Lawn Mower Stolen In Keating Twp.
June 2023
Diana Joan FISHER, 75, of Wellsville, NY
Diana Joan FISHER, 75, of Wellsville, NY, died Saturday, June 3, 2023 in her home. Born November 20, 1947, in Olean, she was the daughter of Albert L. and Stella T. Zapel Burdick. Diana was an artist and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family.
Surviving are: three sons, Todd (Sherry) Fisher of Wellsville, James (Tara) Fisher of Wellsville, and Dean Fisher of Rochester; five grandchildren, Jessica Fisher, Brianna Fisher, Brittany Mesler, Dalton Fisher, and Justin Fisher; a great-grandson, Callen Reed; three step-children, Jonathon Armstrong, Lori Dandride, and Tracy Ahrens, all of Wellsville; two sisters, Gail Cangialosi of Rochester and Betsy Eade of Florida; two brothers, Albert Burdick, Jr of Michigan and Stephen (Gloria) Burdick of Rochester; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; former husband, Leslie D. Fisher; and her significant other of over 20 years, John Armstrong.
Services will be private. Memorials may be made to SPCA serving Allegany County. Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Connie R. Sikes, 74, of Shinglehouse, PA.
Connie R. Sikes
Connie R. Sikes, 74, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Connie, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
James R. Sortore, 93, of Bradford, PA
James R. Sortore, 93, of Bradford, PA passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
He was born on October 27, 1929 in Bradford, a son of the late Raymond and Mary (Smith) Sortore.
James attended the Bradford Area High School; graduating in 1947. He went to work for the former Kendall Witco Refinery in 1947 as a laboratory technician until his retirement in 1995. He then worked throughout the years after his retirement as a part-time consultant for the laboratory at the refinery until 2007.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean war from 1949 until his honorable discharge in 1950.
James was actively involved in the SPEBQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America) and sang baritone in several quartets throughout the years in Bradford, Olean, Saint Marys and Coudersport. James a talented artist and created the backdrops and scenery for the annual Barbershop Quartet and Chorus shows in Olean for many years. He was also a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Bradford; where he was active in the chorus.
He is survived by one son, William Sortore and his wife Christine (Fox) Sortore of Bradford; one grandson, Tyler Sortore of Bradford and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond Sortore, Allen Sortore and Glenn Sortore and one sister, Virginia Von Carlowitz.
A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.
Burial will be in the Duke Center Cemetery, Duke Center.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.
PA House Democrats Pushing Proposals to Raise Taxes on Every Pennsylvanian, Cutler Says
HARRISBURG – House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said Wednesday that Pennsylvania’s House Democrats have used their one seat majority this week to push multiple tax increases that will impact every Pennsylvanian.
In House Bill 611, the budget put forward by House Democratic leadership and supported solely by Democrat votes, House Democrats embraced a tax on Pennsylvanians when they heat and cool their homes and turn on the lights.
In House Bill 181, which Democrats pushed through the House Labor and Industry Committee, House Democrats voted for a tax on every working Pennsylvanian to socialize paid leave in an unaccountable bureaucracy primed for potential fraud and abuse in the same agency that mismanaged Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation system.
“Try as they might with a smoke-and-mirrors approach to legislating, but House Democrats this week worked to make it less affordable to live in Pennsylvania by raising taxes and costs on every Pennsylvanian multiple times,” Cutler said. “From their bloated budget that gives state government a raise to their continued quest to have taxpayers pay people more to not work or work less, it is clear Pennsylvania’s House Democrats have embraced the tax-and-spend policies of their predecessors and the policy ideas of the ultra-progressive left wing of their party both here and in Washington, D.C.”
Cutler noted Pennsylvania’s House Republicans, by contrast, have continued to work within the cornerstones of The Keystone Commitment and have supported and driven policies that create a thriving economy, affordable living, safe communities, and a child-first, family-focused educational experience.
“As Pennsylvanians continue to struggle to make ends meet and grapple with record inflation, House Republicans will stand against Democrat-driven tax increases and work to increase affordability,” Cutler said. “So far this session, we have put forward commonsense proposals supported by the majority of Pennsylvania. It is an example the House Democrats’ ‘humble majority’ should follow.”
Child Died in ATA Bus/Bicycle Accident in Bradford
At 5:15 PM on Wednesday, Bradford Fire & EMS have been dispatched to Pleasant Street & North Center Street for an ATA bus/bicycle accident. A child died in this accident.
