Potter County Petition Packets Available
February 2025
UPMC Experts: Protecting Your Heart During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment has advanced significantly, helping more people live longer, healthier lives. However, some of these lifesaving therapies—such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and radiation—can have unintended effects on the heart. This is known as cardiotoxicity, and it can lead to serious heart conditions both during and years after treatment.
To help protect heart health during cancer care, cardiologists and oncologists work together as a team to prevent, diagnose, and treat heart issues in cancer patients.
How Cancer Treatment Affects the Heart
While certain cancer therapies are crucial for treating the disease, the heart and blood vessels may be affected. The following conditions may be caused:
- Congestive heart failure – When the heart struggles to pump blood effectively
- Myocarditis – Inflammation of the heart muscle
- Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeats that can cause dizziness or fainting
- Premature coronary artery disease – Narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels at an earlier age than expected
- Pericardial disease and effusions – Inflammation or fluid buildup around the heart
Calling all DEMOCRATS!
Belmont, NY – All Democrats registered to vote in Allegany County are invited to participate in a general session on Saturday, February 22 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Alfred Village Hall Theater, 7 W. University St., Alfred, NY. The session will take place on the second story, which is accessible by elevator. Coffee and snacks will be served.
Attendees will hear from candidates for local office and other special guests. The afternoon will begin with a plenary discussion on current affairs and end with a roadmap for the party’s efforts in 2025. We anticipate a lively, informative, consensus-building discussion.
Advance registration is required. Please use this link: https://forms.gle/FM7x9zT69yPMWiLZ9
Straub Brewery in St. Marys is Site for RGS Birds ‘N’ Brews on March 1
St. Marys, Pa.: Straub Brewery will be the host site for the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) Birds “N” Brews on Saturday, March 1, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Straub Brew House @Straub Tap House at 444 Brusselles Street in St. Marys, Pa. Anybody interested in conservation and hunting are invited to attend and talk to members of the local chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. Birds ‘N’ Brews is an opportunity to talk birds and habitat, enjoy the camaraderie and share stories of your passion for upland bird hunting, and tell stories about bird dogs and the birds that are still flying.
This event is for conservationists, bird dog handlers, hunters, chasers of the “King of Game Birds”, and storytellers. All are welcome, particularly potential new hunters.
The Straub Tap House will offer many fine, locally made, beverages for sale, including non-alcoholic brands, and will also have food to order. Come join us for an evening of reminiscing about past autumns. Pick up a flyer that highlights local RGS and bird dog events for 2025.
Come raise a glass, talk conservation, and celebrate our shared love for grouse, woodcock, and the wild places they call home.
Two overnight lodging accommodations are nearby. The Cobblestone Inn is on Depot Street. Gunners Inn is on St. Marys Street on the diamond in downtown St. Marys. Contact Jed Hamberger at jedhamberger@gmail.com, if you have any questions.
PITT-BRADFORD PROGRAM TO HOLD KIDS’ CORNER NIGHT
Young children who have been stuck indoors and their grown-ups can spend an evening doing fun activities with college students on Wednesday.
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students enrolled in the TRIO Student Support Services program are holding a Community Kids’ Corner from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Frame-Westerberg Commons on campus.
The event is free, but children must have an adult with them. Play and craft stations include making slime and stress balls, Play-Doh, puzzles, Legos, coloring, bracelets. Juice and cookies will be provided.
Christopher John Hetrick, 46, of Ridgway, PA
Christopher John Hetrick, 46, of Ridgway, PA, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Chris was born on December 31, 1978 in St. Marys, PA.
On October 28, 2015, Chris married the love of his life, Tammy Mosier, who remains to cherish his memory. He was a devoted husband, a beloved son, a caring brother, and a dear friend to many.
Roger B. “Pug” WALTER, 89, of Gaines, PA
Roger B. “Pug” WALTER, 89, of Gaines, PA, died Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in his home in the loving care of his wife, daughter, and Family Hospice team.
Born July 10, 1935, in Mills, he was the son of Benjamin G. and Thelma A. Sherwood Walter. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served honorably from 1954 – 1956. He was married to Joan Anderson, who survives. Pug was employed by Consolidated/Dominion, retiring in 1992.
He and his wife owned and operated P&J Machining for many years. He was well-known for being able to fix almost anything brought to him for repair. Pug always said he could fix anything but a broken heart. He was a member of Pine Creek Valley Church in Gaines, member and Past Master of Galeton Masonic Lodge #602 (now part of Lewisville Lodge #556 in Ulysses), and Coudersport Consistory.
Coudersport Ambulance To Park Ave.
