Richard W. “Dick” Russell, Sr., 88, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, PA.
Richard W. Russell, Sr. “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”
Richard W. “Dick” Russell, Sr., 88, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly in his home with his loving wife by his side on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Born on Tuesday, August 25, 1936 in Shinglehouse, he was a son of William H. and Dorothy White Russell. On August 18, 1956 in the Coudersport Free Methodist Church, he married Violet Wykoff, who survives.
Dick attended school in Inez and also attended Coudersport High School. He was employed as a mechanic for PennDOT for over 30 years. He had also in his younger years been employed as a milkman at Mason’s Creamery in Coudersport and also had been employed at the Damascus Tannery in Coudersport. He served on the Homer Cemetery Association board.
Dick was a member of AFSCME Council 13 where he had served as president. He was also a member of Arcana Lodge #580 F. & A.M. in Austin and was a member of the Coudersport Consistory. In his younger years, Dick enjoyed hunting. He loved mowing his lawn and taking bus trips with his wife. He enjoyed playing baseball and teaching his grandchildren the art of playing baseball.
Brian D. Wolff, 57
Brian D. Wolff, 57, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Penn Highlands DuBois following a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife; Mary, his mother; Darlene Wolff, a sister; Jamie Gillen, and his step-brother; Blake Tromanhauser, as well as by several aunts and uncles, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother; Jerry Wolff, his aunt: Pat Wolff, and by his grandparents.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Diabetes Research Foundation or Cancer Research Foundation of your choice.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Stephen Clifford Kratts, 74, of the Wellsville Manor Hills, and a former Cuba resident
Stephen Clifford Kratts: United States Navy
Stephen Clifford Kratts, 74, of the Wellsville Manor Hills, and a former Cuba resident passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Born on December 12, 1950, in Cuba, he was the son of Clifford Lewis Kratts and Rosanne Wilson Rogers.
Steve grew up in Cuba, New York and graduated from Cuba Central School in 1970. While in high school he joined the United States Navy inactive reserve and went active duty on July 13, 1970 and was honorably discharged on October 26, 1986.
After recruit training, he was assigned to the USS Epperson serving in Pearl Harbor for two Pacific Cruises with an eleven-month service in the waters of Vietnam, in which he helped supply Naval Gunfire Support and Currier Escort Services. He also served in Keflavic Iceland and the Persian Gulf during the Iran Hostage Crisis.
Larry A. Huber, 85, of Ridgway, PA
Larry A. Huber, 85, of Ridgway, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his residence following a lengthy illness.
He was born on October 23, 1939, in Ridgway, the son of the late Alvin and Ruth Cousins Huber.
On February 20, 1965, he married Joyce Luchs, who survives.
Larry was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and a graduate of Ridgway High School. After graduation he joined the U.S Navy. After his military service, he made significant contributions to Ridgway through his work with the Ridgway Boro, Ridgway Township Water Authority. For over 35 years, Larry also owned and operated Huber Monuments, where he took great pride in creating lasting tributes for families within the community.
David E. Garner, 77, of 154 Terrace Road, St. Marys, PA
David E. Garner, 77, of 154 Terrace Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Hershey Medical Center with his family by his side.
He was born February 11, 1948 in St. Marys, son of the late Lawrence and Evelyn Daniels Garner. He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, and a former employee of Sylvania, where he was a mechanic and took great pride in his work.
Cold Weather Advisory issued February 17 until February 18 at 10:00 AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…For the Wind Advisory, west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph. For the Cold Weather Advisory, bitterly cold wind
chills as low as 20 below zero expected.
* WHERE…Erie, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties.
* WHEN…For the Wind Advisory, until 6 PM EST this evening. For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Bitterly cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero will cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON……COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST TUESDAY
Warren-McKean-Potter-Elk-Cameron-Northern Clinton-Southern Centre-Southern Clinton- Including the cities of Lock Haven, Ridgway, Warren, Coudersport,
Bradford, St. Marys, Emporium, State College, and Renovo 9:31 AM EST Mon Feb 17 2025
* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, west winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 17 below expected.
