8:35 PM–As I post out some of our members have been called for mutual aid to Canaseraga. Canaseraga has requested our ATV to the scene of a UTV accident with entrapment in a creek bed. Chief 50 and crew responded with Truck 6 and the ATV and toboggan.
Life-Net 7-7 was airborne from the scene at 9:10 PM.
Wellsboro, PA — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced that construction has begun on key infrastructure improvements at Leonard Harrison State Park.
“We are pleased to get this long-awaited infrastructure improvement project underway at Leonard Harrison,” State Parks Director John Hallas said. “Projects of this nature help keep our wonderful state parks system safe and enjoyable for all visitors. We appreciate the patience of the public as work is done to improve the park and are excited for what’s in store for the future.”
The large scope of the project will cause temporary closures of the main day-use and parking areas, including the spectacular overlook area starting on May 15, 2023. The closure is anticipated to last for the summer, with the goal of full access to the 585-acre park in time for the fall foliage season starting early September.
Work will include making improvements to the park entrance, pedestrian walkways and expanded parking areas. An electric vehicle (EV) charging area in the new parking lot with space for four electric vehicles as part of a statewide initiative to support EV infrastructure in state parks and forests.
Additionally, there will be new walkways for pedestrians from the parking area to a newly renovated Leonard Harrison State Park Visitor Center, which includes exhibit hall, a PA Wilds Conservation Shop and outdoor seating.
The Leonard Harrison Turkey Path will remain open that connects the park to the Pine Creek Rail Trail. The campground will also remain open, with existing reservations being honored.
Site conditions may be noisy and dusty while contractors are performing the work, therefore campers with existing reservations will be offered an opportunity to cancel or transfer reservations. and no further reservations will be taken during this closure timeframe.
During this construction project, DCNR is asking park visitors to avoid active construction areas and visit other local State Parks.
Colton Point State Park on the western rim of the Pa Grand Canyon has five overlook areas and is a great alternative spot to enjoy spectacular views of the Pine Creek Gorge.
Another alternative local attraction is Hills Creek State Park, where visitors can enjoy the 137-acre lake, public beach, hiking trails and concessions this summer season.
Relocation of the existing PA Wilds Conservation Shop mobile unit to Hills Creek from Leonard Harrison has also occurred to serve visitors to the region during the summer season.
Construction is set to begin as DCNR is working to address its $1.4 billion infrastructure needs. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget would address outdated facilities and public safety preparedness across the state.
The Governor’s budget would provide $112 million to maintain and improve infrastructure in parks and forests, which would be the single largest investment in decades. In addition, the budget proposes $2.8 million to support operating needs for the management and safety of our public lands.
“We are pleased to begin work on this existing project and are eager to get working on other infrastructure needs across our 124-state park system,” DCNR Deputy Secretary John Norbeck said. “Just like at Leonard Harrison, our state parks and forests contain not only natural areas, but many roads, bridges and structures. Much of that infrastructure was built more than 50 years ago and we are working to address those critical needs.”
If you have questions, or need any additional information, please contact the Leonard Harrison State Park Office weekdays from 8am to 4pm; telephone 570-724-3061.
The Northcentral Forest Landowners Association is hosting a free program. Join us for a wildlife habitat tour on PA State Gamelands #44, near Ridgway.
PA Game Commission staff will lead the tour with various stops highlighting forest management and wildlife habitat improvements. The tour will also show early successional habitat and field management for pollinators and other wildlife.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 9:00 am.
We will meet in the parking lot at the top of Mead Run. Parking lot is along Mead Run Road, 1.5 miles from Shawmut Road. (Mead Run Road is on the west side of Shawmut Road, 0.6 mile north of town of Drummond, which is west of Route 219 and south of Ridgway.)
Please Pre-register by May 26 by calling 814-887-5121 (leave a clear message with your name and phone number) or by email ncfla2@gmail.com Registration is required to ensure there are enough participants to hold the event.
The workshop is free and open to all.
Event is sponsored by the NCFLA and PA Game Commission.
Graduates are shown being celebrated after the ceremony by members of the Board of Trustees and NPRC staff.
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College celebrated their annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. The event took place at The Titusville Mill in Titusville, with seven students receiving their diplomas. Four additional students received their certificate in general studies. Two students graduated in absentia.