On February 18, at 10:42 pm Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to Park Ave. for a possible CVA
Two Vehicle Crash In Allegany NY
On February 18, at 9:37 pm Allegany NY Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to 5 Mile Rd. for a two car motor vehicle accident with injuries
Phyllis M. Muhitch, 85, of St. Marys, PA
Phyllis M. Muhitch, 85, of St. Marys, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 17, 2025.
She was born on December 15, 1939 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late John and Miriam Kreckel Arnold.
On November 19, 1960, she married the late Joseph D. Muhitch, who preceded her in death on August 9, 2013. Together they shared more than 53 years of love, laughter, and marriage.
Phyllis was a graduate of Central High School and was a member of St. Marys Church. She worked for many years at the St. Marys Public Library, and then retired from Elk County Christian High School after more than 15 years as the Librarian. She was a dedicated and organized librarian who inspired a love for reading and learning in many people over the years. In her free time, she enjoyed trips to the casino. Most of all, she loved and cherished her family and always delighted in spending time with them.
CELEBRATE CRAFTS AND CUISINE THIS WEEKEND IN WELLSBORO
This Weekend in Wellsboro there will be a free program on cougars, the last three performances of “Miss Holmes Returns;” free ice-skating, free, live, flameworking demonstrations and local artisans and culinary delights.
Gyekis to Present Cougars: What’s Real and What Isn’t? at Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods
At 6 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 21 at Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods at 91 Main Street in Wellsboro, Kerry Gyekis, an author, forester and investigator for the Cougar Rewilding Foundation, will present a free program for the public on his investigation into mountain lions in the Eastern United States. For more than 42 years, Gyekis has traveled across America in his quest for the truth about the mountain lion also known as a cougar, puma and panther. He will discuss hoaxes, sightings, evidence, tracks, tracking and the biology of the species. Preregistration is not required.
Last Three Performances of “Miss Holmes Returns” are Feb. 21, 22 & 23
Linda J. ANDREWS, 77, formerly of Cowanesque, PA
Linda J. ANDREWS, 77, formerly of Cowanesque, PA, died Monday, February 17, 2025 in Mechanicsburg.
A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Larry E. Laubach, age 93, of Morris, PA
Larry E. Laubach, age 93, of Morris, PA, died on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
He was born on June 7, 1931 in Glenside, PA a son of the late Chester and Stella (Christman) Laubach and was married to the late Joanne (Mill) Laubach. Larry was a Korean War Veteran and a truck driver for many years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Cedar Run, PA, the Morris Fire Department, Brown Twp. Fire Department, Plumsteadville Fire Department and former member of the Mennonite Bible Fellowship, Morris, PA and the Deep Run West Mennonite Church, Perkasie, PA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, camping, gardening and spending time with his family.
Father and Son Teams Harvest at Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap
“The family that hunts together, stays together,” and families continue to be successful at Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap. John and Isaac Dellaquilla, a father/son predator hunting duo from St. Marys and Kersey, enjoy hunting predators together. For the second weekend of Rolfe’s Predator Hunt or Trap, they were hunting private lands in Elk County. On Friday at 9:00 p.m., John harvested a 32.6# male coyote. He and Isaac hunt from a tent blind with a thermal scope and call only intermittently.
On Saturday at 3:00 a.m., John harvested the largest red fox, to date, a male, for the Hunt or Trap coming in at 12.4#. John shoots a .243 rifle.
Bryan and Kohlson Uhl, from Kersey, were also successful both Saturday and Sunday mornings in Elk County. Bryan and Kohlson harvested a 10.2# red fox at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday on private lands. Bryan shoots a .223 rifle and uses a FoxPro electronic call. They went back out again on Saturday evening and called in and harvested a 35.0# male coyote at 12:20 a.m. Sunday morning, this time on public lands.
Hunters are reminded that if they choose to participate during the third weekend of this three-weekend hunt or trap, they must have their registration postmarked by Thursday, 2/20.
Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day. Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
Dog Still missing in Turtlepoint
Finnley is still missing. There was a possible sighting of him Saturday (2/15) at 2:15pm on Rock Run in Turtlepoint. Please keep an eye out for our fur baby. We are missing him like crazy. If you see him please, please, please contact one of us immediately. Don’t chase or attempt to get him as he’s very skiddish, just contact us!
Brian 598-5842
Michelle 598-9722
Crews Will Be Out To Remove Snow In Coudersport Tonight
Crews will be out this evening moving snow away from the downtown district. Car owners in the First, Second & Third Street area can you please move your cars so clean up will be easier and more productive.
Thank you to all of the residents and businesses who have made an attempt to clean off your sidewalks. To those of you who are plowing in sidewalks, please clear them so pedestrians have a safer path.
