NEWS

Ronald John Rees, 56, of Port Allegany, PA passed away on Tuesday (October 25, 2022) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany are incomplete and will be announced with a full obiturary.

John A. DENHOFF, 92, of Whitesville, NY, died Monday, October 24, 2022 in Highland Park Health & Rehabilitation Center, Wellsville, NY.  

Born April 20, 1930, in Coudersport, PA, he was the son of William Adam and Victoria Sabin Denhoff.  On November 14, 1952, in Whitesville, he married the former Jeanette Webster, who predeceased him on February 22, 2017.  

He was employed by National Fuel Gas.  John was a member of The Gospel Chapel of the Christian & Missionary Alliance in Whitesville.  

Surviving are:  a son, David A. Denhoff of Rexville;  several grandchildren;  nieces and nephews.  

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by seven siblings, Elizabeth Harding, William Denhoff, Jr., Kathryn Grom, Sophia Snyder, James L. Denhoff, Franklin Denhoff, and Levi Denhoff.  

Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY on Friday, October 28, 2022 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 1:00 PM.  Rev. Timothy Armstrong will officiate.  Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Coudersport, PA.  

Memorials may be made to Whitesville Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 256, Whitesville, NY 14897, The Gospel Chapel of the C&MA, P.O. Box 217, Whitesville, NY 14897, or Whitesville Rural Cemetery, P.O. Box 6, Whitesville, NY 14897.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Joseph “Bubba” J. Capuano, Jr., 85, of Ridgway, PA died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at his residence.

He was born on October 31, 1936, in Ridgway, the son of the late Joseph and Margaret Nortorrani Capuano.

He was married to the late Katheryn Delhunty Capuano, who preceded him in death in 2001.

Joe was a lifelong resident of the area and a faithful member of St. Leo’s Church. He graduated from Ridgway High School, attended Penn State University, and later enlisted into the U.S Army. Joe was a very caring and friendly person and could strike up conversation with anyone. He had a great love for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penn State football and Ridgway Elkers Football. His love for his hometown and the sports, Joe could be found many Friday nights sitting in the stands cheering.

He is survived by 2 daughters; Mary Yates and her husband Scott of Penacook, NH, and Julianne Anderson and her husband Allen of Dubois, 3 grandchildren; Bryant Capuano, Alex Yates, and Jordyn Morgan, 2 great grandchildren and 1 great grandchild on the way.  He is also survived by a brother, Don Capuano and his wife Judy of Ballston, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph J. Capuano will be celebrated on Friday, October 28, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Magnus Church, 111 Depot Street, Ridgway, PA with Fr. Justin Pino as celebrant.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, October 28, 2022, at the St. Leo’s Church from 10:30 AM until the time of service.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Ridgway-Johnsonburg Servicemen’s Burial Detail.

Burial will follow at Lake City Cemetery

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com

Joyce E. Lucco, 94, of North Main Street, Limestone, NY passed away, peacefully, Monday, October 24, 2022, at Bradford Ecumenical Home, with her family by her side.

Born October 22, 1928, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Truman S. “Jeff” and Helen (Jones) Eck. She was a 1945 graduate of Bradford High School.

On May 8, 1948, in Bradford, she married Jack A. Lucco who preceded her in death on August 28, 2019.

Joyce had several careers during her long life, most notable being her time as manager of Montgomery Ward when they opened in 1958 in Bradford, secretary at Limestone Union Free School where she was able to get her daughters on the student bus for away football and basketball games (Thanks Mom!), Tax Preparer at Bill Fox H&R Block of Olean NY, Front Desk Manager of Holiday Inn, Olean and Junior Accountant at The Pines Senior Care Facility of Olean NY.  Joyce was active in local town activities in an unofficial capacity for many years and, not content to be fully retired, Joyce ran for and won the Town of Carrollton Supervisor position for 4 years.

She served on the Board of Directors and was the longtime caretaker at Limestone Cemetery. She and her husband bowled in the Sunday Night Bowling League. She also bowled in a league with her sister Carla.

Surviving are three daughters, Jacqueline Lucco, of Bradford, Jeri Ann (Charles Coppola) Lucco, of Columbus OH, and Julie (Larry) Carlson, of Limestone, six grandchildren, Christa Coppella, Chris Lucco, Sarah Lucco, Abbey Carlson, Chad Carlson and Jay Lucco, six great grandchildren, sister, Carla Dittman and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jack of 71 years, one son Joel Lucco, and one daughter-in-law, Millie Lucco, two sisters, Avonelon Eck and Paula Willis, two brothers, Minor E. Eck, and Gerald Eck.

