What an experience being in Punxsutawney this morning! Honored to have been able to join in on one of PA’s great traditions, and excited for early spring. Thanks for having me, and happy Groundhog Day! PA Attorney General Michelle Henry
Our volunteer fire departments continue to answer the call for emergency services every day, even with a critical lack of personnel and funding. In rural communities, it’s at a crisis level. Thank you to KANE FIRE DEPT 5 for hosting a meeting to discuss these issues with fire department leaders from McKean, Elk and Warren counties; Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook; area state legislators; and county officials. We all have to work together to support these lifesaving services in our rural communities!
At 11:08 AM on Friday, Bradford Twp., Lewis Run & Lafayette Fire Depts. have been dispatched for a fire alarm at a residence at 92 Willard Avenue ext. An alarm is sounding in the residence reported by the resident.
Donald E. Mitten, 77, of Coudersport, PA passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at UPMC Cole.
He was born July 9, 1946, in Wilmington, DE, to Norman and Miriam (Griswold) Mitten. In 1982, he married Diama Ferguson, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage.
Donald worked as a plumber and drove school bus. He was a life member of the Italian American Club in Kennett Square, PA, a member of American Legion Post 192 in Coudersport, VFW 78 in Austin and the Moose International. He enjoyed working on engines, and especially enjoyed maintaining his 1964 Grand Prix.
I Prayed For You Today
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
I prayed for you today, I prayed that you would laugh. If someone told you that, how would you respond?
My sister sent that to me the other day and I can tell you that it wrecked me. Wrecked me in the sense that it hit to the core of my being. I, like many, allow life to get me down. The trials and troubles of each day can and do become weights we carry. In the wake of life, we forget to laugh. It’s not that we don’t laugh but somehow, we forget about the joy that is there in front of us. Often all we can see is the thing that is pressing upon us in the moment.
Did you know that Jesus said that in this life we would have troubles? He also added that we should be encouraged because He has overcome the world. Great counsel but do we walk in it? Do we believe it? Or do we believe that the solving of all the problems we face is up to us to fix. Why don’t we just sit back and breathe for a moment. Why don’t we take the time to laugh? Must life be so serious all the time?
The Scriptures tell us that it was the habit of Jesus to go off by himself in the early hours to pray. Perhaps you haven’t thought about it but most of prayer ought to be about listening rather than speaking. Most of us don’t do well at listening. We’ve got too much to say. Sadly, when our mouth is running our ears stop functioning. What would happen if we each took the time every morning to just listen? Listen to the sound of quiet, to your own heartbeat, to listen to the everyday noises that we can’t otherwise hear because we’re too busy. Would it change us? Would we laugh more? Would it bring calm into our life?
Here’s the deal: peace, tranquility or even laughter won’t happen just because we want it. We first must admit that it’s a problem, then we must purposefully work at the things that will create it. Trust me, I’m not there. It’s something that I must work on every day. Think about it.
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.
Kenneth W. Wieder “beloved father, faithful servant of the Lord”
Kenneth W. Wieder, 89, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Perkasie, went to be with his heavenly Father on Thursday, February 1, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long 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.
Linda M. Rix Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Sister
Linda M. Rix, 77, of 4277 Townline Road, Hinsdale, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit after a lengthy illness.
Born on December 30, 1946, in Wellsville, she was a daughter of Donald and Nellie Hinkley Edwards. On June 17, 1967, in Our Lady of Angels Church, she married Carlisle S. Rix, Jr. who predeceased her on December 2, 2011.
Linda was a graduate of Belfast Central School.
She was a homemaker and house cleaner for many years, and occasionally subbed at the Cuba Rushford cafeteria. She also owned and operated their dairy farm with her husband.
Linda was a member of Our Lady of Angels Church in Cuba and the Allegheny Mountain Engine & Implement Association. She loved when her family would gather for holidays and special occasions when all would be together as well as spending time with her grandchildren; one of her greatest joys. Her favorite holiday was Easter when the Rix family would gather for a reunion and Easter Egg hunt for all the kids.
