Pickett, Owlett Issue Statement on Action Against Frontier Communications
Reps. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Wyoming) and Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) issued the following statement in response to an announcement today by the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) that it has filed a formal complaint against Frontier Communications for its failure to provide reliable service to customers.
“We are encouraged by the actions of OCA and looking forward to the next step. This is happening because of the hundreds of people who took the time to fill out formal complaint forms about their experiences with Frontier. In fact, nearly 350 people returned those forms to our offices, giving OCA the evidence needed to pursue an official complaint against the company.
“To further its case, OCA will likely hold meetings in our area to gather additional testimony. We will be working with the agency to finalize dates for those sessions and pass them along as soon as the information is available.
“We thank OCA for taking on this matter and will continue to be actively involved throughout this process, fighting for the rights of our constituents.”
Dennis L. “Snuffy” YOUNG, 67, of Belmont, NY
Dennis L. “Snuffy” YOUNG, 67, of Belmont, NY, died Sunday, January 8, 2023 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.
Born May 1, 1955, in Wellsville, he was the son of Leon and Helen Howden Young. On July 13, 1974, in Belmont, he married Kristine S. Perkins, who survives. A graduate of Belmont High School, he attended BOCES for welding and became a certified welder. He was employed by Wayne Feeds in Belmont, Nicholas Bucci as a contractor at Friendship Dairies, Air Preheater as a welder, and A.L. Blades for 27 years as a heavy equipment operator. Dennis was a life member of the Belmont Fire Company, where he held many positions. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycle, and demolition derby where he was a past winner at the Allegany County Fair. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Surviving besides his wife, Kristine, are: his mother, Helen; a daughter, Stacy (Bryan) Schmidt of Belmont; a son, Dane (Erika) Young of Caledonia; seven grandchildren, Kohl Kozlowski, Kaylee Kozlowski, Whitney Young, Sierra Quinlan, Breanna Yanni, Maximilian Wilson, and Mia Wilson; two great-grandchildren, Giovanni Yanni and Rory Quinlan; a brother, Randy (Carrie) Young of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father; a brother, Michael “Kevin” Young; and his grandfather who he was close with, Forrest Young. A graveside service will be held on 1:00 PM, Monday, January 16, 2023 at Forest Hills Cemetery, Belmont. Rev. Dr. Stephen Crowell will officiate.
A luncheon will follow at Off Duty in Belmont. Memorials may be made to Amity Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 62, Belmont, NY 14813 or to Connect Life at http://www.connectlife.org/make-a-financial-contribution. Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Judy A. Hewitt, 74, of Bradford,
Judy A. Hewitt, 74, of Bradford, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Bradford Manor.
Born March 23, 1948, in Olean NY, she was a daughter of the late Cecil Howard Morris Sr., and Betty Marie (Stevens) Morris.
Judy was a homemaker.
Surviving is one daughter, Connie Sauve, of Enola, one son, Mark (Candy) Williams, of Magnolia DE, 3 grandchildren, Wesley Williams, Harlee Williams, and Derec Sauve, two brothers, Tom (Debra) Morris, of Bradford, and Cecil “Corky” Morris, of Eldred, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Donald E. Morris, Larry Joe Morris, and Robert Dean Morris, and one sister, Barbara K. Morris.
At the family’s request there will be no public services.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Judith A. HANES, 84, of Mills, PA
Judith A. HANES, 84, of Mills, PA, formerly of Falls Village and Southport, CT, died Friday, January 6, 2023 in UPMC Williamsport, Williamsport, PA.
A graveside service for Judy and Joe will be held this summer in Parker Hill Cemetery, Sunderlinville on a date and time to be announced. Memorials may be made to Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Patricia A. “Pat” Lookenhouse, 69, of Russell, PA
Patricia A. “Pat” Lookenhouse, 69, of Russell, PA, passed away on Sunday January 8, 2023, in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, after a brief illness.
She was born in Warren, PA on December 5, 1953, the daughter of the late Larry M. and Joan Brinkley Owen. Pat was a graduate of Warren High School. She worked for Blair for 43 years, retiring in 2014. On December 20th, 1969, she married the love of her life, Ronald Lookenhouse, and they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary last December.
Pat loved her family, her sons, and her grandchildren. She loved to attend their sport’s programs and was their most loyal supporter. Pat was very active in 4-H programs when her sons were growing up. She enjoyed going shopping, going to the casino, and enjoyed bingo with her sister and best friend. She also enjoyed reading anything Stephen King.
