At 9:41 AM on Thursday, Westfield, Harrison & Clymer have been dispatched to a round bale fire in a wagon being towed by a truck at 577 Route 49. Truck has been detached from fully involved hay bale/trailer fire.
Crary Hose, Clymer Hose, Harrison Valley and Sabinsville Ambulance were dispatched to a vehicle fire along Rt. 49 in Westfield Township, crews arrived to find round bales on a wagon disconnected from vehicle burning. Westfield command added Tri-Town with a tanker, all hands in service for just over an hour.
Jack S. Keifer is the Democratic candidate for a seat on the 2024-27 Potter County Board of Commissioners. He’s seeking a nomination in the May 16 Democratic Primary Election.
Keifer cites his qualifications as a military veteran, a small business owner, the county’s technology consultant for seven years, and as an active member of Coudersport Borough Council.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, he has operated multiple internet-based businesses, ranging from product creation to retail commerce during his 24 years as a resident of Potter County. He also served for 13 years as information technology director for the Coudersport Area School District.
“My approach has always been based on good planning, hard work and careful financial management,” Keifer said. “That is the same way I would approach my leadership role in county government. I am the only Democratic candidate who is familiar with our county government through first-hand experience, and I do see some areas for improvement.”
If elected, he would work to increase county efficiencies and transparency through more effective deployment of technology. He would also spearhead a comprehensive review of staffing and employee compensation, improve county communications, and pull together stakeholders from across the county to explore strategies for community and economic development.
“County commissioners have an impact on many people across the county,” Keifer said. “A commissioner should be proactive in communicating with the public and seeking input from the citizens.”
If elected, he would be actively engaged with the county’s Human Services Department.
“Thousands of people, especially the underprivileged and others in need, rely on Human Services,” Keifer said.
He would take a similar approach with the Department of Emergency Services.
“The county needs to be an active partner with our volunteer fire and ambulance services, communicating regularly with them and standing up for them in Harrisburg,” he added.
Also on his task list is hands-on support for the county’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
“As a veteran myself, I’m well aware of the challenges these men and women can face when they return home and find themselves caught in a maze of red tape when it comes to accessing the benefits and services they have earned.”
Economic development will also be a priority.
“We need to be marketing the best of what Potter County has to offer, which is our rural lifestyle and outdoor assets, to people who are looking to relocate,” Keifer noted. “With expansion of high-speed internet service, people can move here and still keep their jobs as telecommuters. I know that first hand.”
The candidate added that, through his service on Borough Council, he has gained a great understanding of conservative fiscal management, contract negotiations, personnel management, and engaging members of the public in the decision-making process.
Keifer chairs the borough’s Streets/Utilities committee, spearheading improvements such as the Ross Glen stormwater management that recently qualified for a state grant.
“I believe the county government can also do a better job of securing state and federal grants that can support our communities while keeping taxes down,” he said. “The current board of commissioners has been able to freeze the county taxes for five years and I would work hard to continue that trend but still not reduce needed services. You can do a lot with greater efficiency and better use of technology.”
Keifer added “By random drawing, I am in the number 3 spot on the ballot for commissioner. I ask and appreciate your vote on May 16th!”
Pictured: Lynn Keck is pictured while having her blood pressure checked during the Healthy Lifestyle Fair.
The Health Assistance Students at the Seneca Highlands IU9 Career and Technical Center presented The Healthy Lifestyle Fair recently at the Shop ‘n Save in Port Allegany. Some of the Lifestyle information presented included heart health, diet management, mental health, healthy skin, alcohol/drug education, pregnancy, and planning for a family. The Health Assistance class worked very hard to provide the community with a resource to healthy living. In the health assistance class, students learn that it is important to pursue the eight domains of wellness. This includes: emotional, environmental, financial, social, spiritual, occupational, physical and intellectual.
A bridge preservation project will continue next week on Route 15 at the northbound structure over the Mill Creek Reservoir between Route 6 (Mansfield / Wellsboro) interchange and Route 287 (Tioga / Tioga Junction) interchange in Tioga Township, Tioga County.
On Friday, May 12, 2023, the contractor, RAM Construction Services of Michigan, Inc., will begin work in the right (driving) lane of the structure. Motorists can expect the right (driving) lane to be restricted. Motorists are reminded of a 19-foot lane restriction is still in effect and is expected to be lifted in September of 2023.
