Important News Release Regarding Fire/EMS Services for your municipality
The Austin Volunteer Fire Company Inc. is a 100% Volunteer Fire, Rescue and EMS company located in Austin, Pennsylvania. We currently serve the Borough of Austin, and Townships of Portage, Summit, Wharton, Sylvania & Keating located within Potter County.
January 1, 2023 brings the start of new 3 year contracts between the Austin Volunteer Fire Company Inc. and each municipality for our services (fire and ems). Each municipality IS REQUIRED by law to provide these emergency services to their municipality. AT THIS TIME all municipalities with the EXCEPTION of Keating Township have signed this contract.
The funds received from the executed contracts with each municipality account for approximately 30% of our annual budget. These funds are used toward life-saving equipment and operations. The remainder of funds arrive from fundraisers, donations and grants.
In March 2022, the Austin Volunteer Fire Company Inc. notified each municipality of a special municipal meeting scheduled to review upcoming contracts and AVFD accomplishments and future goals.
In June 2022, the Austin Volunteer Fire Company Inc. hosted a municipal meeting for all townships and the borough explaining contracts and answering any questions municipal officials may have had. Keating Township Officials did not attend this meeting.
In September 2022, the Austin Volunteer Fire Company Inc. officials attended a special meeting with Keating Township, at their request, to answer questions. AVFD Fire Chief and Board Chairman also attended Keating Township’s regular meetings in September and November to answer any additional questions.
Executed contracts were DUE to be signed and returned to AVFD by October 15, 2022.
As of December 19, 2022, Keating Township has NOT signed and returned the contracts.
If these contracts are not executed by December 31, 2022, the Austin Volunteer Fire Company Inc is NO LONGER required to provide fire and ems services to Keating Township. If contracts are not executed by your municipality, your insurance rates WILL INCREASE.
PROPERTY OWNERS/RESIDENTS OF KEATING TOWNSHIP—— this DIRECTLY affects YOU!! You are encouraged to contact your local municipal representatives to voice your concerns or attend their next municipal meeting on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 6:00 pm at the Municipal Building located at 2964 State Route 607, Austin, PA. Keating Township Municipal Officials are as follows: Chairperson Andrea Youngfleish 814-335-5902, Supervisor Sherry Clark 814-203-6410, Laura McLeod 814-203-2756
If you would like to speak with a representative of the Austin Volunteer Fire Company, please contact Board Chairman/Fire Chief Jamie Rooney at 814-203-3758 or Board Vice Chairperson/Ambulance Chief Tracy Orlowski at 814-203-9851
Bonita K. Bartsch Suppa, 87, of Irvine, PA., died Tuesday morning, December 20, 2022, after suffering a heart attack and stroke.
She was born September 23, 1935, in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of Carl Frederick and Doris J. Farr Bartsch.
Bonita was a Warren Co. resident most of her life and had formerly lived in Youngsville, PA. She was a 1954 graduate of Warren High School.
She was employed with the Warren County School District as a school bus operator for 23 years and also with the former Blair Corporation for 11 ½ years, working in the returns department, retirement from there in 2000.
Bonita was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church, Women of the Warren Moose Lodge 109, and an avid cake decorator.
She is survived by her 4 children – twin daughters – Cheryl D. Bobelak Schalk and husband, John of Sun City West, Arizona, Kim Smith and husband, David of Erie, PA., Paul Bobelak of Warren, PA., Janie Suzanne Suppa of Lewisville, S.C., 1 Stepson – Ralph Suppa, Jr. and wife, Becky of Russell, PA., 2 Stepdaughters – Angela Lawton of Erie, PA., Mary Anne Rutsky and husband, Dan of Sugar Grove, PA., 1 Sister – Carleen Whitmire and husband, James of Scandia, PA., 1 Brother – Jeff Bartsch of Warren, PA., 4 Grandchildren – Cory Smith, Amanda Smith, Nicole Smith Faires, Troy Bobelak, 4 Great Grandchildren – Payton Smith, Luke, Faith and Kaylee Smith
4 Step Grandchildren – Lacy, Holly, Darby and Audry, Luke Rutsky. Several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Suppa, Sr., who died October 13, 2017, whom she married November 21, 1980, at the Interfaith Chapel, N. Warren, PA.,
Friends may call at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., on Friday, December 23, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. with Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Warren Public Library Association, designated towards cake decorating books or Women of the Warren Moose Lodge 109. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) today announced a $35,000 grant has been awarded to aid Kane’s revitalization efforts.
Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise (KARE) was awarded the funding for its Façade Grant Program, which is focused on improving existing façades downtown.
“Kane is a great community, and this is an important investment that will help continue the progress being made in the downtown,” Causer said.
The funding was provided through the Keystone Communities Program. Since 2015, the program has funded 247 projects statewide, including façade grants for businesses, accessible housing projects, public infrastructure improvements, and other projects to strengthen communities and downtown districts. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) administers the program.
Judy C. Cooper of 10 Park Ave., Eldred, PA passed away on Friday (Dec. 16, 2022) at ECMC following an illness. Judy was born on June 16, 1948 in Roswell, N.M., and was the daughter of Donald Elmer and Mildred Woodard Clark Ballentine. On May 8, 1976 in Hampton, N.H., she married the love of her life, Allen A. Cooper, who survives. Judy was a class of 1966 graduate of Winnacunnet High School. She continued her education at BAC College where she graduated with her Associate;s Degree as Registered Respiratory Therapist in 1987. Judy became a certified Polysomnography Technician. She retired from the Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital with 20+ years of service. Judy enjoyed reading, listening to music, dancing, and travelling with her husband but most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed the company of her dog, Marcy. Along with her loving husband Allen, Judy is survived by six children, Dina (Tiger) Lacoss, Kelly (John) Manasco, Michael Cooper, Kimberly (Robert) Stewart, Jeffery (Cindy) Cooper, and Patricia (Jeremy) James; seven siblings, Donna, Rosy, Kenneth, Paula, Sheryl, Danny and Chuck; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law. Judy was predeceased by; her parents; sister, Caroline; brothers- in-law, Howard, Donald, Roy and Lucian; mother and father in-law, Lenard and Bernice Cooper. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Eldred Borough Firehall. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com Donations in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
JOHNSONBURG – Thomas E. “Tom” Ferragine, 61, of Chris Drive, Bradford and formerly of Johnsonburg, died Sunday morning (Dec. 18, 2022) at Buffalo General Medical Center, Buffalo, N.Y. following a brief illness.
He was born on July 19, 1961, in St. Marys, a son to the late Almondo “Elmer” and Renelda Lupole Ferragine. On Nov. 20, 1993, in St. Bernard’s Church, Bradford, he married Alice M. Casper and she survives.
Tom was a 1979 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School and a 1988 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He had worked for Verizon and Radio Shack in Bradford. An avid reader and collector, Tom enjoyed spending time at home with his wife and pets immersed in his books, comic books, games and collectibles. He enjoyed the company of his beloved dog Chief and cats Katy, Miss Kitty, Gaia, Egon and Spook.
Tom is survived by his wife Alice at home and his sister Julie (Larry) Holjencin of Canon City, Colo. and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Tom is predeceased by his sister Marty Margaret Clelland.
Funeral services and interment for Thomas E. Ferragine will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, PA
But Pennsylvania’s hunting license year isn’t yet halfway through, and there’s plenty of action to be experienced afield in the coming weeks and months.
The final deer seasons of 2022-23 kick off Dec. 26, running alongside many small game and furbearer seasons, making for plenty of options and opportunities.
At 2:42 PM on Tuesday, Whitesville Fire Dept. & Independence Rescue dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at Whitesville Central School in the Specials wing. There is a confirmed Fire in the gymnasium. Mutual aid is being dispatched for standby in Whitesville.
Calling all thespians! So you’ve never acted before but would love to? Come learn the essential skills needed to be on the stage. Even if you are not a novice, this is an excellent opportunity to refresh those skills and maybe learn something new to add to your repertoire, such as improvisation or different techniques. The local theatrical group, Potter-McKean Players, has plans to offer productions in the upcoming months. This course will teach you what you need to be ready for those auditions.
This 4-part course will be taught by local director Paul Herzig and actor Jared Empson, of Eliot Ness Fest fame. The classes will take place on Tuesdays, January 10 – January 31, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost of the course is $25 per person. Class size is limited, so register today at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
Jack E. “Jay” Ferry Jr., 47, of Warren, PA, passed away on Sunday December 18, 2022, in his home.
