At 3:19 PM on Thursday, Wellsboro & Mansfield Fire Depts. have been dispatched to Shumway Hill Road for a structural rescue of a woman fall victim. A 75 year old woman is reported to have had her leg fall through the floor in her laundry room.
(SMETHPORT and ELDRED, Pennsylvania): Students in Smethport and Eldred had a visit by K9s during a program on Saying “No” to drugs. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling, Officer Dakota Eaton, and K9 Officers Bob and Vicki Rinfrette were invited to present to the 4th grade class of Smethport Elementary and grades K-6 at Otto-Eldred Elementary.
On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Smethport hosted DA Shaffer, Chief Yingling and Mr. and Mrs. Rinfrette who were joined by K9s LG and Nico. LG is a drug-detecting dog and Nico is an explosive-detecting dog. Both dogs are handled by Bob Rinfrette.
On Wednesday, October 26, Otto-Eldred Elementary hosted DA Shaffer, Officer Eaton and the Rinfrettes who were joined by LG and Nico as well as the newest member of the County Detective K9 Unit, Rigby. Office Dakota Eaton is Rigby’s handler.
DA Shaffer: “The program is designed to help children say “no” to drugs as well as how to safely handle medication. The K9s were invited by the schools as part of the respective districts’ participation in Red Ribbon Week 2022 – a national campaign whose mission is to keep children drug-free.
The children were most excited to meet the K9s, who also loved the attention from the children. Thank you to the teachers and staff at both schools for inviting us into your school.”
The DA and Officers spoke to the students about how to stay away from drugs. They encouraged them to say, “No,” walk away, and call an adult if they are offered drugs. They talked to them about medication – only to take medication that their doctor has prescribed for them, only take it from their caregiver, and to not share medication.
The group also talked about how police officers keep them safe and that police officers are their friend.
In both presentations, the children learned how the dogs use their nose to find drugs.
The District Attorney gave the children pledge cards where they can promise to remain drug-free.
If you would like a K9 at your school or facility for a presentation or a search, please contact the Detective Bureau at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or da@mckeancountypa.org. For more information, visit McKeanDA.org
At 2:24 PM on Thursday, Coudersport ambulance has been dispatched to Teuscher Hill Road for a man fallen.
Mary Ann Morton, 65, of Bradford, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
She was born on June 2, 1957 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Bernard Jr., and Anna Mae Smith Pistner.
She loved playing bingo at all the area fire halls and she was a former member of some local bowling leagues.
She was employed by Zippo Manufacturing Co., in the repair department for forty-five years until she retired in 2018 due to health issues.
She is survived by one sister, Connie (Ray) Ford of Bradford; one niece, Tammy (Lester) Lasher of Olean, NY; one grandnephew, Carmen Germain; one grandniece, Marieanna Germain and the family of her long-time companion who preceded her in death.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her long-time companion, Robert Higley.
At her request there will be no funeral services.
Private burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to the Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Derrick City, PA 16727.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.
At 1:48 PM on Thursday, Kane Fire Dept. dispatched for lines down at 418 Tionesta Avenue.
HARRISBURG – The General Assembly has approved and sent to the governor’s desk legislation authored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) to end the state’s prohibition on automatic knives.
“Automatic knives are commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts like hunters, boaters and hikers, and by tradespeople like contractors, landscapers and mechanics,” Causer said. “They are legal in 43 states, but not in Pennsylvania. It’s time we get rid of this antiquated law that needlessly infringes on our rights and puts knife manufacturers here at a competitive disadvantage.”
“We appreciate Rep. Causer’s leadership on this legislation,” remarked Mark Paup, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Company and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company. “Removing Pennsylvania’s prohibitive laws on automatic knives will be welcomed by knife owners throughout the Commonwealth while providing for continued business growth at Case. These types of knives are some of the best-selling found in the current marketplace, and we’re looking forward to introducing new Case-branded designs with the help of our own talent in Bradford, PA.”
Current law prohibits individuals from repairing, selling, dealing, using or possessing an “offensive weapon.” Included in the definition of an offensive weapon, along with bombs, grenades and machine guns, is automatic knives. Causer’s bill would simply remove automatic knives from the list of prohibited offensive weapons.
However, Causer emphasized, someone in possession of an automatic knife with the intent to employ it criminally would still be in violation of the state’s Crimes Code.
“This ensures we have a mechanism in place to continue to protect the community while also allowing my legislation to remove an outdated restriction on law-abiding people,” he said.
House Bill 1929 received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Should the bill become law, it would take effect in 60 days.
NOW ACCEPTING BIDS
John Deere Pull-Behind Cart
Western Snowplow
Potential bidders may contact the school at 814-642-2544 if they would like to setup a time to see the units on premises. Bids are due by 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022 and will be opened at that time. Please send sealed bids clearly marked ‘salt spreader bid, cart bid, or snowplow bid’ to the attention of Adam Moate, Business Manager, 20 Oak Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743.
Additional information can be found on the district website:
Ralph Joseph Bottone, 71, a devoted father, grandfather, and an outstanding member of the community of Limestone, passed away Sunday October 23, 2022, from a long courageous battle with cancer.
