Freya Rose Lopus, 45, of Bradford, PA.
Freya Rose Lopus, 45, of Bradford passed away Oct. 21, 2024, at her home.
She was born May 8, 1979, in Bradford, a daughter of Cheryl R. Lopus and Terry D. Lopus. On Sept. 13, 2008, she married her childhood friend and the love of her life, Jordan Cercone. The couple were married on Prospect Hill in Smethport.
Freya graduated from Bradford High School in June 1997. Following many years of participation in youth softball and the YMCA Barracuda swim team where she set records in the butterfly and individual medley, she went on to earn Varsity Letters at Bradford High School in swimming and cross country. As a member of the outstanding Bradford High girls swim team of the mid- to late 1990s she was a member of accomplished team then referenced as the “Fabulous Freshman Four” and later “Fab Four.” She was a member of the school-record-setting Medley Relay team swimming the butterfly leg as well as the 400 Free Relay team achieving first team All-District for their relay team as well as earning second team All-District for the 100-yard butterfly.
Freya attended Clarion University and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in April 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. As Freya loved to write; she once received an award for her short story entry in Bailey’s Beads.
Karen J. (Karns) Blackwell, age 69, of Morris, PA
Karen J. (Karns) Blackwell, age 69, of Morris, PA, died on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
She was born on April 8, 1955 in Geneva, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph and Rachael (English) Karns and was married to Norman W. Blackwell. Karen was a loving wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed camping, riding horses and doing crafts.
She is survived by her husband: Norman Blackwell of Morris, PA, son: Anthony (Sarah) Blackwell of Montgomery, PA, daughters: Desaray O’Conners and Aliaray Blackwell, both of Morris, PA, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Services will be private and are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
Stuart Joseph Myers, 80, of Hazel Hurst, PA
Stuart Joseph Myers, 80, of Hazel Hurst, passed away Monday (November 25, 2024) at his residence.
He was born September 26, 1944 in Port Allegany, the son of Claude and Winifred (Campbell) Myers. On February 12, 1966, in Hazel Hurst, PA, he married Sally E. Peterson, who died July 10, 2019.
Stuart was a graduate of Smethport High School and worked as a self employed truck driver for his career.
He enjoyed his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, riding his side-by-side, and thoroughly loved his mini Dobermans “Sam” and “Moe”.
Judith A. Rifle, 81, of Emporium, PA
Judith A. Rifle, 81, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Wednesday morning (November 27, 2024). She was born October 4, 1943, in Montpelier, Vermont a daughter of the late Reginald A. and Doris Clark Merrifield. On October 9, 1976, she married William Rifle, who survives. Judy was a nurse’s aide for over 35 years working at Seana-Kean Manor, Guy and Mary Felt Manor and also with the Community Nurses.
Rotary Clubs Deliver Essential Hygiene Supplies to Headstart Students.
Ben Kirsch, Area Governor for Rotary District #7280 and President of the Rotary Club of Bradford, visited a local Headstart classroom this week to deliver much-needed hygiene supplies. The initiative supports Headstart students in Bradford, Eldred, and Port Allegany, thanks to a collaborative effort by the Rotary Clubs of Bradford, Port Allegany, Smethport, and Mt. Jewett.
“The Rotary is incredibly grateful for the many donations from members across the county and the community at large,” said Kirsch. “We also want to thank our partners at Burns & Burns Insurance and CARE for Children for serving as drop-off locations.”
This drive demonstrates Rotary’s commitment to fostering health and well-being in the region, ensuring that students have the resources they need to thrive.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Bradford, including ways to get involved, visit www.Rotary.org or email bfdrotary@gmail.com.
Richard “Dick” Zimmerman, 84, of Russell, PA.
Richard “Dick” Zimmerman, 84, of Russell, PA., died peacefully, Tuesday morning, November 26, 2024, at the John & Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA, following a brief illness and a long and courageous battle with dementia. Dick was born November 16, 1940, in Battle Creek, MI. His family moved to Titusville in 1945. He was the son of Frank Porter and Ethel Mae Vaughan Zimmerman Bennett.
Dick has resided in the Warren area since 1967. He moved here after completing his training as an agent for All State Insurance Company and was then assigned to Sears, Roebuck and Co., Market Steet Plaza, Warren. His next job was at Northwest Savings. He started the final employment of his life at Blair Corporation in 1971, working his way up the ladder from salesman in the clothing store to the Payroll Department to the Vice President of Personnel. He worked for Blair Corp. for 26 years, retiring in 1997, at the age of 57, to pursue his love of hunting.
He was a graduate of Titusville High School Class of 1959.
This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful to still be alive by David Lush:
4 months ago, just after midnight on July 22nd, I had a massive heart attack. It was a “widowmaker” type attack, named so because the odds of surviving one are just 12%. Yesterday I graduated from Cardiac Rehabilitation, so I thought it a good time to send my thanks to everyone who helped me get to this point.
