Each year Pennsylvania VFW Posts have the opportunity to nominate individuals in their community for Public Safety Awards. Recognition is given to one FireFighter & one EMT.
Candidates must have demonstrated:
Recognition by their colleagues or those they serve. Consistent excellence in the performance of their duties. Consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.
This evening our Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Burgett was recognized as Firefighter of the Year & our Ambulance Chief Tracy Orlowski was recognized as EMT of the Year by the Austin Post 7810 VFW. The VFW Board members were present and Commander Dynda presented the awards.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars also selects a teacher from their community to receive the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Award.
Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award.
Recognized this evening by the Austin Post 7810 VFW as Teacher of the Year was Mrs. Angela Brewer of the Austin Area School District.
We congratulate Chief Burgett & Chief Orlowski on their awards and continued dedication to our company and community.
Also we send a big congratulations to Mrs. Brewer whose dedication to her profession has made a large impact on the kids in our community, including many of our responders!
At 5:27 PM on Monday, Emporium Firefighters have been dispatched to 497 Hillcrest Drive for a report of a house fire with heavy smoke showing.
Port Allegany Fire Dept. dispatched for RIT. St. Marys engine requested to scene. All occupants are out of the house. Advised there are oxygen tanks inside.
Engine company requested from Austin to cover Emporium station.
Clara J. Laskey, 73, of 89 East Main Street, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, at Bradford Manor.
Born December 12, 1949, in Springville, NY, she was a daughter of the late Earl M. and Nina V. (VanValkenburg) Fuller. She attended school in Springville NY.
On October 23, 2018, she married Howard Laskey who died in March of 2020.
Clara was employed in the health care field all her life, having worked at BRMC in the food service department, as a CNA in Olean and Allegany NY, at the Pavilion at BRMC and in Conshohocken.
Clara was a member of First Wesleyan Church, the Ladies Ministry, Encouragers, and Bible Study, and T.O.P.S.
Surviving is one daughter, Tammy (Christopher) Turner, of Allentown, one son, Robert Moore of Baxley GA, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother Morris Fuller.
Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at First Wesleyan Church, followed by funeral services 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 16, 2023, with Pastor Terri Niver, officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, in Abigton.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the First Wesleyan Church.
J Arland Wagner, age 87, of Middlebury Center, PA, passed away on Thursday, March 09, 2023. He was born on July 13, 1935 in Middlebury Center, PA, a son of the late Charles D. and Elizabeth (Elsenheimer) Wagner and was married for 64 years to Elaine Audrey (VanZile) Wagner.
A man of few words, his 64 year marriage spoke volumes of his never-ending devotion. Arland was a proud dairy farmer, managing his herd for more than 60 years. An avid outdoorsman, you could find Arland spending his spare time hunting and enjoying the outdoors. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and found great joy in spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife: Audrey Wagner, two daughters: Deborah Campbell and Melanie Love, both of Middlebury Center, PA, two sisters: Mary Ann Bachman, of Wellsboro, PA, Carol (Gene) Davis, of Dillsburg, PA, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
At 4:30 PM on Monday, St. Marys Fire & EMS have been dispatched to a 2 vehicle crash on Johnsonburg Road. One patient is reported to have a head injury.
Nancy I. Kness, 73, of Hazel Hurst, PA, passed away Friday (March 10, 2023) surrounded by her loving family.
She was born May 27, 1949 in Kane, the daughter of Joseph E. Suain, Jr. and Hazel I. Taylor-Irons. On April 22, 1967, in Bradford, she married Larry E. “Nutsy” Kness, who survives.
Nancy was a graduate of Smethport High School and had worked several part time jobs over the years while being a homemaker. She worked for the US Postal Service and Census Bureau while taking care of her family. Later, she began working for Helpmates and Evergreen Elm of Bradford because she enjoyed helping people. As a longtime member of the Hamlin Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. Nancy often served as a flagger and helped with Bingo.
Nancy truly lived her life to the fullest through simple pleasures and was gifted at storytelling. A friend to so many, she enjoyed chatting and spending time with her friends and family, sitting on her front porch enjoying a good thunderstorm, or reading a book. In fact, as a child, she read every book in her home. Her love of cooking brought many canned goods and preserves. There was always something freshly baked, whether it be homemade bread or cookies being pulled out of the oven. Making crafts with her grandchildren and sewing also brought her joy, as would a “good deal”. For a number of years, Nancy was a member of the “Goodwill Frequent Flyer Club” and a Tupperware Salesperson.
