Hal L. Johnson, 67, of Wellsboro, passed away Friday October 25, 2024, in his home surrounded by family. He was born November 25, 1956, in Blossburg to Fred and Frances (Starkweather) Johnson. He attended Wellsboro schools, and on June 2, 2001, married Mary Pam Focht with whom he shared 22 years of marriage. Hal was a maintenance manager for Quality Inn.
Hal was a loving son, brother, father, and husband, with ten grandchildren who he loved very much. He was a quiet man who never sought the spotlight, who’s friendship was deeply valued by many who got to know him.
I’ve done well. Those were some of her last words spoken into the world. Yes, Joyce, you have done well and will be greatly missed. Joyce Yeagle died on October 25, 2024. Joyce loved volunteering, spending time with family and was a fierce bingo player. Lady Luck was often on her side and she loved her trips to the casino.
Born on March 29,1941 in Warren, PA, she was the daughter of the late Grace Park Knapp and Charles Knapp. Joyce worked hard to support her family throughout the years. She worked at Penn Bank, was a teacher’s aide at the Warren County School District and was an administrative assistant at Berenfield Steel Drum. All the while, Joyce could be seen on the sidelines of her three boys sporting events, home and away in her beloved role as mother and cheerleader. She also believed in giving back to her community and was a member of the Glade and Pleasant Township Volunteer Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. She was a trained EMT and a long time volunteer at Warren General Hospital.
Four Pennsylvania College of Technology fall sports teams will step into United East Conference postseason action this week while the wrestling team opens its season.
The men’s soccer team, which posted its first 10-win season since 2013, is seeded sixth going into its home first-round playoff match against 11th-seeded Keystone College on Wednesday. The winner will face third-seeded Cairn University on Saturday in a quarterfinal.
The multi-record-breaking women’s soccer team, which completed the first undefeated regular season in program history, drew a bye into Saturday’s quarterfinals as the second seed and will host the winner of Tuesday’s first-round match between Wilson and Cedar Crest colleges.
The men’s and women’s cross-country teams will run in the conference championships hosted by St. Mary’s (Md.) College on Saturday, where the men’s squad will defend its title.
In addition, the wrestlers, under new head coach Dalton Rohrbaugh, open on Friday and Saturday at the Ithaca College Bombers Invitational.
Preview stories for those teams will be forthcoming.
Remember this week is Halloween the Borough is doing trick or treat on Oct. 31, 2024 from 6-7:30pm we will have Bank St and Rosehill Ave closed to any thru traffic.
In addition to Trick or treat some of our local organizations are also planning events for the same time the advertisements are attached!
Pictured here is David Hauber holding the female Northern Saw-whet Owl after the band was placed
What a Hoot!
Owl Banding at Sizerville State Park
Certified bird bander of 30+ years, David Hauber, his wife, Fay, and his son, Alan, came to Sizerville on Saturday evening hoping to band a Northern Saw-whet Owl. The program started off with a Pennsylvania Owls presentation by park educator, Alyson Rotello, followed by her taking small groups of participants down to the banding area to see the net set up.
Female Northern Saw-whet Owl
Around 9 PM, a female Saw-whet Owl was caught! David and Fay recorded data from the owl including her weight, wing chord length, eye color, age, and gender to assist with research. The owl was then banded and released back into the park.
This program is open to all ages and was attended by 45 participants. This family friendly opportunity will be offered annually during October at Sizerville State Park. Hope to see you there next year!
On 10/01/2024 at 3202 hours BCPD officers received a report of a stolen vehicle from Avenue B in the City of Bradford. Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the reporting party who stated that his truck was stolen and he had both sets of keys. Approximately 2 hours later officers received a phone call from the Cattaraugus County 911 Center who had stated that the New York State Police had located the stolen vehicle and that it was currently on fire on the Olean-Portville Road in Portville, New York. Officers worked with NYSP and Olean Police to identify the persons within the truck from video surveillance.
Through the investigation, BCPD Officers were able to identify those responsible for the theft of the truck, a known male juvenile operator of the truck, along with two co-conspirator passengers, Brandon J. McKinney of Bradford, PA and Kyle L. Nortum of Olean, NY. On 10/14/2024 NYSP arrested Nortum on an arrest warrant and he was remanded to Catt County Jail, awaiting extradition back to PA.
Location Avenue B Bradford, PA 16701
Arrest Date Oct 14, 2024
Incident Type Motor Vehicle Theft Reference ID 2024-10012302
On 10/01/2024 at 3202 hours BCPD officers received a report of a stolen vehicle from Avenue B in the City of Bradford. Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the reporting party who stated that his truck was stolen and he had both sets of keys. Approximately 2 hours later officers received a phone call from the Cattaraugus County 911 Center who had stated that the New York State Police had located the stolen vehicle and that it was currently on fire on the Olean-Portville Road in Portville, New York. Officers worked with NYSP and Olean Police to identify the persons within the truck from video surveillance.