Ronald D. Mix, 90, of Belfast, NY
Ronald D. Mix, 90, of Belfast, NY passed away Sunday (June 4) in The Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born in Eldred on July 22, 1932, the son of the late Herbert and Ester (Stall) Mix.
Ron attended the Mt. Jewett School where he graduated in 1951. During his schooling he was a cheerleader for the Mt. Jewett Magicians. Ron was the schools only male to earn a varsity letter and jacket in cheerleading. He then served in the US Army during the Korean War, being deployed to Germany. After being honorably discharged, he attended St. Bonaventure where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business education. From there he taught for ten years in the Belfast School system.
Ron’s next journey became his life’s passion, owning and running the Belfast Hotel. It was his pride and joy for over 40 years. He loved the public and was a devoted generous soul, always there to help his community. His love of the public was second only to his love of his family. He always checked on everyone to make sure all was okay. He had an amazing ability to recall everyone’s special dates, whether it be a birthday or anniversary.
He was a member of the Mt. Jewett Legion American Legion Post 574, the VFW Post 6347 and a member of the Lions Club in Belfast, NY.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard who was killed in action during WWII, Herbert “Pete” and Wendell “Bill” Mix; a nephew, Robert Mix and a great nephew Robert “Mike” Mix.
He leaves behind three nephews and six nieces, one that was extra special to him, his goddaughter, Cathy. He is also survived by 3 cousins, 10 great nephews, 5 great nieces, 8 great-great nephews, 14 great-great nieces, 2 great-great-great nephews and 5 great-great-great nieces.
Friends are invited to attend visitations at the Cummings Funeral Home in Kane on Thursday (June 8) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and also on Friday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. A memorial service will take place on Friday (June 9) at Noon at the Mt. Jewett United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Beverly Spore officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the McKean County SPCA, 80 Glenwood Ave, Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
Allyson Nicole Auge, 36, of 6710 Oyler Avenue, Kill Buck, NY
Allyson Nicole Auge, 36, of 6710 Oyler Avenue, Kill Buck, NY, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at her residence.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Coudersport Dispatched For Crash on Dividing Ridge Road
At 2:48 PM on Wednesday, Coudersport Fire & EMS have been dispatched to 2048 Dividing Ridge Road for a 2 vehicle crash. SECOND CALLER REPORTS NO INJURIES BUT POSSIBLE CONFINEMENT.
Shinglehouse Ambulance to North Union Street
At 12:45 PM on Wednesday, Shinglehouse ambulance has been called to North Union Street for difficulty breathing.
Patricia Ann (Kerr) Watkins, age 74, of Horseheads, NY
Patricia Ann (Kerr) Watkins, age 74, of Horseheads, NY, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
She was born on December 21, 1948 in Indianapolis, IN a daughter of the late Raymond and Barbara (Mortensen) Kerr and was the wife of the late John W. Watkins, Sr.
Patricia was a home economics teacher for most of her life and was very active in her church. She loved sewing, wintering at her “cottage” in Florida, decorating and celebrating the holidays and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her son: John (Kerri) Watkins, of Churchville, NY, daughter: Anne (Chris) Fenton of Horseheads, NY, sister: Sue (Bill) Niles of Wellsboro, PA, brother-in-law: Bob Watkins of Watkins Glen, NY, and four grandchildren: Ben, Andrew, Katie, and Maggie.
She was predeceased by a brother: Richard Kerr.
A graveside service will be held at the West Branch Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA, on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 11:00 am.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
Emmagean A. Corbin, 95, Eldred, PA
Emmagean A. Corbin, a lifelong resident of Eldred, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (June 6, 2023).
Born Feb. 8, 1928, she was the daughter of Howard and Olive Semelsberger Weakland. On Sept. 30, 1950, she married Kenneth Corbin, who predeceased her on Feb. 10, 1989.
Mrs. Corbin worked for over 40 years for the former American Olean Tile Company. She enjoyed traveling, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, and sudoku puzzles.
She is survived by; one daughter, Kay (Kristen Thomson) Corbin of Eldred; several nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Lisa Folts of Olean, N.Y.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Corben was predeceased by her three brothers, Howard Weakland, Paul Weakland, and Conrad Weakland; and one sister, Sylvia Russell.
Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean on Monday (June 12, 2023) from 10 a.m. to noon. Funeral services will begin at noon in the funeral home. Burial will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville, N.Y.
If desired, memorials may be made to your local SPCA or the American Heart Association, heart.org.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.
