Michael A. Ware, Sr., 73, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at The Pavilion @ BRMC.
Born June 30, 1949, in Middletown, OH, he was a son of the late David R. and Hazel V. (Ross) Ware.
He was a graduate of Franklin High School in Ohio.
On January 16, 1988, in Pasadena, TX, he married Laurie A. (Drummond) Ware, who survives.
He was in Retail Management for 35 years and then was a custodian at Bradford Area School District.
Some of Michael’s proudest moments include raising his four sons.
Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Laurie, four sons, Michael A. (Beth) Ware, Jr., of Colorado Springs, CO, William (Misty) Ware, of Franklin, OH, David (Hallie) Ware, of Bradford, and Zachary (Tayler) Ware, of Bradford, brother, Mitch (Sherry) Ware, of Houston, TX, three grandchildren, Ezra Ware, Jasper Ware, and Olivia Ware.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one niece, Christy Ware.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street, followed by funeral services at 1:00 pm with Rev. Josh Haney, Pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA, PO Box 113 Bradford, PA 16701.
Some of you may have already heard the news, and some of you may be hearing now for the first time.
Either way, I want you to hear it from me: Last night, John checked himself into Walter Reed Medical Center to seek care for clinical depression.
After what he’s been through in the past year, there’s probably no one on earth who wants to talk about his health less than John. And it’s not easy for anyone to be open about mental health challenges. But I am so proud of him for asking for help and taking steps to get the care he needs.
Anyone who has experienced depression — or loved someone experiencing depression — knows that this is a heartbreaking disease. Our family is in for some difficult days ahead, and we ask for your compassion on the path to recovery. For us, the kids will always come first.
I’m never one to cover up my emotions, and today is no exception. I’m sad, and worried, as any wife and mother would be.
But at the end of the day, I know John is strong. He’s tough and he’s human. He is still the fun, loving, caring, compassionate man I fell in love with so many years ago. My grandmother Bibi used to say João had to be made so tall because it was the only way to fit his whole heart . It’s true — and he’s going to get the care he needs to continue sharing his heart with the world.
Please be kind to each other and to yourselves. For anyone out there who might be struggling right now: I promise, it does get better. Hold your loved ones close; you are not alone.
Potter County Commissioner Nancy J. Grupp has announced her intentions to run for re-election on the Republican ballot in the May 16 Primary Election.
During her first term in office she served as the chair of the Board of Commissioners, County Salary Board, and County Retirement Board. She has served in an unpaid capacity as Potter County Director of Emergency Services, saving the county thousands of dollars each year and is a member of the county’s Aging Advisory Board.
During her tenure, Commissioner Grupp has also spearheaded improvements in county operations, including technology upgrades and updates to personnel and human resources policies. She was also chosen by her peers to chair the executive board of the regional community and economic development agency, North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission.
Some of the current board’s accomplishments under her leadership have included:
— Creating programs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support small businesses along with fire and ambulance services and other non-profits that were negatively impacted during the shutdown.
— Facilitating COVID relief grants to those significantly impacted in the hospitality industry, many of which would not have survived without those funds.
— Adoption of a countywide Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance, making available county tax breaks for businesses building or expanding operations to create jobs and support economic development.
— Improving services for Potter County veterans by expanding the Veterans Affairs Director position to full-time, giving military veterans much-needed assistance in accessing the benefits and services to which they are entitled.
— Supporting a collaborative effort to bring cost-free transportation to veterans who require rides to medical appointments.
— Repurposing federal grant revenue totaling more than $500,000 to support infrastructure projects in Genesee, Galeton and Ulysses to date.
Fiscal responsibility has been a high priority for the board under Commissioner Grupp’s leadership. While improving services in multiple ways, the board has not raised real estate taxes, which she considers a major accomplishment. Grupp is a lifelong resident of Potter County, has 30 years of experience working in the finance industry, and has served as a township auditor and secretary/treasurer, as well as president for the Potter County Township Officials Association.
She and her husband, Lynn, live in Coudersport.
