At 2:10 PM on Friday, Town of Olean Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a house fire. Knapp Creek has been dispatched with a tanker. Portville has been asked to send their air truck to the scene at 2615 Stoney Brook Road in the Town.
Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS) is making a huge investment in its workforce that will affect the employees at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC), Olean General Hospital (OGH) and the ancillary facilities with an increase in wages.
The over $3 million investment was announced to staff on Monday, December 19 with the market adjustment increase taking place in 2023. Current employees will see increases starting January 1.
“One of my initiatives since taking the role of president has been to change the culture,” said Jill Owens, MD, president, BRMC, OGH. “I want to show that we’re focused on making UAHS a great place to work. Our team members are the most valuable asset we have and an investment in them will help play in our success as the leading healthcare network.”
Not only will employees see an increase in their paychecks but new hires will also start at a higher rate.
Smethport Fire Department Inc.
Busy morning for Smethport Fire Police. First call came in at 0726 to 8271 Route 46 for a tractor trailer blocking the highway after attempting to turn around in a private driveway. A large wrecker needed to be brought in to remove the truck. PSP was on scene. 270 (J Dougherty) had command. Fire Police were on scene for aprx 2 hours.
A second call was dispatched at 0958 for traffic control on Route 6 West for medical call with Port Allegany Ambulance and Utility 25. Emergency personnel were unable to access the driveway with vehicles due to icy conditions. Traffic control.was provided for aprx 45 minutes.
At 1:36 PM on Friday, Port Allegany ambulance has been called to Rt. 155 South for a hemorrhage.
At 1:36 PM on Friday, Lafayette Fire Dept. & City ambulance have been dis[patched to Route 59 near Bingham Road for a vehicle into a tree crash.
At 12:35 PM on Friday, Farmersville Fire Dept. & Rushford ambulance have been dispatched to a MVA near the intersection of Rt. 243/98. 2 additional ambulances & air medical have been requested.
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.
At 12:17 PM on Friday, Shinglehouse ambulance has been called to Honeoye Road for a diabetic emergency.
Daemon J. Beck, 51, of 1496 Kent Rd., Ischua, NY passed away Sunday (December 25, 2022) after a recent diagnosis of cancer.
Born October 4, 1971 in Ft. Lee, NJ, he was the son of Robert Beck and Susan Gruzdis Shapiro. On October 17, 2015 in East Smethport United Christian Church, he married Randi L. Burton who survives.
Daemon was raised in New York City and graduated from the Culinary Institute in NYC in 2005. He worked for a period of time for the Plaza Hotel and Tavern on the Green, both in NYC. In the early 2000’s he moved to Portville. In 2014, he and Randi moved to Smethport. They returned to Ischua in June of this year, and he had been working for Go To Meals as well as Randy’s Fireside.
He enjoyed spending his time cooking and being with his family, especially his wife and children. He also loved his country and was a true patriot. He was a former member of the Portville Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife Randi; his father of Queens; his mother of New Jersey; 8 children Rene Faulkner of Bradenton, FL, Tim Flanagan of Buffalo, Savannah Chiapuso of Portville, Isabelle Phearsdorf of Ischua, Nathan Beck of Portville, Gabriella Phearsdorf of Ischua, Ameline Beck of Portville, and Everly Beck of Ischua; 1 granddaughter Nevaeh House; an uncle and aunt Gary and Nancy Beck of NYC; and 1 cousin, Arla Fiorenzi of New Smyrna Beach, FL.
The family invites friends to a visitation on Tuesday (January 3, 2023) at the East Smethport United Christian Church from 11am until 1pm. A funeral service will begin at 1pm in the church with Pastor Allen Young to officiate. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery, Farmers Valley, Keating Township, PA.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the East Smethport United Christian Church, 18399 Route 6, E. Smethport, PA 16730, or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 666 Elm St., Buffalo, NY 14203.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.
by Pastor B.J. Knefley
Can you believe it’s going to be 2023? I suppose for some it’s no big deal but for those that were born in the 40’s and 50’s, we’re getting old. (That’s 1940 and 1950 for those that don’t know.)
I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to the New Year. As some might say, the good Lord willing and the sun still shines, I’ve got plans. Not grandiose plans but plans that can be managed. I’m putting together a bucket list of sorts, well actually just one or two for the moment. One of these is to go out west again along the southern route. That will take in a run to Georgia and then across to New Mexico and then north to Utah. From there probably up to Wyoming before heading back home. How long of a trip? As long as I can stand it. The other? Yeah, well I’m still working on that.
