Port Allegany Rotary Club Donates Dictionaries
The Port Allegany Rotary Club recently presented Webster Dictionaries to third grade students in both the Otto-Eldred and Port Allegany school districts as part of their annual Dictionary Project. As they have done for many years, the local Rotary Club purchases dictionaries to distribute to local school districts. The Rotary Dictionary Project is a nationwide effort to provide young students with their own personal dictionary. Also presenting dictionaries, but not pictured, is Rotarian Pam Fischer.
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Rebecca A. Webster, 68, of Scio
Rebecca A. Webster, 68, of Scio, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Olean General Hospital family by her side. She was born on February 12, 1957, in Olean, the daughter of the late Gordon and Jean (Keesler) Eck. On September 17, 1977, in Scio, she married George Webster, who survives.
Becky was a graduate of Richburg High School. Upon graduating, she joined the workforce and was employed by several local organizations, such as: Friendship Dairies, McDonalds, and Scio Central School for many years. Outside of work, she enjoyed playing bingo, fishing, hunting, playing cards, going to the casino, dancing, and camping.
Leonard D. ORDWAY, 68, of Whitesville, NY
Leonard D. ORDWAY, 68, of Whitesville, NY, died Saturday, April 26, 2025 in his home.
Born June 9, 1956, in Wellsville, he was the son of Leon J. and Ethel M. Tracy Ordway. On June 16, 1975, in Scio, he married the former Karen M. Ryan, who survives. A graduate of Whitesville Central School, he and his wife owned and operated Herbert Cooper Co. in Genesee, PA. He loved music and playing guitar. Leonard played in several area bands, beginning with the Knight Riders. His Gibson J45 and 1963 Fender reissue custom shop telecaster were prized possessions. He babied his classic Mustang and immensely enjoyed his Ford F-150 truck. Leonard was especially generous and always willing to lend a helping hand. A man of integrity, he strived to be just and fair. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren.
Richard A. SURDAM, 70, of Galeton, PA
Richard A. SURDAM, 70, of Galeton, PA, died Thursday, April 24, 2025 in UPMC Soldiers & Sailors, Wellsboro.
Born September 14, 1954, in Galeton, he was the son of Lee G. and Margaret M. Steadman Surdam. A graduate of Galeton Area High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1973 – 1975. Richard was a self-employed contractor.
Kathleen Jo SMOKER, 65, of Gold, PA
Kathleen Jo SMOKER, 65, of Gold, PA, died Friday, April 25, 2025 in her home.
Born September 15, 1959, in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter of Love S. and Beverly J. Reynolds Hess. On March 25, 1978, in Mills Union Church, she married David C. Smoker, who survives. A 1977 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she was employed by Chase Oil Co. in Ulysses from 1978 – 1998. Kathy served as bookkeeper for Penn-York Camp for over eight years. She and her husband owned and operated Smoker Excavating, Inc. Kathy liked to spend her time in her kitchen making food for her family and for people going through a hard time. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and going to the deer park with her grandkids.
Joyce Marie KENYON, nee Lockwood, 65, of Olean, NY
Joyce Marie KENYON, nee Lockwood, 65, of Olean, NY, passed away on April 28, 2025 with family members in Alfred Station, NY after a long illness.
Joyce was born on November 2, 1959, in Cuba, NY. She attended Franklinville School. In 1976, he married Randy W. Kenyon (subsequently divorced), and they had seven children together. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. She spent much of her life as a dedicated nurse and truly loved caring for others. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and quilting, cooking, and crafts, and found joy in family and the blessings in everyday life. Joyce’s life was built upon a foundation of strength, kindness, compassion, and faith. She was a beautiful soul who is remembered for her kindness, grace, and ability to smile through adversity.
Angela M. “Julie” DOUGLAS, 98, of Horseheads, NY
Angela M. “Julie” DOUGLAS, 98, of Horseheads, NY, died Monday, December 16, 2024 in Guthrie Corning Hospital.
Born May 7, 1926, in Galeton, PA, she was the daughter of Antonio and Nancy C. Lollo Messino. She was married to Gordon L. Douglas, who predeceased her on December 24, 1999. A graduate of Galeton High School, she was employed by JC Penney in sales and as a buyer. At Penney’s, she brightened the men’s department with her sparkling personality and sometimes snarky sense of humor.
She was well-respected by her co-workers. Angela lived life enjoying a good laugh with humor and a cheerful disposition, drawing many friends. She had an amazing fashion sense and style. She was always dressed elegantly with a little bit of bling. Her free time was filled with reading, ceramics, and watching soap operas. Family was the center of her life. It was evident how much she loved her children and grandchildren by how much she talked about them.
Arlene S. RISSER, 88, of Ellisburg, PA
Arlene S. RISSER, 88, of Ellisburg, PA, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in her home. Born May 22, 1936, in Conewago Township, Dauphin County, she was the daughter of Sylvan and Martha Shireman Myers. On December 6, 1958, in Cleona Brethren in Christ Church, she married Titus C. Risser, who predeceased her on September 13, 2017.
Arlene and her husband owned and operated a dairy farm in Ellisburg for many years. A graduate of Hershey High School, she earned her nursing degree from Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed as a Registered Nurse by Hewitt Manor in Shinglehouse, Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Wellsville,and Helpmates. Arlene was a member of the Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, Ellisburg Community Club, and the Ulysses Senior Center.
Surviving are: four sons, Kevin (Martha) Risser of Coudersport, Kenneth (Lori) Risser of Ulysses, Fred (Connie) Risser of Andrews Settlement, and David (Nelsa) Risser of Ellisburg; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by five siblings, Florence Whisler, Franklin Myers, Clarence Myers, Herman Myers, and Margaret Ginder.