Unhealthy (RED) Air Quality Health Advisory for Allegany County
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Allegany County is listed at 180, which is considered unhealthy. The contaminant of concern is smoke and particles due to wildfires in Canada.
How does this effect my health?
Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Scientific studies suggest that long term exposure to fine particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. People with breathing and heart problems, children, and the elderly may be particularly sensitive.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
- Wearing a well fitted N95 or KN95 mask offers the best protection. Surgical masks may be used as well for use in outdoor activities.
Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
To view the current Air Quality in your Zip Code please visitwww.airnow.gov for an interactive map. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at: 585-268-9250.
Shapiro Administration Streamlines Real ID Process, Expanding Acceptable Documents for Proof of Social Security Number
The Administration continues to work to improve customer experience and make Commonwealth services more accessible
Harrisburg, PA – In keeping with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to serve Pennsylvanians more effectively and efficiently, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that the requirement for proof of Social Security Number for REAL ID products will expand to include additional documents. Per federal regulations, customers wishing to obtain a REAL ID product must present proof of Social Security Number. PennDOT is now expanding acceptable options beyond a Social Security Card.
PennDOT now accepts the following documents as proofs of Social Security Number:
· A Social Security Card;
· A W-2 form;
· A SSA-1099 form;
· A non-SSA-1099 form; or
· A pay stub with the applicant’s name and full Social Security Number on it.
“Governor Shapiro has made it clear that the Commonwealth should help people succeed, not get in the way. Under his direction, PennDOT is working to make our services more streamlined and effective for the people of Pennsylvania,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “Obtaining a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID card is optional in Pennsylvania, but we want the process to be as convenient as possible while still following federal regulations. We have confirmed that accepting these additional documents does not compromise the security or integrity of the REAL ID program.”
Exploring Careers in Healthcare
The Education Council is pleased to partner with UPMC Cole to provide a healthcare exploration experience for students. Healthcare explorers will spend three days at UPMC Cole running through medical simulations and health science career observation. The other two days will be spent at the Education Council’s Coudersport office, being introduced to common medical terminology and the human body through games, hands-on activities, and learning about the opportunities for healthcare career preparation. Transportation and lunch are provided.
This camp, taught by Lana Barth, CTC Health Assistance Instructor, is for students entering grades 7– 9. It is scheduled for Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 21, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Camp minimum is 6 and camp maximum is 12. The registration deadline is July 5th, so register today! Visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 545-1333.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
1052 PM EDT Tue Jun 6 2023
…SMOKE TO AFFECT CENTRAL PA THROUGH WEDNESDAY…
Smoke from wildires over Ontario and Quebec will continue to drift
south into Pennsylvania through Wednesday. According to the
Environmental Protection Agency, sensitive groups, including
those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and
pregnant people should consider taking steps to reduce exposure.
This includes avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, keeping
outdoor activities short and consider moving physical activities
indoors or rescheduling them. Go indoors if you have symptoms.
For more information please visit: airnow.gov
Air Quality Alert Message
Relayed by National Weather Service State College PA
930 AM EDT Wed Jun 7 2023
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 7…
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a
Code RED Air Quality Alert for all of Central Pennsylvania due to
widespread smoke impacting the state from forest fires across eastern
Canada.
A Code RED Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations
within the region are unhealthy, and the general public may
experience mild health effects. Members of sensitive groups may
experience more serious health effects. The effects of air pollution
can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles, visit
www.airnow.gov.
RXR/BCL/ART
Hay Bale Fire Rekindles In Annin Twp
On June 6 at 10:47 pm. Port Allegany Fire Dept. was dispatched to 91 Sun Valley Rd. for a rekindle of a hay bale fire from last night
Meet Remote Workers
Wilds are Working project bringing six families to Cameron County during the month of July. Kathleen McGuire works with 2-3 clients at a time as a geologist focusing on subsurface oil and gas development. Her passion is cycling. From mountain biking to gravel and road cycling Kathleen enjoys the view from the bike seat.
She has called home cities across the United States including Los Angeles, Houston, and Oklahoma City. Now she wants to reconnect with her roots and enjoy the abundance of state forest and parks. Working remotely allows her to get to know Cameron County and see if living in a small town is the right fit for her.
A committee operating under the direction of the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce had the task of sifting through 41 applications for the PA Wilds Remote Working project. “The committee focused on those ready to relocate and seeking the opportunity to leave big box stores and strip malls behind,” says chamber director Tina Solak.