* WHERE...Cameron, Elk, McKean, Northern Clinton, Potter, Southern Centre, Southern Clinton, and Warren Counties.
* WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until 4 PM EST this afternoon. For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a hig profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Democrats Donate to Cuba Food Pantry
Belmont, NY – The Allegany County Democrats collected 20 bags/boxes of non-perishable food and personal care items when they met recently in West Clarksville. The goods were donated to the food pantry operated by the Cuba Council of Churches: Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic Church, Christ Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church, Cuba Methodist Church, and North Park Wesleyan Church. This service project is one of the ways the Democratic Committee lives its motto: “Serving our Community”.
“The Cuba community never ceases to provide and amaze me,” states Claudia Little, Food Pantry Director. “When a need arises, they provide for their neighbors. The Cuba-Rushford school district is so blessed to have the support of so many. Cuba Council of Churches Food Pantry is ready to meet the needs of those facing difficult times: offering food and gas vouchers for medical trips or job interviews, and lodging in emergency situations. The Holiday Assistance program allows many families to enjoy a happier holiday season.”
Sally A. Hanchett, 90, of Belmont, NY
Sally A. Hanchett, 90, of Belmont, NY, died Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Wellsville. Born February 21, 1934, in Buffalo, she was the daughter of the late Reginald and Frances (McGill) Barker. On September 4, 1953, in Angelica, she married Edward G. Hanchett, who predeceased her June 27, 2014.
Sally was a 1952 graduate of Angelica High School. She was employed as an Abstractor for Allegany Abstract in Belmont, and with her husband, she owned and operated Hanchett’s Sundae Drive in Belmont. She was the Amity Town Clerk and Tax Collector for many years, served as president of the Belmont Central School Board, was a former EMT and member of the Amity Rescue Squad, and she was a member of the Belmont United Methodist Church.
Shaun E. Beldin, 50, of Emporium, PA
Shaun E. Beldin, 50, of Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA on Friday morning (February 14, 2025) with his loving wife and family by his side.
He was born May 28, 1974 in Ridgway, PA a son of Edward “Butch” Beldin, Emporium and Cheryl Thiel Grimm, Emporium. On August 1, 1998 in Emporium he married Amber Buerk, who survives.
Letter To The Editor From Joshua Johnston
To the Editor:
As Congress considers H.R. 899, which would terminate the Department of Education (ED), rural communities face catastrophic losses. According to recently released data, New York alone would lose $5.5 billion annually ($3.2 billion state/$2.3 billion local), forcing property tax hikes—already rural residents’ heaviest burden—to fund schools.
We would also lose Federal programs like the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), which directly supports underfunded rural districts without raising local taxes. REAP lets local leaders upgrade infrastructure, retain teachers, and expand career training—preserving community control. Thousands of rural schools depend on these funds to avoid program cuts.
This isn’t bureaucracy—it’s fiscal responsibility.
Eliminating Career/Tech Education grants would cripple programs training welders, nurses, and agricultural technicians through partnerships with employers like CABOCES. These initiatives reduce post-graduation social support reliance while strengthening local economies.
Dismantling the ED also threatens Pell Grants for workforce-bound students, school meal programs (shifting costs to states), and protections for disabled children—our most vulnerable. New Yorkers in both parties must ardently defend these lifelines or yield to those who will.
Rural schools anchor communities and economies. Without federal support, towns face grim choices: slash children’s programs or deepen family financial strains. Preserving the ED maintains local decision-making, prevents tax increases, and upholds the rural ideals of opportunity and self-sufficiency. Those who won’t fight for these principles on either side of the aisle don’t deserve rural America’s trust.
