Photo By Andy Lychalk, Jr.

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.
West Creek Recreational Trail Closure
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.
Fred Robinson, 87, of 38 Cherry Street, Bradford, PA.

Fred Robinson, 87, of 38 Cherry Street, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the Bradford Manor.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Michael A. Ware, 73, of Bradford, PA.

Michael A. Ware, 73, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Max C. Gauthier, 31, of Bradford,

Max C. Gauthier, 31, of Bradford, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023.
He was born on January 26, 1992 in Olean, NY; a son of Christine Deems Hallowell.
He was a graduate of the Ashville BOCES, Ashville, NY.
Max enjoyed playing Dungeons & Dragons and various card games. He also enjoyed building computers and creating, printing and painting gaming miniatures.
He was currently employed by Kabob’s at the Option House as a cook.
In addition to his mother Christine Hallowell of Salamanca he is also survived by one sister, Kiera Hallowell of Bradford; one brother, Mackenzie Kuhn of Olean, NY; maternal grandparents, Nancy Deems of Bradford and Bill Deems of Limestone, NY; paternal grandparents, John (Bonnie) Walker of Bradford; one uncle, Michael Deems; one stepsister, Caitlin Hallowell of Great Valley, NY; stepfather, Scott Hallowell of Cattaraugus, NY and many close friends.
A celebration of life for Max will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 5:00 PM in the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. with the Rev. Ricky Price, pastor of the Church of Christ, officiating.
Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, Second Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540 or to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.
Dorothy L. “Dot” Holsopple, 82, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA

Dorothy L. “Dot” Holsopple, 82, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA went to be with the Lord, February 12, 2023, with her family by her side.
Dorothy was born July 14, 1940, the daughter of the late George and Alvina (Kornaski) Lininger.
Dorothy was a graduate of Austin Area high School, Class of 1958. Soon after graduation she met and married the love of her life, Charles “Sonny” Holsopple who preceded her in death on March 10, 1999.
Dorothy spent her life doing what she loved the most, laundry, cooking, babysitting, and most of all taking care of the ones she dearly loved.
Dorothy is survived by a son, Joseph Holsopple of Austin; granddaughters, Ratchel (Jeff) Huss of Port Allegany; Brooklyn Danowski of Rew; and Kendra Keck of Bath, NY; a daughter-in-law, Becky Holsopple of bath NY; an unofficial granddaughter, Jessica (Tom) Reed of Bradford; 5 great granddaughters, Breanna Shephard, Bella Huss, and Rory Huss all of Port Allegany; Remilyn Danowski of Rew; and Ryleigh Barber of Bradford; and a Godson, Jamie (Teia) Van Horn of Port Allegany, who Dorothy loved as her own. She is also survived by two brothers, Fred of Florida; and Tom of Mt. Jewett; a sister, Rita of Eldred; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by two sisters, Jeanie and Marie and two brothers, Kenneth and Richard.
There will be no visitation and a Celebration of Dorothy’s life will be announced at a later date.
The family has entrusted Dorothy’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East Street, Coudersport, PA 16915. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Dennis D. BRISTOL, 56, of Ulysses, PA

Dennis D. BRISTOL, 56, of Ulysses, PA, died Sunday, February 12, 2023.
A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
PUC Chairman Dutrieuille’s Resolution Aimed at Preserving Essential Broadband Funding Adopted at NARUC Winter Policy Summit
Published on 2/15/2023
Filed under: Telecommunications
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.
Emporium Firefighters Stop Wildfire

At 4:50 PM on Wednesday, Emporium Firefighters have brought a brush/forest fire under control at 3338 Rich Valley Road. Units requested from St. Marys, Port Allegany, Norwich Twp. & Elkland Search & Rescue were recalled. Austin engine was dispatched to Emporium to stand by. DCNR is sending a crew to assist in mop up.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics Continue, Causer Says
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.
- Coudersport Senior Center, 165 Route 6 West, Coudersport – 1-3 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.
Two-part Knitting Class in Coudersport
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.
Master Gardeners Active and Looking Forward to Spring

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.





























