Weather related on I-86 & I-90 both directions west of NY State Line/ PA State Line, entire length within the state of Pennsylvania (Mina) All lanes open .
In response to the forecasted weather, Penn DOT advises the following vehicles are not permitted: Tractors without trailers; Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed, trailers, open trailers or tank trailers; Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers; Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs); Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV; Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers; Recreational vehicles/motorhomes; School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches, regardless of the availability of trains or ATDs; and Motorcycles.
High Wind Warning issued January 12 at 3:31 PM EST until January 14 at 4:00 AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Southeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph early this evening and tonight, becoming southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph Saturday and Saturday night.
* WHERE…Wyoming, Livingston, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Southern Erie counties.
* WHEN…Until 4 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
INSTRUCTIONS: People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.
Socrates “Sam” Tsepelis, III, 54, of South Avenue, Custer City, PA passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in Bradford.
Born December 15, 1969, in Bradford, he was the only son to the late Socrates and Patricia (Mesler) Tsepelis, Jr. He was a 1988 graduate of Bradford High School.
David W. Randall Sr., 74, of Gross Road, Cuba, NY passed away on January 11, 2024, at Olean General Hospital from natural causes, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
David was born on April 21, 1948, in Olean, and was the son of Walter Jewitt and Katherine McCall Randall. On December 14, 1968, he married Brenda Bish Randall who predeceased him on June 26, 2008. On November 11, 2012, David married Jodi Lynn Neal Garrison, who survives.
David served in the US Air Force from 1967 to 1989. After which he worked numerous jobs including the United States Post Office in Cuba, AT&T, BOCES as a night Tech Teacher, the Olean Times Herald, Pristol Life, Potter Lumber, and Crown Y-Cuba. David was also a member of the Sandy Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Norton Chambers American Legion Post 1434 in Hinsdale, and the Allegany County Vietnam Veterans Organization of Alma and attended North Park Wesleyan Church of Cuba.
Mark L. Dexter, 65, of County Road 18, Alma, NY passed away at home on Thursday, January 11, 2024, following an illness surrounded by his loving family.
Mark was born on September 14, 1957, in Jamestown and was the son of Theodore and Martha Fischer Dexter. On November 1, 1980, in Alma, he married his loving wife, Brenda J. Heap, who survives.
Mark worked as a dairy farmer in Randolph. He won many awards as a showman in the New York State Fair in Syracuse. He then worked for a number of factories before going to work for the Portville Forest Products and then PA Pellet Company where he retired from in 2013. Mark enjoyed camping and watching football.
Beside his loving wife Brenda, Mark is survived by his children: Tracy (Jeremy) Barney of Shinglehouse, Patrick Maine of Roulette, PA., Ryan (Nikki) Dexter of Alma, Shannon (Zachary) VanKeuren of Hopkinsville, Miyan Dexter and Syrena Nielson both of Bennington, VT., a daughter in law, Teresa Dexter of Austin, PA, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings: Louise (Kevin) Duntly of South Dayton, Chauncey (Barb) Dexter of Salamaca, Timmy (Sheila) Dexter and Amanda (Bill) Purdy both of Randolph, and Michelle Dexter of Gowanda.
Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:00am at which time Rev. Tim R. Taylor, Pastor of Crosstown Alliance Church in Shinglehouse will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com
Audrey Ann Deegan, 88, of Allegany, formerly of Smethport, PA passed away Thursday (January 11, 2024) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
She was born July 9, 1935 in Erie, the daughter of Bernard Bargielski and Jean Brzezicki. On August 30, 1958, in St. Casmir’s Catholic Church, Erie, PA, she married Raymond Edward Deegan, who died December 29, 2018.
Audrey was a graduate of Villa Maria Academy of Erie, PA. She attended Pittsburgh’s Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her registered nurse certification.
She was a registered nurse at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport for many years.
Shirley Ann Raught, 85, of Smethport, PA died Wednesday (January 10, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
She was born July 1, 1938 in Bryan, PA, the daughter of Parks and Blanche (Tonkin) Hall. On January 20, 1957, in Mt. Jewett, PA, she married Richard Allen Raught, who died February 9, 2018.
Shirley was 1957 graduate of Kane High School. She was the secretary for Hamlin Township for 45 years before retiring.
Shirley was a life member of the Hamlin Twp. Fire Department and was a huge NASCAR fan. She loved playing Bingo and traveling to the Casino. She was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Port Allegany – Helen E. Tronetti, 83, of Smethport, PA passed away Friday (January 12, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary
Duane E. Wallace, of Cuba and formerly of Friendship, NY, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit after a brief illness.