Nancy was so many precious things to her friends and family. Her family describes her as “our” rock and they will miss her dearly.
In addition to her husband, Larry, she is survived by three daughters: Renae I. (Dick) Johnston of TN, Bobbi S. (Edward) Nystrom of Erie, and Misty L. (Cory) Kness of Mt. Jewett.
Six grandchildren: Matthew (Cassie) Burt, Arthur Burt, Jonathan Kimble, Katelyn Kimble, Shelley Chapman and Amylia Jo Yasurek
Seven great grandchildren: Vata, Marcus, Rain, Harmony, Gideon, Lucian & Cameron and one great-great grandchild: Estella
One brother: Harold H. (Melissa E.) Suain of VA, and several nieces, nephews and step-siblings.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her niece Donna Suain-Giannattasio.
At Nancy’s request, there will be no visitation or services.
Family, friends and others whose lives Nancy touched are invited to donate to:
Fish n Kids Club, PO Box 97, Hazel Hurst PA 16733 or the Hamlin Twp. VFD Station 20, PO Box 104, Hazel Hurst PA 16733. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Michael A. Lukaschunis, 62, of Bradford and formerly of State Street, St. Marys, PA died on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York following an illness of the past few years.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete, and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Lorraine Ann Minor, of Coudersport, PA went home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Lorraine Ann Moore was born on May 13, 1926, in Bethpage, New York, to Ellsworth and Florence Moore. She was one of seven children.
On September 21, 1947, she married the love of her life David Minor. After the marriage, Lorraine accompanied David to Providence, Rhode Island, to attend seminary at the Zion Bible Institute. Upon completion of David’s education, they returned to Long Island, New York, to work in ministry with their good friends Joseph and Marjorie Crandall.
While living in New York, Lorraine gave birth to three children, Sharon, Karen, and David. In 1956, David and Lorraine moved to Potter County, Pennsylvania, to help establish a new church, the Gospel Tabernacle. After the move to Pennsylvania, Lorraine gave birth to three more children, Stephen, Timothy, and John.
During her life, Lorraine was employed as an administrative assistant for a private business in New York and then at the Gospel Tabernacle until her retirement. During her early years in Coudersport, she supervised the playground at Coudersport Elementary School where she was often found providing clothing and hugs for the children. She was also honored to be a foster parent.
Lorraine was known as a woman of integrity, humility, and compassion. Her acts of kindness were legendary. She was affectionately referred to as “Mother” because she was a mother figure to so many people. Even in her later years, Lorraine would often visit the local nursing homes, hospitals, and those who were homebound who had no visitors. She regularly purchased clothes and food for the less fortunate. Once you met Lorraine, you were no longer a stranger but a friend.
She did all her kind acts in secret and never sought recognition for herself. Her husband would often say that the Church they built together in Coudersport would not have existed but for Lorraine’s love and sacrifice for her family, the congregation, and the community. After Lorraine’s passing, many messages flooded in from across the country from people whose lives she had impacted.
Lorraine’s husband, Pastor David Minor, passed away in 2017, but she continued her personal ministry of compassion, and when she could no longer walk, she was often heard on the phone offering support, prayers, and encouragement from her bed. Many lost souls found their way to her bedside for counseling and prayer.
Lorraine is predeceased by her brothers Charlie (Mary) Moore and Buddy (Mary) Moore, and sisters Nellie (George) Linden and Lillian Moore, and her son Timothy (Barb) Minor.
She is survived by her brothers, Jay (Lore) Moore and George (Susan) Moore, sister Ruth (John) Sallade; her five children, Sharon (Larry) Richter, Karen (Tim) Knapp, David (Michelle) Minor Jr., Stephen (Marie) Minor and John (Gina) Minor; her 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Because Lorraine had a way of making each of her children and grandchildren feel special, they all felt that they were her favorite.
Lorraine joins her husband, David, of 71 years, her son, her parents, siblings, and friends in heaven. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Our lives were enriched because of you.
Public viewing will occur on Saturday March 18, 2023, at the Gospel Tabernacle Church, 420 US Route 6 West, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service.
The family has entrusted Lorraine’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East Street, Coudersport, PA 16915. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Ruby A. Stahl, 69, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, after a short illness.
Born on Tuesday, June 23, 1953 in Port Allegany, she was a daughter of Woodrow and Norma Murray Lentz. On August 11, 1990 in Emporium, she married Alfred “Al” Stahl, who survives.
Ruby attended Austin Area High School. She was employed by Emporium Specialties in Austin for 29 years as a machine operator and inspector. She was later employed by the Austin Area School in the janitorial department and the cafeteria until her retirement in 2018.
