William “Willie” Van Zanten, 74, St. Marys, PA
In loving memory of William “Willie” Van Zanten, who passed away on April 14, 2024, at the age of 74.
William, known as “Willie”, was born on November 2, 1948, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to his beloved parents Paul Van Zanten and Dorothy Horstman Van Zanten.
After losing his father at the age of thirteen, his formative years were spent in Mooseheart, Illinois, where he attended Mooseheart High School, graduating in 1966. At Mooseheart, Willie worked at a dairy farm where Dell Klussendorf, mentored him and he discovered a passion for the trade. After graduation, he worked at a dairy farm in Brookville, Pennsylvania. Later, he found his place as a laborer in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, where he established his home and community ties.
Willie had a passion for bluegrass music, spending countless hours enjoying its melodies. He found solace and joy in nature, often retreating to his camp and embarking on memorable travels.
He is survived by brothers: Robert, Jack, and Warren Van Zanten; a sister, Jeanette Van Zanten-Stump; a sister-in-law, and friend, Dottie Spohn-Van Zanten.
In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Thomas and brother, Paul Van Zanten.
At Willie’s request, there will be no service.
Rest in peace, Willie.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com
Carl L. Smith, 96, of Wellsboro, PA
Carl L. Smith, 96, of Wellsboro, passed away Friday April 26, 2024, at Carleton Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born May 25, 1927, in Montoursville, PA to Kenneth E. and Myrtle (Turk) Smith.
After graduating from high school, he was enlisted in the US Army and served in WWII. On August 19, 1950 he married Dorothy Krause with whom he shared 73 years of marriage. Carl was a dairy farmer, the owner and operator of Smith Piano and Organs, Smith’s RVs and the local Radio Shack for forty-five+ years. He was a member of the Coolidge Hollow Community (United Methodist) Church, Ossea Lodge #317 F&AM of Wellsboro and the Coudersport Consistory.
Carl is survived by his wife: Dorothy K. Smith of Wellsboro; a son: Thomas (Sandy) Smith of Wellsboro; a daughter: Judy (Ed) Smithgall of Wellsboro; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law: Vivian Roby of Wellsboro. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Donald Smith.
Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Carl’s life from 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Wednesday May 1, 2024, at the Coolidge Hollow Community Church with a memorial service to follow in church at 5:30 pm. Burial will be in the Shumway Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carl’s memory may be made to the Coolidge Hollow Community Church at 5926 Route 287, Wellsboro, PA 16901. To share a memory or condolence with Carl’s family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
Delays on I-80 EB in Montour and Northumberland Counties
Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel on Interstate 80 eastbound should be on alert for delays due to a crash at mile marker 220, two miles west of the Exit 224 (Route 54 / Danville) in Montour County.
Motorists can expect a lane restriction and stop and go traffic starting at Exit 215 (Route 254 / Limestoneville) in Northumberland County. At 7:00 PM, traffic was backed up four miles from the crash area. Motorists should expect major delays in travel.
KANE MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR INDECENT CONTACT WITH MINOR
(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: April 26, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Kane Man who previously pled guilty to assaulting a minor child has been sentenced to state prison. During a sentencing hearing before a McKean County Judge, Mark Wilson, of Kane was sentenced to 5 years to 10 years plus 3 years of consecutive supervision. Wilson was previously deemed to be a sexually violent predator and has to register as a sex offender for his lifetime. Wilson pled guilty in October to 2 counts of indecent assault and corruption of minors. Additional terms include no contact with the victim or any unsupervised contact with other juveniles, sex offender counseling, and provide a DNA sample.
Original Post:
KANE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO INDECENT ASSAULT AGAINST CHILD UNDER 13 (MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 27, 2023): McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer confirmed that Mark Wilson, of Kane, pled guilty in McKean County court yesterday to 2 counts of Indecent Assault on a child under age 13 – Felony 3 and 1 count of Corruption of a Minor – Felony 3. Officer Derrick Snyder of Kane Borough Police investigated the case and filed the charges against Wilson. Wilson pled guilty to touching the juvenile female’s vagina and having her touch his penis between January 1, 2023 and June 10, 2023 at a residence in Kane over a course of conduct. Wilson has a prior conviction. District Attorney Vettenburg-Shaffer said that a prior conviction increases the grading to Felony 3 for these crimes under the statute. Wilson was ordered to undergo a sexually violent predator assessment as required under the statute.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/kane-man-sentenced-state-prison-indecent-contact-minor
BRADFORD MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: April 26, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford Man was sentenced to state prison for Sexual Assault during a sentencing hearing before a McKean County Judge on April 25th. Justin Schlopy was sentenced to 5 years to 10 years plus 3 years of consecutive supervision. Schlopy’s crime requires that him to register as a sex offender for his lifetime. Schlopy pled guilty to Sexual Assault against a teenager girl in Bradford in 2022. Additional terms include no contact with the victim or any unsupervised contact with other juveniles, sex offender counseling, and provide a DNA sample. Sgt. Jason Daugherty was the investigating officer.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/bradford-man-sentenced-state-prison-sexual-assault
BRADFORD MAN SENTENCED FOR STEALING FROM EMPLOYER
(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: April 26, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford Man was sentenced to state prison for stealing from his employer during a sentencing hearing before a McKean County Judge on April 25th. Charles Johnson was sentenced to 14 months to 28 months. Johnson had been convicted after a jury trial in October but failed to appear for sentencing. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken into custody by City of Bradford Police last week. Additional charges have been filed as a result. Additional terms include restitution to the victim and no contact with the victim.
