Bonnie S. Orinko, 73, a resident of Barnes and formerly of Kane, PA
Bonnie S. Orinko, 73, a resident of Barnes and formerly of Kane, PA passed away peacefully at UPMC-Hamot, surrounded by her family, on Monday (Feb. 6). Bonnie was born on Dec. 21, 1949 in Kane to the late Jack and Joyce (Spence) Bundy.
Bonnie was proud of her Mayflower and Boones Mountain heritage and loved to tell stories of growing up on the west end of Kane, where “the west end was the best end”. She also liked to tell of her ice skating abilities and her responsibilities as a school patrol member.
On Oct. 3, 1997 she married Denny Orinko, who survives. Bonnie is also survived by her children, Larry (Betty) Beimel, Tammy (Tim) Weidow, and Shawn Beimel, all of Kane, and Mary (Frank) Bernecky of Burning Well; five stepchildren, Kim (Todd) Fitch, Denise (Mike) Heckathorn, Lori (Kyle) McNeal, Stan Orinko and Theresa (Tony) Nally; Eleven grandchildren, thirteen step grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and seven step great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Scott Beimel, brothers, Robert, Jack and Mike, a grandson Jacob Bernecky and her pets Kiki and Tito.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service which will take place on Feb. 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cummings Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kane Depot Preservation Society, P.O. Box 525, Kane, PA 16735.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
Joyce L. Reinard, 88, of Fraley St. in Kane, PA
Joyce L. Reinard, 88, of Fraley St. in Kane, PA passed away Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at UPMC-Kane. She was born in Ludlow on Feb. 22, 1934, the daughter of the late Arthur and Bertha (Keller) Larson. On June 11, 1994, she married William Reinard, who preceded her in death.
Joyce was a 1952 graduate of Kane. She had worked as a waitress at many establishments including the Kane Manor and the Arcade Restaurant. She loved people and treated everyone as family. She attended Living Waters Free Methodist Church, New Beginnings Assembly of God and the First Church of God, and supported many ministries and missionaries. She enjoyed music and played the Piano, guitar, accordion, and tambourine. Joyce loved spending time with her family and she loved Dylan, her cockatoo.
She is survived by two sons, Don (Kelly) Bush Jr. of Kane and John (Carolyn) Bush Sr. of Clarendon; one daughter, Beverly (Scott) Austin of Kane; her son James’ fiancé Patricia Bigley; one stepson Robert Reinard of Virginia; thirteen grandchildren, Melissa Haight, Melanie Bush, Robert Bush, Rhawnie Barrett, John Bush Jr., Kevin Bush, Rebecca Lucas, Shelby Brennan, Riley Austin, Joseph Bush, Andrew Bush, Kayla Leet and Caleb Leet; 21 great-grandchildren, 5 great great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son James A. Bush, one grandson Micheal P. Bush, one great-grandson John H. Bush III; her former husband and father of her children Don R. Bush Sr.; four brothers, Robert, Leonard and Keith Larson and Harold Larson in infancy and six sisters, Doris Malm, Mildred Johnson, Ruth Dillenbeck, Lucille Swedenhjelm, Martha Eastman and Betty Larson in childhood.
Friends are invited to attend a visitation which will take place at the Cummings Funeral Home on Friday (Feb. 10) from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Kane, with the Rev. John H. Bush Jr. of Living Waters Free Methodist church officiating. Burial will be in Gibbs Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the McKean County SPCA, 80 Glenwood Ave., Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
Harold (Harry) Eugene Blair (67) of Johnsonburg, PA
Harold (Harry) Eugene Blair (67) of Johnsonburg, PA sadly passed away in his home February 5th, 2023 after a little over a year’s battle with stage 4 cirrhosis.
Harry was born September 6th of 1955 in Twinfalls, Idaho to Jodie & Emma Blair. He married Renee Dawn Blair in Las Vegas, NV on April 27th, 2009.
He was preceded in death by his mother Emma Christine Blair and his father Jodie Carl Blair.
He leaves behind his wife Renee of 14 years, his sisters Emma Jo Blair and Phyllis Blair, brother Ronald Dean Blair of Emmett, ID , a son Clayton John Blair of Texas, 2 step-daughters Danielle Button of St Marys PA and Kassandra (Abraham) Gilmore of Kane PA, 2 stepsons John (Megan) Baker of Metropolis, IL and Brandon McFall of Strattenville, PA along with 15 grandchildren, 2 great-grandaughters, and several nieces and nephews.