Ruby was a member of the Austin United Methodist Church. She was also a very active life member of the Austin Volunteer Fire Department, an active member of the Austin Pride Committee, a life member of the VFW Auxiliary 7810 in Austin, and a member of the Crazy Ladies Get Together Club.
Ruby had many hobbies which she thoroughly enjoyed, including plastic canvas and crocheting. Each Christmas she was a part of the annual craft bazaar at the Austin School.. She enjoyed playing Bingo. Her greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 32 years; a son, Alfred Q. “Alfie” Stahl of Emporium; twin grandchildren, Addyson Carpin and Grayson Carpin; a sister, Patty (Jack) Payne of Port Allegany; several nieces and nephews, including her grandniece, Carrie R. Zawatski, whom Ruby considered like a granddaughter; and a brother-in-law, Arthur Moate of Port Allegany.
In addition to her parents, Ruby was predeceased by a sister, Sarah Moate.
Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Austin United Methodist Church, Turner Street, Austin, where a Celebration of Life will follow at 1pm in the church with Pastor Todd Lamer, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ruby’s name may be made to Austin Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720 or to the Austin Pride Committee, c/o Joseph Pennypacker, 28 Reading Street, Austin, PA 16720.
Ruby’s family has entrusted her care 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 Ruby, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Harrisburg, PA – Ahead of winter weather and cold temperatures across much of the state on today and tomorrow, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the PA Turnpike Commission (PTC) are reminding motorists to exercise caution while traveling Additionally, the agencies is planning to implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.
PennDOT and PTC crews are actively pre-treating roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm. However, salt is not a silver bullet, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. While the below restrictions are planned to begin at the times listed below, timing may shift earlier or later depending on weather conditions.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/10/2023 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Tuscarora Twp, Bradford county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP.
Winter Weather Advisory issued March 13 at 4:01AM EDT until March 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo
DESCRIPTION: …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TUESDAY TO 8 AM EDT WEDNESDAY… * WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE…Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, and Allegany counties. * WHEN…From 6 AM Tuesday to 8 AM EDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS…Travel will be difficult at times with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving. Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Gervase James, ‘Jerry’, Wortman passed away on Saturday, March 11, in the loving care of his family, after a long and courageous battle with COPD. He was 82 years-old.
Born and raised in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, on February 4, 1941, Jerry was the son of Gervase and Ella Hribar Wortman, and the grandson of Bernard and Mary Wortman and Anton and Mary Hribar. For over 57 years, he was married to the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Wortman, daughter of Ulmar and Frances Fritz, also of Saint Marys. Jerry and Ann moved to Warren in 1967, where they raised their family.
Nick S. Tomassoni, 87, of Warren, PA passed away on Friday March 10, 2023, in St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, PA.
He was born in Warren, PA, on December 18, 1935, the son of the late Tomasso and Victoria Brindis Tomassoni. Nick was a Warren resident his entire life. He graduated from Warren High School and was of the catholic faith. Nick was a self-employed accountant. He was general manager for Warren Car Co. for 27 years, President of the Warren Credit Union, and the manager for 10 years. Nick also was the Treasurer for St. Joseph R.C. Church for 14 years. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 964 of Warren. Nick spent time volunteering for Prison Ministry, taught CCD for 24 years, and was President of the Warren Little League for 18 years.
He is survived by his children; Nick Munger of Albuquerque, NM, Renee Brown and husband Tim of Russell, PA, Paul Tomassoni and wife Debbie of Centreville, MD, Maria Munksgard and her companion John Daley of Warren, PA, and Nicholas Tomassoni and wife Brittany of Warren; grandchildren Kelsey Munger, Sarah Rosenquist, Erin Tomassoni, Brenan Tomassoni, Alexis Munksgard, Ryan Munksgard, Morgan Munksgard, Maddox Tomassoni, and Maycon Tomassoni.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Nick Tomassoni, Anthony Tomassoni, Charles Tomassone, Frances Baczkowski, Mary Weidner, Rose Tomassoni, and Anna Jean McNitt.
Friends may call at the Holy Redeemer R.C. Church Gathering Space on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am with the Rev. Richard Tomassone, pastor of St. Joseph R.C. Church, and Rev. Thomas Suppa, concelebrating. Burial will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Warren, PA.
The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA is handling the funeral arrangements. Those wishing to place memorial may do so through St. Jude’s Hospital www.stjude.org or the Covenant House www.covenanthouse.org. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