In addition to her husband, Ronald, she is survived by her two sons Randy Lookenhouse and wife Rhonda and Jesse Lookenhouse and wife Jessica, all of Russell, Pa; grandchildren Ashley Lookenhouse and husband Jeff, of Portland, Oregon, Wyatt and Tanner Lookenhouse of Russell, Pa; one sister Diana Hoffner and husband Bob of Warren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Saturday January 14th, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Wiltsie Community Church, 2981 Swede Hill Rd. Russell, PA 16345, with the Rev. Todd Venman, pastor, officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the church. Burial will be in Swede Hill Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave. Warren, PA 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Gale Foundation, PA Route 6 Alliance and ECCOTA Plan Mural to Honor Author
In conjunction with PA Route 6 Alliance and the Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA), the Gale Foundation is sponsoring the creation of a mural in the Heritage Community of Galeton to pay tribute to author Jim Kjelgaard. The mural project is set to begin later this month and will reside on the wall of Galeton Hardware on West Street in Galeton.
“The Gale Foundation is funding the project to pursue several objectives,” says Michael Callahan, Gale Foundation board member. “One is to emphasize the crucial role that reading should play in everyday life. Another is to stimulate an interest in local history and those who have contributed to it.”
Jim Kjelgaard, who wrote books for children and young adults, grew up in Galeton and graduated from Galeton High School in 1928. Kjelgaard published his first pieces of writing while living in Galeton, launching a career that would result in more than 40 published books, including Big Red in 1945, which later became a Walt Disney film of the same name. He received numerous awards for his works, including the Boy’s Club Award in 1948, the Spur Award from the Western Writers of American in 1958, and the Boy’s Life Award in 1959.
ECCOTA Arts & Learning Coordinator Cameron Howard says, “The Elk County Council on the Arts, with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, is excited to partner with the Gale Foundation and PA Route 6 Alliance in the implementation of this mural in an attempt to broaden the minds of the students involved in its design, and in bringing public art to Galeton along historic Route 6.”
Artist Jonathan Laidacker has been selected to spearhead the creation of the mural in Galeton, which will also provide plenty of hands-on experience for art students in the Galeton Area School District. With input from students, Laidacker will design the mural and do a series of studio days in the classroom in which students will learn all about murals, from concept to final installation.
“The students and I are excited to welcome artist Jon Laidacker and collaborate with him on a mural they can enjoy and take pride in for years to come,” says Ms. Angela Scalamogna, the art teacher at Galeton High School.
PA Route 6 Artisan Trail Coordinator Erin Morey, who has been working with the Gale Foundation and ECCOTA to bring the mural in Galeton to fruition, says, “It takes a lot of time and effort from a number of organizations to undertake a project like this.” Morey, who also worked on the Public Art & Mural Trail unveiled by PA Route 6 Alliance in 2022, says the mural in Galeton will also be added to that trail, which features over 50 stops in communities across Route 6. “I have come to appreciate the process of planning, creating, and installing a mural, and I’m excited to be a part of this project in Galeton,” says Morey. “Murals are a great way to engage the community and provide the opportunity to celebrate a town’s past, present, and future.”
“Our hope,” says Callahan from the Gale Foundation, “is that this mural will inspire more such projects in the Galeton community.”
The PA Route 6 Alliance, a 501(c3) corporation, was established in 2003 to manage the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor and to implement branding and marketing plans, community development programs and other planning efforts along the corridor. The Alliance includes representatives from all 11 counties, 9 convention and visitor bureaus, 4 heritage areas, local development districts, local business owners, Chambers of Commerce, and other interested parties along the corridor.
The PA Route 6 Heritage Communities program is a program of PA Route 6 Alliance and PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor funded by the PA Heritage Area Program under the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Richard C. “Dick” Gustin, 86, of Roulette, PA.
Richard C. Gustin “Celebration of Life slated”
ROULETTE, Pa.—Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation for Richard C. “Dick” Gustin, 86, of Roulette, from 12 noon to 1pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Riverside United Methodist Church, 39 River Street, Roulette, where a Celebration of Life will follow at 1pm with Pastor Matt Howe, officiating, Burial will be in Sartwell Creek Cemetery.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the church.
Dick passed away on December 22, 2022.
