Coudersport Ambulance to Rt. 6 West
At 11:55 PM on Tuesday, Coudersport Ambulance has been dispatched to Rt. 6 West for an activated medical alarm.
February 2023
Harold E. Nolt, 72, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA.
Harold E. Nolt, 72, of a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Harold’s final arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary. His family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
Stanley E. Kephart, 93, McMinnville, OR
Stanley E. Kephart was born May 1st, 1929, to William & Bessie Kephart in Emporium, PA.
In 1949, he married Elvira Hollett and together their raised their family of five children in Tillamook, OR. Stan was a hard worker and to support his family he founded what’s now known as Kephart’s Painting.
Stan had many hobbies such as fishing and hunting, throwing horseshoes, playing cards, and working in his bountiful garden which he was very proud of. You were always able to find fresh fruit, vegetables, and dahlias which he was more than happy to share.
Stan passed away in McMinnville, OR on February 21, 2023, with family by his side.
Stan was preceded in death by his wife, Elvira Kephart, and son, Jim Kephart. Stan leaves behind to honor his life his sister Mary Gersch. His children, William Kephart and wife Sandy, Daniel Kephart and wife Jennifer, Timothy Kephart and wife Tami, Sherry Weir and husband Mark, and Daughter-in-law Bonnie Kephart, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at Waud’s Funeral Home on Saturday March 11th, 2023, at 1:00 PM. followed by a Celebration of Life Potluck at the Alderbrook Hall immediately after.
Personal note
Stan was preceded in death by his parents, William Kephart and Bessie Eileen Clark Kephart; and his brothers, Chuck, Fran, Howard, and Don and sister Betty Kephart Cowley, all originally from Emporium, PA.
Ruth E. “Boodie” Burfield, 101, of Ridgway, PA.
Ruth E. “Boodie” Burfield, 101, of Ridgway, died on Monday, February 27, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home after a brief illness.
On September 7, 1921, in Ridgway, she was born a daughter to the late Charles H. and Emma Prowbst Sherwood.
In 1942, she married the late Donald R. Burfield, who preceded her in death in 1973.
Boodie was a lifelong resident and a member of Faith United Church of Christ. She was well traveled and loved taking trips with her son. Boodie enjoyed sitting on her porch feeding the birds.
Ruth is survived by 4 nieces: Beverly Jescheling of AZ, Cathy Marczewski of WI, Nancy Daily and her husband Pat of WI, and Linda Stather and her husband Doug of FL, 2 nephews: Don Sherwood and his wife Gina of Ridgway and Bob Sherwood and his wife Nancy of MI.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert G. Burfield, and 3 brothers: Charles, Ralph, and George Sherwood.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Ridgway Ambulance.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Angela Mary Tegzes, 58, of Brooklyn House, Mary Lloyd Services in Mansfield, PA.
Angela Mary Tegzes, 58, of Brooklyn House, Mary Lloyd Services in Mansfield, passed away Monday February 27, 2023 in the Troy Community Hospital. She was born August 4, 1964 in Pittsburgh, PA to George and Katherine (Paulin) Tegzes, Jr. She attended the Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children, and worked for Highland Chocolates and Partners in Progress. Angela was very involved in Special Olympics, and loved music and dancing.
Angela is survived by two brothers: George Tegzes of Panama City, Panama, and Jeffery (Abbe) Tegzes of LeNoir City TN; and four sisters: Katherine Hughes of Gibsonia, PA, Barbara (Allan) Urbanic of El Sabrante, CA, Anne Peters of Midway, KY, and Elizabeth (Don) Hummel of Wellsboro. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister: Mary Susan Batchelor.
Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Angela’s life from 9:00-10:45am Monday March 6, 2023 at the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA, and her funeral Mass at 11:00am Monday March 6, 2023 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wellsboro. Donations in her memory may be made to Tioga County Special Olympics PO Box 534, Wellsboro, PA 16901, Partners in Progress 332 S Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933, or Martha Lloyd Community Services 117 N Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
Fully Involved Structure Fire In Town of Centerville
At 11:20 PM on Tuesday, Centerville, Fillmore & Rushford have been dispatched to 9792 Dow Road for a fully involved structure fire.
