2024
Think About It
It’s Never Too Late
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
It’s never too late. How would you respond to that? Probably the responses would be numerous. It’s never too late to ask for forgiveness, to say you’re sorry, to go the extra mile, to show honor or respect to another, or to extend a helping hand. So why don’t we? What keeps us from taking that first step? Many often wish they had, but they didn’t. Perhaps the one thing to remember is that just because we didn’t doesn’t mean that it’s too late.
I have met too many people that are stuck with a memory of something that is holding them back from moving forward. Sometimes it’s simply because they can’t forgive themselves. This happened just the other day when an individual, with tears in their eyes, asked how they could move forward because of their past mistakes. Again, it’s never too late to let go of those things, to forgive yourself and to heal from those traumatic events. It goes back to the saying that we may not be responsible for what has happened to us, but we are responsible for not getting up again and moving forward.
There are many things that I can look back on that I wished I’d made different choices. I can’t undo them and start afresh. I can learn from them and make different choices moving forward. Sometimes I must remember that those mistakes and choices I’ve made can and do make me into a better person. It reminds me of the verse from Romans 8:28 “We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” (Voice Translation).
Life is to be lived with the future in mind. If all I do is look back over my past I will be doomed to repeat it. Learning from your past mistakes and choices will propel us forward into a life filled with purpose. Remember, it is never too late to ask for forgiveness or extend it. It’s never too late for most things. The choice is up to you. Think about it.
North Central Supply And the “Shops of Quarterwest”
A reminder to all of our customers. We will only be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday for our winter hours until March.
Shinglehouse Borough Water Repair February 10th
Public Notification
Shinglehouse Borough Water Department will be shutting off the Borough water approximately between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 for repairs to a main line. Please plan accordingly for water usage beforehand.
Loss of water system Pressure:
If the distribution system experiences a loss of positive pressure a PN (Public Notice) must be issued. The PWS cannot lift the PN/Boil Advisory until 2 sufficient clean bacteriological samples have been collected And analyzed. Verification after water main repairs where the main was depressurized or partially dewatered, one set of samples is collected that is representative to the affected area to ensure that the water is safe to consume. Once the samples are found to be satisfactory, the PWS may lift the PN/Boil Advisory. The Shinglehouse Borough will publish notification when you no longer need to boil your water for consumption after the repairs. You DO NOT need to boil your water before the repairs.
As stated above we need to have 2 sufficient clean bacteriological samples that have been collected And analyzed. Before we can announce and lift the boil advisory. Please plan to boil your water until Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
What should I do? After the water line repair
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using; or use bottled water. You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
Guardians of infants and young children and people at increased risk, such as pregnant women, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems, should seek advice from their health care advisors about drinking this water. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426‑4791.
PA Lumber Museum National Flannel Day Family Program February 10
Woodhicks loved themselves some flannel so shake off those winter blues with black and red plaid and come celebrate National Flannel Day with us. This program offers indoor fun for the whole family with stories, foam axe throwing, woodhick games, and a lumberjack craft. Lite refreshment and beverages will be available for purchase during program.
Rew, Otto Dispatched For 2-Vehicle Rollover Crash on Rt. 46
At 7:15 AM on Friday, Rew & Otto Fire Depts. & TLC Ambulance have been dispatched to RT. 46 near the entrance to Majestic Trails for a two-vehicle crash with rollover. Possibly 3 patients. Caller reports a one-vehicle rollover with a second vehicle sliding into rolled over vehicle.
Injection Well Appeal Assistance Saturday at Hilltop Fire Hall
Below are links to the documentation for this well from the EPA.
