ServSafe is a certification program developed by the Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The course meets certification requirements for individuals who are responsible for the safe handling of food in restaurants, schools, elder care facilities, lodges, bed and breakfasts, community centers, and other food concessions (organizations or businesses that sell or prepare food on a regular basis).
This course, taught by Rick Kralj, Penn State Educator, is scheduled for Mondays, March 6 and March 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $185/person. The registration deadline is Monday, February 27th. To register, call (877) 489-1398 or go to http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/serv-safe.
Pictured is ERTCA assisting a client who is ready to participate in a virtual reality simulation. Photo courtesy of ERTCA.
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is thrilled to announce a partnership in the public safety space with the Emergency Response Training and Certification Association (ERTCA), a law enforcement training partner offering virtual reality simulations. Working alongside ERTCA is important for NPRC as the College can now provide training courses within three different disciplines of public safety – emergency medical services, fire safety, and law enforcement. With NPRC having an established Emergency Medical Services program and an emerging fire safety program, this partnership will give students access to enhanced experiences in law enforcement. Overall, this will help the College provide well-rounded training to meet the needs of the region.
Lifelong Potter County resident Paul W. Heimel is running for re-election to the Board of County Commissioners. His name will appear on the Republican ballot in the May 16 Municipal Primary.
“It has been an honor to serve as a member of two teams of commissioners that have moved the county forward in many ways, while stabilizing the county’s finances and holding the line on taxes,” Heimel said. “In Potter County, we don’t get dragged into the deep divisions that have plagued our federal and state governments. Here, we put our differences aside and we get things done.”
Among the commissioners’ accomplishments during Heimel’s tenure have been:
a $4 million emergency communications system partly covered by a state grant;
leadership of a successful mission to increase the state’s “payments in lieu of taxes,” bringing some $4 million (and counting!) to school districts, townships and the county government;
elimination of the per-capita tax and a five-year freeze on the property tax;
reducing crime by supporting the county court system’s criminal justice reforms;
continued “over and above” support of the county’s most vulnerable citizens through a competent and compassionate Human Services Department;
expanded county services for military veterans and their families;
elimination of the archaic system that required the elected county sheriff to also serve as jail warden.
On an individual basis, Heimel is recognized as an effective rural advocate with federal and state officials. He is the first commissioner from Potter County to hold multiple leadership positions with the National Assn. of Counties and the County Commissioners Assn. of Pa. (CCAP).
In 2017, he became the first commissioner from Potter County to be honored by his peers as CCAP’s Pennsylvania Commissioner of the Year. Heimel also received a Pennsylvania State Senate Special Commendation for his leadership of the Pa. State Land Tax Fairness Coalition.
Locally, he was named Citizen of the Year by American Legion Post 192 in Coudersport for his support of military veterans.
“Potter County is facing many challenges, but we also have some very promising opportunities,” Heimel said. “More people are looking at our county as a place to live. If we can work together to capitalize on that opportunity, we can turn around our most challenging problems: population loss and a rising median age.”
Among initiatives he plans to pursue if re-elected are: 1.) a comprehensive strategy to support the marketing of local agricultural and forest products; 2.) changes in county administration to better position Potter County to qualify for state and federal grants; and 3.) a strategic review of county departments to increase efficiency and save money.
Thanks to planning by the Potter County Commissioners and a financial grant from UPMC, residents will be able to enjoy a vibrant community garden for another growing season. The Potter County Community Garden, located at 7 Water Street in Coudersport, will open its gates again this spring for individuals and groups to adopt a free garden plot. A total of 29 raised garden beds are available to the public, along with a pollinator garden, a storage shed with tools, and a handicap accessible planting station.
