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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
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John W. Brocious, age 64, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
He was born on January 11, 1960 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Quay E. Brocious, Sr. and Stella M. (Campbell) Brocious. John worked for General Dynamics, Groton, CT for many years and other employers since then. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, painting, making candles and many more crafts.
Interested in learning to make maple syrup from start to finish? Penn State Extension will hold a no-cost workshop on identifying and tapping maple trees, collecting sap, and cooking it into syrup using beginner-friendly techniques. Both in-person and virtual options are available.
The “Getting Started in Maple Syrup” webinar will occur from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 29. The in-person version will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 1, at Penn State Extension’s Potter County office, 1 N. Main St., Room 216, Coudersport.
The program is aimed at individuals considering making maple syrup for the first time, beginner maple syrup producers, and members of the public interested in learning about maple syrup production.
Led by Scott Weikert, forest resources extension educator, the program will cover:
The community is invited to join the congregation of the Evangelical Covenant Church as they celebrate their history in Port Allegany.. It’s been 125 years from Swedish immigrants to modern America with the same message of faith, hope and commitment to Christ. An Open House will be held from 12:15 – 2 p.m. on February 9 at the church located at 67 Church Street. Light refreshments will be served. Pictured are Pastor J.T, Madison and Netra Baker, Committee Chairperson. Other members of the committee include Sara Bishel, Linda Niles, Jess Klein and Evelyn Guncheon.
(McKean County, Pennsylvania: January 9, 2025): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer honors Officers on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day that allows us to honor the officers who take on the responsibility of enforcing the law and protecting their residents: “Our Officers take exceptional risks to ensure that we are safe from harm. And they must take these risks on a moment’s notice. While their day may start out as peaceful and orderly, it too often flips to violence and chaos. Many of our McKean County neighbors have taken the pledge to accept this risk and so have many others who live elsewhere but come to McKean County to protect us.
The uncertainty they face is challenging. But it is the certainty that they will face violence more days than not- but nonetheless report for duty-that makes them heroes. Some of them have faced violence during a routine traffic stop that turned deadly. Some of them have succumbed to the abuse their bodies have suffered merely from performing their jobs. And some have been murdered merely for putting on their uniform without regard to the human beings they are or the families they leave behind. Yet these Officers respond to every call that comes in during their shift as if they have put this knowledge out of their minds.
It is our privilege to work with these officers. We look at the legacies of Patrolman Steven Jerman, Sergeant David Distrola, Lt. Jeff Shade and Trooper Jay Rougeau with honor and which we hold in the highest place of esteem. Today and every day we remember and honor these gentlemen. And we thank and honor those that continue to take these risks for our security. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. We honor all law enforcement officers – McKean County Detectives’ Bureau & K9 Unit, McKean County Drug Task Force, Bradford City Police & K9 Unit, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Otto Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Marshalls, , McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest, McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and the families of our Officers. These officers are family, friends and heroes. God bless our Officers and their families. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, thank you”. – Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney
William F. Daley, 85, of Warren, Pa, died suddenly on Tuesday January 7, 2025, in his home, after an apparent heart attack. A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.
(Pennsylvania) – Mother Nature might be saying it’s winter, but the American Cancer Society is helping you to think spring with the return of Daffodil Days! This colorful first flower of spring represents a campaign that brings hope to cancer patients, their caregivers, and families, while providing much-needed funding to support the groundbreaking research, programs, and services of the American Cancer Society.
Clinton James Baker (Jim), formerly of Wellsboro, PA and Port Allegany, PA, passed away at the UPMC Hospital, Carlisle, PA, with his wife by his side, on January 6, 2025.
Jim was born November 14, 1946 in Bradford, PA, the son of the late Clinton L. and Naomi Jamieson Baker. On December 16, 1966, he married the love of his life Darlene Anderson, who survives. He and Darlene went to her senior prom together in 1965 at Port Allegany High School.
During cold and flu season, it can be challenging to differentiate illnesses like the common cold, flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus. Each show distinct symptoms, modes of transmission, and treatment approaches. Knowing what you’re dealing with can help you make informed decisions about care and prevention.
The Common Cold Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, mild cough, mild fatigue, possible low-grade fever.
Evelyn L. Beers, 93, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of Elk Towers, St. Marys, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, following a lengthy illness.
She was born on December 25, 1931 in Daguscahonda, a daughter of the late Burton and Lillie Wolff Himes.