Jeanette “Jean” D. Weber, 80, of Smethport, PA.
Jeanette “Jean” D. Weber, 80, of Smethport, passed away Wednesday (February 22, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born December 4, 1942 in Bronx, NY, the only child of Wilhelm Weber and Lydia Werner Weber Gross. Jean would go onto inherit her father’s sweet tooth as he was a professional baker and often times would arrive home with a bag of sweet confections as Jeannie was getting ready for school.
As an only child, Jeannie was left to entertain herself. She made friends easily as both a youth and an adult. Her light hearted demeanor and lust of entertaining others came very naturally. She could spend endless time and money at the ‘dollar day’ buying toys and other trinkets that made Jean giggle.
After High School Jean worked a variety of jobs including taxi cab driver and bartender to name a few. She then put herself through night school and graduated from Hunter College in New York City. Her degree would lead her to a career in teaching. She worked in New York, Massachusetts and finally Florida. Her final tenure of teaching was one she truly enjoyed, working with vocational students in the Sarasota Public Schools.
Jeannie had two great loves in life; opera and her partner Shirley Ostrander. Her love of opera began early on and she was a regular at the MET. She not only enjoyed listening to many opera greats, but often could be found backstage after a performance. Her natural talent of the written word would lead to many articles about operas and the artists to be published throughout the years. This would lead to ‘letters to the editors’ in her later years, as Jean always had an opinion on matters.
Life took Jean from the east coast, then she drove her puke green VW Beatle to the west coast and lived there for several years to ultimately land in Florida. This is where she would meet the love of her life, Shirley Ostrander in 2000. Shirley & Jean were a pair like none other, full of love and laughter. Shirley predeceased Jean in December 2022, only to have Jean join her the day before her birthday. Celebrations surely ensued.
Jean is survived by a small chosen family; Mary and John VanMarter, Ed Vicic, Amber Nelson, Denise Bowers and Deb Nelson. And of course, not to be forgotten, one of her four beloved puppies, “Panda Soleil”.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving companion, Shirley Ostrander on December 12, 2022. Along with three of her fur babies; “Bernard”, “Bijou” and her most special “Byron”.
There will be no visitation or funeral services. Burial will be in Grimes Cemetery, Port Allegany. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Hamlin Memorial Library, 123 Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749 or to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Vehicle Fire In Hector Twp.
On February 28 at 5:25 pm. Ulysses, Harrison Valley, and Westfield Fire Depts. were dispatched for a vehicle fire on Teed Hollow Road in Hector Twp.
Mary Lorena Groover, age 74, Westfield, PA
Mary Lorena Groover, age 74, passed away February 27, 2023, at her home in Westfield, PA.
Born August 24, 1948, in Wellsboro, PA she is the daughter of Robert and Janet Slocum. Susie, as everyone knows her, married her husband Kenny on July 3, 1970, and together they joined their families.
Susie graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School and worked at Electric Cord Manufacturing for many years. Together Susie and Ken owned K & S Custom Butchering in Westfield, PA.
In her younger years you would have seen Susie roller skating or riding a motorcycle. She enjoyed bowling with her Electric Cord coworkers, hosting gambling trips to Atlantic City, having bonfires with her family, and hosting Halloween parties for her grandchildren. For years she coordinated the Cathead Reunion for her home community of Sabinsville, PA.
Susie loved spending time with her close friends going to lunch and hearing the good gossip. Susie also loved going to the races to watch her favorite drivers, son-in-law Billy Van Pelt and grandson Dillon Groover. Susie was an incredibly selfless spirit and keeper of animals both domestic and wild. Additionally, Susie was the most amazing Chauffer for wine tastings around the lake, she sure had patience. She will be particularly remembered for her witty one-liners; her sense of humor was infectious.