Born on April 23, 1951, in Wellsville, he was the son of Lew and Leona Kuhn Wallace. On April 24, 1996, in Cuba, he married Vicki D. Winchell and they shared 28 years of marriage.
Duane was a graduate of Friendship High School class of 1969 and started driving a truck for Olean Wholesale Grocery CO-OP in July 1979 until he retired in July 2018. After retirement, he couldn’t sit still and went back to work at the Valero car wash in Cuba NY to keep himself busy.
Duane loved driving the “Big Truck” and talking to the people he met on his route or at the warehouse. He spent his free time buying cars at the auction with friends, fishing with family, watching the Winston Cup races, and traveling to Martinsville Speedway, Coca-Cola 600, Watkins Glen, and Dover. He was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan, loved his family, and ensured the little ones paid attention or got the “boot”.
Nancie R. Anderson, 72, of 6624 Ridgway-Johnsonburg Road, Johnsonburg, PA passed away Wednesday morning, January 10, 2024, at her residence following a brief illness.
She was born in St. Marys, on January 13, 1951, daughter to the late Albert and Margaret Seeley Sarginger. On December 9, 1972, in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, she married David G. Anderson and he survives.
Nancie grew up in St. Marys and was a 1968 graduate of Elk County Christian High School. She was also a 1972 graduate of Clarion State College with a BS in Business. She was a member of Holy Rosary Church, the Red Hats, Women Who Care and the Johnsonburg Library Book Club. She was an avid reader, she loved her flower gardens, decorating for holidays and traveling around the country.
Nancie had retired from Keystone Trucking of Ridgway in 2008 after 15 years of service.
Dale Neilson, 58, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath, NY, after a brief illness.
He was born June 6, 1965 in Cuba, NY to Raymond and Dorothy Neilson. Dale was a 1984 graduate of Cuba Central School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and was honorably discharged three years later. During that time, he was stationed all over the world and had many great stories to share. He was very proud of his military service.
Dale would tell you himself that he was a jack of all trades and master of none. He held several jobs but had to quit working due to health issues.
In 2012, he was robbed and severely beaten. After a long road of recovery, it was determined that Dale could no longer live on his own and spent his last remaining years at the Corning and Bath Arbor group homes. Many thanks go out to the staff at both homes for their dedication and kindness. It will not be forgotten. Also, a huge thank you goes out to the residents that were truly considered family by Dale. He loved them all.
(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania; January 12, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the North Versailles, Pennsylvania man who fired a gun toward a bartender in Smethport has been sentenced to state prison.
During a sentencing hearing on January 11, 2024 at the McKean County Courthouse, Brian James BORRASSO, was sentenced for Aggravated Assault (Deadly Weapon Used) – Felony 1; Discharge of Weapon Into Occupied Structure – Felony 3; 3 counts Criminal Mischief – Felony 3; DUI (crash with damage and/or injury) – Misdemeanor; 5 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person- Misdemeanor 2; and Theft – Misdemeanor 3.
The complaint filed against BORRASSO states that officers were dispatched to a shooting on August 28, 2020 that had just occurred outside of the Corner Bar located in Smethport. Employees reported that they had caught BORRASSO stealing $20 that had been left on the bar and he was escorted out of the bar. The bartender went outside of the bar to smoke a cigarette and reported to police that BORRASSO pulled his vehicle around the corner of the building in a silver SUV, pulled out a handgun, and shot two times toward her and in the direction of the building where numerous other people were inside.
BORRASSO had fled the scene before police arrival. Responding officers from Smethport and Port Allegany began to canvas the area and noticed damage to a building across the street as well as other structures in the area. They also noticed vehicle parts indicating that a vehicle had recently hit the building and other structures.
BORRASSO was apprehended after officers searched the area near Hamlin Lake Park – not far from the bar where the shooting occurred, and they observed a silver SUV with extensive rear-end damage in the grass next to the softball field. They noted the odor of alcohol emanating from BORRASSO’S breath. They patted him down for weapons and he advised them that there were guns in the glove box. Looking through the vehicle window, the officer found two pistols on the passenger side floor.
BORRASSO was sentenced to a period of incarceration in the Department of Corrections for a period of 54 months to 108 months plus 12 months of consecutive probation. He is to have no contact with the victims – including the bartender and the other persons who were in the bar at the time of the shooting. He was ordered to pay restitution for all damages and blood testing; obtain a mental health evaluation and follow through with any recommended treatment; obtain drug and alcohol treatment; and other terms. His license was suspended for 12 months as required for DUIs.