The mission of the Potter County Community Garden is 1) to empower the community to plant, grow and harvest their own produce, 2) to provide education on the value of gardening, 3) to promote community interaction & unity, and 4) to offer solutions to food insecurity. Highlights of the 2022 garden include:
Timothy L. Cummings, Age 73, passed away on February 12, 2023 at the home of his granddaughter and her husband, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born December 12, 1949, in Blossburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Gordon and Ruthadel. Tim graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School, Class of 1968. After graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Rose Witter in 1970. They celebrated 53 years of marriage in July.
Tim was a former social member of Elkland Moose Lodge #746, Knoxville Firehall, and the Knoxville VFW Post 6753.
In his early years, Tim was an avid doodler, and could often be found drawing in numerous school books, earning himself quite a bit of trouble. As the years progressed, Tim became an avid outdoorsman, with some of his favorite activities including traveling, fishing, hunting, camping and gardening, attending the annual Bike Rally in Lake George, New York…And trying to fulfill his lifelong dream of winning the powerball, mega-million or anything that would earn him a million…or more.
With a career that spanned over 40 years, Tim was a welder for the Ingersoll-Rand, and later, Dresser-Rand, out of Painted Post, N.Y, for which he was a member of the local union and from which he retired in 2010.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Roger Cummings, a niece, Sara Jo, A sister-in law, Linda Cummings, and his faithful companion, Soxx.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Rose, are his daughter, Anita Loucks, granddaughters, Allison (Nathaneil) Peet all of Knoxville and Ashley Loucks of North Carolina, a grandson, Avery Hutcheson of Tioga, and his four-legged friend, Tucker. Siblings Gary Cummings of Middlebury Center, Myraetta (Jerry) Austin of Wellsboro, Sandy Vargeson of California, Hughie (Julie) Heck of Mainesburg, and Karen (Randy) Casey of Colorado, lifelong best friends, Sherrel (Stuart) Lampman of New York, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In line with Tim’s last wishes, the family will not be holding services at the Funeral home. Instead, the family invites everyone to join them for a memorial service and to have one last drink with Tim at the Knoxville Firehall (Upstairs), on February 18th, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to one of the following: The family to help with funeral expenses or to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St. Elkland, PA 16920, www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.
Billy G. Bloom, age 92 of Sabinsville, PA passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.
Born on January 20, 1931 in Knoxville, PA he was a son to the late Hubert and Beatrice (Abbott) Bloom. Billy married the love of his life, Betty Patterson on August 25, 1950 and they celebrated 55 loving years together before her passing in August 2005.
He was a dairy farmer on his own farm for several years and he was a well-known bus driver for over 30 years. Billy loved his community and wore many hats throughout his life. He worked at both the Elkland and Westfield Tanneries before they closed down, he was also the Clymer Township supervisor for 12 years and he was on the committee that started the sewer plant. On top of that, he was one of the founding members of the Sabinsville Ambulance Association and was a lifetime member of both the Sabinsville Ambulance and Fire Department. Billy also helped coach little league baseball while his children were on the team.
He enjoyed spending time with his horses, woodworking, hunting, gardening in his later years, seeing his grandchildren, watching sports and eating breakfast at the Home Comfort Restaurant in Westfield; where he was a regular.
Billy is survived by his sons; Barry (Dorothy) Bloom of Evans, CO, Bruce (Bonnie) Bloom of Sabinsville, Brett Bloom (Nancy) of Evans, CO, and Billy (Michelle) Bloom of Sabinsville; grandchildren, Ashley (Sean) Jones, Josh (Christiana) Bloom, Bryce (Autumn) Bloom, Ryan Bloom, Helena (Joseph) Hill, Tammy (Jay) Halsted, and Chris (Christine) Bloom; 13 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and sisters, Beverly and Leona.
He was preceded in death by both his parents and his beloved wife, Betty Bloom. Family and friends are called to Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St. Westfield on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 at 11:00 am with Tim Miller officiating. Burial will take place at Sabinsville Cemetery following the service.