On February 1 at 11:16 pm Ridgway and Jones Twp were dispatched to Montmorenci and Massachusetts Ln. for a car vs deer crash with a possible leg injury
Sharon R. Bradley “beloved mother and grandmother”
Sharon R. Bradley, 83, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Coudersport, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, after a long illness.
Born on Thursday, March 28, 1940 in Niagara Falls, NY, she was a daughter of Charles and Carolyn Bennet Dunn. On September 19, 1959 in Niagara Falls, she married Robert C. “Bob” Bradley, who passed away on October 18, 2006.
Sharon was a graduate of LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls. She later graduated from BOCES in Olean, NY, as a Registered Nurse.
She was employed by the former St. Francis Hospital in Olean and later was employed by the Oswayo Valley School District, Shinglehouse, in the cafeterias. Sharon and her husband owned and operated the former Northwoods Tavern in Coudersport for several years.
A faithful woman, Sharon read her Bible daily. She was a member of Obi Community Church in Obi, NY. She was a former member of Eulalia Chapter #148 OES in Coudersport and a former member of Eureka Chapter #52 OES in Shinglehouse. She enjoyed bowling, playing Skipbo, and playing Candy Crush on her iPad. She was an avid reader. Her greatest love was her family.
William Edward Douglass, 90, of 81 Main Street, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at his residence.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Tammy Lynn (Fuller) Miller, 56, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, of Derrick Road, Bradford, passed away on Tuesday January 30, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Born August 23, 1967, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Alberta (Jackson) Buchanan and Ivan Buchanan.
Tammy was a woman of remarkable characteristics. She had a heart that overflowed with love and compassion, always ensuring that those she cared for never left her house hungry. Her nurturing nature touched the lives of many, and her generosity knew no bounds. She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones forever. Though we mourn her loss, we find solace in the beautiful memories she left behind. May she rest in eternal peace.
Gregory G. Patterson, 57, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on May 6, 1966, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Theodore E. and Evelyn L. (Masters) Patterson.
He was a 1984 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
Greg worked as a hefter for Case Cutlery and later in the maintenance department. He enjoyed tinkering with small engine repair, camping, and playing washerboard. He was always there to lend a helping hand. His pride and joy was spending time with his daughters and grandkids.
Surviving are two daughters, Phylicia (Paul Wallace) Patterson, of Portville NY, and Kayla (Desmond) White, of Olean NY, one sister, Lisa (Kevin) Harbaugh, of Bradford, one brother, Tom (Gail) Patterson, of Sebring FL, two sister in-laws, Tammy Patterson, and Penny Haynoski, three grandchildren, Max Wallace, Mazey Wallace, and Vadek White, and several nieces and nephews.
At 3:19 PM on Thursday, Millerton Fire Dept. was dispatched to Rt. 328 near the Button Hill Road for a vehicle over the embankment.
At 2:50 PM on Thursday, Shinglehouse Fire Dept. has been dispatched to 139 Palmer Street for a woodpile fire with possible exposures.
At 2:45 PM on Thursday, Ridgway Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a tractor-trailer with a cab on fire at School Drive & Bootjack Road.
At 2:41 PM on Thursday, Shinglehouse ambulance was called to Eleven Mile Road for a cardiac emergency.
At 2:40 PM on Thursday, Port Allegany Ambulance has been called to Brooklynside Road for a diabetic.
Mary Louise Strutt, 85, of Smethport, PA passed away Tuesday (January 30, 2024) at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
She was born July 15, 1938 in Grampian, PA, the daughter of Robert and Katherine Denver Crandell. She was married to Fred M. “Red” Strutt, who died on May 10, 2022.
Louise was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School. She shared many wonderful years working alongside her family at Lindgren’s Variety Store in Smethport.
