Lois C. VanWhy, 90, a longtime resident of Austin, PA
Lois C. VanWhy, 90, a longtime resident of Austin, PA passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Cole Manor, Coudersport.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary
Carol L. REES, 73, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Roulette
Carol L. REES, 73, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Roulette, died Saturday, April 1, 2023 in Williamsport Hospital.
A complete obituary will be announced by OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Richard Lee Atwell, age 82, of Troy, PA, formerly of Covington, PA
Richard Lee Atwell, age 82, of Troy, PA, formerly of Covington, PA, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Bradford County Manor in Troy, PA.
He was born on September 15, 1940, in Westfield, PA, a son of Floyd Atwell, Jr. and Edna (Brown) Atwell. Richard was the husband of the late Vallie Atwell.
He worked in maintenance at PennDOT, and enjoyed playing the accordion, guns, cats and dogs.
Richard is survived by his brother, Daniel (Guangyu) Atwell of Westfield, PA; his sister, Janice Brooks of Westfield, PA; nephews Aaron Atwell, Adam Atwell, Alex Atwell, Tylor Cochra; nieces Angela Dunlap, Karie Price, Shawn Lapp, Paisley Neidig and his beloved canine companion, Bridget.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Vallie.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, 725 Gee Hollow Rd., Tioga, PA, 16946. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com
Marc Rice Announces Candidacy For Tioga County Commissioner
Citizens of Tioga County, my name is Marc Rice and I am a Republican candidate for Tioga County Commissioner. I would like to take this opportunity to share a little bit about myself and why I am campaigning for County Commissioner. I was born and raised in Tioga County and grew up on the family farm just outside of Wellsboro. I currently reside on the homestead with my wife and our two daughters. I come from a working-class family where my dad and grandpa worked two jobs to provide for our family while I was growing up. I started my work experience on the neighbor’s farm when I was 12 years old. Working on the farm and watching my dad work two jobs, as a child, molded my work ethic today. I graduated from Wellsboro Area High School with the class of 2003 and furthered my education with an Associate’s degree in Risk Management and Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. Over the last eighteen years I have been employed at the Tioga County Courthouse. During this time, I have held various positions in Maintenance, Risk Management and I am currently appointed, by the board of Commissioners, as the Assistant Chief Clerk. Within these positions, I have over 10 years’ experience working with the County Leadership to pass a balanced budget. I have also been assigned, by the Commissioners, to be a member of the Reassessment Advisory Council. This provides me the knowledge needed to understand the assessment and reassessment process. I have also been successful in applying for and administering federal and state grants to fund infrastructure, economic development and stream bank restoration projects. I am an active member in the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and a board member for the Unemployment Compensation Trust. These experiences have allowed me to build my knowledge of local government and build relationships at the local, state and federal level.
I am seeking election for County Commissioner to be a strong voice for Tioga County citizens and to bring meaningful and lasting change to Tioga County. I have the knowledge needed to build upon the County being a good financial standings and I will work to keep County taxes low. My experience in County Government will also provide consistency and continuity on the Board of Commissioners during this time of transition.
As Commissioner, I will work to successfully manage the County to maintain an efficient operation and pass a balanced budget. With my eighteen years of experience at the County I have already identified opportunities to make County operations more efficient and I will start working on these efficiencies my first day in office.
As Commissioner, my other top priorities include improving communications with the public, improving emergency response times in the rural communities across Tioga County and advocate to expand mental health and drug and alcohol prevention measures and treatment services to children, youth and families across Tioga County.
Let my experience work for you and vote for Marc Rice on May 16th.
Follow my campaign trail on Facebook Marc Rice for Tioga County Commissioner | Facebook
ANGLERS TURN OUT FOR THE OPENING DAY OF TROUT SEASON
Today, hundreds of thousands of anglers turned out for the opening day of trout season across Pennsylvania. Despite rain across much of the state this morning, the opening day tradition was enjoyed on hundreds of streams and lakes, all stocked with trout, which were open to fishing beginning at 8 a.m. Anglers of all ages say it’s a great day to be outside, and a bonus that the fish were biting.
