Next public meeting of the Potter County Jail Board, will be held at noon on Friday, Jan. 3, at the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building Auditorium. Among items on the agenda is a proposal by the vendor providing phone and internet services to increase the number of computer tablets available to detainees and inmates. Telephone access to Friday’s meeting is available at 814-274-0844; PIN is #114477.
Those with questions or comments about the jail are reminded that they can submit them to the board through email sent to pcjailboard@pottercountypa.net. Jail Board members are Commissioner Paul Heimel (chair), Sheriff Kevin Siska (vice chair), Commissioner Nancy Grupp (secretary), Judge Stephen Minor, District Attorney Andy Watson, and Commissioner Robert Rossman. Chief Commissioners Clerk Jessica Giebel serves as administrator.
Members of the First Seventh-Day Baptist Church of Hebron continued a Christmas tradition, putting together plates of fresh fruit for the Potter County Jail inmates and employees. Gathering to fill 50 plates were, from left, Fay and David Hauber, Nita and Mike Eckman, Allen Hauber, Jameson Kenyon, Kent Kenyon, Rebecca Kenyon, Pearl and Bill Brock, Kevin Kenyon and Pastor Steve Hinton. (Melanie Morley photo)
With a two-victory week that extended its win streak to five games, the Pennsylvania College of Technology women’s basketball team moved into rare company. Also, three wrestlers reached the podium at the Wilkes Open.
This week, while other teams enjoy the holiday and semester break, the men’s basketball squad opts for warmer weather as it competes Saturday and Sunday in the Florida Sunshine Shootout at Daytona Beach, Florida.
Della O. Vanness of Brook Street passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Della was born on January 8, 1959, in Olean and was the daughter of Paul J. and Grace E. Smith Kayes Sr. On July 14, 1984, at Trinity United Methodist Church she married Timothy J. Vanness, who survives.
Tracy Lynn Scott, born March 23, 1972, beloved daughter of David and Nancy Scott of Canandaigua, NY passed away suddenly Thursday, December 26th, 2024. She was a vibrant and unique spirit, leaving a legacy of love and laughter.
Cecil A. Miller, 59, of Birch St., passed away of Friday (Dec. 27) at UPMC-Kane. Born in Kane on Jan 5, 1965, he is the son of the late Robert Miller and Judith Rockwell.
Which are you interested in? Or perhaps the question should relate to which you operate in? Do you go through life in survival mode or thriving mode? How you answer that question will determine how you view and respond to life and its adventures.
Shirley A. Pedine, 95, formerly Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born April 11, 1929, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Angelo and Antoinette (Alvino) Vinca, Jr. She was a 1948 graduate of St. Bernard School.
On June 16, 1950, in St. Bernard Church, she married Julio J. Pedine, who preceded her in death on April 23, 2012.
Shirley had been employed for nearly 30 years as an Insurance Adjuster for Russell Parrot.
She was a member of St. Bernard Church, and a former member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church.
Shirley enjoyed hosting Sunday family dinners. and attending BACPAC events.
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet through the entirety of the prolonged event in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE…Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties.
* WHEN…From 7 AM Wednesday to 6 PM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult at times, especially on inland secondary roads. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: Heavy snow will fall in multiple narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Embark on an adventure like no other! This is your chance to dive into epic storytelling, forge friendships, and develop key life skills – all while having an amazing time.
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is more than just a game; it’s a gateway to creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students become heroes in a world of their own making, working together to solve puzzles, strategize, and defeat challenges. With a focus on teamwork and storytelling, every session taught by Brent Bryant, Networking and Security Instructor at Seneca Highlands CTC, is a chance to explore, problem-solve, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether your student is a seasoned adventurer or new to role-playing games, they’ll be guided by experienced facilitators in a safe, welcoming environment. No special experience or materials required – just imagination!
Grades 5 – 8
Tuesdays starting January 7, 2025, running through March 25, 2025
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Grades 9 – 12
Wednesdays starting January 8, 2025, running through March 26, 2025
Time 6 – 8 p.m.
How to Join
-Weekly Session Fee: $30
-Monthly Session Fee: $100 ($300 to attend January, February, and March Sessions)
Sessions are open to both in-person and remote participants, with Google Meet available to ensure everyone can join in the fun. Please note: A minimum of 6 participants per session is required. In-person sessions will take place at the Education Council, 5 Water Street, Coudersport, PA. Registration is required. To register visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
Gary O. ERWAY, 77, of Ulysses, PA, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. Born August 7, 1947, at home in Newfield, he was the son of L. Clifton and Mary E. Gearhart Erway.
George F. Harrier, Jr. “beloved brother and uncle”
George F. Harrier, Jr., 67, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Port Allegany and Bradford, passed away in his home on Thursday, December 26, 2024, after a long illness.