She attended Hilltop Baptist Church. Louise was very caring and loving and spent most of her time taking care of her family over the years.
She is survived by:
Click on items above to see full screen.
Valentine’s Day tradition continues as the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce brings St Marys chocolatier, Goblins Chocolates to the county. Goblin’s is a family owned business making delicious confections from their home.
Strawberries can be ordered in dark, white or milk chocolate. They are packaged as 6 for $20.00 or a dozen for $32.50
Orders will be accepted through February 8. Pick up will be available starting Tuesday February 13.
HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) announced he will convene a meeting of the EMS Task Force on Thursday, Feb. 15, starting at 6 p.m. at the McKean County Department of Emergency Services.
Anthony Martin, director of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services at the PA Department of Health, will attend to discuss efforts to support ambulance companies statewide.
“This is a great opportunity for our local EMS leaders to hear from Director Martin and share their concerns with the Department of Health,” Causer said. “While we are making progress on policies to support our emergency medical services providers, there is still much work to be done.”
Most recently, a new state law increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for ambulance companies across the state. Act 15 of 2023 ties the reimbursement rates to federal Medicare rates and pays whichever amount is higher. As a result, the reimbursement for basic life support ambulance trips increases from $325 to $511.35, and for advanced life support ambulance trips from $400 to $607.23 or $878.88, depending on the nature of the call. The reimbursement for paramedic intercept increases from $80 to $456.19.
The new law also ensures EMS agencies are reimbursed by Medicaid for 100% of the miles they travel with a patient on board receiving care or transport, finally removing the previous exemption for the first 20 miles traveled. The law increases the mileage reimbursement rate from $4 per loaded mile to $13.20 per loaded mile.
The lawmaker strongly encouraged local government officials to join the meeting, as they are critical to finding solutions to help keep emergency medical services up and running.
The McKean County Department of Emergency Services is located at 17175 U.S. Route 6, Smethport.
All who plan to attend should RSVP to Rhonda Race in Causer’s office at rrace@pahousegop.com.
Betty “Dee” Jean Brock Hardes, 78, of Issaquah, Washington, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024 after an extended illness.
Dee was born on November 16, 1945 in Buffalo, NY to Ronald Brock and Ruth Scott Brock, and grew up on Crandall Hill in Potter County, PA. Dee attended Coudersport High School then earned a Bachelor of Science in Library Science and English Education along with her Master of Science in Library Science from Clarion University.
Dee served as a Research Librarian at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY, then spent 38 years as the school librarian at Smethport Area High School in Smethport, PA before retiring in 2003.
Tionesta, Pa.: Volunteers for the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) plan the renewal of alder for wildlife at Tionesta Lake for the second year in 2024. 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 next thirty years after the stump cutting.
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. Tionesta Lake staff will be working alongside volunteers to support the renewal effort.
Tentative dates planned for the alder renewal are two Saturdays, February 24 and March 30 in 2024. The March 30 date will only be used if the project is not finished on February 24, or if we need another day because of poor weather.
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.
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.
January was January in Galeton. It was a mostly cloudy month with above average rain. The morning readings were in the 20’s and low 30’s. We had a few mornings in the low digits, however we did not have any below zero readings in town. West Pike and Germania was another story and it did manage to drop below Zero in those areas. The average high temperature for January is 32 degrees and the average low is 23.
This year we received 5.62″ of rain and melted snow last year we recorded 3.19″. This January we received 21.1″ of snow and last year we received 3″. We had 21 days with 1″ or more snow on the ground. The greatest amount was 8″ on the 17th and the average snow depth for the month was 3″
We had 6 foggy mornings.
Pine Creek is full and looks very nice, No ice thus far. Lyman Lake was frozen over briefly and no fishermen on the thin coating.
50 days until spring. In the meantime keep your shovels and plows ready.
Henry W. Lush National Weather Service Observer
