Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that both lanes of Route 405 (Dickson Avenue) are closed between Route 44 (Main Street) in Watsontown Borough and Route 1007 (Susquehanna Trail) in Turbot Township, Northumberland County, due to a vehicle crash.
A detour using Route 44 and Susquehanna Trail is in place. The roadway is expected to be closed for several hours.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect travel delays, and drive with caution.
On February 05, 2023 Foster Twp. Police conducted a traffic stop on a motor vehicle on Seaward Avenue.
The driver was Brad Taylor of Eldred. City of Bradford Police had an arrest warrant out for Taylor for DUI since October 14th, 2022.
Taylor was taken into custody and arraigned by Magistrate Luther who remanded him to McKean County Jail on $10,000 cash bail. Preliminary Hearing is set in the matter.
Arrest Date: Sunday, February 5, 2023 – 11:55pm Reference ID: 2022-10141727 Charges: PAVC 3802 A (1) Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Controlled Substance Incident Type: All Other – Criminal Source: City of Bradford Police Department
On February 3rd, 2023 at approximately 2305 hrs, City of Bradford Police responded to 24 Orchard Place, Apt. 407 for a physical domestic in progress. Upon arrival Officers located the defendant James Peters and an adult female that had been in a fight.
The female had bruises from an object she reported Peters threw at her. The female also alleged that Peters had choked her causing her inability to breath. Officers took Peters into custody for the said alleged offenses and filed charges accordingly.
Magistrate Luther arraigned Peters on these charges and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $30,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are set in the matter.
Arrest Date: Friday, February 3, 2023 – 11:05pm Reference ID: 2023-02032305 Charges: CC 2718 A1 Strangulation (F2) 18 PACC 2701a1 Simple Assault (1 count) (M2) Incident Type: Assault – Other Source: City of Bradford Police Department
OLEAN, N.Y., February 1, 2023 — George Pancio is maybe most remembered for his famous portrayals of Santa Claus both locally and nationally, but outside of the red suit, he dedicated himself wholly to Olean schools and the community.
Pancio, born and raised in Olean and a 1952 graduate of Olean High School, served as principal in several Olean schools and served many years as assistant superintendent. He was inducted into the Olean High School Wall of Fame in 2005.
His dedication to the district ran so deep that he even demonstrated it through his car’s license plate, which for decades read “OHS ONE.”
To honor and continue Pancio’s impact on the school district, the Pancio family recently established the George and Marcia Pancio Scholarship at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.
Positive relationships with family members, friends, and your community are beneficial to your overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that social connectedness promotes making healthy choices plus the ability to cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.
Valentine’s Day, a holiday centered around romance and relationships, is a great reminder to check in with the state of your overall social wellbeing.
Calling all thespians! So you’ve never acted before but would love to? Come learn the essential skills needed to be on the stage. Even if you are not a novice, this is an excellent opportunity to refresh those skills and learn something new to add to your repertoire, such as improvisation or different techniques. The local theatrical group, Potter-McKean Players, has plans to offer productions in the upcoming months. This course will teach you what you need to be ready for those auditions.
This 4-part course will be taught by local director Paul Herzig and actor Jared Empson, of Eliot Ness Fest fame. The classes will take place on Tuesdays, March 7 – March 28, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost of the course is $25 per person. Class size is limited, so register today at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
On February 7 at 11:30 pm. Genesee, Ulysses, Willing, and Whitesville were dispatched to 1857 Ellisburg Rd. for a possible structure fire. The resident doesn’t see flames just smoke coming from an outlet in the first floor bathroom. Ulysses, Willing & Whitesville hold in quarters.
Robert E. Wildfire, 86, of Lovers Lane, Kersey, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Penn Highlands Elk following a lengthy illness.
He was born on December 9, 1936 in St. Marys, a son of the late Alois and Lottie Benson Wildfire.
On May 5, 1956, he married the late Dianne Carlson Wildfire, who preceded him in death on January 1, 2016. Together they shared nearly 60 years of love, laughter, and happiness.