Throughout the 2023 season, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock approximately 3.2 million trout into public waterways, with volunteer sportsman’s groups stocking another one million fish. Anglers need a fishing license and a trout permit, and may keep up to five trout per day, from now until Labor Day.
To buy a fishing license and find great places to fish for trout, visit Fishandboat.com
GALE HOSE AMBULANCE OPENS WARMING STATION
FIRST News Now
1h ·
GALE HOSE AMBULANCE OPENS WARMING STATION SUNDAY MORNING – 818 WITHOUT POWER IN POTTER COUNTY – 640 OF THOSE OUTAGES ARE IN GALETON BOROUGH
FNN Article © Sunday, April 2, 2023.
GALETON, PA – A Warming Station was opened Sunday morning, April 2, 2023. The Gale Hose Ambulance at 2 Union Street has opened a warming station and everyone in need of warmth is welcome to come in. If anybody wants to donate food for any meals ,please drop it off at ambulance building. If coming in to warm park your vehicle out back.
Martha Lucille Knepper, 81, of Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA
Martha Lucille Knepper, 81, of Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born September 4, 1941, in Johnsonburg, daughter of the late Maurice and Alberta Heiberger. Martha was a lifelong resident of the area, attended Johnsonburg and St. Marys schools, and was employed by Elcam as an operator.
On September 9, 1972 in Cresson, PA, Martha married the late Raymond B. Knepper, who preceded her in death on October 24, 2010.
She is survived by her sisters Anna Mae Krug of Clearfield and Marlene Wilson of St. Marys; her nieces and nephews; and by her many cousins.
In addition to her husband and parents, Martha was preceded in death by her brothers, Norman and Allen Heiberger.
Martha was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. She enjoyed Bingo, bowling, Cornhole, and coloring. She participated in the Special Olympics where she won several medals and was very proud of her accomplishments. She found the most joy spending time with her family especially her cousins during all family gatherings.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 1:00 PM until the time of service.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk/Cameron Special Olympics, P.O. Box 794, St. Marys, PA 15857.
The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.
Mike Zenns Announces Candidacy For Potter County Commissioner
My name is Mike Zenns and I’m running in the Democratic primary for Potter County Commissioner.
As a longtime resident of Costello, I’d like to bring my experience in information technology, tax assessment and organizational leadership to benefit the citizens of this county. I strongly support our Dark Skies program, the Eliott Ness Museum, the PA Lumber Museum, the Austin Dam and our hiking trail systems that bring revenue-generating tourism. I also support economic development beyond the Route 6 corridor to enable new and sustainable business opportunities to underserved communities located elsewhere in the county.
I look forward to being a responsible steward of Potter County’s assets while identifying and solving the daily challenges every rural Pennsylvania county faces. This includes protecting our public schools, supporting our police and first responders, safe roadways and access to adequate healthcare.
Colleen and I have 5 children and 10 grandchildren and I’ll do my best to ensure a promising future for them and you. I appreciate your consideration and support.
Find out more about me on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091304160969
Library presents: Biology and Management of the Spotted Lanternfly
The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is excited to bring back Penn State Extension Elk County Master Gardener, Stephen Marconi, for Biology and Management of the Spotted Lanternfly. The program will be held in the library multipurpose room on Friday, April 14 from 5-6pm.
Marconi will teach attendees how to identify a new invasive insect, the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in all its stages of development, which can be found now in your county.
The SLF can affect homeowners as well as commercial growers. It is also important to everyone who travels to be aware of their hitchhiking abilities.
Learn what you can do to prevent their spread!
Register by calling library staff during regular hours at 814-486-8011.
Those interested in the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program can visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener for more information.
Gail C. Shafer, age 75, of Westfield, PA
Gail C. Shafer, age 75, of Westfield, PA passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2023 at the Green Home in Wellsboro.