Through the investigation, BCPD Officers were able to identify those responsible for the theft of the truck, a known male juvenile operator of the truck, along with two co-conspirator passengers, Brandon J. McKinney of Bradford, PA and Kyle L. Nortum of Olean, NY. On 10/17/2024 BCPD officers arrested McKinney and he was arraigned on his charges before Judge Todd who set bail at $50,000. Unable to post bail, Brandon was remanded to the McKean County Jail.
Location Avenue B Bradford, PA 16701
Arrest Date Oct 17, 2024 Incident Type Motor Vehicle
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen Ann Kartesz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and matriarch of our family, who left this world on October 25, 2024. Helen was born to Edward and Dona Depto on December 15,1946, and was the eldest of her seven siblings, Paul, Sue, Elda, Randy, Jane, Lisa, and Jay. The love Helen exhibited for her dear siblings was a true testament to her nurturing spirit. Helen lived a life full of love, compassion, and unwavering support for her family. Helen Graduated from Kane area High School and obtained her teaching degree from Kent State University.
Helen married her husband, Andrew Charles Kartesz, on June 17th, 1972. She spent 52 of her 77 years as a devoted wife, always cherishing their lifelong love grounded in partnership, laughter, friendship, and kindness. As a mother, Helen nurtured their two sons, Dr. Andrew Charles Kartesz (Chelesea Leigh Vaughan) and Dr. Kevin Joseph Kartesz (Kara Christine Kartesz), with boundless love, instilling in them the values of respect, faith, hard work, and compassion. Helen took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to her four grandchildren, Chase and Elise Kartesz and Blake and Austin Kartesz. She adored her grandchildren, showering them with affection and creating countless memories that they will cherish forever. Anyone who knew Helen knew that being a grandmother brought Helen unparalleled joy.
Anne Lindquist, 87, passed away Saturday (Oct. 26) in the Lutheran Home at Kane, where she had resided for several years. Born Dec. 16, 1936 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Alf and Doris (Alexis) Benson. On Sept. 7, 1956 in Kane, she married George Lindquist, who preceded her in death.
Anne had worked as a nurses aide at the Lutheran Home at Kane for over 35 years. She was a member of Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and a past member of the Kane VFW.
DAISY winner Barb Bogaczyk, LPN, The Green Home, part of UPMC Senior Communities, is pictured with her award.
Wellsboro, Pa., October 28, 2024 – Barb Bogaczyk, LPN, The Green Home, part of UPMC Senior Communities, was recently recognized as a recipient of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses.
Barb was nominated by a resident who shared:
“No matter how Barb feels, she devotes her time and comes in when she’s asked because it’s important to her. I want her to know how important she is. I hope the time has come for her to be recognized and rewarded for her work. I can set my watch by her and know exactly when she will be getting off the elevator in the morning. She cares so much about the residents. She had family that was sick but was worried about letting down her residents here, so she continues to be the kind loving devoted nurse each and every day.”
On October 27, at 6:02 pm Salamanca and Great Valley Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to 6034 Sullivan Hollow Rd for a camper fire with a propane explosion with two people injured.
Gigi Bush of Wellsboro in Night of the Living Dead, Live!
Hamilton-Gibson Productions offers one more weekend of Night of the Living Dead, Live!, a show that pays homage to George Romero’s classic 1968 film Night of the Living Dead. The play depicts the storyline of the original film, and then takes the audience on a journey through multiple “what-if” scenarios that are both thought provoking and hilarious.
Participants learning about the efficiencies of a modern sawmill.
The Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties officially kicked off its community leadership program with a cohort of 16 local participants. The inaugural session was hosted by the Johnsonburg Community Center and held on September 11th. The session set the stage for an intensive, hands-on leadership development experience designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to foster community growth and collaboration. Participants explored their own personal leadership styles, and those of others. This activity set the foundation for discussions on collaborative leadership and relationship-building. Laura Dimino and Kaitlyn Goode, from The Center for Rural PA, delivered a detailed presentation on the demographic and socioeconomic trends shaping the region. The session provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing local communities, arming participants with data to inform their leadership projects. Lunch was generously sponsored by Creative Concrete. Afternoon activities included teambuilding and a presentation by the Stackpole-Hall Foundation on their recent long-range planning report.
Remember Those Battling Hunger This Season of Giving
(Editor’s note: This is the first in a four-part series of op-eds by Olean Food Pantry board members in preparation for the Season of Giving.)