President Snelick opened the ceremony sharing words about the graduates and the milestone that they accomplished.
On May 20 at 5:24 pm. Wellsville Fire Dept. was dispatched to 155 N. Broad St. in Wellsville for reports of a structure fire. Units on scene report the fire is out and have been recalled
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation McKean County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of May 22 – May 26, 2023, weather permitting. Motorists should travel with extra caution in these and all work areas. Motorists should be aware that due to the nature of highway maintenance and emergency work, crews could be working on any highway at any time of the day or night.
McKean County 0250
Sign Repairs and Upgrades:
Various State Routes throughout the County
Bridge Repair:
Various State Routes throughout the County
Patching:
State Route: 2004 (Christian Hollow Road)
Crack Sealing:
State Route: 46 (Farmers Valley to Rew)
Pipe Replacement:
State Route: 1015 (Columbia Hill Road)
Pipe Repair:
State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
Ditching:
State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
State Route: 346 (Marilla Brook to Stickney)
State Route: 246 (Bradford side of Looker Mountain Trail)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
L.C. Whitford- Bridge Replacement
State Route: 1011 (Barnum Road)
Traffic control: Contractor will be utilizing flaggers on SR 1011 during work hours to control the flow of traffic
Jefferson Paving–Roadway repairs
State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
Traffic control: Contractor will be utilizing flaggers on SR 146 during work hours to control the flow of traffic
William P. “Bill” Knight, 76, passed away at his home on Monday, May 15, 2023, following a lengthy illness.
He was born on August 25, 1946 in St. Marys, a son of the Othmar and Adeline Emmert Knight.
Bill was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1964 and a member of Queen of the World Church. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard and then retired from Keystone Carbon Company after many years of service. An avid golfer, Bill loved spending time on the golf course course with his friend Gary Smith. He also enjoyed hunting and following sports.
Bill is survived by three children; Melissa Risch of Towanda, PA, David Knight of Ridgway, and Brian Knight of Saco, Maine; and by his five beloved grandchildren; Lauren, Ryan, Hannah, Derek, and Brianne and by two great-grandchildren; Kinsley and Callan.
He is also survived by two sisters; Diane (John) Bauer and Marsha (Steve) Gabor, both of St. Marys, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a sister; Nancy Charleson.
A Memorial Mass of Christian for William P. Knight is being celebrated privately at Queen of the World Church.
Burial will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial Contirbutions may be made to the Elk County Catholic School System, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 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
Betty M. Erich-Hanes, 94, formerly of Poplar Road, St. Marys, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor.
She was born on October 10, 1928 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Salome and Mildred Gerg Dornish.
On February 14, 1947, she married the late Raymond C. Erich, who preceded her in death on December 4, 1995. in 1999, she married the late John W. Hanes, who preceded her in death on June 7, 2012.
Betty attended St. Marys Area Schools and was a member of Sacred Heart Church. She retired from Uni-Mart after many years as the manager. Over the years, she was active with the St. Ann’s Society, the Rosary Altar Society, and the Senior Center, where she loved to play cards with her friends. Always the social butterfly who made friends everywhere she went, she enjoyed volunteering her time at the hospital gift shop, the Resale Shop, and at the Senior Center. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother who loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by 5 children; Yvonne (Gene) Hooper of St. Marys, Leah (Rich) Meyer of St. Marys, Susan (George) Wendel of Erie, Mary Kay (Ernest) Kronenwetter of St. Marys, and Charles (Anna) Erich of Lexington, KY; and by 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 step-sons, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her first and second husbands, Betty was preceded in death by a step-daughter, by two brothers; James Dornish and Charles Dornish, and by one sister; Leah Redmond.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty M. Erich-Hanes will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas Curry, OSB, as celebrant.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Monday, Monday, May 22, 2023 from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM.
Burial will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Senior Center.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 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
Mount Jewett has over 22 Vendors registered for the Spring Fling. We have 4 food trucks. And more than 6 yard sales set for throughout the Burough.
Mount Jewett Spring Fling Set for May 20th 9 a to 4 p. Bring your appetite for sales and food! But be aware of high traffic through town for the event and Springtime Kinzua bridge traffic!
Dominica “Nini” Tamburlin, 94, of 120 Hickory Street, Kersey and formerly of 168 Cherry Road, Kersey, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023 at Penn Highlands DuBois, following a brief illness.
