Causer, Dush Announce Funding for Area Water, Wastewater Projects
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) today announced more than $19 million in low-interest loans for two infrastructure projects in McKean County.
The Bradford City Water Authority will receive a $4.1 million loan to support replacing all existing water meters with new meters capable of remote data transmission. The change is expected to save the authority approximately $150,000 in operational costs each year.
Pennsylvania American Water Company will receive a $15.2 million loan to address issues at the Kinzua Road wastewater treatment plant. Most of the equipment at the plant, which was built in the 1990s, is at the end of its useful life, resulting in effluent exceedance levels at the plant.
“Efficient, effective and environmentally sound water and wastewater treatment systems are important to the health and safety of our residents,” Causer said. “I support investments like these in our infrastructure systems to improve quality of life in our communities.”
McKEAN COUNTY WINTER FARMER’S MEETING
The McKean County Conservation District is partnering with Penn State Extension, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency to offer a Winter Farmer’s Meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2025 at the Veteran’s Memorial, on Route 155 in Port Allegany from 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
The program will offer 2 core and 2 category pesticide credits (01-Agronomic Crops 2, 18-Demonstration and Research 2). The agenda includes Agency Updates from NRCS & FSA, Cover Crops for Forage Production, Management of Problem Weeds/Herbicide Regulation and Stewardship Updates, CHEMSWEEP and 2024 Disease Year in Review and updates on the McKean County Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program.
Registration is free, which includes lunch. Please register by February 14, 2025 by calling the District at 814-887-4017. The first 25 registrants will receive a free-soil test kit.
Financial support for this project is provided by the PA Association of Conservation Districts through a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Magdaline Prodromou Fanaritis, 98, of Warren, PA
Magdaline Prodromou Fanaritis, 98, of Warren, PA., died peacefully, Monday afternoon, January 20, 2025, with her family at her bedside.
She was born April 26, 1926, in Philadelphia, PA. Magda was the daughter of Prodromus and Maria Korakides Prodromou. She has resided in Warren, PA., since 1947.
Bradford Hospital Foundation Coordinating 50/50 Raffle to Support BRMC Cancer Care
Bradford, PA – The Bradford Hospital Foundation (BHF) is currently coordinating a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds benefiting cancer care services at Bradford Regional Medical Center, a Kaleida Health facility. Come together as a community to support lifesaving cancer care services, and have a chance to win big.
Tickets are available at Heartstrings Gift Shop, located in the main lobby at BRMC, or directly from the BHF office. Tickets are $5 for 10 chances to win and the winner will be drawn on Friday, February 7.
BRMC with the support of The Bradford Hospital Foundation, is committed to providing continued access to critical services, like cancer care, in the community to keep care close to home. If you would to make a difference in local health care, please visit www.brmc-ogh.org/foundations/brmc/ to donate.
Cameron County Fair Queen Heading To Hershey PA
Good Luck to our Fair Queen, Skylar Stevens, as she heads to Hershey today to begin the PA Fair Queen competition. Keep watching this page and the Cameron County Fair Queen page for updates throughout the week!
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Winter Lumber Camp January 25th
January 25–Winter in the Lumber Camp: Outdoor fun in the snow with sledding, snowmen, and snow art activities. Try your hand at cross-country skis and snowshoes with the help of equipment provided by PA DCNR and volunteer instructors. Hot beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.
The Frank Varischetti Foundation Supports Dickinson’s Building Campaign
The Frank Varischetti Foundation recently made a significant contribution to Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), an affiliate of Journey Health System, by presenting a check in support of the “Building for Tomorrow” capital campaign. This generous donation plays a pivotal role in helping DCI reach its ambitious $1.5 million goal, alongside the support from local businesses, organizations and individual community members.
“Dickinson Center, Inc. provides such important resources to the area, and we are proud to support this endeavor,” said Barbara Varischetti, president of The Frank Varischetti Foundation. “The Frank Varischetti Foundation is built on the philosophy of enhancing the quality of life for area residents, which aligns perfectly with Dickinson Center’s mission to serve St. Marys and bring transformative change to the community.”
As a nonprofit organization, Dickinson Center expresses profound gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support. Thanks to these contributions, the new St. Marys facility will ensure that over 1,200 children and adults will continue to receive high-quality behavioral health services each year. This facility will enhance the organization’s capacity to meet the growing demand for crucial mental health services in the region.
Gary C. Lewis, 75
Gary C. Lewis, born November 13, 1949 in the Bronx, NY to Kenneth Lewis and Rita Thurley Lewis, passed away on January 19, 2025.
On February 21, 1987 he married Susan Bayzik, who survives. They have two children together, Nicholas and Colleen (Zach).
Gary also has two daughters from his first marriage; Heather (Eric) and Michelle, as well as three grandchildren, Casey, Morgan and Briddie.
Also surviving are his beloved sister, Diane as well as many nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents; he was also preceded in death by one brother, Bobby and one sister, Helen Jean.
A proud Marine veteran, Gary enjoyed fishing, grilling in the state park, amateur radio and catching a baseball game. He also had a deep love of listening to music; especially rock music.
Gary always took the time to greet others with a friendly hello and he practiced small gestures of kindness in his daily life.
A family celebration of life will be held in his honor at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.
Optimism abounds for Penn College archers
With a roster that includes a three-time All-East Team honoree among four key returnees and a program-record 25 freshmen loaded with talent, Pennsylvania College of Technology archery coach Dustin Bartron has plenty of reason for optimism.
The Wildcats are scheduled to open their season on Saturday at the Easton Collegiate Tournament in Manheim.
“It’s great and refreshing to have students that want to be involved again!” Bartron said of the turnout for his fifth edition.
“Practices have been going well, very productive. We have the largest number of student-athletes (30) since I have started coaching in the range every day, working hard. These athletes have made a commitment to the school, team and themselves. Their hard work, along with endless hours of studying, training, practicing and working on equipment, prove this commitment,” the coach said.
DA PROVIDES COMMUNITY REPORT ON COUNTY’S MEDICATION DROP BOXES
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer provided the community report for the medication drop boxes that were collected and weighed at the recent pickup. Boxes located at the City of Bradford Police Department, Kane Borough Police Department and Sheriff’s Department (located inside the jail) were collected on January 7, 2025 by the County Detectives.
The respective weights of medication collected from the boxes based on location was as follow: Bradford City: 85.5 lbs; Kane Borough: 13.0 lbs; Sheriff’s Office: 15 lbs for a total of 113.5 lbs. Other boxes are available at the Bradford Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run Barracks. The County Detectives with the District Attorney’s Office collect the medication from the county’s boxes and they are collected by members of the National Guard and Attorney General’s Office for destruction. The boxes are important because it allows everyone to get rid of their unused medication to keep it out of the hands of those other than to those for whom it was prescribed. Before the installation of the boxes, we had to wait for annual drop off days.
But unused medication getting in the hands of others is often seen as one avenue that leads to drug abuse so the constant availability of the boxes is very beneficial. The boxes were sponsored by the District Attorney’s Association and PA American Water Company. If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call the McKean County Drug Task Force at (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
Smethport–Donald J. Russell, 89, of Moody Hollow, Eldred, PA
Smethport–Donald J. Russell, 89, of Moody Hollow, Eldred, PA, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 surrounded by his family.
He was born May 10, 1935, in Turtlepoint, PA. He was the son of Frank and Martha Gross Russell. On June 11, 1955, in Coryville he married the former Carolyn Milliron, who survives.
