February 2024
Elk/Cameron PA CareerLink is on a 2 hour delay
Can you please share that the Elk/Cameron PA CareerLink is on a 2 hour delay on 02/13/2024
On-Line Estate Auction Closes Tuesday
Click link below to get there. You won’t want to miss this one!!
KASTER ESTATE AUCTION | HiBid.com | GALETON, PA Auction
Causer Announces Local Fire, Ambulance Grants
BRADFORD – Fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded more than $492,000 in grants from the state, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) announced today.
“With fire and EMS companies struggling to keep their doors open, these grants go a long way toward helping to meet their financial needs,” Causer said. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who work so hard to protect our communities, and I am pleased we can continue to support them with this valuable funding.”
The funding comes from an ongoing grant 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.
Since its inception, the program has provided more than $8.7 million in funding to fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. Projects eligible for funding include the construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, the purchase or repair of equipment, training, or the reduction of existing debt.
Following is a list of local fire and ambulance companies and the amount of their grant awards. All companies that apply and meet the requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OFSC to receive their grants.
Cameron County
- Cameron County Ambulance Service Inc., Emporium – $10,000.
- Emporium Fire Department Inc., Emporium – $13,061.55.
McKean County
- Bradford City Fire Department, Bradford – $15,000 for EMS operations; $16,951.99 for fire company operations.
- Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $16,951.99.
- Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $13,645.11.
- Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department, Derrick City – $13,645.11.
- Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Eldred – $13,061.55.
- Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Department of McKean County, Eldred – $13,256.07.
- Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department, Cyclone – $13,256.07.
- Kane Volunteer Fire Department, Kane – $13,061.55.
- Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $13,450.59.
- Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $13,061.55.
- Mount Jewett Area Ambulance Association, Mount Jewett – $15,000.
- Mount Jewett Volunteer Fire Department, Mount Jewett – $13,256.07.
- Otto Township Volunteer Fire Department, Duke Center – $13,061.55.
- Port Area Ambulance Service Inc., Port Allegany – $10,000.
- Rew Volunteer Fire Department, Rew – $13,450.59.
- Smethport Fire Department Inc., Smethport – $13,839.63.
Potter County
- Austin Volunteer Fire Department, Austin – $15,000 for EMS operations; $15,006.77 for fire company operations.
- Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, Coudersport – $15,000.
- Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, Coudersport – $15,784.85.
- Gale Hose Company No. 1 Inc., Galeton – $15,000 for EMS services.
- Genesee Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Genesee – $15,000 for EMS operations; $13,061.55 for fire company operations.
- Germania Fire Company, Galeton – $13,061.55.
- Goodyear Hose Company No. 1 Inc., Galeton – $13,645.11.
- Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, Harrison Valley – $14,617.72.
- Kettle Creek Ambulance Association, Cross Fork – $4,853.
- Kettle Creek Hose Company No. 1, Cross Fork – $13,061.55.
- Roulette Chemical Engine No. 1 Inc., Roulette – $15,000 for EMS operations; $13,645.11 for fire company operations.
- Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Shinglehouse – $13,645.11.
- Tri-Town Ambulance Association Inc. – $15,000.
- Tri-Town Fire Company, Ulysses – $14,617.72.
Elk County Coroner’s Report For Year 2023
Elk County Coroner Michelle A. Muccio-Krise is releasing the following report for the year 2023.
There were 361 deaths investigated in 2023 with the following breakdown:
83 natural deaths
31 accidental deaths
-16 overdose deaths
-15 falls among the elderly
3 suicides
37 nursing home death referrals
207 cremation authorizations
The Cribs for Kids Program that Coroner Muccio-Krise oversees and administers also provided 8 cribs to mothers within the community in 2023 as well.
Michelle Muccio-Krise
Lynch-Green Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Elk County Office of the Coroner
James A. Dornisch, 52, of 509 Woelfel Avenue, St. Marys, PA
James A. Dornisch, 52, of 509 Woelfel Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 9, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk, with his son by his side.
Jim was born on October 29, 1971, son of Thomas and Susan Bauer Dornisch, who survive. He was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1990 and employed by Pro Process in St. Marys.