Dick’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
Rolfe Beagle Club to Offer 7th Annual Statewide Winter Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Jim Pennington, Jr., President of the Rolfe Beagle Club, announces that the Rolfe Beagle Club will once again offer its popular Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap over two weekends in February. The 7th Annual event will take place from February 10-12 and then again on the following weekend of February 17-19.
New this year is an extra prize for the largest coyote of each weekend. “This idea was actually presented to the club by one of our dedicated coyote hunters. Why not make it a fun time within a fun time?”, said Jim Pennington.
Registration for both weekends must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, 2/9, if you hunt or trap over both weekends. Registration must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, February 16 if you are going to participate in the second weekend only. All registrations must be received at the Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845. Registration must include a phone number or an email. Questions may be addressed to wlhab9@gmail.com.
Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day of the six-day hunt. Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
UPMC in North Central Pa. Introduces Monthly Walk-In Meetings With Recruiters
UPMC in North Central Pa. recruiters are inviting community members to the UPMC Community Life Center, 641 Walnut St., Williamsport, every third Wednesday of the month beginning on January 18, for one-on-one meetings to learn more about UPMC careers. The “Walk-In Wednesdays” sessions are offered from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
To learn more about career opportunities with UPMC, go to Careers.UPMC.com.
Registration Deadline for NPRC’s Spring 2023 Semester
The deadline to register for NPRC’s Spring semester is Thursday, January 12, 2023. The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) Spring 2023 semester begins Wednesday, January 18th, bringing affordable education to a classroom near you! Nearly forty courses are being offered, including Introduction to Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, Foundations of Math, Music Appreciation, and Environmental Biology. These courses are part of five associate degrees – Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Liberal Studies, and Social Sciences. If you are not interested in pursuing an associate degree at this time, NPRC’s team will help you select courses or training that meets your educational goals.
These courses are perfect for recent high school graduates, mid-career adults seeking to advance their career or begin a new one, and even current eligible high school juniors and seniors who want to earn college credits while still in high school. This program is affordable with tuition rates 70% less than the average tuition at brick-and-mortar institutions. Students with a high school diploma or GED pay $185 per credit hour. Current eligible high school students pay $60 per credit hour. Institutional Aid and scholarship opportunities are available.
These courses are offered at the Education Council’s Coudersport office, as well as more than 20 additional locations throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information, contact the NPRC admissions team at admissions@rrcnpa.org or (814) 230-9010.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is January 9 – a day set aside to recognize and honor law enforcement.
We have a large law enforcement family in McKean County with many residents living or working in law enforcement in the county and, with each day, risking potential violence while keeping the rest of us safe.
Their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families are appreciated. Words do not adequately express the gratitude.
They risk their own lives to uphold the law. The legacies of Patrolman Steven Jerman and Sergeant David Distrola live on and they are held in the highest regard. They made the ultimate sacrifice.
I am honored to recognize Patrolman Jerman, Sergeant Distrola and all law enforcement officers – Bradford City Police, Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania State Police, McKean County Detectives’ Bureau, U.S. Marshalls, McKean County Drug Task Force, McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest, Constables, McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and Attorney General’s Office.
It is a privilege to see what these officers do because their work is largely unseen by the public.
I have seen firsthand extraordinary heroism and have been in awe of the composure they have shown in the face of potential ambush and assault. Many cases come to mind that I credit the composure of the officer with turning a nearly-certain violent assault into a peaceful resolution.
The dedication shown to the community and to their work is evident. Their service to their field – from investigation and arrest of a suspect; detention of a defendant; or supervision of a parolee- maintains our local criminal justice system. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, I am honored to thank these officers. Thank you.
– Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney
Jolene R. Wolfe, 58, of Wilcox, PA
Jolene R. Wolfe, 58, of Wilcox, PA, passed away at her home on Friday, January 6, 2023, following a short illness.
She was born on January 9, 1964 in DuBois, PA, a daughter of the James L. Amitrone and Virginia “Rita” Tamburlin Amitrone, who survives of Brockway.
On March 24, 1984, at Johnsonburg PA, she married the late David A. Wolfe, who preceded her in death on December 30, 2016.