Joshua Johnston
Wellsville, NY
Coudersport 4th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser – March 15th
Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Coudersport Area School District’s Scholarship Fundraiser to be held on Saturday, March 15! The Fundraiser will be held again this year at the Coudersport American Legion Post 192 with the doors opening at 4:00 PM.
This event has become a very popular mid-winter blues buster with a terrific fun night full of good music, food, friends, drink, raffles and auction items all of which goes to benefit students from Coudersport Area School District. The public is invited to come early just to take a chance on the many raffle items available or come and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by Eddies on Main while hearing the music of local teacher and guitarist Dana Daisley. This well attended gathering has gained a reputation for a great night to break up the winter doldrums. The Coudersport High School National Honor Society offers childcare for this event for a donation of the patron’s choosing so that parents can enjoy the night out while their children are involved in some fun activities with their friends at the high school.
This event is sponsored through a partnership between district personnel and our local PTSA and provides community members with several opportunities to participate in providing scholarship funds to our students. Community members are invited to donate their time and/or items for basket raffles or auctions as well as items for the dessert bar bake sale.
Tickets for the full event including the delicious buffet food offerings from Eddies on Main are being sold at $30 per person and $50 for a couple. Tickets can be purchased at the school district front offices and the business office.
Donations of raffle, auction and baked items are very much appreciated and currently are being accepted by contacting the school’s business office at 274-0509. Come join the fun on March 15th and help our students!
Foxes Dominate Harvest at Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap
Johnsonburg, Pa.: More foxes continue to come in to Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap. Josh Bizzak started off Saturday’s weigh-in with two foxes he had harvested in the wee hours of Saturday. On his first stand Saturday morning at 12:30 a.m., Josh harvested a 10.4# male red fox on private lands in Elk County. Josh was using an electronic call and hunts with a .17 caliber rifle.
On Josh’s sixth stand of the morning at 5:30 a.m., Josh had just set up and ‘squeaked in’ a female red fox weighing 9.0#. This was also on private lands in Elk County.
Josh stated, “It was a good night to be out hunting. The moon was full and bright, but a light cloud cover moved in and it was perfect for hunting.”
Steve Krug contributed to the successful hunter list to date by bringing in an 8.6# female gray fox from private lands in Elk County. Steve also shoots a .17 caliber rifle, and was using a Primos electronic call. Steve harvested the gray fox at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning.
Hunters are reminded that if they choose to participate during the third weekend of this three-weekend hunt or trap, they must have their registration postmarked by Thursday, 2/20.
Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day. Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
Bradford Man Pleads Guilty To Rape Of A Child
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Bradford man charged with raping a child over a several year period has pled guilty in a plea hearing before the Judge on February 13th.
Andrew SILSBY of Bradford pled guilty to Rape of a Child and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse for numerous incidents of sex assault against a minor child from 2016 to 2024 including intercourse with the victim 20 times when the child was between the ages of 10 and 15 and oral sex 15 times during that time period. The District Attorney’s Office gave notice of its intention to seek the higher sentence permitted for under a special provision in the law for offenders who commit sex crimes against children.
SILSBY will be required to be assessed by the Sex Offender Assessment Board as required by Pennsylvania law for anyone convicted of a sex offense to determine if he meets the definition of a sexually violent predator. That assessment must be received by the District Attorney’s Office prior to sentencing. Sentencing was scheduled for May.
CONVICTED FELON SENTENCED FOR GUN VIOLATION
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a New York man has been sentenced to state prison for a firearms violation. Ronald BILLINSGLEY was sentenced to 50 months to 108 months in state prison after a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on January 30th.
The charges were filed after Bradford City Police responded to a disturbance involving BILLINGSLEY at an apartment building in Bradford.
BILLINGSLEY pled guilty to Possessing a Firearm Without a License to Carry – Felony 3 and Simple Assault (against an inmate at the McKean County Jail). The Firearms’ charge carried an enhanced penalty due to the firearm being loaded or having ammunition available. BILLINGSLEY, a convicted felon, was not permitted to possess a firearm under Pennsylvania law.