Catalyst Energy
- Lot 580-1
- EPA’s webpage for this wellOpens In A New Window
- DEP Lot 580-1 Corrected Well Permit
- DEP Lot 580-1 Well Permit
- DEP Lot 580-1 Well Permit Application
- DEP Lot 580-1 Record of Decision Memo
- Lot 580-1 Geologic Review Memo
- Lot 580-1 E&S Plan and Control and Disposal Plan Reviews
- Lot 580-1 E&S Plan
- Lot 580-1 Mechanical Integrity Review
Public Meeting Saturday at 10 AM to Appeal Cyclone Frack Waste Disposal Well to DEP
Marty Wilder
Pithole Road. The history of the oil fields is written in its name. It’s where many Cyclone residents live, not far from where work is already underway on a 5,000-foot-deep, frack-waste disposal well.
Many of the people here have worked in the oilfield their entire life and, to be honest, that’s what scares them. They readily admit the ground beneath their feet is a “pincushion,” drilled more than once, and many wells never plugged.
This injection well has been on the drawing board since about 2020-21. It was announced publicly in the legal notices in The Bradford Era, the small print after the classified pages. Since no one complained about the proposal, the first permit was granted by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Most of the people in Cyclone only found out about this project when a letter from the Seneca Nation of Indians was left in their mailboxes. And when they complained to “our” government about getting no notification, they were told they had missed their chance.
When the residents raised hell last fall, there was a hastily arranged meeting with the state Department of Environmental Protection and operator Catalyst Energy. Residents posed many questions, but didn’t get satisfactory answers concerning vital issues.
When one resident called a couple weeks ago to check the status of the state permit, he was told … it had been granted. There was 30 days to appeal. And that’s where we are today.
The 30 days is running. At 10 a.m. Saturday a community meeting will be held at the Hilltop Firehall where organizers will talk to the people about some of the important issues at stake mostly with potential water contamination by a nasty mix of chemicals frack waste — “not your father’s (secondary recovery) brine.”
The crux of the matter is this: A whole lot of the Bradford oilfield has been perforated from years of drilling. A map of Cyclone from the 1930s is virtually covered with oil wells. Many were never plugged, creating a perfect subterranean system for frack waste to meander up through the layers of soil and mix with the underground water supply.
Anybody from Bradford will surely remember when the first wells were fracked back in the early 2000s, and two houses exploded — how people weren’t killed is a miracle — for this same reason.
And in the 1980s, Pennzoil “fracked” wells in Cyclone with a type of detergent, a new method to get more oil out of a tired oilfield. One of the men who handled the wells later found the same material … coming out of the ground about a half-mile away.
I’d like to think the Department of Environmental Protection simply wasn’t aware of these facts when they OK’d the permit.
When I was elected McKean County Commissioner I promised people as much transparency as possible. In all honesty, this is not technically a county problem. But I support the people of Cyclone on this vital issue, and will do what I can to help them.
But let me be crystal clear. I speak only for myself. I don’t speak for the county or the other commissioners. That is their right. I’m sure the three of us commissioners, over time, will agree on many things. But, like the people of Cyclone, I’m also a hilltopper and we stick together. Next time, it could be us.
Daniel Hayes Whitford, 46, Cuba Lake, NY
Daniel Hayes Whitford passed away on February 5, 2024, after a tragic accident at his home on Cuba Lake. Countless people have been impacted by his death, and his place in our shared history has been nothing short of legendary.
The Law of the Conservation of Energy says that energy can neither be created nor destroyed – only converted from one form to another. Daniel’s love for his family, his life, and for other people was what defined him. His energy was positive, intense, seemingly endless, and will not be diminished, but carried on by all of us.
Born in Olean, New York to proud parents Chandler and Karen Whitford on June 22, 1977, Daniel grew up on Cuba Lake and was a graduate of Cuba-Rushford High School, Class of 1995. He graduated from Gannon University. He started his career in the family business, The L.C Whitford Co., Inc., in the trades during his summers off in high school, the same as his brothers. He then progressed through the ranks to his most recent appointment as vice president. Throughout all these roles, his compassionate and authentic personality contributed to the cohesiveness that is the fabric of the company.
Daniel is survived by his parents, wife Rochelle (Darling), son Ford, daughter Stella; brothers Brad, Rod, and Clint; nieces Ellie and Isa Whitford; and sisters-in-law Amanda Darling and Meghan and Lauren O’Keefe. To list his close friends would be impossible because of the immediate connections he made everywhere he went.