Daniel J. GUINEY, 74, of Wellsville, NY
Daniel J. GUINEY, 74, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, February 11, 2024 in the Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville. Born September 4, 1949, in Little Falls, he was the son of Daniel J. and M. Larue Donovan Guiney. On August 12, 1972, in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Angelica, he married the former Joan Dorsey, who survives.
He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, Siena College, and Syracuse University Law School. Dan began his career in private practice in Fillmore, before moving to the Allegany County Attorney’s Office in 1982. He retired as County Attorney in December of 2008. After retirement, he was a law guardian for families in Allegany County and served as the Willing Town Justice for eight years. He was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and served on the Parish Council. Dan served on the Board of Directors of Jones Memorial Hospital, and was a member of the Alfred State College Education Foundation, and the Allegany County Bar Association.
Dan will be remembered for his kind personality, willingness to help others, and infectious laugh. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and NASCAR, and he loved reading, music, and dancing.
Patrick J. Cronmiller, of Youngsville, PA
Patrick J. Cronmiller, of Youngsville, PA, who turned 80 on Saturday, February 10, 2024, died peacefully, Sunday, February 11, 2024, at John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA., after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born February 10, 1944, in Erie, PA. Pat was the son of John L. and Mary Farr Cronmiller. He was a lifelong Warren area resident and has resided in Youngsville, PA. for the past 22 years.
He grew up in Sheffield, PA. Pat was a graduate of Sheffield High School, where he was a member of the All-Star Football Team as the team captain. He graduated from Edinboro State Teachers College and earned his master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University.
He started his teaching career with the Warren County School District, teaching 5th grade at the former North Warren Elementary School and was an administrator and teacher with the former Scandia Elementary School. He had served as principal at every High School in the school district. He retired as Principal at the Warren County Career Center.
June K. Pessia, 91, formerly of 34 Homestead Avenue, Bradford, PA
June K. Pessia, 91, formerly of 34 Homestead Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away on February 11, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home surrounded by her loving family.
June and her twin sister, Janet, were born June 17, 1932, in Grove City. They were the daughters of the late Glenn and Pearl (Perrine) Snyder. Her mother Pearl passed away during childbirth. Both twins were adopted shortly after birth, and in the height of the Depression, by George A. and Bessie (Elder) Koehler. The Snyder and Koehler families remained close with many Snyder family members attending June’s 90th birthday celebration in 2022.
A 1950 graduate of Bradford High School, June played the flute and piccolo in the high school band and was a sharpshooter on the rifle team.
June married Lawrence R. Pessia on December 29, 1962. Married for 48 years, he preceded her in death on October 26, 2011.
She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and later the Four Square Gospel Church, both in Bradford.
In 1967 with three young children at home, June went to work for The Bradford Era as a proofreader. At night and on weekends, she studied for her journeyman printer’s certificate from the International Typographical Union which she received in 1969. After that she began working in the print shop of The Bradford Era and experienced many of the technological changes in printing over the next 30 years — from setting type by hand to early computer-generated punch tape to the first multi-media production processes. June retired from The Era in 1997.
Donna C. Shreckengost, 77, Shinglehouse, PA
Donna C. Shreckengost “memorial service slated”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Donna C. Shreckengost, 77, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly with her loving family by her side on Monday, February 12, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
To pay your respects to Donna and her family, calling hours will be held from 11am to 12 noon on Friday, February 16, 2024, in Bell Run Union Church, Taylor Brook Road, Shinglehouse. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon.
Donna’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 Donna, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Causer to Offer Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance at Kane Senior Center
The annual Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics hosted by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) get underway next week in Kane.
Causer’s office will be stationed at the Kane Senior Center, 100 N. Fraley St., on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 1-3 p.m. No appointment is necessary, and the service is free.
“The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is a big help for many of our senior citizens and people with disabilities. This year even more people are eligible, and the maximum rebate is higher,” Causer said. “I encourage anyone who qualifies to apply.”
