Fire Alarm at Whitesville School
At 11:10 AM on Wednesday, Whitesville Fire Dept. & Independence Rescue have been dispatched to Whitesville Central School for a fire alarm.
11:17 AM–School called reporting FALSE ALARM.
March 2024
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 communicate with someone you care about.
Three Buchanan’s Pharmacy Locations Sold To Rite Aid; Westfield & Elkland Stores Remain Open
It is with mixed emotions we announce the sale of three of our locations to Rite Aid. It was a decision we did not reach lightly. Due to poor insurance reimbursement, independent pharmacies across the country are being forced to close their doors. Pharmacy organizations representing all sectors of retail pharmacy have been aggressively asking legislators to address these issues with the pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) for quite some time. Unfortunately, they have been slow in taking action. It simply is not a sustainable business model when total reimbursement is less than the costs we pay for medications.
Thank you to everyone in the surrounding communities who have supported our business over the years. We appreciate you. It has been our pleasure to take care of your prescription needs.
A huge thank you to ALL of our employees, both past and present. We value each and every one of you. You are what made our business successful for over 40 years.
We are grateful that Rite Aid remains committed to serving rural Pennsylvania and has offered employment to all of our current staff in Potter and McKean counties. No action is required on your part to transfer your prescriptions. All of the prescriptions from our Eldred and Smethport locations will be automatically transferred to Rite Aid in Port Allegany and all of the prescriptions from our Coudersport pharmacy will be automatically transferred to Rite Aid in Coudersport. The last day of business in our Smethport location will be Monday, April 8th, Eldred will be Tuesday, April 9th, and Coudersport will be Wednesday, April 10th.
Please note that there is no change to our Westfield and Elkland locations. With a more diverse and better payor mix in Tioga County, those stores will continue to remain open and it will be business as usual. Once again, we are continuing to operate our stores in Westfield and Elkland.
We sincerely appreciate the support of our valued patients over the past several decades. It has been a privilege to serve you.
Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy
Victor P. Kolesar, Sr., age 75 of Westfield, PA
Victor P. Kolesar, Sr., age 75 of Westfield, PA passed away on March 23, 2024 at home with his wife. Born on January 22, 1949 in Brownsville, PA, he was the son of the late Joe W. and Jessie I. (Barber) Kolesar.
He was a graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, Class of 1967. While there he was active in chorus, track, football, baseball and basketball. Vic worked for the former A & P in Horseheads, K & W Medical Supplies and in the big kitchen at the Tioga County Fair in the 90’s, where he met his wife. He also worked for his sister, Marie’s Meat Market, his brother, Buzz’s bowling alley and garage and his brother, Gene’s garage.
He was a former PIAA-certified umpire, coached Little League baseball, softball and Junior bowling at Valley Bowling in Westfield. He was also a former charter member of the Jaycee’s Lions Club of Westfield and a member of the Men’s Bowling Association of Westfield. Vic loved to golf, bowl, go fishing in Canada with family and friends, used to play men’s baseball and fast-pitch softball, running the chains for football games at C.V. and announcing ballgames in Elkland. He also loved to watch football, basketball, baseball and golf at both, C.V. High School and on TV.
Cynthia Ann Losey, 73, of Lawrenceville, PA
Cynthia Ann Losey, 73, of Lawrenceville, PA passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Born May 28, 1950, in Corning, NY. She was the daughter of the late Roland D. and Jean (Miller) Losey.
Cynthia graduated from Williamson High School, attended Lock Haven University, and received her bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. She had a successful and rewarding career as a social worker / supervisor at a halfway house in St. Petersburg.
Cynthia retired to Lawrenceville in 2010 to care for her father, Roland, in the last years of his life. Cynthia inherited the co-management and bookkeeping of the Power Cemetery from him, where she enjoyed restoring, researching, and organizing the information in service to all who rest there.
She was an amazing golfer, almost going pro in her younger years, and will be missed by her current community at Indian Hills GC. She was a beloved classmate and organizer of WHS Class Reunions, reflecting 50+ years of close contact with many who will miss her. She loved dogs, rescuing and caring for many through the years – including her current rescue, Phoebe, who brought her so much joy.
Geraldine Zetler, 99, Rixford, PA
ELDRED — Gerry Zetler was born Dec. 9, 1924, to Lee Baker and Lillian Dolan Baker. She was the second child in a family of four and the first girl. She followed Don and then became an older sister to Richard and Dorothy. She grew up in Rixford and graduated from the Otto Junior-Senior High School in 1943.
