Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel on Interstate 80 westbound and eastbound in Liberty Township, Montour County, are advised of rolling roadblocks that will take place this weekend between exit 215 (Route 254 / Limestoneville) and exit 224 (Route 54 / Danville).
On Sunday, March 5, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the contractor, MJ Electric, will be slowing traffic while performing utility work over the Interstate 80 westbound and eastbound lanes near mile marker 218, located 3 miles east of exit 215 (Route 254 / Limestoneville).
The contractor will be slowing traffic for approximately 15 minutes at a time. These traffic delays will be random throughout the day while work is being performed.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays, and drive with caution.
Bradford, PA — The United Way of the Bradford Area has awarded the first round of 2023 Quarterly Impact funding. This funding stream is available quarterly throughout the year.
The agencies receiving the first quarter funding are; Bradford Landmark Society, CARE for Children, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and McKean County Special Olympics.
Innovation and Impact funds are available to qualifying 501 ( c ) 3 organizations in Bradford, Smethport and Port Allegany. Impact applications are capped at $1,500.00 per request and are subject to the availability of funds. An announcement will be made on April 1st for the submission of applications for the second quarter. If you have questions regarding Innovation and Impact funding through the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc., please call the office at 814-368-6181 or email us at admin@uwbanews.org. Information regarding lines of funding is also available on our website at www.uwbanews.org.
Levi Culver (12th grade, PASD), Lane Crawford (10th grade, PASD), and Kristopher Herbert (12th grade, PASD) students in Mr. Bryant’s Networking and Security shop at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center, recently earned their PC Pro Certification. Levi and Kristopher also earned their Network Pro certifications in 2022.
The certificates each come with a $1000 employment guarantee ensuring the examined skills are workforce-ready. For more information on the Networking and Security program, feel free to contact Mr. Bryant at bbryant@iu9ctc.org or (814) 642-2573. For more information on the benefits of the industry certifications, go tohttps://w3.testout.com/certification/certhome.
Shawn D. Whitsell, 51, of Slack Hollow, Eldred, PA passed away on Sunday (Feb. 26, 2023) at the Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.
Born on Jan. 4th, 1972, he was the son of Robert and Bonnie Smith Whitsell. On June 02, 2018, at the Duke Center United Methodist Church, he married his wife Marsha Blessing Whitsell, who survives.
Shawn was a 1990 graduate of the Otto-Eldred High School, and then went on to become a mechanic and handyman, he could fix anything. He loved hunting fishing, boating, driving race cars, working in the garage and fixing things for his friends and family. Shawn loved spending time with his wife and his many pets, and he especially loved his favorite dog Ms. Magoo.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his parents, Robert and Bonnie Whitsell of Eldred; one son, Christopher Maluchnik; one daughter, Heidi (Ronnie Ohlsson) Elliot; two brothers, Jason (Jhel) Whitsell, and Robin (Rachel) Whitsell; one granddaughter, Sophia Benson; two nephews, TJ and John, and one niece, Morgan.
Preceding him in death is one son, Edward Maluchnik in 2019.
Friends and family are invited to attend visitation held on Thursday (March 2, 2023) at the Duke Center United Methodist Church from 4 to 6 p.m., at which time funeral services will be held immediately following at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Beth Rossler, pastor of the church, officiating.
Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center has recognized Cayden Black, a 3rd year senior from Oswayo Valley High School, as the student of the week .
Cayden is part of the Building Construction Occupations program and has exhibited a remarkable understanding of the content and skills in both the classroom and shop.
Cayden has the ability to engage in meaningful conversations, demonstrating his expertise in the subject matter. Cayden's performance in the program has earned him this recognition from the school.
In addition to his academic achievements, Cayden is also a talented athlete, participating in sports in his home school. Recently, he scored his 900th point in basketball, which is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He lives at home with his parents Troy and Angel and older brother Garren.
Looking ahead, Cayden has set his sights on attending lineman school in Georgia, where he will learn to work on electric lines. With his passion for learning and his commitment to excellence, Cayden is sure to achieve great success in his future endeavors.
The Building Construction Occupations program at Seneca Highlands CTC congratulates Cayden on his outstanding achievements and wishes him all the best in his future pursuits.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a crack sealing project will continue next week along state routes in Lycoming and Tioga Counties.
Lycoming County
On Sunday, March 5 through Saturday, March 11, the contractor, Kriger Construction, will be performing crack sealing on the following roadways between the nighttime hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Interstate 180 and Route 15 ramps at the following locations: Route 15, Third Street, Maynard Street, Foy Avenue, Fourth Street, and Reach Road.
Tioga County
On Sunday, March 5 through Saturday, March 11, the contractor will be crack sealing on the following roadways during the daytime hours of 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and nighttime hours of 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Route 15 between Lycoming County line to the top of Bloss Mountain.
