Mark G. Willcox, 65, of Port Allegany, passed away Wednesday (March 19, 2025) at Buffalo General Medical Center, Buffalo, NY.
He was born June 3, 1959 in Port Allegany, the son of Alan and Genevieve Willcox. He was married to Margaret Kochel who preceded him in death.
Mr. Willcox was a laborer, employed by Pittsburg Corning Corporation in Port Allegany.
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) recently met with three registered nurses who are completing their bachelor’s degrees in nursing at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. As the students prepare to graduate on May 4, they shared their capstone projects with Causer, focusing on the need for improved access to emergency medical services, mental health services, and labor and delivery services. Pictured, from left, are Causer; RNs Olivia Reese, Ashlyn Avenali and Mia VanScoter; and Dr. Jean Truman, director of Nursing.
Anita L. McDowell, 87, of Crosby, passed away Thursday (March 20, 2025) at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
She was born December 28, 1937 in Farmers Valley, the daughter of Walter and Violet (Hibbard) Russell. On January 29, 1955, in Farmers Valley, she married James R. McDowell, who died February 22, 2024.
Anita attended Smethport schools and was employed at the former Smethport Diner as a cook for a period of time and then for Backus Company of Smethport, retiring in 2000 after 36 years of employment.
Anita loved family get-togethers where she could cook for the holidays, host summer picnics, and celebrate birthdays. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She loved attending as many sporting events, concerts, and school activities as possible. She became a “Grandma” to all the kids that she touched with her smile, kindness, and support. Anita was known for knitting the most beautiful baby sweaters and toddler zip-ups with pictures on the back. She also donated many mittens and hats. You could always find her in her chair knitting while watching her favorite game shows, rooting for her Pittsburgh Pirates and beloved Buffalo Bills. Anita and Jimmy attended several NASCAR races in Dover, DE and Charlotte, NC. They also traveled to Wheeling, WV to see country music entertainers and embarked on a family cruise to the Caribbean in 2009. Anita also traveled with her sisters to San Francisco and New England. She had a full life, loved being with people, and will be missed by many.
Misinformation
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
Our world abounds with misinformation. I’m unsure how we’ve arrived at this place, but we have. Perhaps it’s nothing new, but we find it in every venue. Personally, I don’t know what or who to trust anymore. Distortions, half-truths, deception, and even out-and-out lies seem to be a normal part of life.
Whatever happened to simple, objective information? Must it be slanted with one’s own individual bias? Because I tend to read several different news sources, I try to arrive at a conclusion based on a preponderance of evidence, but even then, I’m not totally sure of what to believe. Sometimes, I wonder if we’re more interested in what will sell than what is true. Personal agenda is much alive today, but I guess that isn’t new.
Misinformation is as old as Adam and Eve. If you’re familiar with that story, you know that Satan tricked Eve with misinformation. He twisted what God had said to confuse and otherwise trick Eve into disobeying God’s command. That’s all we must do: bend the truth just a bit to get someone off course. In navigation, a simple change of direction by one degree will cause one to miss their destination by miles. Yet misinformation and half-truths abound.
Do you suppose some do it because they believe themselves right? Is it about power and control? Or is it possible that some believe what they are doing and saying? I certainly have met people who have told the lies so often that they believe them themselves. Even with tangible proof, they continue to stand on falsehood. I believe that the problem is found in the fallen nature of man. Simply put, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Since Adam and Eve, we have passed on a nature that is in every man and woman. Lying, cheating, and dishonesty are at the heart of every person; you must choose not to. You must choose a path of honor and integrity. Think about it.
Roulette Township Meeting March 20th @4:30pm
UNPAID BILLS
BALANCE SHEET
PUBLIC HEARD:
ROAD MASTER REPORT:
SEWER REPORT:
FIRE & AMBULANCE CALLS & STATISTICS
OLD BUSINESS:
1) Marco quotes tables from last meeting
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Resolution 06-2025 Add Brian Drabert as Signer at C & N Bank
2) Hire temporary summer help
3) Rent/purchase hot box & Roller
4) To Fill A Back Packpermission to have vendor Fair weekend of Fireworks – July 19th 9 am – 7 pm
5) Cody Lentz terminate contract
6) Defining call-out time
COMMUNICATIONS
1) ERB Monthly Report
NEXT MEETING 4/10/2025 16:30
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the contractor for a bridge replacement project impacting a Route 4025 (Brizzee Hollow Road) bridge spanning Brizzie Hollow Run near Oswayo will begin Monday, March 24. Replacing it will remove a 17-ton weight limitation for single vehicles and a 24-ton limitation for combination vehicles while improving the overall condition rating from poor to good.
Starting Monday, the contractor will begin installing erosion and sedimentation control measures and setting up traffic control signage within the work zone. PennDOT does not expect this work to impact traffic as it will take place off the roadway.
Starting Monday, April 14, the contractor will close the bridge and implement a detour using Route 244 (Main Street/Oswayo Road) and Route 4023 (Eleven Mile Road). This detour will remain in place for the duration of the project.
Overall work on the project consists of demolishing the existing bridge, building its replacement, paving, guide rail installation, and miscellaneous construction. Twin Tiers Constructors, LLC. of Buffalo, NY, is the contractor on this $1.2 million project. PennDOT anticipates them completing the project in late August. All work is weather-dependent.