Harry was a potato farmer with his father in Idaho when he was young. He went on to serve in the United States Army from March 1977 until September 1991 where he spent 9 years active duty and repaired attack helicopters. After the army he was a truckdriver for many years with various companies. He also worked as a geothermal driller for Enlink Geothermal. He was last employed with Targeted Pet Treats in Warren, PA when he decided to take early retirement in 2018 to enjoy time with family.
Harry’s kids and grandkids were his world. He loved his dog (Ladybug) who followed him everywhere and was always by his side. He also loved seafood, fishing, gardening, tinkering with anything in the garage, and doing small engine repairs after retirement.
There will be no formal funeral services as he requested cremation. However, there will be a small celebration of life scheduled at a later date when the weather is warmer.
Della J. “Jean” Ecklund, 82, of Ridgway, PA
Della J. “Jean” Ecklund, 82, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, Februarys 8, 2023, at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born on June 5, 1940, a daughter of the late Daniel and Florence Sherman Sherry.
Jean was a resident of Ridgway for many years. She enjoyed going camping, sitting around the fire and listening to country music with friends. Jean had a special love for family, and enjoyed family gatherings.
Jean is survived by 5 daughters; Pamela Davidson of Kane, Christine Prechtl and her husband Mark of Ridgway, Susan Parson and her husband Jay of Ridgway, Sharon Hamilton and her husband Brian of Ridgway, Amy Piccirillo and her husband Tony of Ridgway, 2 sons; Gregory Ecklund and his wife Aloha of Ridgway and Mark Ecklund and his wife Pam of Kersey, 27 grandchildren,30 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Lynn Skerl, a great grandchild, Ronnie Jean Smith, a son-in-law, Robert Davidson, a sister, Patricia Sherry, a brother Daniel Sherry, a brother at birth, Dennis Sherry, and the father of her children, Ronald Ecklund.
A Celebration of Life for Della J. Ecklund will be celebrated on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 3:00 PM at North Broad Fire Hall, 28 North Broad Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.
All family and friends are welcome.
Memorial contributions can be made to Elk County Humane Society.
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
Robert D. Johnson, 86, of Bradford, PA
Robert D. Johnson, 86, of Bradford, PA passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the Pavilion at BRMC.
He was born on July 2, 1936 in Bradford, the son of the late David and Elizabeth Iddings Johnson.
He was a 1954 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
On August 9, 1958 in the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church he married Marilyn A. Merkt; who survives.
He was a member of the BAHS Alumni Association and a former member of 50+. He also enjoyed spending time with his wife and their many friends on their various road trips.
He was employed by the local oil refinery for forty six years until he retired from ARG in 2000.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, Marilyn Johnson of Bradford; he is also survived by one son, Gregg (Evelyn) Johnson of The Woodlands, TX; two daughters, Christine (Steven) Moyer of Bradford and Kelly (Rocky DeCasper) Frisina of Bradford; eight grandchildren, Brandon Moyer, Katie Williamson, Erica Moyer, Carley Frisina, Natalie Frisina, Nick Johnson, Shannon Johnson and Adriana Johnson and six great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by one son, Mark Johnson and one granddaughter, Sarah Johnson.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM with a funeral service to immediately follow at 1:00 PM in the funeral home with the Rev. James Gutting, senior associate pastor of the St. Bernard Catholic Church, officiating.
Private burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.
Launa “Lee” Branch, 83, of Meadow Lane, Port Allegany, PA
Launa “Lee” Branch, 83, of Meadow Lane, Port Allegany, PA passed away Tuesday (Feb. 7, 2023) in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born October 24, 1939, in Grand Junction, CO, she was a daughter of Ernest and Ella Sawer Littleton.
Launa was a resident of the area for 17 years, coming from the state of Washington. She resided with her longtime companion, Basil A. “Bucky” Freeman, who preceded her in death, June 1, 2022.
She was a graduate of Grand Junction High School, Grand Junction, CO, and attended Arapahoe Community College for two years.
She was the former CEO of Branch Construction Co., Denver CO, was a realtor in Washington, and was a self-employed bookkeeper, before her retirement.