He was born in Warren on October 19, 1975, the son of the late Mary (Magee) Ferry and Jackie E. Ferry Sr., who survives. Jack was a graduate of Warren Area High School. He enjoyed hunting, hiking, fishing, cooking, watching UFC and movies, and spending time with family. Jack was a laborer and worked for Great Lakes in Corry, Pa.
Jack is survived by his father, Jackie E. Ferry Sr.; his wife Carla Ferry, of Youngsville; three children Amber M. Ferry of Warren, PA, Autumn M. Crowe (Devin) of Pittsfield, Pa, and Vanessa Y. Ferry of Warren, Pa.; two grandchildren Bryson Huya and Jayla Ferry, with two more grandchildren to be born in 2023.; two siblings Lorie Whippo (Shelby) of Virginia, and Scott Skidmore (Carrie) of Sheffield; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother; brothers Frank Skidmore, and Kenny Matha; his maternal grandmother Minnie Menard; and his maternal great grandmother Theresa Siliano.
A celebration of Jay’s life will be held on Friday December 23, 2022, at 5:00 pm at the Sheffield VFW, 1 Austin Hill Rd., Sheffield PA 16347.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA 16365, to help defray funeral expenses.
Marvin V. Hamm, age 76, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Sunday, December 18, 2022.
He was born on October 10, 1946 in Tacoma, WA a son of the late Oscar and Esther (Miller) Hamm and was married for 52 years to Sharon L. (Wagner) Hamm.
Marvin was a Vietnam veteran serving in the US Army.
He retired from Borden, Inc., Wellsboro PA with 39 years of service and then worked for Citizens and Northern Bank, Wellsboro, PA for several more years.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was always willing to help others.
Marvin is survived by his wife: Sharon L. Hamm of Wellsboro, PA, daughter: Sarah (Matt) Schmitt of Southborough, MA, brother: Michael (Alice) Hamm of Wellsboro, PA, sister-in-law: Joanne Hamm of Morgan City, LA, brother-in-law: Dave Smith of Wellsboro, PA and 2 grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two brothers: Marlin Hamm and Mark Hamm and a sister: Eddie Smith.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2023. Interment will be in the Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury Center, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
On December 16, 2022, Jamie Davidson Moore, 46, of Johnsonburg, PA laid down worldly pain and gained her heavenly wings.
Jamie was born July 13, 1976 in Kane, to Brad Pfendler who survives and the late Nedra Davidson Blauser. On June 2, 2001in Kane, she married John Moore. Jamie and John then made a loving home for 22 years in Johnsonburg.
Jamie was an amazing woman. Through her life she juggled many titles from a mom, mimi, daughter, house wife, working woman, chauffeur to a jump rope team, and the most difficult one of all an amazing wife. Jamie’s door was always open to anyone who just needed to talk. Jamie’s loves were her family, any animal she could convince John to adopt, like her sweet chi chi wa wa cocoa, monkeys, her beloved buffalo bills and all her many friends.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a brother Michael Blauser of Florida, a son Christopher Harris of Kane, a daughter Nedra (Cory) Garvey of Ridgway and three grandchildren Madison Garvey, Alexa Garvey, and Elizabeth Garvey all of Ridgway, brothers-in-law Kevin Dinger, Scott (Mary) Dinger and Dale Moore all of Kane, sister-law Tammy (David) Jacobs of Johnsonburg and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jamie was preceded in death by her mother Nedra Blauser, two sisters Jawayne Blauser at the age of 16 and Miranda Blauser in infancy.
Friends will be received at the Cummings Funeral Home on Wednesday (Dec. 21) from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and also on Thursday (Dec. 22) from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dan Reigel officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.
At 12:06 PM on Tuesday, Mt. Jewett & Hamlin Firefighters have just been dispatched to Sheetz at Lantz Corners for a natural gas leak inside the structure.
COUDERSPORT, Pa., December 20, 2022 – Starting on Tuesday, Jan. 3, UPMC Cole Express Care weekday hours of operation will change from noon to 6:30 p.m. to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to best accommodate higher patient volumes. Saturday and Sunday hours will remain the same, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Virtual appointments are also available by calling 814-274-5585.
“Based on the absence of bacteria in the 10 samples collected 12/11/22-12/12/22, the restoration of normal operating pressures, restoration of normal treatment, and restoration of normal chlorine residual levels, YOU ARE HEREBY APPROVED TO RESCIND THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY ISSUED ON 12/6/22 due to a system-wide loss of positive pressure.”