There are other things I’m working on for the New Year as well. Actually, they are not new, but I do want to be more focused. For example, I want to work on my relationship with God. What does that mean? Well for starters I want to spend more time in prayer and alone time with just Him. For starters I’m setting aside the seventh of every month to be alone time with God. Why? Well one of the things that I see Jesus doing is drawing away in prayer. I think that as a follower of Christ to live the life he lived one must do what he did as well. That means spending time in an up relationship with the Father.
That’s the spiritual side. I’m also working on the emotional and physical stuff as well, again nothing to big or grandiose, just enough to handle each day. See that’s why we often fail in our plans for change, we make them too big. My plan is about living my life in this New Year with Christ at the center. My camping and biking will be quiet solitude, a time of reflection and medication. Don’t have a plan? Remember, no plan is still a plan, just like no decision is still a decision. Where are you going to be in 2023?
Think about it.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police investigated 661 motor vehicle crashes in which seven people died and 113 others were injured during the Christmas holiday weekend from December 23-25. Alcohol was a factor in 36 crashes, including two fatal crashes.
Troopers arrested 116 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the three-day period. Troopers issued more than 451 speeding citations, 110 citations for failing to wear a seat belt, and 11 citations for not securing children in safety seats.
| Year | Total Crashes | Fatal Crashes | People Killed | People Injured | Alcohol-Related Crashes | Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes |
| 2022 (3 days) | 661 | 5 | 7 | 113 | 36 | 2 |
| 2021 (3 days) | 488 | 4 | 6 | 90 | 41 | 1 |
| Year | DUI Arrests | Speeding Citations | Child Seat Citations | Seat Belt Citations | Other Citations |
| 2022 (3 days) | 116 | 451 | 11 | 110 | 2,248 |
| 2021 (3 days) | 181 | 1,131 | 24 | 124 | 2,728 |
More information on 2022 Christmas holiday enforcement, broken down by troop, is available here. These statistics cover only those incidents investigated by the state police and do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.
With New Year’s Eve celebrations still ahead this week, state police will once again be on the lookout for impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Remember to plan ahead for a safe ride home, especially if your holiday plans involve alcohol.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
Richard L. HRIBAR, 83, of Coudersport, PA, died Thursday, December 29, 2022 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born January 26, 1939, in New Castle, he was the son of Louis William and Jennie Meelich Hribar. On October 24, 1964, in Winchester, VA, he married the former Carol A. Jameson, who survives.
A graduate of Bessemer High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Youngstown University and a master’s degree in guidance counseling from St. Bonaventure University. He was employed by IU9 teaching special education at Coudersport High School for 30 years.
Dick was a member of Coudersport Alliance Church, Susquehannock Trail Club, and Trout Unlimited.
Surviving besides his wife, Carol, are: a daughter, Tammy (Timothy) Bennett of Coudersport; a granddaughter Traci (Kris) Bretz of Coudersport; two great-granddaughters, Gianna Allen and KarliJo Bretz, both of Coudersport; a sister, Carol (Ronald) Snyder of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and a nephew, Jeffrey Snyder of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Friends may call at Coudersport Alliance Church, 7 Alliance Ave., Coudersport on Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM. Rev. Josh Dean will officiate.
Memorials may be made to God’s Country Chapter Trout Unlimited (memo line—Project Healing Waters), P.O. Box 72, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Harrisburg, PA – Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson is strongly encouraging pregnant people to seek prenatal care and get tested for syphilis during pregnancy to reverse the recent trend of babies being born with the disease.
Congenital syphilis is a disease that occurs when a pregnant person with syphilis passes the infection onto a baby during pregnancy. It can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, low birth weight or death shortly after birth.
At 10:500 AM on Friday, Eldred Township Fire Dept. has been dispatched to Seal’s Service at 5477 Rt. 46 for a pile of tires on fire.
PUBLIC NOTICE: The Roulette Township office will be closing today at 11:30. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you. The office does have a drop box located near the front door if you need to make a payment. Have a safe and happy New Year.
At 6:24 PM on Thursday, Coudersport Fire & EMS has been dispatched to 200 Radio Tower Lane for a land rescue of a patient in a sledding accident about 50 yards off the roadway.
At 6:23 PM on Thursday, Bradford Twp. Fire Dept to a vehicle into a garage crash at 1098 South Avenue.
At 6:03 PM on Thursday, Port Allegany ambulance has been dispatched to Church Street for a fall victim.
Roulette Ambulance Dispatched.
At 5:58 PM on Thursday, Bradford Township Fire Dept. dispatched to Bradford Forest Products on High Street for a commercial Fire Alarm.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is reminding pet owners that they are required to provide the animals with basic needs, as defined by law, or face potential animal neglect and/or cruelty charges.
“Basic needs include the proper sustenance to maintain a healthy body weight, as well as clean, unfrozen water to avoid dehydration,” said Corporal Michael Spada, PSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation Animal Cruelty Officer. “Animals need just as much water in the winter as they do in the summer for their bodies to process food and help keep the natural metabolism working.”