Born on Thursday, October 3, 1957 in Olean, NY, he was a son of George F. and Betty E. George Harrier.
George attended Portville (NY) High School. He loved antiques and had previously been employed in Bradford at an antique store.
In his younger years, George was a volunteer fireman in Portville. He enjoyed fishing with his nephew. He loved his dog, Buddy and loved to work with his hands and tinkering in general.
Ronald C. “Ron” Kerr, 92, of Wellsboro, passed away Sunday December 29, 2024, peacefully in his home. He was born August 12, 1932, in Latrobe, PA to Wilbur T. and Edna Mae (Spangler) Kerr. He graduated from Blairsville High School in 1950, and on September 24, 1954, he married Jean Lydick with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. After serving in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, Ron worked for Bell Telephone (now Verizon), eventually becoming an Outside Plant Engineer.
Ron was a member of the United Methodist Church of Wellsboro, a 65-year Mason, Bell Pioneers, a member of Eastern Star, the VFW, the Sinnemahoning Sportsman’s Association, an endowment member of the NRA, and former member of the Wellsboro Lions. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors of rural Pennsylvania. Ron was devoted to, took great pleasure in, and had intense love for his family and friends, his country, and his God and he unselfishly served them well.
Charles Albert Wilcox, 86, formerly of Lawrenceville and Yuma, AZ, passed away, Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Elderwood at Waverly, Waverly, NY. He was born August 7, 1938, in Blossburg, PA, the son of the late Charles and Gladys (Robertson) Wilcox. He was the husband of Donna Lee (Lundgren) Wilcox for 62 years until her passing on June 3, 2021.
Chuck was a graduate of Liberty High School and was an ambitious businessman from a young age. He was the owner and operator of a local service station, Chuck’s Esso and used car lot Chucks used cars. He opened Lawrenceville Napa in the 1970s. He also owned Casita Verde RV Park later in life in Cassa Grande, AZ. Charles was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Lawrenceville, PA and GILA mountain United Methodist Church, Yuma, AZ.
He had a love of classic cars and traveling with his wife across the US and beyond. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with friends and family. Chuck was a kind; generous and thoughtful man and he was loved by everyone. He had million dollar smile that will live on in our memories and as Charlie always said “keep smiling they will wonder what you’re up to”.
Local media icon, Geraldine “Gerri” Miller, passed away on December 24, 2024, in Hudson, Fl. after a long illness.
Gerri was born on March 31, 1948, in Coudersport, Pa., to Merritt and Shirley Miller, of Roulette, Pa., who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by 2 brothers, Wesley Don Miller and Stephen Miller, and a long-time companion, Jayne James. She is survived by a sister, Teresa Pratt, of Shinglehouse, a loving companion, Judy Bliss Spaeth, of Hudson, Fl., several nieces and nephews, and 2 stepchildren, Nate James and Jody Gum.
Gerri graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1966 and received a diploma from Charles Morris Price School of Advertising and Journalism, in 1973. Upon her return to Potter County, she devoted herself to local journalism. She started the Town and Country Journal in 1973 which was published until 1979. She co-owned Creative Communications from 1978 until 1985. She became a familiar voice during her tenure at WFRM Radio Station in Coudersport, starting in 1979 through 2008, often broadcasting remotely from local festivals, events, and the county fair. She owned and operated Black Forest Broadcasting from 2008 until 2023 and managed the Potter County Artisan Co-op from 2018 until 2023 when she retired to Florida with her beloved dog, Molly, to be with her companion, Judy.
As a journalist, Gerri is remembered by her colleagues as a staunch advocate of the public’s right to know. She attended countless local government meetings and vigorously questioned officials when she believed there was more information to be learned. She was an avid photographer, specializing in sepia prints.
A Celebration of Life will be announced later. Donations in Gerri’s memory may be made to the Potter County Artisan Co-op, 227 N. Main St., PO Box 261, Coudersport, PA 16915, or to Potter County Animal Assistance Project, c/o. Kim Mitchell, Treasurer, 208 Beech Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.0
Robert A. KELLEY, 69, of Smethport, PA, died Saturday, December 28, 2024 in UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh.
Born May 2, 1955, in Olean, NY, he was the son of Ivan D. and L. Imogene Phipps Kelley. He was married to Kelly J. Backus, who predeceased him on September 20, 2017. A 1973 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School, he attended trade school in DuBois to be an electrician. He was employed by Ethan Allen for many years until it closed and was also the owner of Kelley Electric located in Smethport with the help of his sons. Bob was a member of Eldred American Legion Post #887, American Legion Sons Post #887, Eldred VFW Post #2092.
Juanita V. ELDER, 64, of Whitesville, NY, died Friday, December 27, 2024 in her home.
Friends may call at Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM.
Rev. Roy Ward and Rev. Barbara Moshier will co-officiate.
A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