She was married to Leo Zuchowski, who preceded her in death. She then married Gerald “Bud” Nichols, who also preceded her in death.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael David “Dunsy” Dunsmore, who left us on January 3, 2025, at his home in Bolivar, NY. He was 57 years old.
He was born on October 9, 1967 in Ithaca, NY and spent his childhood in Shinglehouse, PA and Bolivar, NY. Mike graduated from Bolivar Central School in 1986, where he excelled in athletics, making his mark as an outstanding wrestler, football player, and baseball player. His competitive spirit and love for sports carried through his life, and his time at BCS fostered lifelong friendships and memories.
Sarah Elizabeth Dush Plyler Wonderling, 94, of Ridgway, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
She was born on March 16, 1930, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Lester and Anna Mae Hadden Dush.
In 1949, she married the late Samuel Plyler Sr., who preceded her in death in 1966, and had 3 children: Samuel Plyler Jr. and his wife Carol, Elizabeth Libby McKinny and her husband Michael, and Paul Plyler and his wife Barb.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of frozen, raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic and metal.
Lorraine L. Asti, 76, of Parkview Rd., St. Marys, died on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at her home with her family by her side. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Clinton James (Jim) Baker, 78, of Carlisle, formerly of Port Allegany passed away Monday (January 6, 2025) at UPMC-Carlisle, Carlisle PA with his wife by his side.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany
Juanita Vining ELDER, 64, of Whitesville, NY, passed peacefully on December 27, 2024, with her devoted husband, Mark, by her side.
Born June 22, 1960, in New Orleans, LA, she was the daughter of Raymond and Eula Mitchell Vining and the youngest of their five children. She spent most of her early years making cherished, life-long memories with her cousins, siblings, and some very dear friends that she considered family. On May 15, 1982, in Bayou L’Orurse, LA, she married Mark E. Elder, who survives. They moved to Whitesville, NY, where they raised their two daughters.
She was well known for her contagious laughter, immeasurable love, and incredible singing voice. For many years, she shared in leading the worship service at Ellisburg Church, where she also led the youth group. When not singing in church, she delivered singing telegrams as the Cowabunga Cavewoman to friends, complete with original poems she had written. Juanita loved her children with her whole heart and was a second mom to any child that entered her home. Her most cherished role by far was that of Grammy to her adoring granddaughters, with whom she loved to exploring nature. She touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and love, and will be dearly missed.
Surviving besides her husband, Mark, are: daughters, Julia Elder (Kevin Stephens) and Leah Kalpin (Justin Penna); granddaughters, Natalie Kalpin and Lyla Kalpin; three siblings, Deloris Gilchrist, Evy Vining (Amy), and Herbert Vining (Vickie); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; her mother-in-law, Dortha Caylor; and brother-in-law, Scott Elder.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Vining Jr.; son-in-law, Nicholas Kalpin; and dear cousin, Dodie Duke.
Friends may call at Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 2005 Ellisburg Road, Genesee, PA on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM. Rev. Roy Ward and Rev. Barbara Mosher will co-officiate.
Juanita will be laid to rest with her parents in Morgan City, LA. Memorials may be made to Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 1020 Rag Hill Road, Genesee, PA 16923 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Mass of Christian Burial for Carl Joseph Luppino will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. W. Warren, PA. To view a complete obituary please visit www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
Cynthia M. “Cindy” Braum, 64, of Glen Hazel Road, Wilcox, passed away at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 following a lengthy illness.
She was born on January 14, 1960 in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Ford Loudermilk.
In August, 1985, she married Robert “Bob” Braum, who survives. Together they shared nearly 40 years of marriage.
Cindy was a lifelong resident of the area and enjoyed sewing and spending time with her family.
Caliban “Cal” Eren Geitner, born and entered into God’s loving care on December 20, 2024, a son of Samantha R. Knopsnyder and Vincent J. Geitner of Reynoldsville.
Caliban was welcomed into the world at 6:50 AM on December 20, 2024, weighing 1 pound, 9 ounces and was 12.25 inches long. Born at Magee Women’s hospital in Pittsburgh at 24 weeks gestational age, he was born early due to pregnancy complications after his mother was involved in a serious car accident which caused her water to break and go into hospital for a month. Cal was a very wiggly and squirmy baby, often kicking the heart monitors off Sam’s belly or squirming away from the doppler for ultrasounds. He loved any type of food, his favorite was when his dad, Vinnie, would make homemade meals for him and his mom to enjoy. He also loved when his mom would sing to him in her tummy. Both things made him kick harder than usual, showing his excitement.
