. She was then employed by Pro America in Emporium as head inspector until her disability forced her to retire.
Vicki was very well known in her community. When she became sick 30 years ago, she spent a lot of her time volunteering and also enjoyed her time visiting with the neighbors and the people of the community. She would make her daily rounds to Paul Perry’s, Big Mikes, and the Post Office, to visit with the locals, and to harass Paul and Big Mike. Of course, most of the locals she visited with were people who watched her grow up in this very town.
Vicki was a life member of the AVFD Dept. 44. She would spend endless hours at the hall working Bingo, making food for the department’s firemen and for any departments there on standby. She would be at the firehall anytime day or night if they needed anything up until she could no longer physically do it.
She was one of the original members of the Austin Pride Committee, volunteering with them for 20 plus years. They would work endless hours every year to raise enough money to put on the annual fireworks display.
Vicki was a volunteer at the EO Austin House. She was an Austin Borough Council member for over 20 years. She was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 7810 in Austin.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 49 years; three children, Ronald B. Jr. (Jeana) Setzer of Port Allegany, Rhoda R. (Terry) Hooftallen of Austin, and Heath D. (Amanda) Setzer of Austin; eleven grandchildren, Ben, Cynthia, Madison, Dawson, Sage, Shae, Sari, Skylar, and Scot Setzer, Joseph Pritt, and Maggie Earle; a great-granddaughter, Anna Grace Simms; two brothers, Anthony Lamer and Pastor Todd (Sherri) Lamer, both of Austin; a cousin, Chris (Kimberly) Stuckey, who was raised like a brother; and several nieces and nephews.
Vicki was predeceased by her parents.
Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the Austin United Methodist Church, Turner Street, Austin, where a Celebration of Life will follow at 1pm with Pastor Todd Lamer, Vicki’s brother, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Austin Ambulance Association, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720.
Vicki’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements, to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Vicki, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