Commissioner Grupp states, “Rather than engaging in extreme politics, if re- elected I pledge to continue to bring common sense leadership to Potter County. Thank you for your support.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Attorney Daniel Brian “Danny” De Vito, resident of Ridgway, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Elk County District Attorney. He has no relation to the actor and notes that the name was in his family “long before the actor became famous.”
Mr. De Vito, who is the founder of De Vito Law Office, LLC, located in St. Marys, grew up in Pennsylvania. The son of a correctional officer and x-ray tech, he was the first in his family to attend law school. He graduated Magna cum Laude from Gannon University and then attended the University of Akron School of Law, where he was an honors fellow. While in law school, he was heavily active in conservative organizations and politics.
While at Akron Law, he focused his research and writing on Pennsylvania coal and natural gas exports. During and after law school he provided law clerk services to a large emergency medicine provider and multiple attorneys. Subsequently, Mr. De Vito served as the law clerk for the Court of Common Pleas of the 59th Judicial District (Elk and Cameron Counties), working daily with the President Judge and Senior Judges from across the region and gaining deep insight into the legal reasoning behind Court decisions. He is admitted to practice law by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Politically, Mr. De Vito filed a lawsuit against Governor Wolf, through counsel, during the 2020 lockdowns entitled “Friends of Danny DeVito vs. Governor Wolf.” Friends of Danny DeVito was fought all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States and paved the way for the Constitutional Amendments limiting the Governor’s “lockdown power.” Mr. De Vito appeared in national and even international news stories highlighting his fight against the business lockdowns. He moved to Elk County after meeting Weedville native, Brittany Bricen. “I fell in love with Brittany when she was working as the Trump Victory Women’s Coalition Coordinator for Pennsylvania and subsequently, fell in love with Elk County.”
“It is time to tell the truth,” Mr. De Vito stated. “The present administration of the Elk County District Attorney’s office is a total disaster. The current D.A. was never elected by the people but was installed after the previous D.A. resigned. Cases are bungled, drug dealers run rampant, the worst of our society are offered easy plea bargains, and the cost to Elk County taxpayers is astronomical when you consider that we are paying to house these derelicts in the county jail instead of shipping them off to the state pen where they belong. Law enforcement does an incredible job only to see weak plea bargains and light, negotiated sentences.”
Mr. De Vito promises to “crack down hard on anyone who is a menace to society. The people of Elk County, and frankly this nation, have had enough. We don’t need a nice D.A., we need a tough D.A. who will restore law and order.” Mr. De Vito additionally noted his commitment to act as a watchguard against voter fraud and foreign influence; act as a check on fraud, waste, and abuse; and show no mercy towards those who would harm our children. “The District Attorney’s job is to prosecute criminals, not act as a social worker or throw a pity party for every criminal with a sob story. I’m more concerned about the tears of mothers and fathers than the crocodile tears of the criminal.”
Daniel De Vito respectfully asks for your vote for Elk County District Attorney on the Republican primary ballot on May 16, 2023.
THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AUTHORIZED BY THE CANDIDATE.
Unleash your productivity and take control of your data with our Introduction to Excel Spreadsheets class! This one-hour evening session is perfect for anyone looking to improve their skills in managing and organizing information. With our experienced instructor, you will learn the basics of creating, editing, and formatting Excel spreadsheets, as well as using basic formulas and functions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your professional skills and make a positive impact on your work. Register now and join us for this engaging and informative class!
This class, taught by Brent Bryant, Networking and Security Instructor at the Seneca Highlands CTC, is scheduled for Monday, March 6, 2023, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $20/person. The registration deadline is Monday, February 27th. To register, call (814) 274-4877 or go to www.pottercountyedcouncil.org .
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected an appeal by convicted murderer James Cruz, bringing closure to a case now almost 30 years old.
