Fire Origins Undetermined In Tionesta Borough


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.

Bona M. Heiberger, 86, of 128 Melody Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 5, 2024.
She was born on December 25, 1937 in Bukovo, Yugoslavia, a daughter of the late Pando and Ilinka Srbinovski Djorevich.
Bona immigrated to America with her family on June 4, 1952 from North Macedonia (the former Republic of Yugoslavia).
On June 7, 1958, at St. Marys Church, she married the late Edwin J. Heiberger, who preceded her in death on September 29, 2014. Together they shared more than 56 years of marriage.
She retired from St. Marys Carbon Company in 2000 after 44 1/2 years of service.

Elwin Lewis GEER, 83, of Rexville, NY, formerly of Wellsville, died Monday, February 5, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.
Born August 4, 1940, in Wellsville, he was the son of Raymond Elwin and LaNora Aline Fanton Geer. On July 23, 2004, in Scio, he married the former Elsie Potter Davis, who survives.
A 1959 graduate of Wellsville High School, he was employed by Frederick Mulholland at Mulholland Funeral Home in Wellsville while in school from 1952 to October 1959. In October 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until July 1962, honorably discharged as Shipfitter (pipefitter) Petty Officer 3rd Class. Elwin was employed by C.E. Air Preheater in Wellsville as a welder/fitter from September 1963 to July 1980. He moved to Florida in 1980 and returned to Wellsville in 1993. He was employed by Current Control in Wellsville from May 1995 until his retirement in October 2010.
Elwin was a member of Christian Temple Church, now Grace United Church, for over 50 years, Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702 in Wellsville, ACRES (Allegany County Radio Emergency Service) CB radio club, Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and was one of the original members of the Civil Defense Rescue Squad. He enjoyed doing paint-by-number paintings and bead banners.

Howard L. CRIPPEN, 79, of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, February 5, 2024 in UPMC Williamsport.
Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

At 5:45 PM on Tuesday, Cuba & Clarksville Fire & EMS are responding to a 2-vehicle head-on crash on Rt. 305 near the Cuba/Clarksville line. One patient is reported still in the vehicle. Route 305 is being CLOSED in the area of the crash. New Hudson dispatched to set up landing zone for two air medical helicopters.
6:04 PM–Extrication of second patient in progress.
Crash Road Closed on NY 305 both directions NEW COUNTY HWY 5 (Cuba) to CR-1 (Clarksville) All lanes closed Expect delays, follow detour, use caution.
10:05 PM–ROADWAY OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s state budget proposal outlined Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly:
“I am immediately concerned by how much the governor is proposing to spend, and how it would impact taxpayers now and in the future. Even if the governor says his plan won’t require a tax increase now, if we have to use budgetary reserves to balance his plan, the tax hikes won’t be far off.
“Just as individuals, families and business owners do when they look at their budgets, we must identify what constitutes a ‘want’ and what constitutes a ‘need,’ and then we have to prioritize based on what you, the taxpayers, can afford.
“Investing in the core functions of government is always a priority, and that includes education, health care and public safety. The governor has laid out some ideas that are worthy of discussion, and we will do that over the next several months. Ultimately, I will again advocate for a budget that addresses the needs of our rural communities and respects the taxpayers who foot the bill.”
The governor’s budget address launches the annual state budget process. Beginning the week of Feb. 19, the House Appropriations Committee will conduct a series of hearings with state agencies to dig into the details of his plan. Members will use that information to craft a final spending plan. A final budget is due by June 30.
View Causer’s comments regarding the governor’s budget proposal

At 5:20 PM on Tuesday, Cuba Fire & EMS responding to a 2 or 3 vehicle crash on I-86 Westbound at the on ramp. 2 patients are reported to have minor injuries.

Arthur J. Smith Jr., 67, formerly of 22 Miller Street, Bradford, PA died Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Born May 9, 1956, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Arthur J. and Elizabeth Laura (Colett) Smith, Sr.
He attended St. Bernard School and Bradford Central Christian High School.
Art served in the United States Marine Corps.
Art worked at Bradford Hospital, later at the Bradford Mall as Maintenance Supervisor. He also worked at Hanley Brick and he did construction around the country. When he retired, he was employed at the Allegheny Particleboard Plant in Hutchins.

HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) offered the following response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $48.34 billion state budget proposal outlined before a joint session of the General Assembly today. The plan represents an increase of $3.7 billion, or 8.4%, over the current fiscal year’s spending.
“The first question I ask myself when presented with any legislative proposal, and certainly one as impactful as the annual state budget, is ‘does this set us up for success?’
“The quick answer is ‘no.’
“The governor has peppered his proposal with some feel-good ideas that may sound appealing on the surface, but is it wise to grow state government at a time when people are still dealing with the impacts of inflation? Is it smart to use our ‘savings account’ to pay for what will be recurring expenses in the years to come? Is it responsible to live beyond our means, knowing that we are going to have to raise taxes to keep up?
“Again, the answer is ‘no.’”
Owlett acknowledged the challenge of fully assessing the governor’s budget proposal when it is so lacking in detail. For example, Shapiro proposed a new “higher education blueprint” that would potentially make further changes to the operations of Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities, such as Commonwealth University – Mansfield, and the state’s community colleges.
“Aside from combining the funding for these two systems under one line item in the Department of Education’s budget, the governor really didn’t provide any further information,” Owlett said. “Mansfield is among several state universities that very recently completed a consolidation, and we certainly need details as to what this change in the budget looks like. As always, I will advocate for the students, the university and the community.”
Tuesday’s budget address by the governor is just the first step in the state’s annual state budget process. The House Appropriations Committee, on which Owlett serves, will conduct a series of hearings starting the week of Feb. 19 to delve into the details of the budget. A final spending plan for the 2024-25 fiscal year is due by June 30.
Watch Rep. Owlett’s comments on the budget address
February 06, 2024
Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal continues to get stuff done for Pennsylvanians by investing in economic development and higher education, funding K-12 education and Pre-K, building healthier, safer communities, and creating opportunity all across our Commonwealth.
Governor Shapiro’s bold vision maintains a balanced budget and does not raise taxes – and if every initiative is funded, Pennsylvania will still have an $11 billion surplus by the end of FY2024-25.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro presented his 2024-25 budget proposal to the General Assembly and to the people of Pennsylvania – sharing his ‘get stuff done’ approach and vision to create more opportunity and continue delivering real solutions to the most pressing issues Pennsylvanians face. By prioritizing economic opportunity and access to higher education, making historic investments in public education, supporting law enforcement and public safety, ensuring people receive the care they need, and funding critical initiatives to help Pennsylvanians from our cities to our farmlands – this budget will deliver real results for the Commonwealth.
“This year, we have a real chance to build safer communities, become more competitive economically, and invest in our students and their success – and this budget lays out a comprehensive and aggressive focus on doing just that without raising taxes and maintaining a surplus of $11 billion at the end of June 2025,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Since my first day in office, I’ve been focused on getting stuff done – and this budget will continue to create opportunity for every Pennsylvanian with historic investments in economic development, education, healthier and safer communities, and much more. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to continue to get stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania, solve the most pressing problems we face, and meet this moment responsibly and with bipartisan compromise.”
The Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposal takes advantage of the Commonwealth’s significant surplus to invest in Pennsylvanians and their future. The budget proposal does not raise taxes and even if every initiative is funded, the Commonwealth will still have an $11 billion surplus by the end of FY2024-25.
During his first year in office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration got stuff done and accomplished a vast majority of the goals laid out in his first budget address – including expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for the first time in nearly 20 years, delivering universal free breakfast for 1.7 million K-12 students, implementing the largest-ever increase in basic education funding, providing mental health resources for students, investing in vo-tech and apprenticeship programs, allocating first-ever statewide funding for indigent defense, and more.
“As the Governor and I have traveled the Commonwealth since taking office, we’ve heard from Pennsylvanians about the most pressing challenges they face – and the Governor’s budget proposal makes critical investments to make their lives better and create ladders of opportunity,” said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “The Shapiro-Davis budget will create more economic opportunity for all, make our communities safer and healthier, support students from Pre-K through high school and beyond, invest in our workforce, and help working families across the Commonwealth build generational wealth.”
Watch the Governor’s full budget address to a joint session of the House and Senate here. See here for the Governor’s full remarks as prepared for delivery.
Below, you can read more about the Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposal, and you can read the full budget in brief here.

Madi Elizabeth Mohr, infant, of Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Madi is survived by her parents, Paul J. and Morgan L. (Jordan) Mohr, Jr., one brother, Elijah Mohr, all of Bradford, her maternal grandparents, Jenny (Tim Hale) Clark, and Robert Jordan, maternal aunts and uncles, Cody (Kayla) Jordan, Hunter Jordan, and April (Raven Burkett) Lanphere, paternal grandmother, Jackie Jones, paternal aunts and uncles, Preston Jones, Kylynn Jones, Alyssa Jones, and Rachel Houghtailing, and many great aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 3:00 pm in the Derrick City Seventh-Day Adventist Church, with Rev. Andrew Christiansen, officiating.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

At 4:35 PM on Tuesday, Austin Ambulance has been called to Nelson Run Road in Wharton Township for a cardiac emergency.