On 7/22, I woke up to my heart doing 220 beats per minute (BPM) with chest pain. But then the pain became this excruciating, burning, crushing sensation, and I knew I was in real trouble. Sue called 911, and the Coudersport ambulance arrived quickly. They gave me oxygen, which immediately lessened the pain. The oxygen likely prevented further damage to my heart.
At the E.R., they worked for 2 hours to get my heart rate and blood pressure under control. This included IV’s, IV medication and then shocking my heart 3 times. At 2:20 a.m., my heart finally converted to a manageable rate. The Dr. was in constant contact with UPMC Susquehanna cardiology for treatment options. The professional care I received saved my life. A heart rate of 220 and BP less than 80 is not sustainable. I was then flown to Williamsport and placed in ICU. The nurses and staff in the ICU were fantastic and I felt the care I received was excellent.
Before Noon on 7/22, I was in cardiac catherization, having 2 stents placed in my upper coronary arteries. I was told that I was lucky to be alive.
After discharge and returning home, I began the very slow process of recovery. First I had UPMC Home Health to monitor my vital signs and provide teaching about my illness. After the 1st month, I started cardiac rehabilitation at UPMC Cole. The RNs, Colleen and Jennifer are superb at what they do, which is helping to strengthen a person’s heart, provide teaching on cardiac heath, nutrition and exercise.
I am also blessed to have great neighbors- Larry and Gary mowed our lawn, which was a big help.
My family provided much love, encouragement and motivation during this trial. My sincere thanks to everyone who prayed for me and continue to pray for ongoing recovery.
So again, thank you to Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance, UPMC Cole’s Emergency Dept., Cardiac Rehabilitation, and visiting nurses, UPMC Susquehanna, my neighbors, family, and friends.
Also, Thanks to God, for keeping me alive. For what reason or purpose,
I think only God knows.
Winter Weater Advisory
WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service State College PA 344 AM EST Thu Nov 28 2024 PAZ006-037-041-042-281900- /O.CON.KCTP.WW.Y.0016.000000T0000Z-241128T1900Z/ Potter-Tioga-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan- Including the cities of Wellsboro, Coudersport, Trout Run, Mansfield, and Laporte 344 AM EST Thu Nov 28 2024 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Wet snow. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches. * WHERE...Northern Lycoming, Potter, Sullivan, and Tioga counties. * WHEN...Until 2 PM EST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Locally up to 5 inches will be possible at elevations higher than 2000 feet above sea level. The heaviest snow will fall through 10 AM EST. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
POTTER COUNTY FARMERS MARKET SCHEDULE REMINDER
* NO MARKET ON NOVEMBER 30. This is the Small Town Christmas celebration in Coudersport. Many of our vendors will be throughout the town
* December 7, 14, 21 Saturday 10 to 2 pm at the Riley Center
* Beginning in January 2025 the Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May 2025. January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5
* May the market will again be on the squareHappy Thanksgiving everyone! See you at the Market!
Hamilton-Gibson Productions Offers a Full Weekend of Holiday Entertainment with Wellsborort’s 40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas
Hamilton-Gibson Productions offers a full weekend of holiday entertainment in celebration of Wellsboro’s 40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas. The festivities begin with the Dickens of a Concert on Friday, December 6 at 7:30pm. This night of music will feature HG’s two children’s choirs and musical guests including singer Jessica Strause of Elmira, NY, and organist Marian Miller of Wellsboro.
Walter M. Makin, 87, of Bradford
Walter M. Makin, 87, of Bradford, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at UPMC Hamot, Erie. He was born on December 20, 1936 in Colver, a son of the late Merritt and Flora Burt Makin. He attended Colver area schools and the Jamestown Community College.
The William and L.R. Gale Community Foundation 2024 Grant Recipient Announcement
The William and L.R. Gale Community Foundation a/k/a Galeton Foundation provides grants to community organizations located in the Galeton borough and surrounding area and scholarships to every graduating senior of the Galeton Area High School who applies. The Galeton Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of their 2024 grants. The Administrative Board and Advisory Committee reviewed all submitted applications and decided to support six Galeton area not-for-profit organizations with $32,000 in funding. These one-time grants will help the community in many areas including education, community protection, and the historical preservation of Galeton. Listed below are the chosen organizations and projects these monies will support.
LAKE EFFECT SNOW EXPECTED FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY
Heavy snow will begin in areas off Lakes Erie and Ontario beginning this Friday (11/29) and continuing throughout the weekend:
- 2 to 3 feet of snowfall is forecast, with higher localized amounts of 4 to 5 feet expected in the Tug Hill Plateau area.
- Snowfall rates of up to 4 inches per hour are expected at times.
- Visibility will be drastically reduced with near whiteout conditions and traveling becoming dangerous.
- Winds gusts 30 to 35 mph are expected which may knock down trees and power lines.