Lee loved to fish, golf, bird watch, and was an animal lover of all sorts. She was a good artist and at a younger age, an excellent giant slalom snow skier. Most recent she enjoyed cooking & baking.
Surviving are three sons, Dace M. (Toni) Branch of Tacoma, WA, Michael L. Branch of Denver, CO, William M. Branch of Flagstaff, AZ; two daughters, Wendy L. Branch of Port Allegany, and Jill E. (Calvin) Clark of Yuma, AZ; three grandsons, four granddaughters; and a great-grand-daughter, Launa Branch.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Marvin Littleton.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 12, 2023) in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Port Allegany, with Rev. J.T. Madison, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.
Memorials can be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church, Port Allegany.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.
Condolences can be made to: Jill E. Clark, 308 E. Palo Verde St., Yuma, AZ. 85364
ServSafe Food Safety Certification
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.
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
EST FRIDAY…
Wind Advisory issued February 09 at 9:33AM EST until February 10 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo
DESCRIPTION: …WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Livingston, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.
* WHEN…From 7 PM this evening to 7 AM EST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
result.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)
***Announcement***
City of Bradford Police
Wednesday, Feb. 8th
This afternoon, we learned of a verbal threat made by a student(who does not attend our High School) to commit an act of violence at the planned Winter Carnival dance.
Working closely with BASD administrators, the Bradford Police have investigated, have interviewed the student, and have determined no credible threat exists. Bradford Police are filing appropriate charges against the juvenile. As a precautionary measure, the BASD will have School Resource Officers present at the dance this Saturday.
City Police Arrest Man For Handgun Without Carry Permit
On February 6th, 2023 at approximately 0302 hrs City of Bradford Police were dispatched to 2 Kiwanis Ct. for an unwanted male knocking at the door. The caller believed the male may have had a gun.
Officers arrived on scene and located Daniel A. Gillespie in the stairwell. Officers found Gillespie to have a 40. caliber handgun and he did not have a valid concealed carry permit.
Gillespie was taken into custody and found to have drug paraphernalia on him and inside the vehicle he came from.
Officers determined that Gillespie was at that location attempting to buy drugs when another male took his money and never returned. Gillespie was attempting to locate the male and knocking on the wrong doors until Police arrived and took him into custody.
Gillespie was taken to Magistrate Cercone’s for arraignment and bail was set at $10,000 cash. Gillespie did not post bail at that time and was remanded to McKean County Jail but has since posted bail. Preliminary hearing is set in the matter.
Arrest Date: Monday, February 6, 2023 – 3:02am Reference ID: 2023-02060302 Charges: 18 PACC 6106a1 Firearms not to be carried without a license (1 count) (F3) (35) 780-113 A32 Poss Paraphernalia (M) 780-113 A16 Attempted Poss Controlled Substances (M) Incident Type: Drugs / Narcotics Violation Source: City of Bradford Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/gillespie-daniel-alan-18-pacc-6106a1-firearms-not-be-carried-without-license-1-count?fbclid=IwAR1IprMEunlPm2KNyTF0mu-_iAifELfyaWGZtET8ptcomQ7taIIEBH1LvWo
Bradford Man In Custody on Arrest Warrant
On February 7th, 2023 City of Bradford Police took Joshua J. Elliott into custody on an arrest warrant for a theft that occurred back on 05/25/22 at 105 Hilton Street Blue Star Storage.
Elliott is alleged to have stolen contents from a locked storage unit that he did not have authorization to enter. The owner of the property had no knowledge of Elliott and gave no one permission to have any of the contents.
Elliott was taken to Magistrate Luther for arraignment and remanded to McKean County Jail on $25,000 cash bail. Preliminary Hearings are set in the matter.
Arrest Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 – 6:02pm Reference ID: 2023-02071802 Charges: CC 3921 A Theft by unlawful taking (F3) Incident Type: All Other – Criminal Source: City of Bradford Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/elliott-joshua-john-cc-3921-theft-unlawful-taking-f3?fbclid=IwAR2w3VejYNhWkF7avxIvs84T84kU-EinDQWJofp5nK2GoWygGmtUWjfGC7g
Limestone Man Arrested in Home Invasion Burglary
On February 3, 2023, Troopers out of SP Olean arrested Xander J. Grover, 19 of Limestone, NY for Burglary in the second degree, Criminal Mischief in the third degree, and Harassment in the second degree.