Born May 30, 1947 in Pottstown, PA, Gail is survived by her son, Gary Shafer, Jr. of Westfield; sister, Sheryl Klopp and a niece, Aimee Klopp.
Private family services will be held at their convenience.
Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.
James Curtis Smith, 75, of 165 Wrenwood Way, Greenback, TN; a former Little Genesee, NY Resident
James Curtis Smith, 75, of 165 Wrenwood Way, Greenback, TN and a former Little Genesee, NY resident passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the Hospice of Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, following a lengthy illness.
Born on March 23, 1948 in Olean, he was the son of Paul B. and Geraldine Stone Smith. Jim married Henrietta J. Speta in 1966 in Scio; she preceded him in death on September 11, 1977. On June 10, 1978, he married Kathleen Krusey in Monroeville, PA. Mrs. Smith survives.
Jim was a graduate of Bolivar Central School class of 1966. Jim was employed as a machinist by Dresser Rand Co. of Wellsville from 1967-2013. An avid NASCAR/Rusty Wallace fan, Jim was a car buff since before he was old enough to drive. He was an accomplished auto body repairman and took great pride in his cars and trucks.
His fondest memories of his teenage years were his antics with great friends and brothers in Kossuth, plus time he spent in the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corp. He loved working outside to keep his home looking the best it could be, as long as it involved equipment in John Deere green. He loved his family unconditionally, including fur kids past and present.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his mother, Geraldine Wood Bolivar; three children, Michelle L. Reynolds, Richburg, Patricia A. Allen, Leesburg, FL and Duane C. Smith, Clifton Springs, NY; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Linda (Skip) Benjamin, Bolivar, Carol Perrin, Palm Harbor, FL and Nancy Borrino, Webster, NY; one brother David (Kathi Winecker) Smith, Flemington, NJ; step-sister Brenda (Roger) Olmstead, Cuba NY; step-brothers, Dale Wood, Saginaw, TX, Merle Wood, Greeley, CO, Bruce (Amy Nielsen) Wood, Davenport, IA and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas H. Smith, step-brother Phillip Wood, and step-father Carlton Wood.
At Jim’s request services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar.
Memorials may be made to the Bolivar Community Improvement Club, 154 Wellsville Street, Bolivar, NY 14715 or SPCA serving Allegany County, 5440 Rt. 19, Belmont, NY 14813.
A life celebration will be held on Saturday, April 8,2023 at 2P.M. at the home of Skip and Linda Benjamin, 6717 South Bolivar Rd., Bolivar, NY.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar.
Bernice Wallon Welch, 92, of Eldred, PA
Bernice Wallon Welch, 92, of Eldred, PA passed away Thursday (March 30, 2023).
She was a daughter of Joseph and Anna Wallon, born May 20, 1930, in Olean, N.Y., residing in Eldred since 1960.
She was a graduate of Olean High School, class of 1948, and Sisters of Charity School of Nursing, Buffalo, N.Y., class of 1952. After nursing school, she and three classmates moved to California to work. She later returned to Olean to work at several local hospitals.
On Aug. 20, 1955, at Transfiguration Church in Olean, she married Dr. John Preston Welch Jr., who predeceased her on Aug. 23, 1996.
Bernice was selfless with family, friends, church, and community. She was proud of her Polish heritage and would offer a shot of Krupnik to any willing visitor. She loved to travel and her favorite travel memories were trips to see Pope John Paul II. We’re pretty sure she is now dancing the polka with St. John Paul II as she always wanted.
Bernice was a member of St Raphael’s Church and Altar Rosary Society, Eldred Nurses Association, Eldred Red Hatted Rebels, Pulaski Club of Olean.
She is survived by daughters, Pat Welch, Kathy (Rick) Markey, Jackie (Perry) Burdick, and Mo (Tim) Raught; 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marion Pockalny, Jenny (Ray) Borowski, and Joan (Tom) Kaydos, all of Olean, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Mary Katherine Valentinelli of Dryden, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.