Those in heaven waiting for her are her husband Ken, parents Robert and Janet, grandson Justin Ruhf and brother-in-law Pete Van Druff. Those remaining to remember her resilient spirt and love are her fur companions; Buddy, Callie and Tippy, her siblings; sister Carol Van Druff of Hallsport, NY and brother Robert (Cindy) Slocum of Wellsville, NY, her children; Duane and Sally (Sally Bell) Groover of Beaver Dams, NY, Steven and Nancy McNett of Huntsville, AL, Tammy and Chris Ruhf of Montrose, PA, Kim and Louie Marzo of Osceola, PA and Susan and Billy Van Pelt of Westfield, PA. Susie has seven grandchildren and one grand pup; Khristina Groover of Syracuse, NY, Dillon Groover of Corning, NY, Amber Halverson of Pensacola, FL, Cortney McNett of Huntsville, AL, Cassie Belcher of LeRaysville, PA, Kristyn Ruhf of Noxen, PA, Sierra and Kendra Marzo of Elkland, PA and Great Dane Grandpup Tank. The family has been blessed with five spirited great grandchildren. Additionally, Susie has supportive and kind in-laws and nieces and nephews. Additional love and support has been provided by Luan Kowalski and Bobbi Jo Williams.
Celebration of Life will occur March 11th at Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St., Westfield, PA from 10:30 -11:30 AM with service immediately after. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, 735 Gee Rd. Tioga, PA 16946 or via their website www.secondchanceas.org.
St. Marys Area United Way Awards Grant
Elk County- Doug Gaffey, St. Marys Area United Way President presented a $80,000 grant award to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys Chief Executive Officer Joe Jacob, Tracy Snyder, Program Director; and Emily Crowe, Group Supervisor.
The St. Marys Boys and Girls Club was one of the first rural club started by the National Boys and Girls Club. St. Marys Area United Way has a long-standing relationship of over 98 years with the club. When this relationship first started, United Way was known as the Community Chest. This kinship has only been possible because of strong community support. The Boys & Girls Club plans to use this grant, as it has always in the past, to help fund a portion of its operating expenses. The balance of expenses is covered by the club’s annual campaign. The club receives no funding from state or government grants. Therefore, besides the minimal membership fees, the Club relies on grant funding and local donors to help keep the club functioning and viable since 1923.
In 2022, the club served 81 youth members on average after-school each day. Some of the more notable after-school programs, offered to the youth members, include: Homework Club where certified teachers from Saint Marys Area School District are available to help children with their homework; Cooking Club to learn how to cook easy meals at home; Ukelele Lessons; Drama Club; S.T.E.M Hour to further skills relating to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Recycling Club where children learn to recycle and clean up the downtown area and local parks; and, much more! The club is currently taking registrations for their 2023 Great Futures Summer Program, with new and exciting summer activities. Full details and applications are available online and at the club. For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, call 814-781-1910 or by emailing jjacob@smboysandgirlsclub.com.
Over the next couple of weeks, the United Way will continue to notify the public of all the grant recipients and award amounts. The grant funding disseminated in 2023 is as a result of the funding raised during the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. Funding raised in 2023 will be available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2024.
The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. If you would like to become one of these individuals or corporate donors, please call 781-6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857
Preliminary Work for Slope Repair Begins Monday on Route 120 in Clinton County
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is alerting area drivers that preliminary work on a slope repair project in Clinton County begins Monday, March 6. The slope/slide area is located along Route 120 in East Keating Township.
Crews will get started Monday and work for 7 to 10 days trimming trees in preparation for actual repair work. Crews are expected to return in early May for the start of slope stabilization.
During tree trimming work, traffic will be controlled by an alternating traffic pattern enforced by roadway flaggers. Channelizing devices and signage will also alert motorists to the lane restriction. Motorists should expect short travel delays. PennDOT reminds drivers to use caution in work zones, obey posted speed limits, and always buckle up.
Once repair work gets underway, it will feature construction of a retaining wall, repairs to the eastbound lane of Route 120, roadway overlay, drainage updates and guide rail updates. Once complete, these corrective measures will repair damage to the slope.
HRI, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $1.4 million project. PennDOT expects work to be complete in mid-August.
Potter County Education Council and Tri-Co Connections Continue Partnership for Seniors 2 Seniors Program
The Potter County Education Council, Tri-Co Connections, the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, and our local school districts are continuing to team up to implement a county-wide program called Seniors 2 Seniors. This program is teaching basic computer skills, digital literacy, and cybersecurity to senior citizens so that they have the skills and knowledge to utilize the many benefits of high-speed Internet, which can include: Staying connected to friends and family; Sending and receiving emails; Using search engines to navigate the Internet; Utilizing telemedicine (healthcare from home); Using on-line banking; and Shopping from home (for items not available in the local area).