Animals must also have access to an appropriate-sized shelter that provides protection from the weather, keeps the animal dry, and allows it to retain its body heat. The shelter must also be clean and sanitary.
Veterinary care must be provided for pets in need of medical attention.
According to Title 18, Chapter 55, Subchapter B of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, there are certain requirements that must be met if tethering a dog outside.
With the holiday season upon us, animals are often given as gifts and sometimes surrendered to shelters or rescues a few months later. To avoid this, consider the animal’s breed and inherent behavioral traits, its size as an adult and its needs as it gets older, and the costs to care for the animal, including veterinary expenses. All too often, “cute and cuddly” pets are forgotten as they grow and age.
Consider supporting your local shelters and rescues with donations and even adopting an older pet that needs a loving home.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
Due to a conflict in schedules the Roulette Township Supervisors have moved their Organizational Meeting time from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the same place as usual. There will be a special meeting held right after the Organizational Meeting to open the tree bids only. No other business will be discussed.
The Roulette Township Supervisors would like to announce that they will be holding their annual organizational meeting on January, 3, 2023 at 5 p.m.
The regular meeting for January will be announced after the supervisors have designated a day and time. It will be held at the township office, at 80 Railroad Ave., Roulette PA. This building is handicap accessible.
Harrisburg, PA – The 2021 Oil and Gas Annual Report released today by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shows that production and compliance inspections increased in 2021. Pennsylvania continues to be the second largest producer of natural gas in the nation, behind Texas.
“In 2021, DEP remained committed to enforcing violations of the oil and gas industry,” said DEP Acting Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “Governor Wolf and DEP continued their priority of maintaining environmental protection for Pennsylvania’s residents and visitors.”
The report notes that DEP personnel completed 34,145 compliance inspections at conventional and unconventional well sites in 2021, about 8,262 more than in 2020. All inspections continue to be done electronically.
DEP issued 770 unconventional well permits in 2021, about 150 fewer than the previous year. Sustained low commodity prices coupled with longer wellbores contributed to a decline in permit applications. An interactive map shows well drilling locations by county.
In 2021, more than 7.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas was produced from unconventional and conventional gas wells in Pennsylvania. This represents the largest volume of natural gas on record that has been produced in Pennsylvania in a single year. In 2021, there was 7,572,916,109 cubic feet of natural gas produced from unconventional wells, and 76,454,176 cubic feet of natural gas produced from conventional wells. In 2020, data confirmed that 7,091,486,278 cubic feet of natural gas was produced from unconventional wells and 83,837,607 cubic feet of natural gas was produced from conventional wells.
The interactive, multimedia annual report offers several levels of data: the year in review; deeper detail and historical data; and educational overviews of drilling and the regulatory process statewide. For example, users can compare how much gas was produced over the past 10 years, and drill down to see production by an individual well.
The annual report also features a section on the many ways the public can stay up-to-date on regulations, for example, by signing up for email notifications or attending Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board Meetings in person or by webinar.
The Wolf Administration also made public a report requested by Governor Tom Wolf detailing the compliance records of conventional oil and gas producers. The report was requested in the July 19, 2022 Lapsing Statement that accompanied HB 2644. The report reviewed compliance among conventional oil and gas operators, evaluated options for ensuring compliance, and provided recommendations for possible reforms. The report can be found here.
2021 Oil and Gas Annual Report
HB 2644 Lapsing Statement Report
David L. Bizzarro, loving father and grandfather, 73, of 23 River Street, Bradford, PA passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at his residence.
Born October 5, 1949, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Michael and Lena (Martel) Bizzarro.
Dave was a 1967 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School and received an associate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in 1969.
He was employed for 25 years locally at Penzoil Company and moved to Midland, TX with Penzoil. He retired and returned to Bradford to work with his son Mel.
Dave enjoyed playing baseball and coaching Little League Baseball. He loved the NY Yankees. His greatest joy was being with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was a member of St. Bernard Church, and the Italian Club.
He is survived by two daughters, Joy (Shane) Harless, of Bradford, and Melissa (Kevin) Winter, of Prosper TX, several grandchildren including Cassandra Harless, Brodie Harless, twins, Codie and Blake Harless, Nathan Winter, Sofia Winter, Vinnie Bizzarro and Melanie Bizzarro, one brother, Robert M. (Lisa) Bizzarro, of Tonawanda NY, and two nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Melvin D. Bizzarro.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday January 3, 2023, from 10 am to Noon in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Avenue, at Noon funeral services will be held with Fr. Jim Gutting officiating. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the SPCA, PO Box 113, Bradford, PA 16701, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