Friends may call Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 2005 Ellisburg Rd., Genesee, PA, where Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Roy Ward will officiate. ASCDFX
Burial will be in Genesee Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Genesee Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 9, Genesee, PA 16923 or Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 1020 Rag Hill Rd., Genesee, PA 16923. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Potter County Artisan Co-op Up-coming Events and Classes
- The Potter County Artisan Co-op will host the Annual Student Art Show from May 3 – May 17. Stop in to see art created by the local school students from Potter County Schools. To open the event, the Co-op will host a reception and a hands-on creative project for attendees as part of The Remake Learning Days on May 3 from 1-3pm. Treats and crafts available for all during this time to celebrate the beginning of the student art show.
UPMC Expert: Protect the Skin You’re In
Garrett Russell, PA-C
UPMC Wound Care and UPMC General Surgery
Each year, May is recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder to protect our skin and take sun safety seriously. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed annually. The most dangerous type, melanoma, accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. But the good news is that most cases are preventable and highly treatable when caught early.
PennDOT – District 2 News
PennDOT Announces Lane Closure of Route 322 Bridge
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it closed the left (passing) lane of a Route 322 bridge spanning Kishacoquillas Creek and West Railroad Street just east of the Reedsville-Belleville exit in Brown Township, Mifflin County, today.
This closure will allow PennDOT Mifflin County Maintenance forces to repair a fault in the concrete bridge decking, improving the ride quality, maintaining safety, and extending the structure’s service life.
PennDOT expects the lane closure to be in place for approximately three weeks while it completes the approximately 315 feet of concrete deck repair. It urges drivers to exercise caution in the work zone, obey posted speed limits, and always buckle up.
SEVERE THUNDERSTROMS MOVING THROUGH NEW YORK
Severe thunderstorms, associated with strong wind gusts are moving through the state causing power outages across the Finger Lakes and Central New York Regions. Storm damage may prevent utility workers from making repairs quickly.
Widespread power outages exist in the Finger Lakes and Central New York Regions as a result of severe thunderstorms. During power outages, there are steps you can take to keep you, your family, and pets safe. Visit your utility services website for estimated times of restoration.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven for heat.
- Keep generators outside, away from windows.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
- Disconnect appliances to prevent electrical surge.
For more safety tips, go to: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/power-outage
Keep up to date with the latest weather information and forecast at: https://www.weather.gov/bgm/
Use the following links to your electrical distributor to monitor your electrical outages:
Smith Packing, LLC Recalls Sausage and Sliced Meat and Poultry Products Due to Sodium Nitrite Levels in Excess of Regulatory Limit
Smith Packing, LLC, a Utica, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 18,792 pounds of various ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat and poultry products due to sodium nitrite levels that exceed the regulatory limit, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Penn College golfers own the United East
A United East Championship three-peat. Five all-conference players, three of them on the first team. A three-time conference coach of the year. An Elite 20 honoree. The Pennsylvania College of Technology men’s golf team had it all this season.
And over the next week, the college’s men’s lacrosse, baseball and softball teams will be in a position for similar experiences when they step into postseason playoffs — lacrosse on Wednesday and baseball and softball on Friday. Previews will be forthcoming.
Men’s Golf
STRONG TO POTENTIALLY SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT MCKEAN,ELK, CAMERON AND POTTER COUNTIES BETWEEN WARREN COUNTY BETWEEN 530PM AND 7 PM EDT.
STRONG TO POTENTIALLY SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT MCKEAN,
ELK, CAMERON AND POTTER COUNTIES BETWEEN WARREN COUNTY BETWEEN 530
PM AND 7 PM EDT…
At 5 PM EDT. an area of strong thunderstorms extended from near Warren to Tidioute and Franklin, moving east northeast at 40 to
45 mph.
Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail are possible. The Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.
If outdoors, or in campgrounds, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building until this storm passes.
The storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather
Service.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for north central Pennsylvania.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 29 at 3:28 PM EDT until April 29 at 10:00PM EDT
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 29 at 3:28PM EDT until April 29 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
191 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING
AREAS
IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 16 COUNTIES
IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
CAYUGA JEFFERSON LEWIS
OSWEGO
IN WESTERN NEW YORK
ALLEGANY CATTARAUGUS CHAUTAUQUA
ERIE GENESEE LIVINGSTON
MONROE NIAGARA ONTARIO
ORLEANS WAYNE WYOMING
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF AUBURN, BATAVIA, BUFFALO,
CANANDAIGUA, FAIR HAVEN, GENESEO, JAMESTOWN, LOWVILLE, MEDINA,
NEWARK, NIAGARA FALLS, OLEAN, OSWEGO, ROCHESTER, WARSAW,
WATERTOWN, AND WELLSVILLE.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10:00 PM EDT
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 191 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
ALLEGHENY ARMSTRONG BEAVER
BEDFORD BLAIR BRADFORD
BUTLER CAMBRIA CAMERON
CENTRE CLARION CLEARFIELD
CLINTON CRAWFORD ELK
ERIE FAYETTE FOREST
GREENE INDIANA JEFFERSON
LAWRENCE LYCOMING MCKEAN
MERCER POTTER SOMERSET
SULLIVAN TIOGA VENANGO
WARREN WASHINGTON WESTMORELAND
$$
Jack R. Crum, 88, of Aiken
Jack R. Crum, 88, of Aiken, passed away Monday, April 28, 2025, at Olean General Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