While the men in her graduating class were going off to war, she went to Mansfield State Teacher’s College for her bachelor’s degree and later on to Geneseo for her master’s. Gerry started her career at Otto-Eldred and finished it with Bradford School District.
While WWII was going on, Gerry spent summers working at the munitions plant in Eldred. She was one of the real Rosie the Riveters and proud of it. She later volunteered at the Eldred WWII Museum, telling her story to anyone who came through the doors.
After the war was over and her education completed, she married Merle (Bud) Zetler in a quiet ceremony in her family home surrounded by loved ones.
After 10 years of wedded bliss, it was time for a child. Suzy was born in May 1958. While she was busy with Suzy’s raising, she managed to find time to belong to many organizations.
Lawmakers Offer Update on Proposed Frontier Commonwealth Settlement
HARRISURG – A proposed settlement to address myriad service issues with Frontier Commonwealth has been recommended to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for approval by the two administrative law judges on the case, according to a half dozen lawmakers who have been advocating for affected consumers.
The settlement was negotiated in response to a formal complaint filed by the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) and Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA) against Frontier last year for its failure to provide reliable service to residential and business customers.
Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Reps. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Wyoming), Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford), Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) and Joe Hamm (R-Lycoming/Sullivan) represent thousands of residents and businesses that receive telephone and/or internet services from Frontier. They issued the following statement:
Former Smethport Woman Becomes North East’s First Female Police Officer
On March 8, 2024, North East Mayor Bobbi Jo Morey swore in the North East Police Department’s first full-time female police officer.
The addition of Ptlm. Abbey Woodard completes the full-time complement of eight sworn police officers for the department.
Woodard is originally from Smethport, Pa. and is a graduate of Mansfield University. She then graduated from the Mercyhurst Municipal Police Training Academy in December 2023 and began her law enforcement career with the Conneaut Lake Regional Police Department before joining the ranks at the NEPD.
Article from North East News Journal.
One Vehicle Crash In Knoxville
On March 26, at 9:54 pm Knoxville and Westfield Fire, Valley and Sabinsville Ambulance were dispatched to a one-vehicle rollover crash on Main St. in Knoxville. The vehicle hit a parked car and rolled onto its roof with one person injured. Air Medical has been requested. Route 49 is temporarily closed at the accident scene. LifeNet 7-7 has aborted the flight.
11:00 PM–Vehicle removed. ROADWAY IS NOW OPEN.
Port Allegany Women’s Club Update
For an update as to the good news about our Town Square this season:
The Port Allegany Borough was granted funds from DCNR to make improvements to the Town Square. Some things you will see happening around the Square in the coming weeks include:
⭐️Updated electric and lighting
⭐️Removal of dead trees and trimming of dead branches
⭐️Sidewalks for handicap accessibility and through access
⭐️Tables and benches throughout
⭐️A face lift to the gazebo
⭐️New flowering and leafy trees
⭐️Updated landscaping
By mid-summer residents and visitors will be able enjoy a more user friendly, safer space with handicap accessibility. The Square will offer places to share an outdoor meal with your family or enjoy a peaceful lunch; places to sit and watch your kids play or read a book; and a beautiful, accessible gazebo for summer concerts and other events.
We hope you all are as excited as we are to be able to begin these updates to our lovely downtown!
We’ll let you know about the concert season very soon.
Thanks! Sharen (814) 642 – 5171
Statement from Governor Shapiro on Prompt Dismissal of the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus’ Frivolous Attempt to Attack Automatic Voter Registration
March 26, 2024
Harrisburg, PA – Today, a frivolous lawsuit challenging the Shapiro Administration’s authority to implement Automatic Voter Registration was promptly dismissed by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
In response to this resounding defeat, Governor Josh Shapiro released the following statement:
“In 2020, I defeated Donald Trump and his conspiracy theorist allies in court more than 40 times to defend Pennsylvanians’ votes and protect access to the ballot box. Today, we’ve done it again by getting their frivolous effort to stop automatic voter registration in our Commonwealth dismissed. Automatic voter registration is safe, secure, efficient, and entirely within my Administration’s authority.
