Frank D. HILLS, 90, of Camp Hill, PA, formerly of Port Allegany, died Monday, February 3, 2025 in Messiah Lifeways, Mechanicsburg. Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Pennsylvania House Republican leadership responded to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget address Tuesday, pointing out the proposed spending plan is based in unsustainable spending increases and an unnecessary and unaffordable expansion of government.
House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) said to truly balance this, and any future budgets, Pennsylvania needs policy that will drive real growth in Pennsylvania’s energy economy.
“Here is what we can say with certainty about the governor’s proposed budget – this will not be the final product: It spends too much, it grows government too much and is unsustainable in the future,” Topper said. “We need policies that grow the economy and create family-sustaining jobs if we want to really balance this and future budgets; and the House Republican Caucus is up to the challenge of creating and driving policy that grows our Commonwealth through Pennsylvania’s home-grown energy economy.”
BRADFORD, Pa. – The Beo String Quartet, which performs classical, contemporary, rock and experimental music, will take the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the Harriett B. Wick Chapel at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Tickets are $20 for the public, $16 for faculty and staff, and $5 for students.
The Beo String Quartet, whose name is Latin for “to make happy,” blends centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge artistry to create performances that are a journey through classical masterpieces, contemporary compositions, and unexpected genres like rock and experimental music.
Beo has 65 world premieres to its credit and has played 150 concerts throughout the United States, South America, and Europe.
Lawrence M. WALINSKI, 61, of Fillmore, NY, died Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born August 21, 1963, in Buffalo, he was the son of Zygmund and AnnMarie Wesolowski Walinski.
He attended Sweet Home High School and was employed by 3M as a machine operator for many years.
Job Title: IT Support Technician Location: Austin, PA and Galeton, PA Type: Full-time Overview: Seneca Highlands IU9 is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic IT Support Technician to join our team supporting Austin Area School District and Galeton Area School District. This position offers an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in technology within an educational environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide first-level technical support for devices, networks, apps, and classroom technology.
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues.
Assist in maintaining and updating IT documentation and inventory.
Ensure excellent customer service by being courteous, polite, and service-oriented.
Collaborate with other team members to enhance overall IT support.
Qualifications:
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
A positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Basic troubleshooting skills for devices, networks, and classroom technology, or the ability to learn these skills quickly.
Please use this link to access – IT Support Technician
Direct questions to Ed Bell at (814) 887-5512 or ebell@iu9.org EOE
Mary E. Himes, 103, of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Boot Jack Rd., Ridgway, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
She was born on June 18, 1921, in Hallton, a daughter of the late Harry M. and Ruby E. Simmerline Lindsey.
On August 31, 1939, She married the late William Wade Himes Sr., who preceded her in death on March 28, 2002. Together they shared over 62 years of love and marriage.
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will display the works of renowned Seneca weaver Penelope S. Minner in an exhibition Feb. 6 through March 20 in the KOA Art Gallery in Blaisdell Hall.
“Weaving the Past Together for the Future” offers an exploration of culture, resilience, and artistry. The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on Feb. 6 at noon, where attendees will have the rare opportunity to meet Minner and hear firsthand about her passion for preserving traditional Seneca art forms while embracing contemporary influences.
Thomas D. Jones, 73, of Liberty, passed away Tuesday January 28, 2025, at Bradford Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Troy.
He was born October 12, 1951, in Williamsport, PA to Thomas William and Evelyn Louise (Mase) Jones. He earned his bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University, and served as a probation officer in Tioga County.
On August 3, 1991, Tom married Deborah Wesner, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.
HARRISBURG— Republican Chairman of the House Energy Committee Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), Policy Committee Chairman David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), and other lawmakers hosted a hearing today at the state Capitol titled “Stopping New Energy Taxes” to analyze how unfavorable energy policies negatively impact consumers and businesses and drive investments outside of Pennsylvania.
Testifiers included David Taylor, president and CEO, Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, and Kenny Stein, vice president, policy, Institute for Energy Research.
Nancy Y. Gleason, 91, of 36 Rockland Avenue, Bradford, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born March 3, 1933, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Donald R. and Ruth (Rogers) Young. She was a 1950 graduate from Mt. Jewett High School.
On December 26, 1953, in St. Francis Church, she married Francis E. “Nut” Gleason, Sr., who died April 9, 2015.
Nancy was employed at Dresser Manufacturing. She also owned and operated along with Rusty Hetrick, Four Seasons Sports Store.
She was a member of St. Bernard Church. She was an avid Bridge player at the Local, State, and National level earning a Life, Bronze, Silver, Ruby, and Gold Life Master along with being a Director.
Patricia Donato Rice
Patricia Graziano Donato Rice, 85, of Warren, PA., died Saturday February 1, 2025, at The Rouse Home after an extended illness.
She was born November 8, 1939, in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of Peter and Helyn Morley Graziano. Patricia was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1957 graduate of Warren High School. She was employed with G.T.E. Sylvania from 1965 to 1973, Struthers Wells Corporation from 1973 to 1990 and at the Warren County Assistance Office from 1990 until 2002, retiring from there after 13 years employment. She worked part time with Northwest Savings Bank. Patricia was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church. She was an avid reader.
The Bradford Hospital Foundation (BHF), the philanthropic arm of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) hosted its first local in-person event since the COVID pandemic. The event was called “Pathways to Progress” and reception that included the presentation of the SARAH Award. This year Jill Owens, MD, was honored for her distinguished career and advancement of healthcare locally in the Bradford community.
The event was hosted at The Bradford Club on Thursday, January 31 bringing together BHF, community leaders and supporters of local healthcare.