Joyce attended West Branch United Methodist Church.

Family will receive friends on Friday October 28, 2022, ion the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue from 11:00 am to 1:00pm where funeral services will be held at 1pm with Rev. Fred Zickefoose, Pastor officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Limestone.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to Limestone Volunteer Fire Department or the Activities Fund at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Joan L Stack, 90, of Latchaw Hollow, Bradford, PA passed away, Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Born on August 18, 1932, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Oscar I. and Florence G. (Danielson) Stranburg.

She was a 1950 graduate of Bradford High School and a 1953 graduate of the Bradford Hospital School of Nursing. 

On September 26, 1953, in the Emanuel Lutheran Church, she married Gerald C. Stack, who passed away on January 19, 2010.

Throughout her career, she served as a nurse for Dr. McGrail, the Bradford Hospital, and Limestone Union Free School. She and her husband also owned and operated Stack’s Riding Stable for six years. 
 
Joan is  survived by two daughters, Kristie A. Stack, of Limestone, NY and Linda (Dennis) S. Thiel, of Bradford, two sons, Jeffrey (Brenda) S. Stack, of Bradford, William (Kim) O. Stack, Lusby, MD, 14 grandchildren, Ryan Hatch, Sean Hatch, Heather Laird, Jeffrey Stack, Jessica Cornelius, Doug Thiel, Julie Piper, Dan Thiel, Alex Stack, Breanna Stack, Kelsey Stack, Janelle Stack, Liam Stack, and Sarah Stack. 17 Great-grandchildren, Haley Stack, Aaron Stack, Everett Hatch, Brinley Hatch, Madeline Hatch, Evelyn Hatch, Julia Laird, Elliot Laird, Kinley Thiel, Declan Thiel, Raelyn Thiel, Ellianna Thiel, Savannah Piper, Colton Piper, Carly Piper, Austyn Piper, and Callister Stack, and one niece, Phyllis Quirino. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, Larry Stranburg, and one nephew, Jimmy Stack.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 28, 2022, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main St., where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 2:00 pm with John Kearns, Lay Worship Leader at the Emanual Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in the family cemetery in Latchaw Hollow. 

Memorial contributions, if desired may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Professional watercolorist Jessie Vaughn will be teaching you how to paint beautiful fall leaves. Jessie’s highly-rated classes are relaxing and filled with lots of laughter. No previous experience in watercolors needed, as Jessie is comfortable teaching all levels.

There are two class times available on Thursday, October 27, 2022: 10:00 -11:30 am or 5:30 – 7:00 pm. The cost is $25 per person, and all supplies are provided for this 1.5 hour watercolor class. Class will be held at Jessie’s Studio/Gallery at Abundant Blessings, Main St., Coudersport, PA. Class size is limited, so register ASAP at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.

The Coudersport Chamber of Commerce has trees for sale to be decorated on the Courthouse Square.

The cost is $25.00 per tree and will be delivered the week of November 4th and will need to be decorated by November 22nd for judging.

There will be three categories family, business and group.  We will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place cash winners in all three categories.

To reserve a tree call Carol Jackson at 814-274-0219 or email at buckandcarol85@yahoo.com

Catherine “Rita” Walker, 72, formerly of Route 446, Eldred, PA passed away on Thursday (Oct. 20, 2022) at the Kane Lutheran Home.

Born on Nov. 17, 1949, she was the daughter of Darwin F. and Renee Jackie Polome Walker. She was a 1967 Graduate of Otto Eldred High School.
Rita worked at the American Olean Tile Plant for 30 years prior to her retirement. She was a steward in the union for many years and was also on the compensation board. Traveling to the New England states and driving fast were a couple of the things she enjoyed, along with the casino, bingo, euchre and canasta. Rita was also a very talented artist and a wonderful caretaker for her mother for many years.

Surviving is one son, Darwin Walker of Wilcox; one brother, Robert (Brenda) Curtis of Eldred; One sister; Peggy (Bruce) Manning of Port Allegany, One half brother; Gregg Walker, Three grandchildren, Matt Grassi of Bradford, Scott Walker of Limestone, N.Y., Ashley Walker in North Carolina; four great-grandchildren, Brycason, Alyvia, Elyssa and Kayden of Limestone; one nephew, John Manning in Belgium; and one niece, Traci Manning of Hermitage.

Preceding her in death including her parents, is one half brother, Chris Walker.
Following Catherine’s wishes there will be no public services held.
Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com

At 8:51 AM on Wednesday, Coudersport ambulance has been dispatched to Cartee Street for 2 patients with difficulty breathing.