“As Governor, I will always remain focused on protecting our democracy and ensuring our elections are free, fair, safe, and secure. Let today’s ruling be another reminder that taking legal advice from Donald Trump is never a winning strategy.”
Thomas M. Yohe, 65, of 107 State Street, Bradford, PA
Thomas M. Yohe, 65, of 107 State Street, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, March 25, 2024, at his residence with his devoted wife by his side.
Born on February 28, 1959, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John E. “Jack” and Shirley J. (Fields) Yohe. He was a 1977 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
On May 24, 1991, in the West Branch United Methodist Church, he married Amy S. (Pearce) Yohe, who survives.
Tom met Amy while working at Werzalit where he worked for 22 years. Together they owned and operated the Cabinetree Woodshop for 20 years. He worked at Ace Hardware and Walmart and loved assisting customers.
William A. “Bill” Thomas, 62, of Emporium, PA
William A. “Bill” Thomas, 62, of Emporium, PA passed away at his residence on Monday morning (March 25, 2024). He was born September 11, 1961 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Robert L. Thomas and Nancy L. Spellenberg Thomas.
Bill worked at GKN for many years and later at a golf coarse in Douglasville, Georgia.
Firefighters Put Quick Stop on Belmont House Fire Tuesday Morning
Scio Fire Department
Belmont, NY–This morning at 4:52 am, we were dispatched mutual aid to Belmont along with Angelica Fire and Rescue and Belmont Fire Company INC. to Park Circle in Belmont for a reported structure fire. Scio 2 and crew along with Scio 502 responded. The quick work to attack the fire lead to a great stop and stopped the fire from spreading. Great work to all departments. All Scio units were back in service around 6:00 am.
Judith S. “Judy” Wurm, 74, of 203 Clarion Street, Wilcox, PA
Judith S. “Judy” Wurm, 74, of 203 Clarion Street, Wilcox, PA passed away Sunday night, March, 24, 2024 at Penn Highlands-DuBois following a lengthy illness. She was born on April 1, 1949 in Kane, PA, a daughter to the late Joseph and Grace Kahle Zimmerman. On November 18, 1972 in St. Marys, PA she married Robert P. “Bob” Wurm, and he survives.
A lifelong resident of Wilcox, Judy was a 1968 graduate of Wilcox High School. She was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wilcox. She loved spending time with her family and caring for her home and enjoyed crocheting blankets.
Judy had retired from Keystone in St. Marys after over 35 years of service.
Penn College Spotlight on Sports (March 24)
ESPORTS
The regular spring seasons have wrapped up for four of the college’s esports teams and three of them — Valorant, Overwatch 2 and Rocket League — will step into playoff action the week of April 1. The Valorant team is seeded No. 1, the Overwatch 2 team is seeded No. 2 and the Rocket League team is seeded No. 3.
Team managers recently assessed their regular seasons and playoff outlooks:
Valorant
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC in Covington Township, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/21/2024 to SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC in Covington Township, Tioga county. 78a57(a) – CONTROL, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTION FLUIDS – Operator failed to collect brine and other fluids produced during operation of the well in a tank, series of tanks, or other device approved by the Department for subsequent disposal or reuse. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2024-03-21 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
PITT-BRADFORD LAUNCHES NEW BRAND CAMPAIGN
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford launched a new brand marketing campaign on Tuesday, March 26, which university officials believe will help them more effectively communicate the benefits of a Pitt-Bradford education and the University of Pittsburgh degree.
“This new campaign will convey the exceptional value our students receive,” said Rick Esch, Pitt-Bradford president. “At Pitt-Bradford, our students are part of a welcoming community where they can explore and belong and receive the inspiration and support they need to lead in their lives and their careers. And, as part of the University of Pittsburgh, they receive a degree that is forged in quality and commands respect around the world.”
The new campaign was developed by Red Cactus Marketing, a firm based in Tucson, Ariz., and was based on research conducted by Red Cactus, Prescience Associates and Stamats Inc. The research, which included surveys and focus groups, was conducted over the last several months and included faculty, staff, students, alumni and prospective students.
During that research, Esch said, four central pillars about Pitt-Bradford surfaced:
Auditor General DeFoor Announces County Children & Youth Agency Audits Released in First Quarter of 2024
HARRISBURG – The Department of the Auditor General released audits of nine county children and youth services agencies during the first quarter of 2024, Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor said today.