DA Shaffer explained: “The defendant’s sentence includes an enhancement due to the use of a deadly weapon. The state legislature determines the range of sentences that can be imposed against any offender by a Court for any particular offense. If a deadly weapon is used, the range of sentences is higher. In this case, the sentence for the Aggravated Assault is higher because of the use of a gun to commit the crime.”
Defendant BORRASSO is not eligible for any early reentry program.
The case was investigated by Officer Kevin R. Seipp of the Smethport Police Department.
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 Wednesdays, February 14 and 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Extension office in the Gunzburger Building, 1 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA. The cost is $165/person. The registration deadline is Friday, February 9th. To register, call 877-345-0691 or go to https://extension.psu.edu/servsafe .
Wellsville Police arrested Michael S. Root, age 50 of Hornell, charging him with DWI (Felony), DWI w/BAC of .08% or more (Felony), AUO 1st (Felony), Unlicensed Operator (Infraction), Operate out of Ignition Interlock Restriction (Misdemeanor), Visibility Distorted Broken Glass (Infraction), Consumption of Alcohol in Motor Vehicle (Infraction) and Moved from Lane Unsafely (Infraction).
The charges stem from a traffic stop on State Rte. 19 in the Village. Root was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson. Root was committed to the Allegany County Jail on no bail. Root is due back in Wellsville Village Court on February 6th at 4:30 pm.
Our Criminal Investigation unit is currently seeking the location of 23-year-old Dajon Wilcher.
Wilcher has an outstanding Arrest Warrant for stabbing two victims here in the City of Olean in August of last year on South 11th. St.
If anyone has information on a location for Wilcher please contact the Olean Police Department at 716-376-5677. Wilcher may have a different hairstyle than the photo shown.
Jack Abbott, 94, of Lander, PA passed away on January 9, 2024, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House.
Jack was born in Sugar Grove, PA on November 6, 1929, the youngest child of Ralph and Loretta (Spencer) Abbott. He graduated from Sugar Grove High School and went to work at Jamestown Bank where he worked until his draft number came close, so he joined the Navy, where they put him in the Reserves, remaining in for 14 years. He soon started his career with Bell Telephone, where he retired after over 30 years.
Jack married Janet Marie Burgett on January 29, 1955, celebrating over 61 years of marriage. Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying trips to Canada and out West. He enjoyed surf fishing in Avon, NC, and bass fishing on Lake Erie. But he loved living on his farm on the top of the hill in Lander, where they raised their children, who still run the family farm. The “boys” had to finally kick him out of the hay mow at 90 years old.
Delores A. “Dee” Johnson, 83, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after long illness.
Born on Friday, October 4, 1940 at the family homestead, she was a daughter of Clair L. and Charlotte A. Hackett Austin. On June 4, 1971 in in the Ceres United Methodist Church, she married Carl F. Johnson, who survives.
Dee was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse and was also a graduate of the former Olean Business Institute in Olean, NY. Dee was employed for 21 years at the Olean General Hospital as an EKG technician until her retirement.
She was a charter member of the Bell Run Union Church in Shinglehouse where she served on the Missions Board and was also a member of the Bell Run Community Club. Dee had a very caring heart and was a passionate caregiver, helping her neighbors and friends as they faced challenges in their later years. She also was a safe-haven for many teenagers who faced various challenges throughout the years, giving them a place to feel secure and loved. Her greatest love was her family.
Rita Marie Bevevino (Lepkowski), 81, Warren, PA died on January 10, 2024, surrounded by her family after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Mrs. Bevevino was born July 20, 1942, to the late Carl and Mary Lepkowski in Elyria Ohio. She attended Elyria Catholic High School where she was not only a cheerleader and valedictorian of her class, but wrote the school fight song. In addition to skipping a grade because she was so smart, she was member of student council and selected to serve as a representative to the Ohio Boy’s and Girls Ohio State Convention. Following graduation, she attended St. Johns college in Cleveland, OH, where she again wrote the fight song before graduating with a degree in education.
After meeting with a kiss on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1962, she married (her hero) William Bevevino two years later. The couple lived in Ohio and moved to Warren after Bill completed law school.
In addition to her devoted husband, Rita is survived by her three great kids; her son (and definitely the favorite) Mark A. Bevevino and our favorite daughter in law Lynn (Dabbiero), Malvern, Pa; and her equally great daughters Judy L. Bevevino; and Jill C. Tonachio and her husband Phillip J. Tonachio, (all of Chester Springs, Pa). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Billy, Frank, Elena, Tommy and Sam Bevevino; Skye, Riley and Lilly Bevevino; and Alicia, Angie and Amanda Tonachio, and her favorite adopted son Greg Latimer. Rita is also survived by siblings Jimmy Lepkowski and Carl Alan Lepkowski of Ohio.