Bernice was predeceased by daughter Dr. Ann Welch and sons Michael “Doc” Welch and John Welch, and her parents.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday (April 2, 2023) at the Charles M. Frame Funeral Home, 230 Main St., Eldred. The rosary will be recited by St Raphael’s Altar Rosary Society at 6:45 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11 a.m. Monday (April 3, 2023), officiated by Fr. Brian Vossler and Fr. Tom Brown at St Raphael’s, 16 First St., Eldred.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Eldred World War II Museum, Eldred Library and Historical Society, or UPMC Hospice, 102-108 S. Main St. Coudersport, PA 16915.
Mary I. (DeStasio) Williams, age 74, of Westfield, PA
Mary I. (DeStasio) Williams, age 74, of Westfield, PA, died on Friday, March 31, 2023.
She was born on May 29, 1948 in Wellsboro, PA a daughter of the late Richard and Mary Ida (Husted) DeStasio.
Mary had worked for Tioga County Human Services for many years, was a master gardener and enjoyed crocheting and watching her birds.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years: Craig Williams of Westfield, PA, two sons: Bruce (Amy) Williams of Wellsboro, PA, Jason (Katrina) Williams of Tioga, PA, two daughters: Audrey Williams of Wellsboro, PA, Amy Smith of SC, brother: Richard DeStasio, Jr. of Westfield, PA, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Services will be private and are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
Whitesville Volunteer Fire Dept. Installs Officers
Whitesville Volunteer FD
Last night, April 1 2023, we held our annual dinner and installed our new department officers for the 2023 year.
Chief Todd Sherman, 1st Assistant Brad Mattison, 2nd Assistant PJ Sherman, Captain Josh Fry.
President Denny Erdmann, VP Len Sherman, Secretary Mike Hall, Treasurer Roger Easton, Chaplain Cory Hixson.
Chief awards were awarded to Lucas Erdmann, Wally Watson and Brad Mattison
Fireman of the year Award Todd Sherman
Thank you to outgoing chief Josh Fry for 12 years of leadership in the chief lineup.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Terry Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/30/2023 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Terry Twp, Bradford county. 78a56(a) – TEMPORARY STORAGE – Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-03-30 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Helen M. Brunecz, 92, of Kinzua Nursing Home
Helen M. Brunecz, 92, of Kinzua Nursing Home, passed away on Thursday March 30, 2023, at UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie, PA.
Helen was born April 2nd, 1930, the daughter of the late Barzill and Esther (Beck) Dyer. She lived 65 years on a farm in Sugar Grove, PA where she shared nearly 60 years with her loving husband the late Carl L. Brunecz. Helen enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower gardens, loved to read and her biggest enjoyment was walking on the farm.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother Daniel Dyer, a sister Evelyn Austin, a daughter Cindy Jarbeck, and a grandson Michael Morgan.
Surviving are 3 children, David (Maggie) Brunecz, of Georgia, Diane Brunecz, of Warren, PA, and Robin (Randy) Morgan, of Sugar Grove, PA; 7 grandchildren, Tina Belvin of TX, Kelly Archer of NC, David (Mae) Brunecz of PA, Kyle (Kristen) Morgan of VA, Stephen (Diane) Jarbeck of NY, Jennifer (Matthew) Marrero of GA, and Katie Brunecz of GA; 15 great grandchildren, Regina (Rigoberto) Reyes of TX, Kaila (Caleb) Frank of OH, Devan (Rachel Pelchat) Shirley of NC, Brienna Archer of NC, Logan Archer of NC, Cynthia Jarbeck of NY, Jasmine Jarbeck of NY, Stephen Jarbeck IV of NY, Ryan Brunecz of PA, Logan Brunecz of PA, Sophia Brunecz of PA, Haley Morgan of VA, Zachary Morgan of VA, Cayden Marrero of GA, Hadley Marrerro of GA; 6 great great grandchildren, Audrey, Milania, and Sophia Reyes, Kroy, Kaiser, and Kendyl Frank.
Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., Warren, PA has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com