In March of 1993, a passing motorist found the partially clad body of a deceased 17 year old woman along a roadway in Spring Township, Centre County. Her wrists had been bound tightly with yellow rope, and a piece of that same rope had been drawn fast around her neck, causing her death by ligature strangulation. The trail of evidence would eventually lead investigators to the state of Maine, where the victim had lived, to the state of Ohio, where police arrested cross-country trucker James Cruz for the murder.
Former Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar prosecuted the case against Cruz, winning a conviction of first degree murder after a lengthy trial in June of 1994. Gricar’s evidence included testimony by an FBI microscopic hair comparison analyst that a hair found underneath the ligature matched Cruz’s hair, and hair found in Cruz’s truck matched the victim’s hair.
Frozen Wonder – with a warmer than normal winter this year, this image will remind us of past winter seasons. The image was in Pike Township near Galeton area on a very cold winter’s day. As a reference to the size of the frozen formation are the trees in the foreground. Seeping water and melting snow from the mountain above with freezing temperature assisted Mother’ Nature in creating the very large icicles. Image by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
Work on a stream crossing at the St Marys trailhead of the West Creek Recreational Trail will force the temporary closing of that area of the trail. The trailhead is expected to be closed for less than one week. Updates will be posted on the West Creek Recreational Trail Facebook page.
North Point Contracting from Emporium will be installing a new culvert. The assembly of the culvert is taking place and the installation will depend on the stream level.
Users are encouraged to access the trail at the Jackson Road crossing during the installation phase.
On February 16 at 12:39 am Coudersport Fire and ambulance were dispatched to 496 Rt. 6 West for a two vehicle crash. An empty water truck and delivery van, the delivery van driver has one leg pinned and is entrapped.
Nation’s Utility Regulators Join Pennsylvania in Push to Preserve Millions in FCC Funding for Access to High-Speed Internet Services in Underserved Areas
HARRISBURG – At the annual winter policy summit of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), a resolution sponsored by Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille was unanimously adopted today by NARUC’s Board of Directors following approval by the NARUC Committee on Telecommunications, of which Chairman Dutrieuille is a member. Chairman Dutrieuille’s resolution urges the FCC to retain the federal support earmarked for broadband deployment in any state, including Pennsylvania, where the FCC later disqualifies a bidder from getting that support.
BRADFORD – Applications for the 2022 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program are now available, and Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is reminding area residents that free assistance is available through his local offices as well as an ongoing series of Property Tax/Rent Rebate clinics in several communities.
“We’ve had a great turnout during this first week of clinics, and people are really appreciative of the assistance with getting these much-needed rebates,” Causer said.
Next week’s schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, Feb. 21
Mt. Jewett Senior Center, 8 E. Main St., Mt. Jewett – 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 22
Oswayo Valley Senior Center, 128 Lyons St., Shinglehouse – 9 a.m. to noon.
Emporium Senior Center, 105 E. Fourth St., Emporium – 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Appointments preferred. Call 814-486-3707.)
Port Allegany Senior Center, 216 N. Main St., Port Allegany – noon to 1:30 p.m.
Additional clinics are scheduled in Bradford on Feb. 27 and Austin on March 1. Details are available at www.RepCauser.com.
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Revenue Department automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.
The deadline to apply for a rebate is June 30. Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. Additional information, as well as claim forms and a link to apply online, are available at www.revenue.pa.gov.
The Potter County Artisan Co-op in Coudersport is offering a two-part beginner knitting class. The first session will be held February 25 and the second part will be held March 8. Both will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at the co-op, 227 N. Main Street. Cost is $40.00 total. Supplies not included. In session 1, Fiber Artist Lee Trayer will teach basics and what to buy and where—yarn and needles, reading the label, slip knot, easy cast-on and the knit stitch.
The second class will include instruction on knitting, purling and easy bind-off. Students who are “stuck” on a project are invited to take it to the class. To register, contact the co-op at 814-274-8165 or email pottercountyartisancenter@gmail.com. Registration cannot be guaranteed through Facebook or Messenger.
The Potter County Master Gardeners have been busy. There are 3 new trainees working towards their Master Gardener certification. Basic training began on October 6, 2022 and will continue through March, 2023.