Ralph was born on November 7, 1950. He was the son of the late Francis and Annabelle Giardini Bottone.
He graduated from Limestone Union Free School in 1968. Upon graduation he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Nellis Air Force Base where he worked on F-11 fighter jets during the Vietnam War.
After the service Ralph returned to Limestone where he was a mechanic for UPS along with his father, Fran, he opened his own garage called,” Bottone’s Service Center.”
On March 12, 1977, he married the late Patricia Rau Bottone. For 30 years he cared for his wife in her battle against Multiple Sclerosis. Together they had two children, Tara, and Dusty Bottone, both of Limestone.
Throughout the years Ralph was an active member of the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department where he was Fire Chief in 1991 and 1992. In 2017 he received the Outstanding Service Award for over 50 years of service to the fire department. He also served on the Limestone School Board. Other community services he was involved with were Mayor of Limestone, Town Supervisor, and was a current Town Board member. He was the master of ceremonies for Limestone Alumni for many years. Being a Veteran was important to him, so he spoke at many Memorial Day celebrations. One contribution he led was the building of the Veteran’s Memorial that is located in Limestone. Ralph had his hand in many benefits for people throughout the community.
Ralph had a love for sports and music. He was a competitive, passionate coach for many years. During the 70s and 80s he coached midget and high school football. He was not only a coach but offered support to many young athletes. From 1991 to 1995 he coached varsity basketball. Music was another passion of his. In the 70s he played the drums for a band called, “The Shades of Satin.”
In 2000 Ralph opened his own Italian restaurant with his mother, Annie. He did all his own cooking and was well known for his pasta, chicken, and eggplant Parmesan. He also donated his time and pasta to many sports banquets throughout the years. He also built a storage unit called StarDust Storage. His last employment was at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino where he worked security for all concerts.
The true joy in his life was his grandchildren. The love for his family was unmeasurable. Surviving are his grandchildren, Michael, Serena, and Sarea, two sisters, Bonnie Sory {John} and Marianne Baxter.
Ralph’s proudest moments were watching his QB1 Michael play football and basketball and watching his Floor champ Serena compete in gymnastics and volleyball. Ralph taught his grandkids many things and had a role in who they are today. Cooking food for his family on Sundays for the Bills games was the highlight of his life. He was the best grandfather and his influence in their lives and others touched the town of Limestone in so many ways.
Another hobby for Ralph was building things. He built his own storage, restaurant and even after the cancer diagnosis and surviving the Whipple procedure he designed and built his own house. His proudest accomplishment was a treehouse he built for his grandkids.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life for Ralph on November 12, 2022, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, at the Limestone Community Center. At Ralph’s request his body was donated to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in hopes of helping the fight against cancer.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department or the Allegany-Limestone Sports Boosters specifically to the football and volleyball programs.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
At 11:44 AM on Thursday, Coudersport ambulance has been called to Mapleview Lane for a woman fallen.
At 11:25 AM on Thursday, Port Allegany Fire & Ambulance has been called to Pearl Street for a cardiac arrest.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Wellsville Police arrested Jenny L. Vineyard, age 44, of Scio, charging her with Harassment 2nd. The charge stems from an incident that took place on North Main Street on September 29th. Vineyard was processed and arraigned before Associate Wellsville Village Justice Walsh. Vineyard was released and is due back in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.
Mary Mattis, 98, of Kinzua Ave., in Kane, PA passed away Tuesday morning (Oct. 25) at the Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Warren. She was born on April 6, 1924, in Ludlow, the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Sorokes) Kerekanich. On Oct. 30, 1945, she married Paul Mattis, who preceded her in death.
Mary had lived in Spokane, WA for a period of time, while her husband was stationed with the US Army Air Forces at Geiger Field. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker, but had worked at both the Shirt Factory in Kane and the Lutheran Home at Kane. She enjoyed her family and was loved deeply by all of them. Mary had a pleasant demeanor, a good sense of humor, and enjoyed painting, adult coloring, playing the accordion and watching Hallmark movies and HGTV shows.
She is survived by one son Ron (Wendy Dolphin) Mattis of Kane; two daughters Rosemary (Ronald) Swanson of Kane and Elizabeth (Donald) Gabriel of Meadville; five granddaughters, Kimberly (Chuck) Irvin of Russell, Lisa Swanson of Kane, Melanie Swanson of Lakeland, FL, Melissa (Tim) Burns of Woods Cross, UT and Allison (Charles) Lukach of Guys Mills; two grandsons, Donald Gabriel of Venango and Dillon Mattis of Ft. Collins, CO; Six great-granddaughters, Shana Wojcik, Camille Hagins, Jessica Burns, Ashley Burns, Cassidy Burns and Olivia Gabriel; four great-grandsons, Chase Irvin, Joey Wojcik, Taye Hagins and Jacob Gabriel; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Charles Mattis and a granddaughter, Natasha Mattis.
Friends are invited to attend a graveside service, which will be conducted on Friday (Oct. 28) at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Callistus Cemetery, with the Rev. William O’Brien, officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Callistus Catholic Church, 342 Chase St. Kane, PA 16735, UPMC-Kane 4372 Route 6, Kane, PA 16735 or to the donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of services.