HUGE Estate Sale! Starts Friday, February 7th 2025
February 7, 8, and 9. Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm. Times for February 15th and 16th will be posted later.
619 W. Main St. Smethport, PA 16749 – Do not block driveways or roads.
Fire King, Pyrex, Pfaltzgraff, Ducks Unlimited, Ethan Allen, just a few name brands. living room pieces, book cases, quilts, blankets, desk, red leather chairs, outdoor garden items, ladder, hand tools, power tools, Grandfather clock, mantle clock, Woolrich clothes, crystal items, gaming chairs, power tools, hunting & fishing items, paintings, mini-fridge, freezers, holiday decor, 8+ person dining table, hutch, stands, leather couch, living room furniture, sweepers, kitchen items, Hall Trees, Lane cedar chest, books, plants, planters, storage items, fans, and so much more. Not all items pictured.
Starts 9am 2/07/25. Do not block driveways and please respect the neighbors. We reserve the right to end any individual sale for any reason.
We look forward to seeing all of our great costumers and new ones, kick 2025 off with a bang!
The Elk County Council on the Arts announces the winners of this region’s Poetry Out Loud competition. The student winners are Rowena Pruett from Ridgway Area High School, with Antonio Brouse from Saint Marys Area High School as the runner-up.
Poetry Out Loud—presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation—lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. Through this program, high school students across the country participate in a dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve their public speaking skills, help build confidence, and teach them about literary history and contemporary life. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.4 million students across the country have participated in Poetry Out Loud. On Thursday, January 30, 2025, more than 6 high school students participated in the Poetry Out Loud competition at the PA Wilds Media Lab in Kane, PA.
Job Title: IT Support Technician Location: Austin, PA and Galeton, PA Type: Full-time Overview: Seneca Highlands IU9 is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic IT Support Technician to join our team supporting Austin Area School District and Galeton Area School District. This position offers an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in technology within an educational environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide first-level technical support for devices, networks, apps, and classroom technology.
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues.
Assist in maintaining and updating IT documentation and inventory.
Ensure excellent customer service by being courteous, polite, and service-oriented.
Collaborate with other team members to enhance overall IT support.
Qualifications:
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
A positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Basic troubleshooting skills for devices, networks, and classroom technology, or the ability to learn these skills quickly.
Please use this link to access – IT Support Technician
Direct questions to Ed Bell at (814) 887-5512 or ebell@iu9.org EOE
On January 30 and 31, 2025 representatives from the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center traveled to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to compete in the District 6 SkillsUSA competition at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. The participants were given the opportunity to show how vital career and technical education are to America’s future through their applied learning, presentations, demonstrations, speaking and employability skills.
SkillsUSA is a nonprofit national student organization that serves students enrolled in a career and technical school. Its mission is to empower its members to become world class workers and responsible citizens, and it complements the skills training received at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. The advisors at the Career and Technical Center are Mrs. Katie Dynda and Mrs. Kim Mooney.
First Place students will attend the state competition for SkillsUSA in Hershey, Pennsylvania. We are so very proud of all the student competitors that attended the District level competition, and perhaps some of our students at the Seneca Highland Career and Technical Center may advance to the national level! Attendees at District 6 Competition were the following:
Joseph W. “Bill” Schaefer, Jr., 82, of Teaberry Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 1, 2025 with his family by his side.
He was born December 10, 1942 in St. Marys, a son of the late J. W. “Bill” Schaefer, Sr. and Viola Young Schaefer.
On November 20, 1965 in Queen of the World Church, Bill married Doris Ann Olson, who survives and together they have enjoyed 59 years of marriage.
Bill was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1960. He was a member of Queen of the World Church.
Busy month ahead for Penn College athletics
February will be busy for Pennsylvania College of Technology athletics as the regular basketball and wrestling seasons end and men’s lacrosse and baseball seasons begin.
Wrestling
On Saturday, the Wildcats improved to 7-1 in dual matches with a 56-0 romp of Keystone College.
Penn College won all 10 bouts, six of them contested, getting falls from Noah Hunt of Muncy at 141 pounds, Anton Esterbrook of Wyomissing at 157, Zach Miller of Lock Haven at 174, and Nicholai Brotzman of Marietta at 285. Isaac Cory of Montoursville picked up a technical fall at 184, and Nicholas Woodruff of Woodbury added a decision at 197.
On Sunday in the Rennie Rodarmel Allstate Invitational at Lycoming College, Penn College had an outstanding showing, with 11 wrestlers reaching the podium and three of them claiming individual championships.
Barry Wilson Kinney Jr., 58, of Elk Avenue, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born July 29, 1966, in Wrightstown, NJ, he was the son of Barry W. Kinney and the late Darlene M. Kinney.
Barry was a welder by trade and last employed as a laborer for American Axle. He also enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.
John James Bechakas, 88, of 322 Dawson St., died Tuesday (Jan. 28) in Clearwater Beach, FL. He was born October 21, 1936 in Kane, son of the late James T. and Aglaia Tzivelis Bechakas. On May 31, 1964 in Siatista, Greece he married the former Toula Sfendonis, who survives.
He graduated from Kane High School in 1955 and Grove City College in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962 stationed in Munich, Germany.
After working several years as an accountant the deceased in 1967 formed a partnership with his brother Terry in the family business. After his brother’s retirement in 1989 John, along with his wife and four sons, continued, expanded and renovated the 1914 family business – Texas Hot Lunch / 4-Sons. He also was instrumental in starting Kane Beer in 1997.