Memorial donations in Billy’s honor can be sent to the Sabinsville Fire Department. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, www.kenyonfuneralhome.com
Harry Samuel “Sam” Snyder, 80, of Warren, PA., died at his residence, Tuesday morning, February 14, 2023, with his family at his side.
He was born March 11, 1942, in Pedricktown, New Jersey. Harry was the son of Clarence R. and Helen E. Harrop Snyder. He has resided in Warren, PA., for the past 31 years and was a former resident of Norfolk, N.Y. for 14 years where he worked at St. Lawrence Railcar & Railroad. Harry was employed as a production manager with Petrex, Inc.
He was a member of Faith Fellowship Church of God where he was very active and his ministry, he enjoyed was with Helps, doing banquets and cooking. He enjoyed attending the Audubon, was an avid hunter, fisherman and camping. Harry was a longtime Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers Hockey fan.
Harry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon E. Collins Snyder, whom he married March 20, 1965, in Pennsville, N.J.,
3 Children – Melissa A. Radcliff of Warren, PA., Meloney M. Franklin of Sarasota, FL, Joseph E. Snyder and his wife, Rachel of
Warren, PA., 1 Sister – Cheryl Lynn Snyder of Toms River, N.J., 10 Grandchildren – Michelle Radcliff, Joshua, Jacob, Mackenzie, Kassidy Franklin, Carly, Keith, Leo, Jaynah and Kaitlea Snyder, 1 Great Granddaughter – Coraline Hollingsworth.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Samuel B. Snyder, 1 Brother – William “Bill” Snyder.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 6 to 8 P.M. where a funeral and committal service will be conducted on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Dorothy Hilliard, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365 www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, N.Y. 10306 or t2t.org
Trebor A. McDonald, 23, of 120 San-Saba Avenue, Benbrook, TX and a former Bolivar, NY resident passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Trebor was born on March 22, 1999 in Olean, he was the son of Robert “Guts” and Theresa Cross.
He was a Certified Nursing Assistant. He was employed as heavy equipment operator for Tysons Foods in Ft. Worth, TX. Trebor loved riding his motorcycle and playing his guitar.
Surviving are his Father, Robert “Guts” McDonald, Bolivar, NY; his mother Theresa “Terry” Cross, Cisco TX; three sisters, Neka (David) Maull Bolivar, Tori Cross, Cisco, TX and Lesha McDonald, Bolivar, NY; three brothers, Dana McDonald, Bolivar, NY, Josh (Amanda) McDonald, Jacksonville, FL and Rob Lundy, North Carolina. Also surviving are special nieces and nephews, Hunter Johnson, Nate Bradley, Carter Johnson, Natalie Bradley, Denver Johnson, Abby, Amayah, Seth and Alyssa McDonald and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Matthew McDonald and Edward Gordon Churchill III; his paternal grandparents, Theodore and Betty McDonald and maternal grandmother Florence Slater.
Friends may call at the Obi Community Church on Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 11A.M.-1P.M. Funeral Services will follow at 1 P.M. Pastor David Cook will officiate. Burial will be in Bowler Memorial Cemetery, Little Genesee, NY.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar.
Dennis M. Johnson, 66, of W. 4th St., Emporium, PA formerly of Driftwood, PA passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday morning (February 12, 2023). He was born March 15, 1956 in Kane, PA a son of the late Russell and Lillian Gabriel Johnson.
Dennis graduated from Kane Area High School and served with the US Army and later with the Army Reserves. He had worked as a certified Harley Davidson mechanic for many years. He was a member and leader of the HOG Chapter (Harley Owners Group) in Eagle, PA for many years. He was also member of the Austin Dam Association. Dennis enjoyed spending time with family and friends, spending time outdoors, and riding his Harley Davidson. He was a man that would help anyone and always had a story to tell. He will be truly missed by all.