A new state law increased income eligibility limits to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, and residents should exclude 50% of Social Security when calculating income. The maximum rebate was also increased from $650 to $1,000. The program benefits eligible residents 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Additional clinics are planned in Emporium, Eldred, Galeton, Smethport, Austin, Ulysses, Port Allegany, Bradford, Mt. Jewett, Shinglehouse and Coudersport. For a full schedule of events, visit www.RepCauser.com.
To file for the rebate, residents must have the following documentation to allow claims to be processed:
- Renters will need a 2023 PA Rent Certificate, completed by their landlord, or statement from HUD office; 2023 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed.
- Homeowners will need proof of 2023 paid property taxes to their county, municipality and school district; 2023 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed.
Applicants who wish to receive their rebates through direct deposit should bring a check for account information. If not, paper checks will be mailed. Disbursements should begin after July 1.
Assistance is also available at Causer’s offices in Bradford (78 Main St., 814-362-4400), Coudersport (107 S. Main St., 814-274-9769) or Kane (54 Fraley St., 814-837-0880). Residents may also apply online at mypath.pa.gov.
The Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir Hosts Area Musicians SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18
The Music of Peter, Paul & Mary
The Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir hosts area musicians to sing songs recorded by the beloved folk trio Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers
Songs will be performed by the Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir consisting of singers in grades 5-8 from all over Tioga County. The event is a benefit for the group’s performance tour to the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in May. This year the group is exploring songs about water (in all its forms) as well as spirituals sung by African-American slaves. The trip will explore the unique shore culture of the Eastern Shore as well as visiting a number of sites related to the heroic efforts of Harriet Tubman.
Other groups singing in the event will be the Gmeiner Cultural Center Open Mic group. This group consists of musicians and singers who have come together bi-weekly in an informal setting to sing songs for and with each other. Also singing is the local acappella group Pine Pitch. The group sings without accompaniment. Also singing is Chris Eckert who is becoming more and more familiar in the past few years as he sings in a variety of civic and religious venues.
The nature of the folk music Peter, Paul and Mary sang lends itself to a relaxed gathering of people to both listen and to join in with familiar lyrics. All ages can enjoy this event which features songs as familiar as “Puff the Magic Dragon” to songs of social justice. Most grandparents will know many of the lyrics to the songs and this will be a great way to introduce this group and genre to their grandchildren.
Refreshments will be available for purchase, as well as a number of games of chance. All proceeds will go toward the HG Treble Choirs’ tour in May.
The Deane Center, located at 104 Main Street, Wellsboro, is easily handicapped accessible with safe entrances both in the front (Main Street) and the rear entrances. Restrooms are all on the same level.
The event is at 2:30PM on Sunday, February 18. Cost is $10 for adults, and $5 for children 18 and under. Opportunities will be available to make a donation to the choir’s tour. General seating tickets are available at the door, by calling 570.724.2079, or on-line at hgp.booktix.org.
Other thoughts:
Last year the choir hosted a concert entirely of music made famous by the Beatles. We loved the collaboration with local singer Penny Eckman and Houston Baker and his band. The choir members were exposed to some new tunes and explored the genius songwriting of the Fab Four. This year I thought a different genre of music would be fun, and settled on PP&M with whom I grew up. I had all of their albums (remember them?) and knew most of the lyrics to all of their songs. When I proposed the group to this young choir I found that most of them had never heard of them. One of HG’s missions is to introduce classic plays and musicals as well as a wide variety of musical styles to young—and not so young—audiences.
New Scholarships Available From The McKean Coounty Community Foundation
New MCCF scholarship funds offer more opportunities for students
Several new scholarship funds were established this past year at the McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF). MCCF offers donors the opportunity to create funds to make their own philanthropic impact in the community. Donors can choose from a variety of fund types including scholarship, donor advised, designated, and agency endowment. MCCF administers a total of 56 scholarship funds in McKean County. These seven scholarships funds are among those newly created in 2023-24.
The Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Military Scholarship Fund honors Carl Enis who died at the age of thirty-one in a helicopter incident on the Syrian Iraq border and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. With generational ties to the McKean County area, Enis visited family often and was passionate about the outdoors in Pennsylvania. After college he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Pararescueman, an Elite team of Guardian Angel Airmen. He lived by the Pararescue Creed: “These things we do, that others may live.” This scholarship honoring his memory will be awarded to a high school senior or adult learner involved in the military.