Bob was lifelong resident of the area and graduate of Kersey High School, class of 1954. He retired from Keystone Carbon Company after many years of service and was a member of the K of C. He was also a life member of the Fox Township Firemen’s Club and member of the American Legion. He served as the Treasurer for the Fox Township Ambulance for a number of years. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed going for walks, and could often be found in his garden. He was a family man who cherished the time he spent with his family. He will be remembered for his kind, gentle, and sweet nature.
Bob is survived by 3 children; Cindy (Dick) FinGado of St. Marys, Nancy (Kevin) Prechtl and Karen Holtzhauser, both of Kersey; by 8 grandchildren; Ray (Sarah) Holtzhauser, Connie Mahovlich, Carrie Klein, Danielle (Harrison) Lore, Laurie (Sean) Palmer, Suzanne (Dan) Gerber, Becky Arnold, and Andy (Milo) Arnold, as well as by 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by 5 brothers; Francis, Jerome, Ralph, Carl, and Alan Wildfire, by 4 sisters; Mary Pearson, Florence Arigoni, Anna Freeburg, and Alice Wildfire, and by 3 siblings in infancy. He was the last member of his immediate family.
A Memorial Service for Robert E. Wildfire will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Krise Funeral Home in Kersey. Burial will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery.
Friends and family will be received at the Krise Funeral Home in Kersey from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Fox Township Ambulance Association or to the Fox Township Fire Department.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Edward “Ed” Brown, 81, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at The Green Home in Wellsboro, PA.
Born July 28, 1941, in Blossburg, PA, he was a son of the late Raymond and Viola (Losinger) Brown.
Ed was a Veteran having served in the United States Army. On May 22, 1964 at the Elk Run Methodist Church, he married the former Edna Owen, who survives.
Ed worked at the Westfield Tanning Company for many years. He spent his life helping others. He was a crossing guard for the school, was often seen shoveling snow for various people and churches and worked at the Recycling Center.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Edna Brown, are one son, Maynard (Sherry) Brown, Jonestown, PA; a half-brother, Edward McFall; six grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by a brother, Claire Brown and a sister, Juanita Piaquadio.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 10:00am at the Lighthouse Church in Galeton. The Rev. Brent Baker will officiate. Interment will be made in the Ulysses Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Potter County Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Collins Chapel, Galeton.
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) today announced that fire and ambulance companies in Tioga County will collectively receive $272,110 in state grants thanks to the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
“Our fire and EMS personnel risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of our communities, and that mission has become more difficult as costs increase,” Owlett said. “These grants are one way the state seeks to support these vital responders.”
The grants are awarded through an ongoing program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue. All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding.
Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. In order to receive funding, recipients must file a grant agreement with OSFC.
The grants were awarded as follows:
Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Inc.: $12,106.88.
MIDDLEBURY CENTER, PA – Flames that broke out in an attached garage in Middlebury Center quickly consumed the garage and spread to the house on Sunday evening, Sunday February 5, 2023.
The fire was reported around 6:24 PM and fire crews from Middlebury, Wellsboro and RIT from Elkland immediately headed out the reported garage fire at 11014 Route 287.
A member of the Middlebury fire personnel was already on scene when the first call for help went out as the garage and a section of the home were already ablaze.
At 6:28 PM a second alarm was requested as both the garage and house went up in flames. The second alarm brought fire crews from Mansfield, Tioga, and Little Marsh to assist with battling the blaze. Blossburg’s Rehab trailer was also requested to the scene.
Route 287 was closed down so firefighters could work at extinguishing the burning structures and keeping the flames from spreading to a nearby building.
FNN was told a number of pets were gathered up and a few of the family’s dogs had ran off during the fire. Nearby neighbors were able to assist with rescuing the animals. At this time, it is believed all pets, including a pig were rescued.
The fire was brought under control around 7:00 PM and was reported out at 7:21 PM.
Fire crews were cleared from the scene around 8:50 PM.
It was reported to FNN that both the garage and house were a total loss. The American Red Cross was notified as three adults were said to have lost their home.
According to records, the 58-year-old home was owned by Rebecca Coolidge.