WARREN – For nearly a year, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) has been taking part in a research-based, grant-funded project featuring 14 rural institutions of higher education across the United States called the Rural College Design and Data Academy. The organization conducting the project, called Education Design Lab, is based out of Washington D.C. and in 12 years has worked with over 1,200 colleges and organizations and over 1,000 employers to help in education programs and pathways development that better serve students for the future. These institutions, including NPRC, are learning and applying human-centered design processes to create offerings and pilots that address the unique needs of rural communities
Education Design Lab and NPRC have been working side-by-side to unveil a group of initiatives focusing on how to better serve community members and students in our shared locations in Emporium and Kane. The goal of the venture is to create equitable and career-driven pathways to economic agility for rural learners. Ultimately, NPRC is hopeful to bring more relevant programming, community collaboration, and overall opportunities into these new spaces to advance the College’s mission of providing affordable and accessible education in NPRC’s 10-county service area.
As the days grow longer, many of us take the opportunity to refresh our homes with a good spring cleaning. Just like clearing out clutter and dust, spring is the perfect time to reassess our wellness routines and make positive changes that can last all year. The following tips are essential to refresh your health and setting yourself up for a season of wellness.
Refresh Your Diet
A new season means that many fruits and vegetables will be at their prime for your advantage. Visit local farmers’ markets or pay attention to special grocery store selections to incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into your meals. Leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health.
Get Moving Outdoors
Celebrate the longer daylight hours and warmer weather by getting active outside. Whether it’s a walk after dinner, gardening, or a weekend hike, find enjoyable ways to move your body. Exercise not only helps with weight management but also reduces stress and boosts your mood.
20 Years of Learning about Deer and Hunters in the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative
Thursday, April 3 is the last day to register for the April 10 Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum on Deer and Hunters in the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative. John Dzemyan, Leader of the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC), will highlight results of the past 20 years. This Forum will be of value to anybody interested in management of forested landscapes. Social hour starts at 4:30 p.m. with dinner at 5:30 p.m.
John Dzemyan is a well-known naturalist and woodsman in North Central Pennsylvania, and is beloved for his interesting presentations on natural events. John currently serves as the Coordinator for the KQDC, is an avid deer hunter, and a former Game Warden, Laborer, and Lands Manager with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. John worked in Cameron, Elk, and McKean Counties for over 40 years. John first joined the KQDC Leadership team over 20 years ago. His insights to deer management will entertain attendees and enhance the information learned over the last 20-plus years on the KQDC.
Need an activity while visiting the area? Potter County Artisan Co-op can arrange a private group class for you and your friends at your convenience. Just call ahead or message us on Facebook.
To register for these classes or events, please call the Potter County Artisan Co-op on 814-274-8165. The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street. The co-op’s winter hours are Monday through Friday 12 to 4:00 pm and Saturday 9-5pm.
Events and classes are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Elk County Council on the Arts, state agencies funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A Celebration of Life for Geraldine (Gerri) Miller will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 1:00 pm at the Riverside United Methodist Church, 30 River Street in Roulette PA. Please come and honor Gerri’s life by sharing your memories during this fellowship of friends and family. Dinner will served in the church social room after the service.
On Monday, March 17th, the Coudersport Area Lions Club hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party for the delightful residents of Cole Manor. Fun games, good food, and great company made for a festive afternoon for all! The Coudersport Area Lions Club meets the first Monday of each month at 3:00 PM in the Ambulance Hall located at 122 E 2nd Street. The Lions Club is a volunteer organization that supports our local community through service projects. If you are interested in finding out more about the Lions, please feel free to join us at one of our meetings, or call 814-203-3664.
More Pictures Below
The Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund, established in 2019 by Connie and Harold “Sandy” Wolfinger, recently awarded $5,148 in grants to local school districts to support special projects and educational enrichment programs.
The Smethport Area School District received $1,000: $500 each for the Smethport DECA Field Trip Fund and the PA Elk Restoration Unit and Wildlife Comparative Anatomy & Classification.
The DECA Field Trip Fund allowed Smethport students to travel to the Pennsylvania State Career Development Conference in Hershey, PA. These students were awarded the opportunity to compete among 3,500 students and grow in their chosen areas of business, entrepreneurship and hospitality.
Larry L. Saar, 83, of Bradford, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family and little dog, Penny.
He was born on October 17, 1941 in Bradford, a son of the late James and Frances Ward Saar.
He was a 1960 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
On October 31, 1964 in the West Branch United Methodist Church; he married Kathleen Clark who survives.
Nina J. Neel
Nina J. Neel, 99, of Warren, PA went to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, March 16, 2025, in the Warren Manor.
She was born in Dayton, PA on September 16, 1925, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mildred (Cochran) Bish.
Donna K. Matheson, 87, of Ridgway, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Christ the King Manor following a lengthy illness.
She was born on June 10, 1937, in Ridgway, the daughter of late Sherwood T. and Ethel H. Holm Matheson.
Donna was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and a proud and faithful member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Donna dedicated many years of her career to the printing department at Stackpole, and later became the tax collector for the Ridgway Borough. A lover of simple pleasures, Donna cherished her daily routines of savoring coffee, nurturing her garden, and decorating.
A SENIOR EXPO AND POTTER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER’S COUNTY WIDE GET-TOGETHER will be held at the Coudersport Arboretum located at 201 S West Street, Coudersport, on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. In the event of rain, the event will be held at the Gunzburger County Office Building gymnasium located at 1 North Main Street, Coudersport. Enter at the rear of the building.
The SENIOR EXPO is sponsored by the Coudersport Arboretum Association and in collaboration with Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging. The Potter County Senior Center’s County Wide Get-together will again join the Senior Expo. Participants from the Coudersport, Galeton, Ulysses and Oswayo Valley Senior Centers will attend to visit the vendor displays, enjoy morning refreshments, a hot dog lunch and participate in games and activities.