Jolene was a 1982 graduate of Brockway High School and then earned her LPN degree, working over the years at DuBois Hospital, Elk County General Hospital, and Kane Lutheran Home. She retired in 2011 as the Health and Safety Administrator for Owens-Illinois in Brockway. An avid gardener, Jolene loved spending time outdoors, visiting the coast of Maine, being active, and hiking. She was a talented weaver, often creating beautiful textiles on her loom. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by 2 daughters; Kara Bauer and her husband Devin of St. Marys and Kala Wolfe of Seattle, WA; by two grandchildren; Lyla and David, and by her companion; Lance Hasney of Wilcox.
She is also survived by three siblings; Teresa (John) O’Herron, Deborah (Kevin) Wain, and James (Sherry) Amitrone, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for Jolene R. Wolfe will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Behcet’s Disease Association.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Roberta J. “Bobbe” Blessel, 74, of 40 West Fifth Street, Emporium, PA
Roberta J. “Bobbe” Blessel, 74, of 40 West Fifth Street, Emporium, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her brothers, sister and sister-in-laws at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA on Saturday morning (January 7, 2023) following a brief illness.
She was born September 30, 1948 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of
the late John and Norma Stewart Gore. On April 18, 1970 in Warren, PA. she married the late Melvin Blessel who died May 14, 2000.
Bobbe graduated from Cameron County High School in 1966 Upon graduation she worked in the office at Sylvania in Emporium than in the office complex at Speer Carbon in St. Mary’s
She and husband Mel moved to Kansas where she worked in the banking business where they purchased a tavern. After selling the tavern they returned to Emporium and opened up a women and children’s store. Having a passion for resale shops she opened up her own which grew into performing estate appraisals for area banks. Eventually she went into the furniture business with her husband, maintaining two stores one in Emporium and another in St. Mary’s. She was an avid bowler for many years. Upon retirement she pursued her lifelong passion of crafting and selling her wares at numerous festivals while spending time with her beloved pet pug “Dudley.” Bobbe always had a smile for everyone she saw and her door was always open for a friendly chat with all her dear friends at the Maple Street apartments.
She is survived by one son Paul Blessel, her two brothers, Terry (Mary) Gore, Ned (Irene) Gore of St. Mary’s and one sister Susan Hoy of Cameron, grandchildren and great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband and two brother-in-laws, Donal Hoy and Kenneth Blessel.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Cameron County Ambulance 299 E 2nd St, Emporium, PA, or the Cameron County SPCA P.O. Box 132, Emporium, PA
There will be No Visitation. Services will be at the convenience of the family in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
David M. White, 81, of Warren, PA
David M. White, 81, of Warren, PA, passed away on Friday January 6, 2023, in Warren General Hospital after an extended illness.
He was born in Warren, Pa, on June 7, 1941, the son of the late Harry E. White and Mary Grace Smith. David attended Warren High School. After high school he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and served his country from 1958 through 1962 during the Vietnam War. After his time in the Military, he returned to Warren and worked several jobs before starting his own Excavating Business. David welcomed his son Randy to the business after high school and they worked together for over 30 years.
David was very active in the Republican Committee of Warren, was a former board member with Warren County Memorial Park and volunteered his time with numerous groups throughout Warren County. He loved to travel, go boating, and enjoyed time with his family and friends.
On April 11, 1963, he married the former Tanya C. Branch, and they spent the next 59 loving years together and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this April.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children David, Randy, Patricia, and Correy; one grandchild Zakia; and one brother Richard White and wife Lynn.
David was preceded in death by his sister Nancy.
Private burial will be held in Warren County Memorial Park at the convenience of the family. A memorial of David’s life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Paws Along the River, 212 Elm St. Warren PA 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Samantha J. “Sam” Carlson, 47, of Ridgway, PA.
Samantha J. “Sam” Carlson, 47, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at her residence.
She was born on June 22, 1975, in St. Marys, a daughter of Christine Robinson Papson and Timothy Schloder.
On June 23, 1996, in Ridgway, she married Chad Carlson, who survives.
Sam has been a resident of the area for many years and a graduate of Greater Latrobe Area High School. She loved spending her time with her family and baking. She had a fond heart of animals, especially her cats.
In addition to her husband, mother,and father, she is survived by a son, Derek S. Carlson of Ridgway, 2 sisters, Carolyn Baker and her husband Lance of Derry, PA and Rose Hixson and her husband David of Latrobe, PA, numerous, aunts, uncles, cousin, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a step-father, Joseph Papson.
A Memorial Service for Samantha J. Carlson, will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 4:00 PM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Krise Funeral Home from 2:00 PM until the time of service.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com