The life of Daniel has many themes: Family man, intense love, adventurous soul, and a mission of happiness. He was most passionate about his wife and children; swimming, fishing, or boating with them on Cuba Lake or at his favorite place of all – Lady Evelyn Lake in Ontario, Canada.
Daniel lived an outrageously full life, adding color to the mundane or a lightning bolt to the party. But, above all, he genuinely cared about other people’s feelings and happiness as much as his own.
Daniel leaves so many lives changed forever, and all for the better. To try and capture his life in a picture or paragraphs would be an impossible feat. His many friends have mourned his passing with some tales and moving remembrances, including living life to the fullest, amazing hugs, making you feel at home, spreading joy and happiness, lighting up a room, infectious smile, and the list goes on.
The Whitford Family invites friends to join them in celebrating Daniel during a visitation on Sunday, February 11 at Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc., 9 Bull Street, in Cuba from 1 to 5 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, which is the summer solstice.
The Whitford Family will be establishing a memorial fund to honor Daniels’s memory. Details will be announced before the celebration of life.
Don’t forget Daniel’s important mantra: “Straight to the top!!”
Judith A. Raught, 83, formerly of Looker Mountain Trail, Eldred, PA
ELDRED – Judith A. Raught, 83, formerly of Looker Mountain Trail, passed away Wednesday (Feb. 7, 2024) at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born July 28, 1940, in Olean N.Y., she was the daughter of Chester and Thelma Reigel Rice. On Dec. 3, 1966, in Coryville, she married Thomas R. Raught, who preceded her in death April 20, 2022.
Judith was a 1959 graduate of Smethport High School, and when younger worked at Zippo, and then part time at Dexter-Hysol.
She enjoyed James Bond movies, crosswords, puzzles, needlework and arts and crafts. Judith was very artistic, which led her to serve as president of the Residents Society. She also previously enjoyed traveling, and sightseeing with her husband, Thomas Raught. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with, and was very proud of, her grandchildren.
MoreMichael O. “Ort” Maynard, 69, of Route 446, Eldred, PA
ELDRED — Michael O. “Ort” Maynard, 69, of Route 446 passed away Sunday (Feb. 4, 2024) at St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, following a brief illness.
Born Aug. 23, 1954, in Olean, N.Y., he was the son of the late Orton and Peggy Manning Maynard.
Ort was a lifelong resident of Eldred, and had worked at the former Ball Foster Glass Plant, the Gold Eagle Hotel and VFW Post 2092 of Eldred. He was a social member of VFW Post 2092 of Eldred and American Legion Post 887 of Eldred, and was a prior officer for Sons of the American Legion.
He annually attended the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., was an avid video game player and also enjoyed going fishing.
MoreCar/Deer Crash with Injury near Coudersport
At 7:23 PM on Thursday, Coudersport Fire & EMS was dispatched to 6 Back Road for a car/deer crash with injury.
Pauline M. White, 91, of Wellsboro, PA
Pauline M. White, 91, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at her home on Thursday, February 8, 2024. She was born on December 6, 1932, in Oregon Hill, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Bertha M. (Gilbert) Kalmbach. She was the wife of the late Richard L. White.
MoreJoan Lucille (Dagustine) Martin, 90, of 111 West Main Street, Ridgway, PA
Joan Lucille (Dagustine) Martin, 90, of 111 West Main Street, Ridgway, PA passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
She was born on June 24, 1933, in Johnsonburg, a daughter of the late Frank and Joan Feronti Dagustine.
On October 25, 1952, at Holy Rosary Church, she married the late Daniel G. Martin. Together they shared more than 65 years of marriage.
Joan was a graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School class of 1951. She was a member of St. Leo Magnus Church and Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of the Ridgway Woman’s club for many years. Joan was secretary at Elk County Veterans’ Affairs office, retiring in 1999. She was a Jury Commissioner for 4 years (2000-2004).