Norma L. (Grinnell) Gee, age 89, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Monday, February 5, 2024.
She was born on July 12, 1934 in Blossburg, PA, a daughter of the late Frank and Lorena (Reynolds) Grinnell and was married to the late Henry D. Gee.
Norma was employed as a telephone operator in Wellsboro, PA and also worked at the Wellsboro Sears Store.
She was a member of the Mountain view Baptist Church and enjoyed crocheting, Pottery, sewing, cooking, canning and especially spending time with her grandchildren.

On February 6 at 3:51 pm Clymer, Middlebury, and Chatham Fire Depts. were dispatched to Chatham Twp. for a wildfire heading for the woods.

Shinglehouse ambulance has been called to Stevens Street for an unknown medical.
At 1:37 PM on Tuesday, Welsboro Fire Dept. has been dispatched to Caulkins Road & Dean Hill Road for a well-involved combine fire.

Dawn Louise Smith
Dawn Lousie Smith, 63, formerly of Cuba, New York and Dryden, passed away Sunday, February 04, 2024 at the Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness.
Born on April 27, 1960, in Hornell, she was a daughter of Herbert and Ann Witter Smith.
Dawn was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1978. She later attended the Veterinary Program at Cornell University.
She had been a pet sitter for many years and worked in a Veterinary Clinic in the Dryden area prior to becoming ill.

Sarah E. Miller VanCise, 57, of Bradford, PA passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
She was born on October 12, 1966 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Francis and Carol Sweetapple Miller.
She attended Bradford area schools and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.
On June 8, 2001 in Limestone, NY, she married Christopher M. VanCise; who survives.

Michael G. Schwarz, age 75 of Elkland, PA passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Born May 24, 1948 in Elkland, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Rose (Ziglin) Schwarz.
Michael graduated from Elkland High School in 1966 and was a lifelong resident of Elkland and also resided in Galeton, PA. He was a lifelong educator and mentor who truly enjoyed working with every student helping them reach their full potential. He had a positive influence on the lives of many who regularly contacted him to express their gratitude.
Michael was a Math teacher, Vice Principal and Principal at Cowanesque Valley High School. He finished his career as Superintendent of Galeton School District.
He was a basketball referee for 40+ years and also a member of the Tioga County Hall of Fame as a coach/contributor. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, loved tying flies, making wine, and traveling. The highlight of his day was socializing with the people that he came in contact with and especially enjoyed meeting with his morning coffee groups.
He was a member of River Valley Country Club. He generously volunteered his time on a daily basis and could always be found cleaning golf carts, searching for golf balls or mentoring people with their golf swing. Michael was also a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elkland and Galeton Moose Lodge, Knoxville VFW and the Knoxville Fire Department. Michael was a Mayor of Elkland and served on the Elkland Borough Council.

Robert Carlson, 79, of N. Fraley St. in Kane, PA passed away Sunday (Feb. 4) at UPMC-Hamot. Born Aug. 6, 1944 in Kane, he is the son of the late William and Joyce (Jackson) Carlson.
Bob worked as a special education teacher for many years in the Otto-Eldred School District.
ALFRED STATION, NY, February 6, 2024 – Announcing the open period for grant applications through the Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women (ACC-FFW).
Grant applications for individual grants are being accepted through March 15, 2024. A thorough review of applications will precede award notifications on or around April 30, 2024.
Grants are awarded based on demonstration of need and applicant explanation on how the money will be used toward continued betterment that facilitates sustained self-sufficiency. The amount awarded may vary from year-to-year, based on the number of applications and funds available, up to $1,000 per grant.

The Denton Hill Ski Patrol hosted a Western New York Region Senior Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Clinic today at Denton Hill. Thanks to all the Denton Hill Patrollers that came out and volunteered to make this event happen. We appreciate the Candidates and Staff that made the trek down to our Mountain. This turned out to be a very successful event and we are hoping to bring more Regional events to our hill. Special thanks go out to Denton Go, LLC and DCNR for helping us with the arrangements for using the Denton Hill Lodge!! We couldn’t have had a more perfect day.