Route 15 between the Canoe Camp exit to the New York State Line.
Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed. Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution through the work zone.
Kriger Construction, is the primary contractor for this $772,600 crack sealing project.
Robert Charles Bair, MD, 103, of Wellsboro, PA passed away early Tuesday February 28, 2023, at home surrounded by family.
He was born January 14, 1920, in New Hope, PA, to Walter G. and Hazel (Horn) Bair. Dr. Bair graduated from New Hope High School in a class of 14 in 1938 from Franklin and Marshall College in 1947 and Jefferson Medical College in 1950.
His education was interrupted in 1942 when he served in the US Army during WWII in the South Pacific. This service included assaults on multiple islands.
Following his graduation from medical college, Dr. Bair married Grace Conrad, and they shared 45 years of marriage until her death in 1995. Together they raised five children. Dr. Bair was very generous in his community and served on the Board of Directors of the Northern Tier Children’s Home, Board of Directors of Human Services Agency, President of the Wellsboro Community Concert Association, President of the Wednesday Morning Musicales (briefly), and was the Chief of Surgery at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial hospital until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1955 and had been very faithful serving as an elder, and singing in the choir. He was deeply proud of his family and he enjoyed staying close with the generations as they matured. Dr. Bair and his wife mentored and encouraged youth in the community often helping them obtain a college education.
Dr. Bair is survived by two sons: Robert C. (Sharon) Bair, Jr. of Wellsboro, and William E. (Kim) Bair of Cambridge, MD; three daughters: Susan Grace (Karl) Korbett of Acworth, GA, Sally (Laurent) Pillard of Ponthierry, France, and Nancy Bair of Wellsboro; 14 grandchildren: Steven (Callie), Nathan (Sarah), Evan, Kristen, Amanda, Alexia, and Collin Bair, Kelsey, Caleb (Kelsey), and Nevin Korbett, Emma, Dorian, Anne and William Pillard; a great-grandchild: Cade Korbett; two sisters-in-law: Marion Bair of Pennsburg, PA, and Eleanor Conrad of Reading, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Walter and Earl Bair, and a sister: June Minschwaner.
Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Dr. Bair’s life from 2-4pm and 7-9pm Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA and from 1-2pm Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church of Wellsboro, 130 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA with a funeral to follow in church at 2pm. Burial will be in the Wellsboro Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, the Wellsboro Area Food Pantry, 36 Main St, Wellsboro, PA 16901, or Santa’s Caravan Heritage Presbyterian Church, 5323 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth, GA 30102. To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
John Curtis Bloomquist, 77, passed away Monday (February 27, 2023) at the Lutheran Home in Kane, where he was a resident for nearly 17 years.
John was a well-known artist throughout the area and a retired elementary art teacher. He taught at the South Street Elementary School in St. Mary’s for 34 years. John graduated from Kane Area High School in 1963. He then graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Pennsylvania State University (MA).
For nearly 40 years, John operated Bloomquist Studio in Kane where he could be found making pottery or paintings on a daily basis. Over the years, many people would find their way to his studio to watch him work. This included school groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, as well as, many of his friends. Often, inspiring young artists would spend time at his studio refining their craft, as would dozens of neighborhood children whose mothers would surely rather their children make a mess in John’s clay room than their living room. The more visitors the merrier for John. He loved the company and loved to entertain.
John would take his artwork to art shows throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. Over the years John won hundreds of awards and many “Best of Show” awards for his pottery, paintings, and sculptures. John was an inspiration for many local artists who he in turn admired for their artwork. While a resident in the Lutheran Home, John was a committee member for the annual Art in the Wilds art show held every year in Evergreen Park. In 2014, the Pennsylvania Senate awarded John with a Lifetime Achievement award as a master potter, art teacher, and advocate of artists.
Over the years, John was a member of community groups, such as the Kiwanis and the Kane Players. John was also a lifetime member of the Kane Elks Lodge.
In 1967, John helped prove the theory opposites attract when he married Cheryl Ann Holt, who survives. Cheri could be seen almost every day sitting by John’s side at the Lutheran Home. John was a loving husband and even a better father to his two kids, Jody (Libby) Bloomquist of Kane and Karin (Jason) Dickens of Greensboro, NC, who both survive. John was not only a great dad, but his kids had many friends who also enjoyed spending time with John throughout the years. At most events, even in his years at the Luther Home, John was known to be the life of the party.
John was preceded in death by his parents Seth and Catherine “Babe” Bloomquist who owned Bloomquist Grocery in Kane, where John learned his work ethic. John is survived by his brother Seth (Mary) Bloomquist of Kane, and sister Cathy Lebed of San Luis Obispo, CA. Also surviving are grandchildren Karson and Kylie Dickens, as well as, nine nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service which will take place at Cummings Funeral Home on Saturday (March 4) at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. David Pflieger officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.