Joan served as a waitress for many years at various clubs and restaurants, including the Ridgway Country Club, Elk’s Club, and the Mediterranean. She thoroughly loved waitressing and serving people throughout Ridgway. Joan was a self-taught cake decorator and well known throughout the community for her many cakes, cookies, pies, and baked goods.
MoreRobert W. WAGNER, 49, of Friendship, NY
Robert W. WAGNER, 49, of Friendship, NY, died Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in his home.
Born April 11, 1974, in North Tonawanda, he was the son of Floyd and Sharon Kowalski Wagner. On June 11, 2016, in Richburg, he married the former Ruth E. Norton, who survives.
A graduate of Friendship Central School, he earned his welding certificate at BOCES. Bob was employed by API from 1993 – 2007 and Siemens from 2007 – 2023, working as a welder in Wellsville, Olean, and Painted Post.
Bob enjoyed hunting and dirt track racing with his son, Justin. Bob loved working on his racing team as crew chief and mechanic. He could weld and build anything. Bob and Ruth spent a lot of time together farming, gardening, and spending time with the grandchildren.
MoreCoudersport Ambulance To N. Ayers Hill Road
On February 8 at 4:23 pm, Coudersport ambulance was dispatched to N. Ayers Hill Road for a possible CVA
110 MPH Pursuit on Route 44 in Sharon Twp.
At 1:18 PM on Thursday, Shinglehouse Police have discontinued a short chase with speeds up to 110 MPH on Route 44 South for a known individual who fled police. The vehicle, a silver Toyota, was reported to have taken Eleven Mile Road in a northerly direction. Area police agencies from PA & NY have joined the search for the vehicle which has been reported to now be in New York state.
Watch Out For This Scam
City of St. Marys Police Department
The Saint Marys City Police Department would like to inform our citizens of an ongoing, and increasingly problematic scam occurring throughout our community. There has been a noted increase of scams occurring when victims are contacted by people representing themselves as members of a Fraud Detection Division of whatever bank the victim uses. The scammers are even capable of making the phone number look like an actual call from the phone number located on the back their debit card.
The scammers will report there has been fraudulent activity observed on the victim’s bank account, and convince the victim to access their bank account through their phone or computer. The scammers will ask victims for passwords and logins to bank accounts, or in several instances have the victim download an app on their phone, which in turns allows the scammer to view the victim’s phone. As the victim logs into their bank accounts, the scammer can view passwords and logins.
Unfortunately, these scams are becoming increasingly complex, and can be very convincing. If money is stolen the complexity of wire transfers, 3rd party apps, and internet services makes it all but impossible to recover the stolen money.
If you receive such a call, or text message, we are encouraging citizens to ask for a call back number, hang up, and call your local bank to validate the call.
Robert G. “Bob” Main, Jr., 66, of Warren, PA
Robert Main, Jr.
Robert G. “Bob” Main, Jr., 66, died Wednesday, February 7, 2024, after suffering an apparent heart attack while at work.
A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA
Allegany Man Jailed On Warrants For Multiple Charges in Cuba, NY
Cuba Police Department
On February 7th, 2024 at approximately 6:00 PM, Cuba Police arrested Jeremy R. Ostrander (36) of Allegany, NY.
Ostrander was arrested on warrants for charges of failing to yield right of way of an emergency vehicle (2 counts, Violations), failing to maintain lane (2 counts, Violations), speed in zone (3 counts, Violations), speeding in a school zone (Violation), reckless driving (Misdemeanor), criminal trespass 2nd (Misdemeanor), fleeing a police officer (Misdemeanor), obstruction of governmental administration 2nd (Misdemeanor), resisting arrest (Misdemeanor), aggravated unlicensed operation 1st (Felony) and reckless endangerment 1st (Felony).
Ostrander was processed and placed in front of a Cuba Town Judge and sent to the Allegany County Jail on no bail. Ostrander is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Charles W. Geisel, 62, of 3282 County Road 8, Friendship, NY
Friendship, NY— Charles W. Geisel, 62, of 3282 County Road 8, passed away unexpectedly, at home, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Born April 22, 1960 in Rochester, NY. He was the son of Henry and Mary Dubey Geisel.