As a part of this program, local high school students volunteer to provide on-site support to each of the adults who participates in the course. The area high school students are a logical resource to support the senior citizens as they learn about the Internet since this generation of students has grown up with technology as a part of their daily lives. They are a true “tech savvy” population and can provide valuable support to older adults who are learning to navigate and use new technological skills and information.
The Seniors 2 Seniors technology course is being offered at each of the four senior centers in Potter County on a six-week rotating schedule, meeting on Wednesdays (following the school districts’ calendars), throughout the 2022-2023 school years. The course will meet at the Ulysses Senior Center on Wednesdays, April 5th – May 10th from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
The registration deadline for the Ulysses course is Wednesday, March 29th. Register yourself, a parent, or grandparent by calling the Potter County Education Council at (814) 274-4877 or by stopping by the Potter County Education’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street.
UPMC Cardiologist: Pay Attention to Sugar and Salt Intake
Steven Herrmann, M.D., Ph.D.
Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC
Sugar’s Effects
Sugar is added to most processed foods, which most Americans consume daily. Refined sugars are also found in all of the sweet treats lining your pantry shelves. They are even found in yogurts, salad dressings, ketchup, and other common condiments. On average, Americans consume 66 pounds of sugar per person per year. That equals nearly 20 teaspoons per day.
Sugar can affect your heart by:
- Increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Spiking blood sugar levels (and so insulin levels), which increases your risk of obesity and heart disease.
- Stopping triglycerides (fat in the blood connected with cardiovascular disease) from breaking down.
- Lowers the level of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) while raising LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels.
Sodium’s Effects
A good portion of salt is made up of sodium, a mineral that is essential for life. It’s regulated by your kidneys, and it helps control your body’s fluid balance. It also helps send nerve impulses and affects muscle function.
Too much salt in the body can:
- Raise Your Blood Pressure – Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. When your blood pressure is at a high level for longer periods of time, your heart may become damaged from a decreased flow of oxygen to your heart.
- Make you Dehydrated – Dehydration occurs when your body uses more fluids than you take in. This may be a result of your kidneys’ attempt to regulate your body’s increased sodium levels. Your heart becomes affected as it would need to work harder and pump faster to make this possible.
- Harden Your Arteries – Higher levels of sodium cause blood vessel walls to tighten or harden. When this occurs over a longer time period, plaque may buildup and cause a blockage or heart attack.
Tips to Reduce Intake
You do not need to completely eliminate sugar and salt from your diet to decrease your risk of heart disease. The daily suggestions for sugar are 24 grams for women and 36 grams for men, and for salt, it’s about 2,300 milligrams for either sex. A few tips to help you salt and sugar intake are:
- Eat more whole foods like fruits and vegetables to help avoid processed foods. Think of DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) or the Mediterranean diet. Both nutritional methods focus on foods rich in fiber, legumes, and fruits, ultimately lowering sodium intake.
- Check labels at the grocery store and purchase items with lower sodium and sugar content. Go for options that have “reduced” labels.
- Avoid sugary drinks. Replace soda with carbonated water with a squeeze of lemon or other fruit juice.
- Use different spices and herbs to add flavor to your meals in place of salt.
It’s never too late to start putting more of an effort toward your heart health. Making healthy choices now can lessen your chances of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
Steven Herrmann, M.D., Ph.D., is a cardiologist with UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute of Bradford, 1001 East Main St., Bradford, and he also sees patients at UPMC Cole, 1001 East Second St., Coudersport. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Herrmann in Bradford, call 814-368-1000, and for Coudersport, call 814-260-5576. For more information, visit UPMC.com/HeartNCPA.