RAM Construction Services of Michigan, Inc., is the primary contractor for this $1.2 million bridge preservation project. Work on this project includes deck patching and placing a new epoxy overlay on the structure. Work is expected to be complete in September 2023.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays, watch for stopped traffic, and drive with caution through the work zone.
On May 11 at 2:02 am. Bradford City Fire Dept. was dispatched to 153 South Avenue for a house fire. This is a second alarm fire of a 3 story family home with flames showing everyone has been evacuated. Bradford Twp. has been dispatched to the scene with Derrick City on standby.
Can Birdie and it’s a service for elderly and disabled people that takes the trash out to the curb on trash day and brings the can back after collection.
My service areas are Bradford, Smethport, Eldred, Port Allegany and their surrounding communities.
My name is Kevin Siska and I am a Republican candidate for Potter County Sheriff. I have been in various facets of law enforcement for 28 years. I worked in a maximum security, state prison in Alaska. Later, while employed by the Juneau Police Dept. in Juneau, AK, I held positions as a Sergeant in Patrol, Investigations, and Administration. I served as a supervisor in Patrol and Investigations.
I am currently a Deputy with the Potter County Sheriff’s Department and have been employed in that capacity for seven years.
I am the only candidate with law enforcement experience. Along with that experience, I have the knowledge and training to make the transition to Sheriff seamless. While working for the Juneau Police Department we took great pride in working well with other agencies and being responsive to the area residents. I was taught to treat people fairly and with respect. I have always lived by those standards and will continue to do so as your sheriff.
I am currently a Certified Deputy with the Pennsylvania Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board. From the time I am sworn in as Sheriff, I will be able to not only tend to the administrative duties of the Sheriff but be able to assist with all the other duties handled by the deputies. When in a department that has only four full time sworn positions at full staffing levels, being able to assist with daily duties is beneficial. Currently the Department is operating with only 2 full time and 1 part time positions filled. It then becomes a necessity not a luxury for the Sheriff to be able to assist with daily tasks.
If elected, I look forward to continuing my service to the residents of Potter County as the new Sheriff. I have the necessary qualifications and experience to perform all the duties of Sheriff immediately upon taking office. It will be my privilege and honor to continue to serve the people of Potter County as the new Sheriff.
Please remember to vote for Kevin M. Siska on May 16th. As a Republican candidate, I am asking those who are Democrats and do not have a Democratic candidate on the ballot to please examine my qualifications and write me in on the Democratic Ballot. Thank you for all your continuing support. Remember to vote on Tuesday, May 16th!
My name is Angela Milford, and I am a Republican candidate running for the position of Potter County Sheriff. I was born and raised and have worked in this area my entire life. I have worked for Potter County government for approx. 29 years in the jail. I was a Corrections Officer and was moved up into management of Deputy Warden and now Warden for approx. 14 years of that. I work very closely with the Sheriff’s Department and am very familiar with their role. I am being endorsed by the current Sheriff, Glenn Drake. He has expressed to me his desire and intention, should I be elected, to stay on with the department in a part-time capacity, which will assist me in my transition into this new job. The role of Sheriff has many different aspects with much of it being administrative and delegating other functions to deputies. I do some parts of the administrative tasks already in assistance to their department such as coordinating transports, going on transport, taking care of extradition requirements and many other tasks. I am confident I will be able to jump into this position and take it on. I do understand and know there will be training that I need to attend and look forward to learning. I believe I am the best candidate for this position as I am motivated by a desire to help people. I am firm but I am also fair. I hope you will vote for me as your next Sheriff. I would appreciate my democratic friends to write me in also. Thank you. Paid for by the candidate.
Karen Costello-Pecht announces her candidacy for Bradford City Council – 4-year term on the Republican ballot in the May 16 primary.
Costello-Pecht was appointed the Council seat in December of 2022 and is currently serving the position. Costello-Pecht says she is learning a lot as our new council member and enjoys working with Mayor Tom Riel along with Council Members Pecora, Proper and Lopus, our City Administrator, Chris Lucco, City Solicitor, Hollenbeck Law office, Department of Public Works & Parks Facilities Director, Chip Comilla and all the City Department Heads to maintain and improve our beautiful city.