Tionesta, Pa.: The Army Corps of Engineers at Tionesta Lake and Volunteers for the Ruffed Grouse Society plan the renewal of alder for wildlife over the next several years. Woodcock, ruffed grouse, warblers, rabbits, mice, voles, bobcats, and fox all use the habitat created by an alder thicket. As alder grows and gets too old, it starts to ‘lay down’ and roots will decay. But, a simple and proven wildlife habitat management technique of stump cutting will remove the older stems and put abundant sunlight back on the ground and cut stump, and cause the alder to put up abundant new growth. This new growth will provide habitat for many birds and small mammals over the nest thirty years after the stump cutting.
The alder renewal process involves volunteers working in teams of three. One person with all the required safety equipment will operate a chainsaw to cut stumps that are one to five inches in diameter. A second person piles brush and uses loppers to cut stumps less than one inch in size. A third volunteer piles brush. Alder will be cut within an area of 30 feet square adjacent to a user-created trail through the thicket. Boots, jackets, gloves, and hats will be required of volunteers. The Ruffed Grouse Society will furnish any needed equipment.
No special skills are needed by volunteers to help on this project – come on out and help pile cuttings to create brush piles for wildlife! If volunteers are willing to help on this project, please contact Jed Hamberger at jedhamberger@gmail.com because we need to know what kind and how many of tools to bring to support the volunteer effort.
Tentative dates planned for the alder renewal are two Saturdays, March 11 and April 1 in 2023. The meeting spot will be the parking lot of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church at 2048 German Hill Road, Tionesta, 16353. Volunteers should be at the parking lot by 10:00 a.m. and plan on two to three hours of work. We will caravan to the alder site from the parking lot. More dates will be planned in 2024, too. Please contact Jed if you want to help wildlife on this project, but cannot make the tentative dates, because we have a retired person willing to meet volunteers for a work day outside of a Saturday. Park staff and RGS Volunteers will be available to answer any questions.
Coudersport, PA. — Public and private pesticide applicators can get their recertification credits by attending an agronomic pesticide update workshop offered by Penn State Extension.
The update meeting will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 7th, at the Penn State Extension Office in Coudersport. It will feature details of the pest management decision-making process and will conclude at 9 pm with a discussion of safe, proper, and legal use of pesticides.
The Penn State Extension Agronomic Pesticide Update is a traditional Core (two credits) and Category (two credits) session for private pesticide applicators. However, any applicator may attend.
The cost of the two-hour course is $10. To register, visit https://extension.psu.edu/agronomic-pesticide-update or call 877-345-0691. Registration closes Monday, March 6th, but walk-ins are welcome if space allows.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
My name is Loren Fitzgerald and I am running for Commissioner in Potter County. In the coming months, I will be traveling around Potter County to share my vision and to solicit your feedback on how we transform Potter County to a place where our residents thrive personally and professionally. A little bit about who I am:
Potter County Native – I grew up near Cherry Springs and graduated from Austin Area School District. I joined the Air Force ten days after graduation and spent the next 20 years serving this great country. I retired from the Pentagon in 2006 and moved back to Potter County to raise my family.
Family Man – I met my beautiful wife Sharon while we were both serving in Berlin, Germany during the end of the cold war in the late 1980s. We have a daughter, Heather, and a son, John. Both graduated from Coudersport School District and subsequently followed in their parent’s footsteps by serving in the U.S Air Force.
Veteran – During my 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, I assumed leadership positions during every assignment. In addition to attending formal leadership academies, I honed my leadership skills leading large teams of joint service personnel and was responsible for managing multi-million dollar program budgets. During my last assignment at the Pentagon, I was responsible for the utilization, training, and funding of the 1000+ airmen in my career field.
Community Volunteer – I’ve always believed volunteer civil service is necessary for communities to function and excel. After returning to Potter County, I volunteered with several organizations including The Boys & Girls Club of Potter County, Trout Unlimited, and Project Healing Waters. I am a member of the Masonic Lodge, Consistory, and the American Legion. I was elected to the Coudersport Area School District Board of Directors where I served on the budget and negotiations committees. During my four years on the school board, I voted for STEM Labs and against wasteful spending and Common Core curriculum. In 2020, I was appointed to the Potter County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. As a leading voice on the board, I worked to put Authority-held properties back on the tax rolls. I’ve also served as the head coach for the State Champion Black Forest Falcons Youth Trap Team for the last six years. We currently have a record 54 youth shooters from Coudersport, Austin, Galeton, Northern Potter, and Emporium school districts, and 15 volunteer coaches. The Trap Team raises significant financial funding annually to ensure this program continues.