Galeton Business Awarded $15,000. Grant
Shapiro Administration Awards $1.5 Million to Help Municipalities, Schools, and Businesses Switch to Clean Transportation
Small business owners, the City of Pittsburgh among those receiving funding for electric vehicles and renewable natural gas vehicles, improving air quality in communities across the Commonwealth
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today awarded $1.5 million in 2022 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant funding to help municipalities, schools, and businesses around the state switch to clean transportation and improve air quality in their communities. The DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program helps municipalities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations replace older gasoline or diesel fueled vehicles with clean fuel transportation. This funding builds on Governor Shapiro’s agenda to create a bold, comprehensive climate and energy plan that will grow Pennsylvania’s economy, protect and create jobs, and address climate change.
The grant recipients, ranging from a small borough to rental car, garbage truck, and school bus companies, will replace 88 old gasoline or diesel vehicles with 78 electric and 10 renewable natural gas vehicles and install 36 chargers for electric vehicles.
In Potter County • Protektor Model Company has been awarded $15,000 for two electric pickup trucks for deliveries and travel to trade shows and competitions for this manufacturer of rifle shooting accessories.
Otto Dispatched For Head-On Crash on Main Street
At 2:30 PM on Tuesday, Otto Twp. Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a head-on 2 vehicle crash at 133 Main Street. Caller reports no injuries. Roadway is blocked.
Austin Ambulance To Bush Hill Road
At 2:03 PM on Tuesday, Austin Ambulance has been called to Bush Hill Road for a woman fallen.
Wellsville Police Blotter
Wellsville N.Y. Police Department
Monday February 27, 2023
Wellsville Police arrested Nathan D. Miller, age 21 of Wellsville, charging him with Rape 2nd (Class D Felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The charges stem from an incident that took place on Madison Street in January of 2020.
Miller was also charged with Rape 3rd and Endangering the Welfare of a Child for an incident that took place on East Dyke Street in July of 2022.
Miller was processed and arraigned before Town of Wellsville Justice Graves. Miller was committed to the Allegany County Jail on $20,000.00 cash bail, or $40,000.00 property bond or $200,000.00 partially secured bond. Miller is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on March 7th at 4:30 pm.
Wellsville Police were assisted by the New York State Police with the investigation.
Shapiro Davis Administration Opens a Pennsylvania Health Resource Center in Beaver County
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration announced today that the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is opening a Health Resource Center in Darlington Township, Beaver County for residents of Beaver and Lawrence counties who have health concerns following the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, OH on February 3, 2023. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will also be on hand at the Center to help interested residents sign up for free, independent water testing and to provide guidance on food and animal safety, respectively.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is working with local leaders and healthcare providers to open the center starting Tuesday, February 28 at the Darlington Township Building, 3590 Darlington Rd., Darlington, PA 16115. The Center will be open weekdays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and is scheduled to operate through March 10.
Roulette Ambulance to Oak Lane
At 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Roulette ambulance has been called to Oak Lane for abdominal pain.
Second Chance participating in Raise the Region
Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries is inviting animal lovers to help “Raise the Region” March 8-9.
Raise the Region is a 30-hour online giving event fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. An initiative of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, Raise the Region benefits nonprofit organizations serving Northcentral Pennsylvania, including Second Chance.
“Since our formation more than 20 years ago, we’ve been guided by our name – Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries. We strive to help lost, abandoned or at-risk dogs and cats by providing them with life-saving care and sanctuary,” said Jim Howe, Second Chance board president. “All funds from Raise the Region will go toward veterinarian costs and other direct rehabilitation of these at-risk pets. These expenses are often high and we never know the needs of the next animal that finds its way to our doorstep. Thanks to the generosity of others, that next animal, and all coming after it, will get its best second chance possible.”
This year’s Raise the Region is 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 9. Donations made during that time at www.raisetheregion.org/organizations/second-chance-animal-sanctuaries have the potential to stretch even farther with matching or additional gifts from sponsoring businesses and organizations.
“We are honored to participate again in Raise the Region, and are grateful to its organizers and sponsors,” said Howe. “This opportunity is especially important as Second Chance receives no governmental funding. We exist and continue due to the hearts, funds, donations and volunteer support from our neighbors. We sincerely thank you all.”
Learn more about Second Chance at www.secondchanceas.org or follow their page on Facebook. For more information on Raise the Region, visit www.raisetheregion.org.