In the early morning hours of February 3, 2023, Troopers were called to the scene of a home invasion burglary on Church St in the town of Carrollton. Investigation on scene by Troopers determined that Grover had forced entry into a residence at this location and made threats to harm the homeowner before fleeing. Troopers were able to locate Grover nearby where he was placed under arrest and transported to SP Olean for arrest processing.
Grover was arraigned in Allegany Town Court and subsequently released under supervision. Grover is scheduled to re-appear in Allegany Town Court at a later date in February 2023.
Public awareness- overdoses involving heroin
07 February 2023
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Eugene J. Staniszewski
Troop A Commander
PRESS RELEASE
New York State Police are alerting the public on the increase in overdoses involving heroin in Western New York from January 27, 2023, to February 7, 2023. In twelve days, 94 overdoses have been reported including six deaths. Of the 94 overdoses and six deaths, the southern tier, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties make up 20 overdoses and 3 deaths. Naloxone (Narcan) has been administered 57 times during this time frame. The rural areas have a longer medical response than the urban areas, which can contribute to the overdose being fatal. Be aware that a more lethal strand of heroin is being distributed in WNY that may cause death.
If you or a family member, friend or acquaintance struggle with opiate use, seek help from one of the below services.
For professional help with addictions
Kids Escaping Drugs- 716-827-9462 www. KED.org
NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) www.oasas.ny.gov
Call HOPEline at 1-877-8-467369 or text 467369
Route 220 Closed in Lycoming and Sullivan Counties
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Route 220 is closed in both directions between Route 405 in Hughesville Borough in Lycoming County and Route 42 in Davidson Township, Sullivan County, due to a vehicle crash.
A detour using Route 118, and Route 42 is in place. The roadway is expected to be closed for several hours.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect travel delays, and drive with caution.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
Brian K. Heitzenrater, 47, of 226 Gardeau Rd., Emporium, PA
Brian K. Heitzenrater, 47, of 226 Gardeau Rd., Emporium, PA passed away unexpectedly at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA on Monday night (February 6, 2023). He was born August 10, 1975 in Ridgway, PA a son of Priscilla Swesey Heitzenrater, Emporium, PA and the late Jack “Kenny” Heitzenrater. On February 14, 2003 in First Presbyterian Church, Emporium he married Melanie Jones, who survives.
Brian graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1993. He had worked at GKN, AST, Teutech and was currently working at Embassy Powder Metal in Emporium. He was an avid base guitar player and played in his church with the worship team. He was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Emporium. Brian enjoyed sitting around a campfire with his family and playing video games. He was always the happiest when he was at home around his wife and children.
In addition to his mother and wife he is survived by two sons, Logan and Jack Heitzenrater; daughter, Zoey Heitzenrater, all of Emporium; a sister, Jamie Hanna (George), Dubai and a nephew, Leo.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack “Kenny” Heitzenrater.
The family will receive friends at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 1284 Sizerville Road, Emporium, PA on Sunday, (February 12, 2023) from 9:30-10:15 AM followed by the Memorial Service at 10:30 AM with Rev. Lionel Owen, Pastor, officiating.
Burial will be in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help cover final expenses by mailing to Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. 4th St., Emporium, PA 15834 or using our online payment portal with in his obituary.
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
Wrong Way Driver Caused A Three Vehicle Head on Crash With Serious Injuries And Entrapment
On February 8 at 10:55 pm. Belfast, Wellsville and Angelica were dispatched to I-86 for a three vehicle accident. A vehicle was traveling the wrong way between mile marker 114 and 115 Westbound, two vehicles crashed head on and a semi is on its side. There are serious injuries with entrapment. The highway has been shutdown at the Almond exit. Air Medical has been dispatched. Update one fatality has been reported.
ROAD REOPENED AT 9:06 AM on Thursday. Donald J. Rose, 62, of Angelica, N.Y. was killed when police say he drove a 2017 Dodge Ram eastbound in the westbound lane and crashed head-on into another vehicle. Air Medical flew another patient to a Rochester hospital.
The vehicle that was struck by the wrong way driver was a Ford Transit utility/cargo van. The 3rd vehicle was a semi . The semi driver went off the right shoulder to avoid hitting the truck and van that was now blocking both lanes. Because of 911 callers about a wrong way vehicle on I 86 NYSP were responding to alert and stop this vehicle .They arrived right after the accident and called for EMS.