At 8:25 AM on Wednesday, Port Allgany Fire Dept. has been dispatched to Lower Portage Road to assist Port Allegany ambulance with lifting for a patient with difficulty breathing. Fire Dept. also dispatched to assist Mercyflight with a LZ at Arnot Glass for this call.

Please be advised County Route #20 (Gibson Hill Road) in Cuba will be closed
from approximately 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31, to replace a
culvert pipe approximately ¾ mile West of Summit Road intersection. There will not be
an on-site detour to accommodate traffic, and motorists are urged to seek alternate
routes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Volunteers at Christmas House are already at work to help Potter County families celebrate the Christmas season by providing gifts to children in need. Christmas House has a long tradition of helping those in need throughout the county. By December 24, volunteers will have packaged and distributed gifts to hundreds of families.

 “Our letters have gone out to school nurses, caseworkers, clergy and others who have provided us with the names of Potter County individuals and families in need in past years,” says Dawn Newton who coordinates the effort. Individuals are also welcome to submit their names by calling Christmas House at (814) 274) 0825 and leaving a detailed message with  contact information or by stopping in our headquarters between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday. (You will be required to wear a face covering when entering our building).  

“We must adhere to our strict deadline of November 5 as the last date to register but want to make every effort to register families for the program so if you know of a family who might benefit, please let them know about our efforts,” Newton says.

Christmas House is also in need of toys and other gifts that would be welcomed by children and teenagers. Especially needed are gifts for teens of both genders and toys for boys from ages 3 to 12. “We know funds are tight for many people this season, but we also know the generous hearts of our community. We thank you in advance for your support in keeping a Christmas tradition alive in these trying times,” says Newton.

Christmas House is located in the basement of the Presbyterian Church at 402 N. Main Street in Coudersport. Mailing address is PO Box 716, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Mary Ann Rigas, M.D.
Pediatrics, UPMC

Every year, children look forward to Halloween. They get to dress up as their favorite character, collect loads of candy, and might even be allowed to stay up past bedtime. It’s a fun occasion; however, there are some things parents should keep in mind to help their child stay safe while celebrating.

Sweets and Treats

Eating sweets or candy in excess could upset your child’s stomach. Eating a healthy meal before venturing out for trick-or-treating can help them avoid overindulging in snacks as they walk about and give them enough energy to enjoy the fun.

It is advised for parents to check everything their kids bring home from trick-or-treating, so encourage your children to wait until after they’re home to enjoy any snacks they get. Look out for signs of candy that has been tampered with. This could include unusual coloration or wrapping, small tears or pinholes in wrappers, and goods that are not wrapped at all. If you have any doubts, throw it out. Do not keep homemade treats unless you know and trust the family that gave them to your children.

Young trick-or-treaters should avoid gum, hard candies, and other potential choking hazards. Familiarize yourself with the Heimlich maneuver just in case. Also, if you have any concerns about tainted candy, the Poison Control Center is available 24 hours every day and can be reached at 800-222-1222.

Be Careful with Costumes

Wearing clothes or costumes that your child is not used to can be a bit awkward and create challenges with their movement. Test fit their outfit so that they can get accustomed to it and if needed, you can alter it to make it safer and easier to wear. In addition to test-fitting your clothing and costumes, be sure to consider your child’s footwear. More than likely, they will be walking from house to house, so make sure their shoes fit them appropriately which will help avoid trips and falls. If they get new shoes as part of their costume, break them in to prevent painful blisters. If you are extra worried about falls while out and about, accessories that could cause harm like swords or canes should not be included with this year’s costume.

Safety in the Neighborhood

Sunset occurs earlier during the fall and many community outings may occur after dark. Having a bright-colored costume or adding light reflectors not only helps you keep an eye on your children, but helps drivers also see them. Having a flashlight or headlamp is also a good idea.

During Halloween festivities, kids can get carried away with all the fun they’re having. It’s important that adults are with trick-or-treaters to supervise them and make sure that they stay safe. Only approach houses that are well-lit and remind your children not to enter any strangers’ homes or cars.

Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating

If you’re not comfortable with trick-or-treating, there are several other fun things to do to celebrate Halloween. If you opt to stay in, have a few Halloween movies picked out to watch or read books or play games while enjoying treats at home. Pick up a few pumpkins to carve and walk or drive to enjoy other homes’ jack-o-lanterns and decorations.

Mary Ann Rigas, M.D., is with UPMC Pediatrics and sees patients at UPMC Cole, 1001 East Second St., Coudersport. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rigas, call 814-274-9198. For more information, visit UPMC.com/PediatricsNCPA.