She is currently employed with Control Chief Corporation in the Human Recourses Department prior to that she was employed at Servomation. A lifelong resident of Bradford, Costello-Pecht is a graduate of Bradford Are High School and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Active in her community, she has previously served as a member of the Boards of the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc, Bradford Family YMCA, The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Alumni Association (PBAA), the Zonta Club of Bradford and the Bradford City Historical Architectural Review Board (H.A.R.B). Karen currently serves on the Bradford City Council, the YMCA Foundation Board, The University of Pittsburgh at BradfordAdvisory Board, The Beacon Light Adult Residential Services Board (BLARS), the Journey Health Systems Executive Board, the Bradford City Zoning Hearing Board and she is a member of the Pumpkin Fest Committee and the PBAA Project & Events ad hoc Committee along with the McKean County Republican Committee.
Costello-Pecht is a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish and is the daughter of Susan Costello-Camarco and the late Thomas F. Costello. She is married to Ed Pecht and has one daughter Meghan (Scott) Sipko, and two grandchildren Elijah and Ava.
“I was appointed and now I am asking for your support to become elected. I love our community, and I would like to continue to serve you and to be a part of the work that keeps Bradford a vibrant and safe place to live. I’d appreciate your vote on Tuesday, May 16, 2023”.
Daniel J. Costello, 70, of Bradford, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
He was born on December 14, 1952 in Bradford to Rita A. Roberts Costello of Bradford and the late Patrick J. Costello.
He was a 1970 graduate of the former Bradford Central Christian.
Dan was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church, the Bradford Eagles club, a volunteer for the Big 30 Charities Classic where he was a past president, a member of former Moose club, a former midget football league coach and a former city councilman. He loved his family dearly and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved travelling, boating, kayaking and being at the “yake”. He was proud to follow in his dad’s footsteps and be known as Santa to many of the area children at Christmas time when he read the children’s letters to Santa on the radio.
He worked at his family’s former business “Seaward’s Variety Store” before being hired at the American Refining Group, where he worked until his retirement in 2018.
In addition to his mother, he is also survived by three children: Sean P. (Chelsey) Costello of Clover, SC, Stacy (Josh) Cobb of Bradford and Katie (Matt Morgan) Costello of Bradford; four siblings: Kevin Costello of Bradford, Betsy Costello of Bradford, Lisa Cagney of Silver Creek, NY and Marie Costello of Bradford; seven grandchildren: Makayla Costello, Madison Costello, Orion Morgan, Tenley Costello, Emily Cobb, Aria Morgan and Daniel P. Costello; his companion since 2014, Clare Pusateri, with whom he resided; his former wife and the mother of his children, Susan Beckwith of Covington and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one infant brother, Sean M. Costello.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday in the St. Bernard Catholic Church with the Rev. James Gutting, the senior associate pastor as celebrant.
Memorial contributions in Dan’s memory can be made to the Big 30 Charities, P.O. Box 82, Bradford, PA 16701 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
LeeAnn M. Schloder, 52, of State Street, St. Marys, died at Penn Highlands DuBois on Monday, May 8, 2023, following a brief illness.
She was born on April 8, 1971 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of Regis Jr. and Christine Feldbauer Schatz, who survive of Austin.
LeeAnn was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Clarion University. In her free time, LeeAnn enjoyed reading, cooking, and camping. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by 3 children; Jessica Schloder, Daniel Schloder, and John Schloder, all of St. Marys; 2 brothers, Richard (Sharon) Schatz of Kersey, and George (Tara) Schatz of St. Marys.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Norman and Elsie Feldbauer, and by her paternal grandparents, Regis Sr. and Clara Schatz.
A Celebration of Life for LeeAnn M. Schloder is being scheduled and will be announced at a later date.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the a charity of choice.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Str., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences my be offered to the family at www.lynchgreen funeralhome.com
The Port Allegany Gator Baseball Team will celebrate their seniors Thursday, May 11 at 4:00 p.m. at Larry Brundage Memorial Field (Moose Park) located on Route 155 in Port Allegany. Seniors to be honored are Noah Archer, Blaine Moses, Drew Evens, Charles Craft and Kaden Price. The Gators will host Otto-Eldred. Game time is 4:30 p.m.
The Lady Gator Softball Team will celebrate their seniors Friday, May 12 at the Community Park Field located on Edison Bates Drive in Port Allegany. Their ceremony will also begin at 4:00 p.m. Seniors to be honored are Thea Petruzzi, Leah Nelson, Emily Baumgarner, Madeline Smith, Cayle Lloyd and Makayla Alcorn. The Lady Gators will host Bradford. Game time is 4:30 p.m.