A GoFundMe link has been set up to help those who lost everything in this fire by Andrew Lee. Anyone wishing to assist can click on the following link to make a donation of any amount;
James T. Lechiara, 68, of 117 Oakwood Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away Friday, February 3, 2023, with his loving wife by his side at his home.
Born September 23, 1954, in Olean NY, he was a son of the late Thomas J. and Mary (Songer) Lechiara.
Jim was a 1972 graduate of Bradford High School. On January 26, 1973 he enlisted in the United States Army, and he served in Neckarsulm Germany. Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation with 1st One Oak Leaf Cluster. He was honorably discharged on December 11, 1978.
On October 23, 1999, in Farmers Valley, he married Betty L. Lechiara who survives.
Jim was employed as a Forklift Operator at Bush Industries for many years.
He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 108, of Bradford.
Surviving in addition to his wife Betty, of 23 years, are five daughters, Sherry Bradfield, of Warren OH, Menda Gray, of Bradford, Susie Driver, of Warren OH, Gidget Stone, of Pittsburgh, Tanya Graves, of Bradford, three sons, Chad Graves, of Bradford, Paul Graves, of LIttle Valley NY, and James Graves, of Bradford, 22 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three sisters, Corinda Panigatti, of DuBois, Marjorie Kroah, of Bradford, and Brenda Allen, of DuBois, and one brother, John Lechiara, of DuBois. and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Mary “Tea Cup” Nuzzo.
Family will receive friends on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main Street, at 1 pm funeral services will be held with Rev. Ronnie Sampson, retired pastor of the Fresh Fire Outreach Church in Union City, officiating, followed by Military Honors at McKean Memorial Park Cemetery, by members of the United States Army and the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the family and mailed to 117 Oakwood Avenue, Bradford PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
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.
This week’s Penn College Sports Update 25 contains news about former Port Allegany High student Rosey Thomas.
3 Penn College teams post wins, 3 esports teams ready to start
Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers posted a 3-0 week and the women’s and men’s basketball teams both picked up victories last week, while three esports teams are set to get into action this week.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (February 6) – During a meeting of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Boating Advisory Board today, members urged boaters to abide by the cold weather life jacket requirement, especially during the recurring “freeze-thaw” cycle happening across Pennsylvania.
This is the period, common during late winter, where air temperatures become warmer during the day, but water temperatures remain frigid. During these changes in weather conditions, boating activity increases, but many boaters, especially new boaters, do not realize the danger presented by cold water.
In January, the PFBC announced that the annual Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement, which was enacted in 2012, has resulted in fewer boating incidents that resulted in fatalities over its first decade in effect. Under the requirement, all boaters on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard, must wear a life jacket from November 1 through April 30. Boating accident data has revealed that while the number of boating accidents during the cold weather months has remained comparable over the 10-year period, fatalities during the cold weather months have been reduced by approximately 50%.
Ahead of the 2023 State of the Union address, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today highlighted the ways the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on its promises to build a better America and rebuild the backbone of the country, the middle class.
“At USDA, we understand that rural communities are strong, and we are proud to help keep rural people healthy, kids educated, and local entrepreneurs powered and connected through assistance tailored specifically for the people of rural America,” Torres Small said. “By championing the vision of rural leaders, we help drive the kind of economic security, innovation and prosperity that impacts our entire nation. Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA remains committed to supporting opportunities for rural people to build brighter futures, because we know when rural people thrive, America thrives.”
Here is a look at USDA Rural Development’s actions in 2022 to rebuild our economy and rural communities, minimize impacts of climate change, create good-paying jobs for American workers, and invest in our families.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/30/2023 to FRONTIER NATURAL RESOURCES in West Keating Twp, Clinton county. 78a91(a) – PLUGGING – GENERAL PROVISIONS – Upon abandoning a well, the owner or operator failed to plug the well to stop the vertical flow of fluids or gas within the well bore under § 3221 of the 2012 Oil & Gas Act, 25 Pa. Code §§ 78a.92—78a.98 or an approved alternate method.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/30/2023 to FRONTIER NATURAL RESOURCES in West Keating Twp, Clinton county. OGA3220(A) – PLUGGING REQUIREMENTS – Failure to plug the well upon abandoning it.
