Growing up in Bradford, Margaret Weitekamp did not want to study history.
Her father, Dr. Raymond Weitekamp, taught American history at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford; her mother, Ann (now Ann Gannon), taught history in Bradford public schools. Summer vacations usually included historical sites and explanations.
“I thought it was boring, and it was only about dates and wars,” she said.
While urging residents to remain vigilant in protecting their personal information, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is clarifying what residents should expect when working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials as they seek to obtain recovery assistance.
“Throughout the course of the day, we’ve been able to talk further with federal and state emergency officials to better clarify the Individual Assistance application process and the type of information residents will be asked to provide in order to receive aid,” Owlett said. “Our goal is always to serve the best interests of the people of Tioga County, and we are especially looking out for those folks who are extra vulnerable due to damage suffered in last month’s flooding.”
Contrary to information received from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) this morning, there are legitimate reasons for FEMA officials to collect Social Security and bank account information. To help applicants better understand those needs, FEMA has offered the following tips:
Jean M. Crosby “beloved mother and grandmother”
Jean M. Crosby, a resident of Austin, PA, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport, PA following a lengthy battle with COPD.
Jean was born August 12, 1938 in Emporium, PA to the late Robert Tilburg and Jennie Haynes Ludwig. Jean attended Cameron County Schools in Emporium, PA. On August 6, 1955 in Manassas, VA, she married Hugh C. Crosby who preceded her in death on Friday, July 7, 2023.
Jean was caring, crafty and creative. Her talents lead her to numerous hobbies throughout her life. She crocheted countless items including holiday ornaments and decor and hundreds of afghans (many that she donated for fundraisers and baby afghans which she gave as gifts). In her earlier years she enjoyed drawing, cutting out and painting wood yard ornaments including donkey carts for flower arrangements, Christmas ornaments, and more. She loved going to bingo and enjoyed taking her grandchildren. She also had a love for camping and traveling for many years with her husband.
Virginia A. “Ginger” Donachy, 73, of Benzinger Road, St. Marys, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois following the lengthy illness.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Stephanie L. Lion, 43, of 144 Martin Road, St. Marys, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.
She was born October 21, 1980, in St. Marys daughter of Elizabeth A. Swanson Lion and the late Richard C. Lion, who preceded her in death on October 16, 2022. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1999. Following graduation she attended Penn State University where she graduated with a degree in Family Behavioral Science. She was employed at Penn Highlands Elk for 20 years before she retired to care for her father, Dick.
On September 16, at 5:19 pm Otto, Eldred Twp, and Eldred Borough Fire Depts. were dispatched to 768 Main St. in Duke Center for a residential house fire
Robert Frank Stampee, 82, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA on Friday morning (September 13, 2024). He was born April 2, 1942 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Frank and Bridgett Rydesky Stampee.
He graduated from Cameron County High School and served with the US Air Force for 4 years. He retired from General Motors where he worked for many years. He was a member of the Bucktail Rod & Gun Club and the National Beekeepers Association.
He is survived by brother-in-law Roland (Bobbi) Maki, Rochester, Michigan and many cousins and friends
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan Stampee Maki
There will be no visitation and services will be private.
Burial will be in the St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
Mary Jo (Weber) Green, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 14, 2024, following a short illness.
She was born June 15, 1937 in St Mary’s, PA to Luke and Laura Wehler Weber.
On January 23, 1965 she married the late Robert Lamar Green, who preceded her in death on May 14, 2018.
She is survived by two daughters; Mary Kelly (Dale) Elder of Mt. Lebabon and Mary Marsan (Kevin) O’Leary of St. Marys, by her four beloved grandchildren- Montana, Bryce, Grace and Sydney. She is also survived by one brother; Anthony (Eileen) Weber of Delaware, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley A. Sherwood, 86, of Turtlepoint, passed away Saturday (September 14, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born November 14, 1937 in Indiana County, PA the daughter of Ben and Eva (Stuck) Galentine. On Jult 24, 1954, in Pike, NY , she married James Sherwood, who survives.
Mrs. Sherwood worked as a cook at the former Fireside Inn and the Canoe Place Inn, but ultimately was a homemaker tending to the needs of her family.
She was a member of the Birch Grove Menonnite Church of Port Allegany and enjoyed spending time with her family.
The Emporium Community has lost a life-long dedicated Christ and community servant with the passing of Kenneth L. Ostrum, on September 12, 2024.
Ken was born January 26, 1932 at his family home on the Old West Creek Road, son of John Fred and Violet (Barr) Ostrum.
On Feb 23, 1952, he married Mary Jane Kinley at the First Baptist Church in Emporium and then celebrated 53 years together. Ken graduated from Emporium High School in1950. He received his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering from ICS of Scranton, PA He was employed for 37 years at Sylvania Electric (GTE, Philips Electronics), first as a production worker, then in Electrical Design. Ken worked internationally at design jobs in Canada, Mexico, Belgium and France.
Wellsville- Deloris B. Peterson “Loving Mother & Grandmother”
Deloris B. Peterson formerly of Cuba passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Highland Park in Wellsville.
Deloris was born December 22, 1931 in Franklinville and was the daughter of Donald and Beatrice Benjamin Woodruff. She married Robert J. Peterson who predeceased her on January 9, 2014.
On September 16, at 9:46 am Port Allegany Ambulance and Roulette Ambulance were dispatched to Rt. 6 in Liberty Twp. for a person fallen.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Residents of Lycoming, Potter, Tioga , and Union counties are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby from Aug. 9-10, 2024.
FEMA may be able to help you pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other needs caused by the disaster, including:
Essential items including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, medical supplies and equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation
Rental assistance if you are displaced as a result of the disaster, including financial assistance for the following: hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options while you look for a rental unit
Repair or replacement of a vehicle, appliances, room furnishings, personal or family computer, books, uniforms, tools, computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment
Moving and storage fees, medical expenses, childcare and funeral expenses
There are four ways to apply:
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
Download the FEMA App.
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Calls are accepted from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Help is available in most languages; if you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, please provide FEMA your number for that service.
In coordination with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and county officials, FEMA will be opening Disaster Recovery Centers soon.
Disaster Recovery Centers are where you can get in-person help applying for federal assistance, update your application and learn about other resources available.
If you have insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA can’t pay for losses your insurance will cover.
To watch an accessible video about how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance – YouTube.
FEMA and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency officials surveying damage from Tropical Storm Debby (Photo: Erika O’Sullivan/FEMA)
On September 16, at 9:03 am Shinglehouse Ambulance was dispatched to S. Pleasant St. for chest pains
On September 16, at 8:58 am Lafayette Fire and Bradford City were dispatched for a two vehicle crash near the Pine Acres Golf Course.
On September 15, at 6:28 St. Marys Ambulance was dispatched to 807 S. Micheal St. for a vehicle vs pedestrian on a bike crash
On September 15, at 5:57 pm Genesee Ambulance was dispatched to Center St. for a female dirt bike accident victim with a possible head injury. Air Medical has been dispatched
