Gordon Leary Vogt, Sr., 91, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA early Friday morning (August 23, 2024). He was born May 28, 1933 in Emporium, PA a son of the late Gordon Anthony and Genevieve Leary Vogt.
Gordon graduated from Emporium High School in 1951 and began his collegiate career at the US Naval Academy serving on the USS Wisconsin. He graduated from Clarion University in 1957.
Francis N. Peterson “beloved father, grandfather, and brother”
Francis N. “Pete” Peterson, 86, of Steamburg, passed away with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in Cuba Memorial Hospital, Cuba, NY.
Born on Thursday, March 17, 1938 in Port Allegany, PA, he was a son of Norman S. and Evelyn E. Franklin Peterson. On August 15, 1957 in Allegany, NY, he married Nancy J. Tyler, who passed away on April 6, 2013.
Pete was a graduate of Randolph (NY) Central School, Class of 1956. He was a US Navy veteran.
Pete was employed for many years at Bordens, which later became Alcoa, in Randolph, retiring in 2000.
He was a member of American Legion Post #0001. He enjoyed hunting. Pete was an accomplished musician, having played the bass guitar, the mandolin, and the Dobro, in many local bands. His greatest love was his family.
Left to cherish his memory are a son, Patrick M. “Pat” (Kim) Peterson of Lake Stevens, Washington; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Diane Peterson of Texas; two sisters, Norma J. Starnes of Portville, NY and Dawn L. (Rich) Demmon of Shinglehouse; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Pete was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey A. Peterson; a daughter, Jennifer Monica Peterson; and a brother, Gary D. Peterson.
Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA, where funeral services will follow at 1pm with the Rev. Russell J. Horning, of Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in Myrtle Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Rebecca Ann Botens, 75, of Lantana, Texas and a former Cuba New York native passed away at home Tuesday, August 20, 2024 after short illness.
Born on November 7, 1948, in Cuba, she was a daughter of Jerold C. and Ethlyn H. Muckey Warner. She was married to Thomas R. Botens.
Rebecca was a graduate of Cuba Central School. After high school she started working for Barbara’s Flowers and then opened Becky’s Flower Shop and owned and operated that business until she moved to Texas in 1978. While in Texas she worked for several local flower shops, but retired as the manager of the Lewisville Flower Shop in Lewisville, Texas. She received many awards during her career from FTD for her flower arrangements and design.
Once she retired, she bought a home in Lantana, Texas and enjoyed her time there. She also enjoyed artwork and drawing.
Edith M. Michielson, 96, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (August 22, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born February 8, 1928 in Bath, NY, the daughter of Paul and Mabel (Benjamin) Hess. She was first married to Ivan Bickford, then to George Clark, and lastly to Conrad Michielson. She was preceded in death by all three husbands.
Edith attended Farmers Valley and Smethport area schools. She had worked for Reed’s Jewelers in Olean, NY and retired from the McKean County Courthouse in the domestic relations department.
David A. Schneider, 63, of 120 Fairview Road, Kersey, passed away Friday, August 23, 2024 at his residence following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby, Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PAVOAD) and Crisis Cleanup have set up a call center to streamline recovery efforts. This call center aims to ensure efficient coordination and effective use of resources to aid those affected by the storm. This call center aims to efficiently coordinate volunteer assistance for muck out operations, tree removal and debris cleanup for affected residents.
Crisis Cleanup is a renowned disaster work order management platform that facilitates better coordination among relief organizations, minimizes duplication of efforts, and enhances the volunteer experience. They have opened an incident specific to TS Debby to assist with the ongoing recovery.
Cleanup Assistance Available for Survivors
By calling 844-965-1386, survivors can register their need for cleanup with volunteers from various local, regional, and statewide PAVOAD organizations, including community groups and faith-based communities. These volunteers can assist with muck out operations, tree removal and debris cleanup. You are encouraged to share this hotline number widely to ensure that all affected residents can access the help they need
**NOTE…..Crisis cleanup is activated through August 30th
Sally J. Crandall Vavala, 74, of Boone Mountain Road Kersey, PA, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
She was born May 6, 1950 in Westfield, New York to Clyde and Lois (Wester) Crandall.
Sally graduated valedictorian of Sherman Central High School in 1968. She received her Bachelor’s degree (1972) in Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego, her Masters Degree (1974) and Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies in 1982 from the Pennsylvania State University one week before giving birth to her third child.
Sally was an assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University, DuBois campus for 25 years. She was the faculty advisor for the HDFS club and the head of her department for many years and was also the pianist for the Penn State DuBois Choir. Sally was the organist for the Grace Episcopal Church, Ridgway, for over 30 years.