She was born October 21, 1928 in Brandy Camp, daughter of the late Angelo and Louisa Marinucci Armanini. Nini was a graduate of Elbon High School, Class of 1946. She started her career with Palumbo Mining and then worked for Goetz Hardware from 1962 until 1997 as a bookkeeper.
On May 5, 1957, at Holy Cross Church in Brandy Camp, Dominica married the late Joseph Tamburlin, Jr., who preceded her in death on March 13, 1993.
Nini is survived by her daughter: Ann Marie Pfoutz and her husband Aaron of St. Marys; her son, Michael Tamburlin and his wife Lori of St. Marys; four grandchildren: Joseph Tamburlin, Leah Tambulin (Caton Wiesner), Brittany Pfoutz, and Larissa Pfoutz; her great-granddaughter, Mya; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Nini was preceded in death by two sisters: Pauline Cenni and Angeline Facchine; and three brothers: Frank, Marshall, and Geno Armanini. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Nini was a devout Catholic and a dedicated member of the St. Boniface Church. While a parishioner at St. Boniface, she was a member of the Rosary Altar Society and was employed at both the school and the parish. She was also a member of the Kersey Women’s Club. There was nothing more important to Nini than her faith and her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Boniface Church on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Kevin Holland, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the St. Boniface Gathering Space on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of service.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Boniface Church, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846.
Louis A. DISTROLA, 87, of Wellsville, NY, died Thursday, May 18, 2023 in Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Born February 20, 1936, in Bradford, PA, he was the son of Earl Welty and Madelyn Distrola. On January 8, 2008, in Wellsville, he married Bernice Blue, who survives. A 1955 graduate of Bradford High School, he served honorably with the US Navy from 1955 – 1958. He owned and operated Lou’s Janitorial Service in Wellsville. Lou was a member of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702, Wellsville American Legion Honor Guard, and First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wellsville.
Surviving besides his wife, Bernice, are: six children, Kristina, John, Louise, Marcy, Andrew, and Robin; and many grandchildren. Per Lou’s wishes, there will be no services.
Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. Arrangements are entrusted to OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Our cat Maddy is missing from East Mill St. in Port Allegany. She is black, weighs about 15 lbs and has on a collar with a metal flower hanging from it. If you see her please message 814-203-1684
At 5:44 PM on Friday, Shinglehouse Fire Dept. has been dispatched to 1124 East Honeoye Street for a garage fire. Second alarm issued. Portville & Westons Mills requested. Bolivar is unavailable due to their own fire.
6:26 PM–Request Coudersport engine Company to stand by in Shinglehouse.
Allegany County Declares State of Emergency in Response to Migrant Crisis
Allegany County Sheriff Scott Cicirello:
The current headlines across New York State have created a lot of uncertainty in Allegany County, prompting speculation as to the potential impact on our communities. New York City has expressed that they will be sending a large volume of migrants to upstate NY, possibly affecting Allegany County.
Regardless of the politics of this situation, my job is to ensure the public safety of the residents of Allegany County.
I am working closely with the Allegany County Legislature, County Administrator and Local and State Law Enforcement to monitor the situation.
I fully support the actions taken by Chairman Harris, the Board of Legislators and County Administrator Knapp to directly address this crisis.
We recognize there are strong opinions on this issue. We urge residents to remain peaceful and respectful. If you wish to voice your opinion on this issue, please reach out to your federal representative. If you have a specific public safety concern, contact your local law enforcement. We will continue to advocate for resolution to this crisis and keep our residents informed.
Allegany County Legislative Board Chairman W. Brooke Harris:
I’m sympathetic to the challenges facing asylum seekers, and wish for nothing more than their successful integration into our country. Unfortunately, Allegany County simply does not have the resources available to properly provide for the needs of even a small influx of migrants. In addition to our overburdened and underfunded County departments, our contracted agencies and local not-for-profit providers are already stretched beyond their capabilities. Any sudden additional demands could compromise a very fragile service delivery system.
At this time, we are not aware of any attempt by either New York City or New York State to facilitate the relocation of migrants to Allegany County. This Declaration aims to protect the public safety of all residents of Allegany County, and to ensure that migrants and asylum seekers are not placed in a situation that would be detrimental to their health and well-being.