By Ashley Greeley
Olean Food Pantry board member
As we approach the holiday season, I can’t help but reflect on the deep gratitude so many of us feel during this time of year. For many, it’s a season of joy filled with warmth, family gatherings, festive meals and exchanging gifts.
But for thousands in our communities, this season only serves as a reminder of what they’re missing: food, security and stability. While I feel lucky, my heart aches for those going without.
On Thursday, November 21 at 6:00pm, the Elk County Council on the Arts is thrilled to host Elk County’s own PJ Piccirillo as he brings his extensive research and storytelling prowess to discuss The Indigo Scarf, a historical novel that shines a light on an overlooked part of Pennsylvania’s past.
Piccirillo spent four years meticulously researching the early 19th-century African American pioneer experience in northcentral Pennsylvania to bring authenticity and depth to The Indigo Scarf. This award-winning book is set amid Pennsylvania’s scenic but rugged Cameron, Clinton, and Lycoming counties. It has sparked thoughtful discussion about the slave experience in rural Appalachia and the resilience of African American pioneers following emancipation, alongside the unique struggles of Pennsylvania’s early settlers.
The Elk County Community Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Bennett’s Valley Community Center for kitchen revitalization.Front row: Tom Wagner (ECCF Board President), Jeff Marzella (ECCF Vice-President), Rita Bonfardine, Denise Cuneo (ECCF Board Member and local to Bennett’s Valley), Jessica Barbazzeni, Heather Collins. Back row: Debi Mitchell, Danielle Assalone, Jimmy Allegretto, John Bricen, Chairman, Rick Krulia Sr., Tiffany Boschert (ECCF Executive Director). Missing from photo: Vice Chairman Jeremy Rippey
St. Marys: The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) is pleased to announce the awarding of a $10,000 grant to the Bennett’s Valley Community Center (BVCC) to provide new industrial kitchen supplies at the center. BVCC received the grant from the Elk County Development Fund, an unrestricted fund which is administered by the Community Foundation.
When Bennett’s Valley School closed, Jay Township collaborated to have the school returned to the community with plans to utilize the school building to uplift their community. The decision to open the Bennett’s Valley Community Center in their old school was born. Unfortunately, a few months after the opening of the Community Center devastation hit with flooding of the basement, causing major damage to the entire electrical and heating system. Funding for repairs was now very much needed, in addition to supplying the vacant kitchen, gym, and janitorial supplies to allow for the BVCC to continue to operate.
Court violates own rule, causes confusion days after voting is underway
HARRISBURG – House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) issued the following statement in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s 4-3 ruling on provisional ballots for voters who incorrectly return their mail-in ballots.
“As accurately stated by the Commonwealth Court in two separate opinions earlier this year, the objective of our election code is ‘advanced by ensuring that each qualified elector has the opportunity to vote exactly once in each primary or general election. However, after the Supreme Court’s latest intrusion into the legislature’s sole authority over time, places and manner of elections, it’s clear that the Democrat-controlled Supreme Court wants to provide some voters in our Commonwealth with more than one ‘opportunity to vote,’ increasing the possibility of double voting.”
“This decision, issued just days before the majority of voters will vote in person and after mail-in voting has already started, violates the court’s own pronouncement on Oct. 5 of this year that it ‘will neither impose nor countenance substantial alterations to existing laws and procedures during the pendency of an ongoing election.’ That sound principle, which the court’s own opinion had said was ‘common sense,’ lasted 18 days.
The countdown has begun, its 6 days until the “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere!” Annual Library Dinner Auction Fundraiser! The Auction Committee has a new raffle chance for you to help raise funds for the library: a Pizza Oven Package! Chances are $20 each and the package includes:
ONLY 150 CHANCES WILL BE SOLD! Winner will be drawn at the Annual Library Dinner Auction Fundraiser on November 2 (need not be present to win). Winner must arrange for pick-up of the Pizza Oven Package at the library after November 2, shipping is not available. Must be age 18 or older to enter. SGOC #07377.
If you would like to join us at the Annual Library Dinner Auction Fundraiser tickets and information can be found at swsmithlibrary.org!
Photo provided Members of the Montana-based Kitchen Dwellers are: (from left to right) Max Davies, Torrin Daniels, Joe Funk, and Shawn Swain.
Next Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., the Wellsboro Community Concert Association (WCCA) is presenting a special concert by the Kitchen Dwellers, a breakout progressive bluegrass band, in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. The group will perform a mix of originals and covers.
Their performance is not part of WCCA’s 2024-2025 season concert series. Individual tickets for the Kitchen Dwellers and season combo tickets to see this band and the other four upcoming WCCA concerts can only be made online at wellsborocca.org using a credit card.