Robert L. “Bob” “Wookie” Fields, 79, Of Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
Robert L. “Bob” “Wookie” Fields, 79, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Smethport following a lengthy illness.
Bob was born on March 21, 1945 in St. Marys, son of the late George “Wally” and Jeanne Scott Fields.
He graduated from Ridgway High School, Class of 1964. Bob proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, where he worked in the commissary aboard the USS Coontz.
Linda L. Chillelli, 75, of St. Marys, PA
Linda L. Chillelli, 75, of St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Pinecrest Manor following a brief illness.
She was born on January 10, 1950 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Wilfred and Callista Hanes Sorg.
She was married to the late Samuel Chillelli, who preceded her in death on June 24, 2021.
Linda was a graduate of St. Marys High School and was a member of the Elk Baptist Church. She retired from Elk Haven Nursing Home after more than 25 years as a nurse’s aide, and enjoyed the many friendships she made over the years with the residents. In her free time, she enjoyed puzzles, word searches, and playing Bingo. She always enjoyed a good card game, and loved nothing more than spending time with her family.
Battle-tested Penn College men set for playoffs
The late-season tests experienced by the Pennsylvania College of Technology men’s basketball team may prove beneficial as it enters the United East playoffs on Wednesday.
The Wildcats, seeded 12th, will travel to fifth-seeded St. Mary’s (Md.) College for a 6 p.m. tip-off. Penn College enters with records of 8-17 overall and 6-10 in the UE. St. Mary’s is 14-11 overall and 10-6 in the conference. The winner will face fourth-seeded Keystone College on Saturday in a quarterfinal.
“We play a very talented and big St. Mary’s team in the first round of the United East tournament. They are the third-ranked defense in the conference, holding their opponents to 70.3 points per game, led by their bigs who are No. 1 in the conference averaging 5.24 blocked shots per game and fifth-ranked opponent field percentage at 42.6%,” Penn College coach Geoff Hensley said.
“As with every game we play, it will be another tough test for our group. Our team is absolutely battle-tested, having gone through conference play competing with every team we play until the final buzzer went off,” Hensley continued.
St. Mary’s averages 74.6 points per game on offense and is led by 6-foot, 4-inch guard Kyree Smith (16.1 ppg scoring average), while 6-6 forwards Yassine Idrissa and Jake Koverman are averaging 13.5 and 12.8 points, and eight and six rebounds, respectively.
The Wildcats average 74.8 points on offense and allow 78.4. Statistical leaders are seniors Livingston Cross of Union, New Jersey, with scoring-rebound averages of 21.9-13.2, and Gavin Barrett of Roselle, New Jersey, 14.9-5.2.
Penn College is 1-5 lifetime against St. Mary’s. They have not played previously this season.
James H. Russell, 82, of Longview Drive, Ridgway, PA.
James H. Russell, 82, of Longview Drive, Ridgway, passed away surrounded by love on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born on September 20, 1942, in Ridgway, to the late Mary Cianca.
On February 4, 1967, in St. Leos Church, Jim married Linda Weisenfluh of Ridgway, who survives. Together they shared more than 58 years of love and marriage.
Jim was a graduate of Ridgway High School, class of 1960. He then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He was actively involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis while serving on the U.S.S. Independence. Jim was a member of the Ridgway Fire Department for many years, serving as a fireman and later as a fire policeman. He always looked forward to working the annual carnival as well. Jim retired from Sylvania, where he worked as a supervisor for over 30 years.
John V. Reed II, age 71, formerly of Wellsboro, PA
John V. Reed II, age 71, formerly of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
He was born on March 29, 1953 in Homer City, PA a son of the late John V. Reed and Natalie (Schierer) Reed and was married to Sherry M. (Jones) Reed. John was an Operating Engineer for over 50 years and enjoyed hunting, riding motorcycles and traveling. He most loved spending time with his family and friends.
BRMC, OGH to host Connect Life blood drives this February
Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, will be hosting the first community blood drives of the 2025 in partnership with ConnectLife, the region’s only community blood bank.
OGH will host its blood drive on Wednesday, February 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The drive will take place on the ConnectLife Bus, located at the Mildred Milliman Outpatient Surgery Center, directly across from the hospital. Anyone who would like to schedule an appointment can visit www.connectlifegiveblood.org and use sponsor code 000485, or call (716) 529-4270.
The blood drive at BRMC is scheduled for Thursday, February 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby. To schedule an appointment, visit www.connectlifegiveblood.org and use sponsor code 000468, or contact Kim Murphey at (814) 362-8298.