Basic Sign Language and Intermediate Sign Language Offered This Spring!
How many times do we encounter hearing-impaired people and wish that we could communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones. Here is your opportunity to learn basic sign language that could help you or someone you care about.
.WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED……WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
215 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
11 AM EST TUESDAY…
…WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches,
with the least amount of snow expected along the New York border.
* WHERE…Potter, Cameron and Tioga Counties.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 11 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The exact track of the storm has trended
south by 50 to 75 miles. There will be a sharp gradient of snow
from north to south across the counties.
Dolores I. “Lois” Gordon, 86, of Roulette, PA
Dolores I. “Lois” Gordon, 86, of Roulette, PA passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Sweden Valley Manor.
Lois was born on April 21, 1937, in Coudersport, the daughter of the late Willard Peet and Pauline Beazer. She married Erdmund D. “Dewey” Gordon on October 25, 1956 in Roulette and celebrated 36 years of marriage until his passing on November 11, 1992.
Lois was of Baptist faith, worked for Truck Lite for a short time, and mostly loved spending time with her family.
Port Allegany Ambulance To The Port Motel
On February 11 at 10:09 pm Port Allegany Ambulance was dispatched to the Port Motel for a person fallen.
Paul E. Conn, 79, of Smethport, PA.
Paul E. Conn, 79, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (February 8, 2024) at The Pavilion at BRMC, Bradford.
He was born January 2, 1945 in Bradford, the son of Richard and Marie (Anderson) Conn. On October 13, 1973, in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport, he married Marlene D. Austin, who died January 4, 2022.
Paul was a graduate of Smethport Area High School class of 1963. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, serving from 1965 to 1967. He earned a Purple Heart while in action in Vietnam.
Mr. Conn was a fork lift operator employed by Pittsburgh Corning of Port Allegany, PA. After his time working at PC, he worked for many years delivering pizza for Fox’s Pizza in Smethport.
Paul was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport and the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport.
He is survived by:
One son: Casey P. (Kimberley) Conn of Smethport
One granddaughter: Chloe Conn of Smethport
One sister: Barbara “Sue” Atkins of Bradford
And several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Paul was preceded in death by one brother, Richard “Butch” Conn.
A joint memorial service for Paul and his wife, Marlene, will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport, on a date to be announced. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Eleanor Mary Montgomery, 78, of Smethport, PA.
Eleanor Mary Montgomery, 78, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (February 10, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
She was born December 4, 1945 in Bradford, the daughter of Richard U. Ford and Doris (Scofield) Ford Ordiway.
Eleanor was a 1963 graduate of Smethport Area High School and attended Spokane Community College of Spokane, Washington and also attended Whitworth College, obtaining her Master’s Degree in education. She was an English Professor teaching English Language at University abroad in Korea.
Eleanor was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport, where she loved to sing in the choir, and she attended the Smethport Senior Center. She loved to crochet. She crocheted many blankets and items to be donated to Veterans organizations, along with items for Sena Kean Manor residents as well.
She is survived by:
One daughter: Christine L. (Raymond) Nelson of Napa, CA
Two sons: Kevin R. (Coco) Montgomery of Priest River, ID and Richard M. Montgomery of Spokane Valley, WA
Eleven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren
Two brothers: William (Sandra) Ford and Gerald (Cheryl Razey) Ford, both of Smethport
Two sisters: Patricia (Bruce) Moses of Port Allegany and Phyllis (Chuck) Richardson of Olean, NY
And several nieces and nephews
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Jacob Israel Montgomery, and her step father, Lionel “Skip” Ordiway.
A memorial service will be scheduled and announced in the near future at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport. Burial will be in Bells Run Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport, the Veterans Home or Sena Kean Manor Activities. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Gods Country Military Food Share Cancelled Due To Weather
Gods Country Military Food Share Distribution will be cancelled on Tuesday 2/13 due to pending weather. Updates on reschedule date will be posted here on Solomons.