Kristen Ellenberger of Ridgway, Pa., pushes her belongings toward her new home at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford during first-year student move-in Thursday. Ellenberger is one of 317 first-year students at Pitt-Bradford this year, most of whom will live on campus. Upper-class students will move in Saturday, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 26. (Photo by Glenn Melvin)
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library in Port Allegany will be closed on Saturday August 24. The building will reopen on Monday August 26, but e-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines are always available on Libby and patrons with a library account can stream movies on Kanopy. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Tuesday HALE, formerly of Bradford, was convicted of crimes related to a staged “kidnapping-for-ransom-of-drugs” plot in the City of Bradford in August, 2023. HALE was charged after the City of Bradford Police received a report from a Bradford man who had received messages – including a staged picture – from his girlfriend’s cell phone stating that his girlfriend had been kidnapped and was being held in a drug-induced state.
The messages further stated that the kidnapped woman would be sexually assaulted if the male did not deliver methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and money to the kidnapper. During the initial investigation, officers were able to locate the allegedly-kidnapped woman. Upon further investigation, the officers learned that HALE and the allegedly-kidnapped woman worked together to stage a fake kidnapping to obtain drugs and money from the male.
HALE was convicted of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); Solicitation of the Delivery of a Controlled Substance (F); Criminal Conspiracy of Terroristic Threats (Misdemeanor 1); and Attempted Acquisition of a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, or Subterfuge. Officer Patrick Caskey, Officer Hobie Milliron, and Officer Tyler Blair assisted in the investigation and trial. Officer Joshua Frederoski was the lead investigator and filed charges. Assistant District Attorney Casey Graffius prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Sentencing is set for October 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
On August 23, at 10:07 am Harrison Valley Fire Dept. was dispatched to Rt. 49 East near Moore Hollow rd. for a gas leak in the river. Westfield Fire and Ulysses Ambulance are on standby in quarters
The TRYathlon and 5K will be on Saturday 9/21/24 this year at Hills Creek State Park and will run similar to recent years.
From the park event calendar:
Join us for the annual Step Outdoors TRYathlon! This shorter triathlon (trail running, kayaking/canoeing, and biking) is well-suited for both the serious competitor and the average athlete that would like to challenge themselves. Thus – the TRY in the TRYathlon.
John J. WILLIAMS, Jr., 66, of Eldred, PA, died Wednesday, August 21, 2024 in his home.
Born January 16, 1958, in Olean, NY, he was the son of John J. and Earnestine H. Briggs Williams. A 1978 graduate of Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, PA, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1979 – 1986. After the service, he worked in Delaware repairing sea walls and water wells. He was employed by Nishikawa Cooper in Indiana as a mold technician, Bradford Walmart in maintenance and the lawn and garden department, and by US Security Associates, Erie.
Throughout our lives there are times that our hearts get wounded. These wounds often come from the words uttered by people. David said the following in Psalm 64:3, “Sharp tongues are the swords they wield; bitter words are the arrows they aim.” I have learned through personal experience and through the counseling of others that it is not unusual for the one firing the arrows to believe that they are doing what is right. Their motives, from their standpoint, are pure. Yet we all need to be aware that any one of us can become the unwilling and unknowing tool of Satan.
There is a saying that I have often used which states the following: “You are most dangerous to the Kingdom of God when you are right.” The reason for this is that we often will major on what we believe is right and use it as a reason to attack others who we believe to be wrong. In our zeal for our own correctness we inadvertently put down and condemn those of differing views. Throughout the Gospels we find many instances where the religious leaders of the day were in conflict with Jesus. Their conflict centered on their understanding of the Law and this ultimate conflict led to the crucifixion of Christ. Sadly, they believed that they were right and justified in what they did.
It is my personal belief that most of the arrows that are directed at us through the words of others are not coming out of an evil heart. They honestly believe that they are doing what is right. To change this, one needs to focus on Christ and His spirit. In other words, we need to check our motives and thoughts through prayer, much prayer. We also need to seek out others who are spiritual so that we might receive their insight. This means not seeking out those who will agree with us, but to those who we know will speak frankly. If we are on the receiving end of the arrows, we need not retaliate. We need to allow Him to fight our battles. This will mean resisting the temptation to fight back. It will mean practicing the meekness of Christ and extending forgiveness in our hearts so that we don’t build up bitterness and resentments towards others. Think about it.