He is survived by a son, Douglas Johnson (Betty), St. Marys, PA; two daughters, Alana Larkie and Ashley Groff both of Ephrata, PA; five grandchildren: Alyssa Straitiff, James Varner, Miracle Johnson, Arianna Johnson, Audrey Rhodes & Kallum Alston; long time companion, Ina Bohling, Germany; two brothers, Matt Johnson (Patricia Sorrentino), Colorado and Richard Johnson (Linda), Wellsville.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelli Sue Johnson, and a brother, Cy Johnson.
There will be No Visitation. The family will hold a Celebration of Life Gathering at the Knights of Columbus, Broad Street, Emporium, PA on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 3:00 PM with Pastor Janie McDonald, officiating.
Wayne S. ERWAY, 80, of Genesee, PA, died Monday, February 13, 2023 in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Born September 26, 1942, in Coudersport, he was the son of L. Clifton and Mary E. Gearhart Erway. On October 12, 1962, in Genesee, he married the former Janet Butler, who survives.
He attended Northern Potter High School. Wayne owned and operated a dairy farm for many years and raised Angus beef in later years. He was also a salesman for Seneca Seed. In retirement, he worked for Easton’s Mundy Brook Farm.
He was a member of the Genesee Methodist Church, Gold Grange, Potter County Fair Board, and the Grand Squares in Wellsville. Wayne served as a Genesee Township Supervisor and 4-H leader.
He was a strong supporter of youth in agriculture. He enjoyed gardening, making maple syrup, and camping.
Surviving besides his wife, Janet, are: four children, Susan (Greg) Ralyea of West Almond, NY, Marie (Steve) Ackley of Wellsville, NY, Judy (Phil) May of Wellsville, NY, and Charles (Michele) Erway of Genesee; three grandchildren, Jessica (Jeremy) Hoffman of Odessa, NY, Alan (Athena) Ackley of Hornell, NY, and Clifton Erway of Lima, OH; four great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Ackley, Nelle Ackley, Nikolas Ackley, and Lainey Hoffman; three brothers, Melvin (Kay) Erway of Ulysses, Gordon (Marylou) Erway of Gold, and Gary Erway of Ulysses; a sister-in-law, Louise Erway of Cincinnati, OH; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three grandsons, Raymond Charles Erway, Tristan Wayne Erway, and Evan Jordan Erway; a brother, Lawrence C. Erway; a sister, Carol Erway; and sister-in-law, Rita Erway.
Friends may call Friday, February 17, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA, where Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Rev. Rob Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in Genesee Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Genesee Methodist Church, P.O. Box 137, Genesee, PA 16923, SonShine Charitable Fund, 8921 Shumla Road, Fredonia, NY 14063 or online at www.sonshinefund.com, or Headwaters FFA, Northern Potter School District, 745 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
At 5:05 PM on Tuesday, Westfield, Knoxville Fire Depts & Clymer & Valley ambulances dispatched to a crotch rocket type motorcycle crash into a deer with two people injured. The incident is located at 1611 Austinburg Road in Brookfield Township. One person reported lying in the roadway with serious injury. One person is denying injury.
Air medical is inbound to transport to a trauma center.
Madalynn Inez Bennett, was born Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. and went to be with the Lord while surrounded by family on February 5, 2023, at 3:00 A.M., due to a severe medical condition.
She was deeply loved by her parents, Matthew D. and Mikaela M. Bennett, her twin brother, Myles G. Bennett, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and extended family. She gave her family a lifetime of love during her brief time on earth.
In lieu of flowers the family would be pleased to have donations made Grady’s Decision, P.O. Box 9343, Erie, PA. 16505 info@gradysdecision.com and Pennies from Heaven Fund, P.O. Box 310 Bradford Woods, PA., 15015 penniesfromheavenpittsburgh.org/.
Close friends and family will celebrate and honor Madalynn’s life at Praise Fellowship in Russell, PA., on Saturday, February 18, 2023, starting at 11:00 A.M.
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA. has been entrusted with final arrangements.