Local Business Owner – I am the co-owner of God’s Country Upland Preserve, LLC…a full service upland bird hunting preserve. I started the preserve four years ago and have turned the operation into a premier experience for upland bird hunters from Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
Potter County desperately needs proven leadership and fiscal management experience to lead our county out of negative population growth and declining career opportunities. We need to make certain our county employees feel valued and appreciated. We also need to spend responsibly and not create/staff unnecessary positions. These are just a few items that we need to address and I look forward to hearing from my fellow Potter County citizens. I respectfully ask for your support in the May 16th Primary to put my leadership and fiscal management skills to work for you!
A large portion of downtown Buffalo is blocked off as fire crews work to put out this fire happening right now on Main Street. We’ll have a live update at noon on @news4buffalopic.twitter.com/ITUhe4lNaQ
PFBC BOARD GIVES PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO PROPOSED FEE ADJUSTMENTS NECESSARY TO DELIVER QUALITY FISHING AND BOATING
HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 1) – During a special meeting held today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Board of Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a list of proposed fee adjustments for various fishing licenses and permits for the 2024 license year.
“Through these modest fee adjustments, we are keeping pace with the rising costs associated with maintaining vital infrastructure, services, and programs that anglers and boaters deserve and have come to expect,” said Robert BJ Small, PFBC President and District 6 Commissioner. “Our goal is to keep the prices of fishing licenses and permits as low as possible, while still being able to upgrade and invest in the equipment, staff, programs, and facilities, such as our fish hatcheries and hundreds of public access areas, that deliver quality recreation throughout the Commonwealth. Adjusting fees to match our business needs, when necessary, will ensure that Pennsylvania remains a destination for fishing and boating for a very long time.”
Under the proposal, the price of the most common fishing license and permits, a Resident Annual Fishing License, Trout Permit, and Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit, would increase by $2.50 each in 2024. Separate increases would be applied to other license and permit categories for non-residents, seniors, and tourists. If approved, revenues from these fee increases are expected to generate an estimated $2.9 million annually for the PFBC’s Fish Fund to support fishing related programs.
In accordance with Act 56 of 2020, which provided the PFBC with the authorization to set fees, the proposed fee adjustments must be given preliminary approval by the Board, be presented during a public hearing, and given final approval by the Board. Also, in accordance with Act 56, after final Board approval, the fee adjustments will be shared with the Pennsylvania House and Senate Game and Fisheries Committees for their review.
The date for the public hearing has yet to be established and is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
HARRISBURG, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced he is appointing Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis as the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The Shapiro-Davis Administration has made public safety a top priority, working to invest in the safety of our children, families, and neighbors.
At 10:09 AM on Wednesday, Shinglehouse Fire & EMS has been dispatched to a 2 vehicle crash at the intersection of South Mill Street/South Stevens Street near the Dollar General.
Timothy D. Snyder, 64, of Shawmut Road, died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at his residence.
On November 16, 1958, he was born the son of the late Harold and Amelia Walker Snyder.
Timothy was a loving and caring brother, uncle, and friend to many. He enjoyed spending his time talking on the phone and keeping up with every ones life.
Timothy is survived by 3 brothers: Donald and his wife Sherrie of Freeport, Delmar Snyder of Brockport, and Terry Snyder and his wife Yvette of Brackenridge, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 sisters: Joyce Bowser, Loraine Cousins, Arlene Detsch, and Donna in infancy.
Services will be held privately by the family.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Kersey, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Dr. Wm David Close, 77, of Bradford, died on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at his home.
David taught school in Southampton, NY, New York City and Brockport, NY. He also did substitute teaching in the Bradford School District. He taught several subjects; including history, physical education, developmental reading and special education. David also coached basketball, soccer and baseball.
While teaching in New York City, David coached with Bill Polian, who is now in the football hall of fame. David played rugby and semi-pro basketball while living in New York City. While in high school, David played several sports and was named to the district nine first team and the Big Thirty All Star team in basketball. David earned a Bachelor of Science at West Virginia University, a Master of Science at St. Bonaventure University and a Doctorate of Science in Cognitive Studies. He has also written several books including: Deadly Woods I, Deadly Woods II, Between Classes, Three Reading Plays for Children and several books of poetry, the latest being Provoking Pathways. David also created a local sports paper in Bradford called, “Around the Horn”.
David belonged to several clubs in Bradford and enjoyed reading, writing, walking, playing golf and having beers with his friends.
He is survived by one son, Arick (Erika) Close of Bradford; one daughter, Corrine Close of Greensboro, NC; one sister, Penny (Ron) Filler of Vero Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Mason and Alyson Close and Teagan Johnson and two nephews, Matt and Mark Filler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and June Close and his long-time companion, Joanie Lyons.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Klouw, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.
Burial will be in Limestone Cemetery, Limestone, NY.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be made to the Lt. John C. Roche Post 212 VFW, 94 Barbour St., Bradford, PA 16701 or the American Legion Post 108, 210 West Washington St., Bradford, PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