Basic training classes are utilizing a virtual format which has proven to be very popular with trainees. It provides considerably more scheduling flexibility and reduces travel, which is especially helpful during the winter months. Trainees work independently each week to read the assigned chapter in the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Manual, watch the corresponding webinar and take the online “check your knowledge” quiz.
Basic Training topics include Botany, Plant Propagation, Soil Health, Fertilizers, Composting, Controlling Pests Safely, Basic Entomology, Plant Diseases, Indoor Plants, Vegetables, Lawn Care, Tree Fruits, Landscape Design, Native Plants, Communications, Pruning, Small Fruits, Woody Ornamentals, Herbaceous Plants, Weeds, Plant Diagnostics, Weeds and Invasive Species. Trainees and current Master Gardeners recently completed interactive activities related to Botany, Soils and Common Vegetable Diseases. A hands-on pruning session has been scheduled for later in February during which trainees will have the opportunity to apply their pruning skills with guidance from a Penn State instructor.
As part of the classes, trainees will also learn about the history of Penn State Extension, have opportunities to meet and talk with certified Master Gardeners, and be introduced to Extension’s Volunteer Portal. The Volunteer Portal provides information and resources for volunteers, connects them to service opportunities, and helps them keep track of their volunteer and continuing education hours. Weekly class meetings are conducted by Potter County Master Gardener Coordinator, Leona Smith, with assistance from Clinton County Master Gardeners Amy Strong and Charles Kincaid.
Master Gardener services available in Potter County include assistance with community gardens, delivery of gardening workshops for the public, a garden hotline, and more. Master Gardeners and trainees are participating in the Home Garden Vegetable Trials sponsored by the Penn State Master Gardener program featuring 2 each of 5 different pepper plants. Weekly reports will be sent to the statewide program on how our peppers are growing and final production information will be submitted.
Applications are now available for a plot in the Potter County Community Garden, located to the rear of the Penn State Extension office on Water Street in Coudersport. Contact Barry Hayman (814)274-8290 or email PCCG2022@googlegroups.com.
Gardening workshops are being planned now for the upcoming season. A Seed-Starting Workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 30th. Future workshops will include Planning Your Garden, Container Gardening, Common Vegetable Diseases and more. For additional information on the workshops available please call 814-274-8540 extension 103 or send email to PotterMG@psu.edu.
Garden hotline services will go live in late April and continue through September.
The current group of Master Gardener trainees will take their final exams in early April, after which they will move to the apprenticeship phase of their training where they are required to complete 50 hours of volunteer service with guidance from experienced Master Gardeners. Trainees are currently working closely with Certified Master Gardeners in all aspects of the program.
The next Master Gardener Basic Training class in Potter County is scheduled to begin in October, 2023. More information can be obtained by contacting Leona Smith at (814)274-8540 ext 103 or email lds5520@psu.edu.
The Winter Outing Series continues this weekend with Snow-mobility Weekend this Friday Through Sunday, Feb. 17-19; Great Backyard Bird Count Walk this Saturday, Feb. 18; Nest Box Building this Sunday, Feb. 19; and Snow Day Fun: Cross-Country Skiing next Saturday, Feb. 25.
Snow-mobility Weekend is This Friday Through Sunday, Feb. 17-19
The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum’s Snow-Mobility Weekend is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. The museum is 10 miles west of Galeton and 10 miles east of Coudersport at 5660 Route 6 in Ulysses Township. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all three days for those who stop in and want to go on a tour of the museum or attend either or both of the two-indoor events on Saturday, Feb. 18. Regular admission rates are $8 for adults; $7 for seniors 65 and older and $5 for youth ages 3 to 11. Children under 3 are admitted free. Between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday only will be the pancake breakfast that includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, two sausage links and a choice of coffee, tea or hot cocoa. During breakfast, a variety of documentary films will be shown for free indoors in the program room. The $10 purchase price for a breakfast includes a complimentary admission (one per person) to the museum. Proceeds will benefit the museum and its educational programs. The 1:30 p.m. program on making maple syrup is being presented by Chris Nicholas, a maple producer and the manager of the Susquehannock State Forest. Due to the lack of snow and none in the forecast, there will not be a special five-mile museum-access route for snowmobilers nor will the free, guided 4.5-mile cross-country skiing excursion be held, according to Josh Roth, museum site administrator. For more information or to verify snow or no snow conditions, call the museum at 1-814-435-2652.