Charles was a graduate of the Richburg Central School Class of 1978.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1981-1983.
He was employed at the former Cooper Industries in Olean as a Kiln Operator for twenty-two years, prior to his retirement. He later bartended at the Chef Grill, Bolivar and was employed as a custodian for Scio Central School for two years.
Charles enjoyed spending time with his family and cruising in his Corvette. The highlight of the year was his annual family reunion. He took great pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments and attending their sporting events.
MorePotter County Artisan Co-op plans events and classes in February
For more information, contact the Potter County Artisan Co-op @ (814) 274-8165.
On Friday, February 9 from 5-8pm, the Potter County Artisan Co-op will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Open House. Live music, food and drinks will be offered, as well as locally made gifts for purchase. Live music will be played by Dana Daisley. Registration is not required.
MoreMichael M. “Mike” Lovell, 78, of Austin, PA
Michael M. Lovell
AUSTIN, PA—Michael M. “Mike” Lovell, 78, of Austin, PA passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in UPMC Cole, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, September 30, 1945 in Stonemarket, England, he was a son of Carl and Sheila Peck Lovell. On July 4, 1987 in Austin he married Diane E. Dow Lovell, who passed away on October 20, 2020.
Mike was a US Navy veteran. He was employed at various places throughout the years.
Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.
MorePort Allegany Man Shares Experience At UPMC
“How many people say that the best hospital stay they had was for an open-heart surgery?”
That’s what Perry Hanchett of Port Allegany had to share after his recent experience with UPMC.
For about four days in a row in October of 2023, Perry experienced a lot of pain in his right shoulder that affected him so much that he couldn’t sleep. His wife took him to the emergency department at UPMC Cole where it was discovered that he was suffering from a heart attack.
This was a surprise to Perry as he didn’t feel any other symptoms – he was smiling and was walking up and down the halls to stay occupied prior to treatment.
Once Perry’s heart attack was stabilized, he was transferred to UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Williamsport for additional care. While at UPMC Williamsport, Perry endured another massive heart attack, but again did not feel the typical symptoms.
For a good part of his life, Perry was afraid of something like this happening and the possibility of having heart surgery. His brother, someone he really looked up to, had gone through something similar many years ago and left a lasting impression that if it were to happen to him, he’d go through the same kind of pain that would change him forever.
This was not Perry’s case, and he credits a lot of his experience to not only the Heart and Vascular team, but to everyone he encountered during his hospital stay.
“Every time you needed something, there was somebody there for you. Even the people that came in to clean the rooms asked if they could get me anything,” he said. “They were always concerned for my well-being.”
Perry was able to leave UPMC Williamsport just four days after undergoing a double bypass open-heart surgery. Staying as active as possible throughout his stay and the support of his care team and loved ones helped to make this possible. Perry continues his care by attending cardiac rehabilitation with UPMC closer to home.
CAPTION: Perry walks on a treadmill as part of his UPMC cardiac rehabilitation regimen close to home.
Wellsville Police Blotter
Wellsville N.Y. Police Department
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Wellsville Police arrested Sarah L. Saintilus, age 22, of Wellsville, charging her with Criminal Mischief 4th (Class A Misdemeanor). The charge stems from an incident that took place on Trapping Brook Road on January 26th. Saintilus was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson. Saintilus was released. Saintilus is due back in Wellsville Village Court on April 2nd at 4:30 pm.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Wellsville Police arrested Lee D. Main, age 33, of Bolivar, charging him with Aggravated DWI with a child in the Vehicle (Class E Felony), Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle 3rd (Unclassified Misdemeanor) and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (Class A Misdemeanor). The charges stem from a traffic stop on the Bolivar Road. Main was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson. Main was released under pre-trial supervision by the Allegany County Probation Department. Main is due back in Wellsville Village Court on March 19th at 4:30 pm. Additional charges are pending.