Rita’s strong faith was an important part of her life. She was an active member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church and taught at the school for many years. She also dabbled in real estate as an agent for Century 21 before landing her favorite job with Whirley Industries Inc. where she was the Human Resources Manager. She shined in this role and helped the company be recognized as one of the best places to work in Pennsylvania.
As a mother and grandmother, she loved spending time with her family baking, watching the waves in Sanibel, worrying about the weather, and sharing the local news. Rita was a life-long learner and loved to travel with her dearest friend Jane Betts. She and Jane read Fodor’s travel books and adventured across Europe, convincing Rod and Bill to join them on occasion.
She showed us what it means to always be engaged as she chaperoned our trips, painted Christmas ornaments, took guitar, learned Italian, played piano, made various Jello desserts, and enjoyed every type of candy. She was a voracious reader who loved a good romance, and has graced us with several macrame plant holders and bead necklaces created at the Rouse Home where she was well cared for and loved by the nurses and staff alike.
Family will receive friends on Friday January 19, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 600 Pennsylvania West, Warren Pa. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am with Fr. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow mass in the church.
Donations can be made to The Rita Bevevino Endowment Fund and sent to St. Joseph’s Church at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, Pa 16365. Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.delewisfuneralhome.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Friday, Jan 12 @ 7:45 AM | Snow and sleet will push up through central PA early this evening, beginning between 4pm and 7pm from south to north. A general 2-4 inches of snow is expected across the northern mountains, with isolated 5 inch amounts possible. The wind will pick up late this afternoon into tonight, with gusts over 50 mph possible in the Laurel Highlands. Rainfall amounts will generally be between 0.75 and 1.00 inch, with locally higher amounts possible. We do not expect widespread flooding, but isolated minor flooding is possible.
This morning at 02:33 we were dispatched for an MVA on I-86 West bound, just before the Route 19 overpass in the Town of Angelica. The driver was transported via MTS Ambulance to Jones Memorial for evaluation. One of the trucks fuel tanks was ruptured in the accident causing a large amount of diesel to leak out and into the median ditch. We deployed all of our oil absorbant material until more resources arrived with AL-51 and the County Haz-Mat trailer and the NYS DEC spill response team. As of 11:00am this morning I-86 West bound is still shut down at exit 30, all traffic is being diverted off the exit.
Do you like the trials and struggles of life? I don’t know of any that would say they do. In fact, I’m sure that many would feel that we don’t need them, yet they come anyway.
Some have said that the trials and struggles of life serve to make us stronger. Do they? Are they teaching moments that we all seem to need from time to time or are there other ways that we could learn the same lesson without the experience?
I, like many, like to be in control. Having our ducks in a row and everything fitting into its proper place is the way we like it. Having no control disrupts our sense of security and normalcy. Are we living in a fantasy world when we think that we can control everything and everyone? Perhaps so, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. We like predictable. We want to know what’s coming around the corner. We don’t like surprises because they disrupt our sense of power and control.
The Apostle James shared that the various trials and tribulations are to be welcomed because of the many things that they produce in us. How many get excited about this? Probably not many, but the truth is, they do create good things in us, things that we could probably not learn in any other way. So, do I just gracefully resign myself to the fact that trials will come and that I just need to go along with it? Perhaps not.
I believe that it comes down to outlook. Is the thing I’m experiencing right now happening to me or for me? If I step out of the victim position, I start to see that even though I may not be able to control the circumstance I can make it work for me. I can choose to not be a victim of it but rather one who allows it to move me into a better place. Giving into the trial only gives our power away. We need to understand that even though it may have knocked me down, it is still my responsibility to get back up. Think about it.
Harriet Rutkowski-Hood showed her 261lb. market hog to a fourth place win in class 11 of the Crossbred Division securing a place in the Jr. livestock Sale.Saige Amenhauser showed her 247 lb. market hog to a 6th place win in class 5 of the Crossbred Division and qualified for the Jr. Market Livestock Sale.Lucille Rutkowski-Hood exhibited her 172 lb. Natural Colored Lamb placing 11th in class 2. Lucy also showed her 270 lb. hog in class 15 of the Crossbred Division to a fourth place and qualified for the Jr. Livestock Sale.Ryatt Coffed exhibited his 230 market hog winning 6th place in class 1 of the Crossbred Division and secured a place in the Jr. Livestock Sale.
A reminder to all of our customers. Starting this week, we will only be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday for our winter hours until March.
Check out all the new hunting gear available at North Central Supply. New shipment of double hung vinyl replacement Windows have arrived…prices start @ $60.00 Multiple sizes available…best prices around..( please do not call asking for sizes, too many to check).. Save money and make the drive to Galeton…