Great Backyard Bird Count Walk is Next Saturday, Feb. 18
At 10 a.m. this Saturday, Feb. 18, will be a free, two-hour Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) two- or three-mile walk on mostly level terrain for novice and experienced birders. Wander the park with members of the local bird club and be on the lookout for winter birds in woodland, meadow, and wetlands of the First Fork Valley. If needed, snowshoes will be provided. No pre-registration is required for this free program. Meet at Sinnemahoning State Park at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County. For more information, call the park office at 1-814-647-8401.
Nest Box Building is Sunday, Feb. 19
On Sunday, Feb. 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., join members of the Tioga County Woodland Owners Association at Marwin Cumming’s Wood Shop at 73 Redtail Lane, Tioga, PA 16946 to get help with building wildlife nest boxes to take home. All materials are provided. Donations for materials are appreciated. For more information, contact Anne Lugg Alexander at tiogacowoa@gmail.com or 570-279-7074 or find the group on Facebook.
The Winter Outing Series Continues with Snow Day Fun – Cross-Country Skiing Saturday, Feb. 25
Get outdoors for a free program for kids and adults alike next Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the parking area at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. Basic instruction will be given to people new to cross-country skiing and a more in-depth intro to cross-country skiing class will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a guided ski from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Adult- and youth-sized cross-country ski equipment (including boots, skis, and poles) will be available to borrow for on-site use during the program. Participants are welcome to bring their own. If there is enough snow, classic ski tracks will be set along the perimeter of the park. No pre-registration is required. This program may be modified based on weather conditions.
FMI: To learn more about Winter Outing events or for updates on snow and ice, trail conditions, directions and more, search for Step Outdoors Tioga County on Facebook or visit www.stepoutdoors.org.
BELMONT, NY — On Tuesday, February 14th, the Allegany County Democratic Committee (ACDC) delivered homemade cookies to approximately 1,000 “Health Care Heroes” at Allegany County’s medical facilities: Wellsville Manor, Manor Hills, Highland Park Rehabilitation and Jones Memorial Hospital, and Hart Comfort House in Wellsville; Cuba Memorial Hospital in Cuba, and the Houghton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Houghton.
This is ACDC’s third year organizing this project. Those involved do it to show support for our local health care workers, let them know they are appreciated, and thank them for the compassionate attention they give to the community members in their care.
More than 50 volunteers from all corners of the county baked and donated 160 dozen cookies, which were packed in individual bags at several locations around the County. Each bag had a tag that read: “To the unknown hero receiving this message: Thank you for all you do. We are very grateful! Allegany County Democratic Committee 2023”
Martha Sabato, Committee Vice Chair and a key organizer for this project, spoke for all: “Words can never fully express our appreciation, but we believe that cookies are able to say what words cannot. With this project, we recognize and honor the commitment and dedication of our local health care workers as they attend to our loved ones, our dearest friends, and our neighbors.”
ServSafe is a certification program developed by the Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The course meets certification requirements for individuals who are responsible for the safe handling of food in restaurants, schools, elder care facilities, lodges, bed and breakfasts, community centers, and other food concessions (organizations or businesses that sell or prepare food on a regular basis).
This course, taught by Rick Kralj, Penn State Educator, is scheduled for Mondays, March 6 and March 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $185/person. The registration deadline is Monday, February 27th. To register, call (877) 489-1398 or go to http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/serv-safe.
. It’s true — and he’s going to get the care he needs to continue sharing his heart with the world. 