City of St. Marys Police Department

On 10/19/22 the City of Saint Marys Police Department received a report of a burglary which occurred at garage in the Stackpole Complex at 226 Battery Street on 10/19/22 at/about 7:20 p.m. The suspect(s) entered the garage and cut five catalytic converters and stole three of them.

After reviewing nearby business’ surveillance footage, the suspect vehicle appears to be a white 2013 to 2016 Buick Encore. The City of Saint Marys Police Department is attempting to identify the Buick and suspect(s) involved. If you have any information regarding the Buick and/or the identity of the suspect(s) , please call the police department at 814-781-1315 or 814-772-0000. Tips may also be emailed to smpd@stmaryspa.gov .

At 2:56 PM on Tuesday, Coudersport Ambulance has been dispatched to North Ayers Hill Road for a cardiac emergency.

The Women’s Giving Circle of McKean County (WGC), a project of the McKean County Community Foundation, extends an invitation to all McKean County women to join them at their annual meeting on Wednesday, November 16 beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s event will be held at the Bradford Brew Station where $7,300 in grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations.

Women’s Giving Circle is a relatively young organization that was formed to encourage philanthropy among women in McKean County. An affordable membership offers the opportunity for community-minded women to make a huge difference, with a small investment. A yearly donation of a minimum of $100 gives a member voting privileges as well as participation in two yearly events with many amazing women in our communities. Non-profits are invited to submit grant applications on an annual basis, with grants awarded at the annual meeting from the pooled donations of all of the WGC members.

The goal of WGC is to grow its membership and its granting capacity each year. Those interested in this community effort to make a difference in their own hometowns are invited to attend the fall meeting to see what WGC is all about. Appetizers will be served, short presentations will be made by grant applicants to explain their projects, basket raffles will be held, and members and guests will enjoy social time to greet and meet other women in attendance.

Please join WGC for an enjoyable evening. Registration is due by November 2. Register online at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org/events or call the McKean County Community Foundation at 1.844.238.2289.

Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.

Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

The average cost to fully protect a child against polio is $3. Coudersport Rotary Club donated $120 towards the fight against polio on Rotary World Polio Day, October 24th, and helped towards protecting up to 40 children against polio.

Elk County- Jason Gabler, St. Marys Area United Way Corporate Campaign Chair, also owner of Advantage Metal Powders and Doug Bauer, United Way Payroll Committee Chair accepted a generous donation on behalf of the United Way from Advantage. Advantage is one of the many companies who give corporate donations and support the United Way through a payroll program. Advantage allows employees to have monthly deductions from their paychecks to benefit the St. Marys Area United Way. Advantage owner, Jason Gabler is committed to matching 100% of all employees’ contributions. Pictured in photo are: (L-R) Donald Lewis, Brent Matheson, Derik Wonderling, Jeff Paropacic, Jason Gabler, and Doug Bauer. Advantage Metal Powders is located at the intersection of Rt. 948 and 219, 3 miles south of Ridgway, in Elk County, PA. Advantage supplies virgin and remill powder metal blends for the automotive and non-automotive industry.

Advantage Metal Powder’s donation will support the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. The United Way’s 2022 campaign goal is $170,000. Funding raised in 2022 will be available for eligible organizations to seek grant funding for 2023. In order to be eligible for funding from the St. Marys Area United Way, an agency must: have a current 501(c)(3) status, provide services to citizens living within the St. Marys Area School District, provide services to meet health and human welfare needs, and be registered with the PA State Bureau of Charitable Solicitation or be exempt from registration. The St. Marys Area United Way encourages any organization interested in seeking grant funding to inquire by calling 814.781.6000 to receive an application. The 2022 grant application deadline will be December 15, 2022, with grant awards announced in 2023.

As a result of the 2021 campaign, the St. Marys Area United Way provided grant awards to Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, Boys Scouts-Bucktail Council, CAPSEA, Catholic Charities, City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation, Dickinson Center, Fox Township Sportsmen Youth Program, Girl Scouts of Western PA, Guardian Angel Center, Life & Independence for Today, St. Marys Area School District, St. Marys Interparish Rooted Youth Ministry, St. Marys Library and the Veteran’s Memorial-Eternal Flame located on the Diamond downtown St. Marys.

The St. Marys Area United Way has served the citizens of the City of St. Marys and surrounding counties since 1925. The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. Those donations support the financial needs of non-profit agencies that serve the health and human welfare needs of our community. If you would like to become one of these individual or corporate donors, please call 781.6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.