The Potter County Housing Authority will receive bids for Sidewalk and Stair Repair for Ulysses Family Housing Project, Ulysses, Pennsylvania, at the office of the Owner, Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, until 2 P.M.; E.S.T., Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at which time and place all bids will be opened and read aloud.
The bid envelope shall be marked “Sidewalk and Stair Repair for Ulysses Family Housing”, and marked to the attention of Mr. Richard Duzick. Bidders will be notified as to bid results and disposition of contract award. Proposed forms of contract documents are on file at the office of the Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915, and will be available for inspection.
Copies of the documents may be obtained by depositing $20 (nonrefundable) with the Potter County Housing Authority for each set of documents so obtained.
This sidewalk and stair repair project requires PA prevailing wage rates. A set of current rates will be available upon request by bidder. Contact information for the PA Department of Labor Wage Rate Division will be available for questions.
By making a Bid, the Bidder represents that (s) he has visited the site, (site meeting date will be set), become familiar with local Conditions, under which the work is to be performed, and has correlated these observations with the requirements of the proposed Drawings and Specifications. Bidder also represents that (s) he has read and understands the Drawings and Specifications, and the Bid is made in accordance therewith.
Potter County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any
informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn without the consent of the Potter County Housing Authority. The “invitation to bid” documentation is located on page IB-1 in the bid document. The Authority looks forward to receiving bids from Minority, and Woman-owned Businesses. Please feel free to contact Richard Duzick, Deputy Director at 814-274-7031 ext. 110, with any questions.
The Potter County Housing Authority will receive bids for Flooring Renovations for Freeman House Elderly Housing Project, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, at the office of the Owner, Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, until 2 P.M.; E.S.T., Friday, September 13, 2024, at which time and place all bids will be opened and read aloud.
The bid envelope shall be marked “Flooring Renovations for Freeman House Elderly Housing”, and marked to the attention of Mr. Richard Duzick. Bidders will be notified as to bid results and disposition of contract award. Proposed forms of contract documents are on file at the office of the Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915, and will be available for inspection.
Copies of the documents may be obtained by depositing $20 (nonrefundable) with the Potter County Housing Authority for each set of documents so obtained.
This flooring project requires PA prevailing wage rates. A set of current rates will be available upon request by bidder. Contact information for the PA Department of Labor Wage Rate Division will be available for questions.
By making a Bid, the Bidder represents that (s) he has visited the site, (site meeting date will be set), become familiar with local Conditions, under which the work is to be performed, and has correlated these observations with the requirements of the proposed Drawings and Specifications. Bidder also represents that (s) he has read and understands the Drawings and Specifications, and the Bid is made in accordance therewith.
Potter County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any
informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn without the consent of the Potter County Housing Authority. The “invitation to bid” documentation is located on page IB-1 in the bid document. The Authority looks forward to receiving bids from Minority, and Woman-owned Businesses. Please feel free to contact Richard Duzick, Deputy Director at 814-274-7031 ext. 110, with any questions.
On August 22, at 9:03 pm Coudersport Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to E. Second St. and Cherry Springs Rd. for a one vehicle crash with unknown details. Austin and Roulette Ambulances have been dispatched. There is no entrapment a possibly no injuries
One of PEMA’s Incident Management Team main objectives in its deployment, is to assist in the debris removal from flooding in order to help the residents and municipalities recover as fast as possible.
The debris has consisted of damaged water heaters, indoor and outdoor furniture, drywall, lawn mowers, carpeting, tree limbs, refrigerators, washers, dryers, house siding, personal belongings and everything imaginable associated with a house being flooded and damaged.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) alerts drivers that work will begin Monday, August 26, on sidewalk installation along Route 4014 (Maple Avenue) and Route 4017 (Shaffer Road) in the City of DuBois and Sandy Township in Clearfield County. This will improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and motorists along these routes.
If you have this plant, join us for a free hands-on workshop, “Managing Japanese Knotweed” on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department, 46 Main Street in Lewis Run.
Participants will learn about herbicide selection and calculations, experience an in-person mixing demonstration with herbicide application demonstration on Japanese Knotweed and a sprayer calibration demonstration.
This workshop is sponsored by the McKean County Conservation District, Penn State Extension and the Allegheny Plateau Invasive Plant Management Area. Space is limited to 20 people, please register by August 30, 2024 to reserve your spot by contacting Sarah Carlson, McKean County Conservation District’s Resource Technician at 814-887-4017 or at slcarlson@mckeancountypa.gov.
Financial and other support for the PRISM Pilot Program in NW Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a Landscape Scale Restoration Grant from the USDA Forest Service.