Telephonic Hearings Scheduled on Jan. 19, 2023, to Gather Public Input from National Fuel Gas Customers and Other Concerned Parties
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today scheduled mid-January telephonic hearings to gather public input on a proposed rate increase by National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel Gas).
National Fuel Gas presently provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 214,000 people in northwest Pennsylvania.
PUC Public Input Hearing
The PUC telephonic hearings to gather public input on the rate increase request by National Fuel Gas are scheduled for the following:
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023 – Telephonic hearings will begin at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
PUC Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge Mary D. Long will preside over the hearings.
Signing Up for the Public Input Hearings
To testify at a telephonic public input hearing, you must register no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Interested persons can register by email or telephone by contacting Judge Long’s office.
To pre-register by email, please email Judge Long’s legal assistant, Daniela Alban at dalban@pa.gov, and provide:
At 10:18 AM on Tuesday, Wilcox Fire Dept. & EMS have been dispatched to a tractor-trailer accident on Montmorenci Road. Male driver has facial lacerations. Tractor-Trailer has severe damage.
Open Arms Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve’s Eve services on Friday.
The services will feature music and a message at 6 pm and 8 pm at 1289 E. Main St. in Foster Township, and videos at 6 pm at 105 Smith Avenue, Port Allegany.
“This is a time to join together to remember the birth of our Savior, the Light of the world! We will have a time of worship, celebration and reflection,” said Lead Pastor Zoe Hatcher.
Transportation is being provided for the 6 pm service to Open Arms Bradford. Pick-up times and locations are 5:30 pm at the Barbour Street public housing area near the VFW Bradford Post 212; 5:35 pm at Marilyn Horne Hall at Marilyn Horne Way; 5:40 pm at the Tops entrance at 150 East Main St.; and 5:45 pm at Togi’s Sub Station at 402 East Main St.
The 6 pm service will also be streamed on the church’s Facebook and YouTube pages for Open Arms Bradford.
Miriam M. Wehler, 99, of S. Michael Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 19, 2022 with her family by her side.
She was born on May 19, 1923 in St. Marys, a daughter of the Joseph E. and Dorothy Gleixner Smith.
On May 9, 1942 in St. Marys Church, she married the late William L. “Willie” Wehler, who preceded her in death on January 7, 2009. Together they were blessed with more than 66 years of love, laughter, and happiness.
Miriam was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1940 and lifelong member of Queen of the World Church. She retired from Thrift Drug after more than 17 years of service. She was a lifelong member of the Rosary Altar Society, St. Anne’s Society, and the C.D. of A., enjoying the friends she met along the way. She loved visiting with friends and classmates at the Golden Grad dinners, and had been honored for more than 80 years as an alumni. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling, especially her trip to Tanzania, Africa to visit Sr Marian and Sr Denise who were missionaries.
She is survived by 7 children; Sr. Marian “Ginny” Wehler, OSB, of Oil City, Dennis (Mary Lou) Wehler of Kersey, Betsy (Joe) Azzato of Russell, Ed (Sharon) Wehler of St. Marys, Kathy (John) Bloom of Winchester, VA, Janet (Mac) Reed of St. Marys, Steve Wehler of St. Marys; and by her 21 beloved grandchildren; Lisa Mancuso, Billy Wehler, Tammi Eozzo, Debbie Defranco, Joe Azzato Jr, Amy Roberts, Mark Eckert, Chad Eckert, Dr Jill Eckert Stager, Jamie Eckert Schaut, Angela Regulski, Jessie Wehler, Billie Jo Newcamp, Mary Ann Larcade, Jack Bloom, Julie Keenan, Michelle Straub, Casey Smith, Stephanie Davis and Matthew and Maggie Wehler and by 42 great-grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister; Betty Cheatle of St. Marys, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Miriam was preceded in death by a daughter; Marilyn Eckert, grandson; Jeff Eckert and great grandson Tyler Mancuso, two brothers; Howard Smith and Willis Smith, and by three sisters; Doris Cheatle, Rita Schutz, and Kathleen Johnston. She was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law; Amelia Wehler and by a sister-in-law; Melie Wehler.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Miriam M. Wehler will be celebrated on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, as celebrant.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Queen of the World Church, Penn Highlands Community Nurses Hospice or to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