After 14 hours in the NICU, Caliban gained his wings and passed in his mother’s arms with his dad by his side. As long as we live, we will never forget our time with you even though it was too short. Mommy and Daddy love you and will wish you were by our side every single day. Until we meet again, our beloved son, our angel, our sweet Cal.
Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) made the following statement about the adoption of new House rules for the 2025-26 legislative session:
“Facing unprecedented circumstances, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives came together yesterday to adopt operating rules governing the entire 2025-26 Legislative Session that reflect how the House should work in an environment of closely divided government. They are a fair and reasonable representation of the political realities facing our Commonwealth and give members a greater opportunity to be the voice of their constituents in Harrisburg,” Topper said.
Key among House rule changes that enhance member voices and reflect the close divide in the state House of Representatives are:
Committee splits of 14-12 on all standing committees with 13 votes needed to report a bill out of committee. Last session, the splits were 14-11 with 12 votes needed to report a bill out of committee.
The removal of the ability to table all amendments to legislation in one bundled group.
Bringing back fairness to the process used to discharge bottled-up legislation out of a committee.
Limiting the ability to cut off debate on matters before the House.
“The House Republican Caucus looks forward to continuing to share our ideas and having a fair hearing on issues of importance to our members and the districts they represent during the course of this session,” Topper added.
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) and Wilson College, a four-year institution located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, signed a guaranteed transfer agreement to enable NPRC Associate of Arts in Education Studies and Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education graduates to transfer into Wilson College’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Arts in Special Education programs with no loss of credit.
The signing took place in December and is effective immediately. Wilson College will accept a maximum of 60 hours of college-level coursework offered by NPRC through this pathway. Such courses may be used to fulfill a portion of Wilson College’s general education curriculum and portions of the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree or Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. The terms help define a pathway for students enrolled in the NPRC’s Paraeducators Pathway Program to move onto Wilson College upon graduation and complete their goal to become a K-12 special education teacher. Ultimately, this is a step for both NPRC and Wilson College towards fulfilling the need for qualified professionals in special education that is problematic not just in Pennsylvania, but around the United States.
For many years, the Port Allegany United Methodist Church congregation collects hats, scarfs, mittens, gloves and socks and decorate two trees in the sanctuary with their collection. Each January, the donated items are packed and taken to the local schools and given to students in need. Kids at UMC are pictured with some of the donations as the trees were undecorated after Sunday’s morning worship service. They are (front row, left to right) Ella Buchsenschutz, Finley Buchsenschutz, Everett Schimp, Tripp Schimp; (row 2) Sofia Buchsenschutz, ,Adeline Schimp, Alivia McDowell, Dale Connelly; (back row) Lincoln Barnard, Owen Carr, Maddie Dinch and Faith Dinch.
With profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of Dylan James Reed, of Edinboro, PA (formerly State College, PA) who left this world far too soon entering his final eternal resting place on January 3, 2024, at the age of 46.
Dylan was born March 28, 1978, in Coudersport, PA, the son of Roger Reed and the late Constance Kandare (Seger).
Dylan was a graduate from Coudersport High School, class of 1996. After graduating Dylan became a dedicated professional in management and sales, where he built strong relationships and earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike with his charisma and ability to connect with people effortlessly.
Dylan’s life extended far beyond his work. His life was filled with the things he loved most. Dylan was passionate about all things wine, liquor and beer. He was a fierce supporter of Penn State Football and the New York Mets. He also had a lifelong love of NASCAR, especially the #9 car (Chase Elliot) whom he admired. Dylan found great joy and peace in the outdoors, spending unforgettable time hunting and camping at the Glen.
At the center of Dylan’s heart was his family and beloved dog, Baxter. Dylan adored his sister with whom he shared an unbreakable bond filled with love and admiration. His faithful dog, Baxter, was his loyal companion, bringing him constant joy and comfort. Dylan’s playful spirit and deep affection for Baxter were clear to all who knew him.
Dylan was known for his infectious smile and vibrant personality that could brighten even the darkest of days. His magnetic personality and kind spirit made him a friend to all and a source of happiness wherever he went. Dylan’s passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his kindness, love and joy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Roulette Township Supervisors would like to announce that the regular monthly meeting for January will be held on Wednesday the 15th at 4:30 p.m. Starting with the February monthly meeting, all meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. All meetings will be held at the township office on 80 Railroad Ave., Roulette, PA 16746 and the building is handicap accessible.