“Our audits ensure that counties are properly using state funds to protect at-risk children,” DeFoor said.
By law, the department audits the fiscal reports that county CYS agencies submit to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) which document how state funds are used to protect children.
The audit reports, which were shared with counties and DHS upon completion, are available online using the links provided below:
PennDOT Announces Bridge Preservation Project near Shinglehouse
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced plans to begin a bridge preservation project along Route 4017 (Shay Town Road) on a bridge that spans Bell Run, approximately five miles south of Shinglehouse in Sharon Township, Potter County. This work will improve safety and ride quality for motorists traveling over the bridge and improve the overall condition of the bridge from “poor” to “good”.
The bridge will be closed to traffic beginning April 8, 2024, as crews perform preservation work. A detour will be in place utilizing Route 1009 (Bell Run Road) and Route 44. This project is expected to last two to three months. All work is weather dependent.
This ongoing bridge preservation effort in Potter County also included work on a bridge along Route 219 that was completed last year, and includes future work on another Route 219 bridge to be completed later this year. PennDOT will issue an advisory as upcoming work is scheduled.
Grace Pollock from Northern Potter is Student of the Week
Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center proudly celebrates Grace Pollock from Northern Potter as our Student of the Week in the Culinary Arts program. Grace, a second-year student, is immersing herself in the intricacies of the hospitality industry. With remarkable intuition, she adeptly organizes the lab, whether addressing sanitation needs or managing kitchen stations, often completing tasks without direct instructor guidance. While undecided about her post-graduation plans, Grace is actively seeking employment opportunities preferably aligned with her training. Congratulations, Grace!
James Paul Mayer, 53, of Wellsboro, PA
James Paul Mayer, 53, of Wellsboro, PA passed away peacefully at home after an extended illness on March 15, 2024. James was born on May 4, 1970 in Elmira NY, a son of the late Sheldon and Barbara (Crane) Mayer.
James grew up in Elmira, NY and graduated from the Boces program in 1993. Shortly after his graduation, James joined the US Army National Guard. During his service, he was sent to NYC after the 9/11 attack for search and rescue and subway detail. About a year later, James was deployed to Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom. James demonstrated true valor, honor and commitment to his country as he proudly served. James could be summed up in three words: family, God and country.
James loved to help others whether it was just taking someone somewhere or to help fix whatever needed to be done. There was no job too big for him to try to tackle. He loved to go camping with his family, play his video games, and watch his army movies (shows) in his free time.
Despite all this hobbies, nothing gave James more joy than the time he spent with this family; this above all was his greatest and most treasured passion. In the 53 years that James lived, he was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a hero, a husband, a dad, a papa, an uncle and friend. James truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a listening ear, or his arms for a hug. James did not live for just his happiness but for the happiness of others. He was taken from us far too soon, but leaves behind a legacy and a lifetime of memories that will forever be in our hearts.
NYSP Release Details Of “Shots Fired” Incident in Wirt; Man Charged With Attempted Murder
Town of Wirt, NY–On March 24, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Amity arrested Johnathan T. Russell, 40 with no known address for Attempted Murder of a Police Officer- 3 counts, Attempted Murder – 2 counts, Robbery 1st, Burglary 3rd, Criminal Use of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd, Reckless Endangerment 1st, Assault 2nd, Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Governmental Administration.
On March 24, 2024, at approximately 2:00 P.M., Troopers out of SP Amity were conducting area interviews on State Route 275 in the town of Wirt regarding a burglary in the area. Troopers identified footprints in the snow and contacted the homeowner in Florida. No person was supposed to be at the house, and no one had permission to be on the property.
Troopers approached the detached garage where the footprints led and were later identified as Russell’s. Russell refused to exit but was communicating audibly. Troopers got permission to use forced entry and upon gaining entry to the garage, Russell fired a single gunshot from inside the garage.
Troopers backed off and Russell fled into the wooded area behind the property carrying a weapon.
Troopers set up a perimeter and positively identified Russell. Russell was observed on County Route 8 in a vehicle that he had just stolen at gunpoint. Troopers were able to force Russell to park the vehicle. Russell fled into the wooded area where he was taken into custody.
Russell was arraigned in the town of Wirt Court and remanded to the Allegany County Jail without bail. The felony hearing has been scheduled for March 27th.
The original NYSP Police Report listed the charges as Murder. That was not accurate. Russell is charged with Attempted Murder.