Original Post__________________________________________
BRADFORD MAN CONVICTED OF THEFT (MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 11, 2023): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Charles Michael Johnson, of Bradford, was convicted of crimes related to stealing from a Bradford man who employed him in the construction field. Johnson was convicted of Theft by Unlawful Taking and Receiving Stolen Property. Sgt. Seth Shephard of City of Bradford Police charged Johnson after he received a report that Johnson had stolen a chop saw and cash from the man. Sgt. Shephard obtained a neighbor’s home surveillance footage that captured the crime. Testimony at the trial included witnesses who said that Johnson had been requested to fix a leak at a customer’s house and was permitted to take items that were necessary for that job but also took other things for which he did not have permission. While Johnson was at the victim’s residence to obtain the items necessary for the job, witnesses testified that he also took a chop saw and cash from the garage. He was captured on neighbor’s surveillance carrying the saw through a side yard. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Sentencing will occur on November 2.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/bradford-man-sentenced-stealing-employer
Lois L. Hicks, 91, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA.
Lois L. Hicks
Lois L. Hicks, 91, a longtime resident of Coudersport, went to be with the Lord on her birthday, Friday, April 26, 2024, in the Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY, with her loving family by her side.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Steven J. “Steve” Neefe, 70, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, PA
Steven J. Neefe “loving father, brother, fiance, and grandfather”
Steven J. “Steve” Neefe, 70, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly with his loving family by his side on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in UPMC Williamsport.
Born on Friday, February 26, 1954 in Coudersport, he was a son of James G. and Charlotte A. Prindle Neefe.
Steve was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1973. He drove for many trucking companies throughout his career. He was also a farmer. He loved his cars and his animals, but his greatest love was his family.
ATTENTION LIBERTY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS:
Liberty Township
(1) we will blacktop Wrights on Monday, the 29th. The road will be completely closed from 8AM to 3PM while we are working.
(2) Wednesday, May 1st we will be working on Freer Hollow. The road will be completely closed while we are working.
(3) Thursday, May 2nd Freer Hollow will be completely closed from 8AM to 3PM while we are blacktopping.
(4) Friday, May 3rd we will be blacktopping Comes Creek from Buck McGarvey’s house to Marc Budd’s house. Road will be completely closed until we are done. Sorry in advance for any inconvenience!
Potter County selected to receive ARC training on funding
Potter County has been selected along with 90 government entities to receive training on the Appalachian Regional Commission’s federal funding programs to build community capacity. The training is free.
RIDGWAY – Potter County has been selected by the Appalachian Regional Commission to receive training through the READY Local Governments initiative.
Potter County was one of 90 local governments selected to receive the no-cost training, along with access to READY Local Governments Initiative funding. The county will receive expert guidance and funding opportunities to help apply for, manage, and implement federal funding.
Roger W. Hanson, 77, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Barkeyville, PA
Roger W. Hanson “In Memoriam”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Roger W. Hanson, 77, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Barkeyville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long struggle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and pneumonia.
Born on February 17, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of Kenneth Wright Hanson and Cornelia “Connie” Hanson, and step-son of Marvin Savidge Reitz, all of whom preceded him in passing.
He was a graduate of Pennsauken High School in NJ, and a graduate of Slippery Rock University in PA, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeology. Roger was a US Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War where he attained the rank of SP5.
Thelma R. SMITH, 73, of Westfield, PA
Thelma R. SMITH, 73, of Westfield, PA, died Thursday, April 25, 2024 in her home.
Born January 12, 1951, in Potter Brook, she was the daughter of Cleo Joseph and Gladys Onalee Houghtaling McCaslin. On February 27, 1971, in Potter Brook, she married Norman R. Smith, Jr. who survives.
She was employed by Valley Dollar Saver and K&W Medical / MedPlast.
Thelma was a member of the People’s Church of Potter Brook and the Potter Brook Happy Hour Club.
Ladies Day Out Fundraiser Postponed
Ladies Day Out brunch at Eddie’s On Main, Saturday, April 27th. has been postponed due to not enough ticket sales.
The event, to benefit The Pastor Randy Headley Memorial Award for Community Service that funds awards Port Allegany High School students, will be rescheduled at another time.
Think About It
Heartstrings
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
What or who has your heartstrings? Is it a person or is it a thing? Have you even thought about it? What are heartstrings? It’s what draws you, draws to your deepest feelings and desires. A grand parent might say that a child is tugging at their heartstring. That means that the child is touching the deepest part of them. When someone or something reaches that place, they have gained a place of great importance.
The question could be asked of anyone, “What has your heart?” The answer to that question may or may not be accurate. For example, I might say that God has my heart, but a careful look at my checkbook might reveal that there are many more things that have my heart than God. The same could be said for those that identify their spouse, or family as having their heart. A quick look at how and where they spend their time and money might reveal something entirely different.
In the Book of Mark, Jesus encountered a young man who was patting himself on the back because he had kept all the commandments. Jesus told him he had one more thing to do, sell all that he had and give it to the poor and then come follow him. He turned and walked away with a heavy heart because his heartstrings were attached to his money (Mk10:17-22). Morally this man was good. He was doing the right thing. But doing and being is two different things. In this case he was doing it. The commandments were met. In today’s terms he went to church, gave his money, served the poor and was helping in every place you could think of. But one thing was lacking. When it came to giving it all away and just being with Jesus, he couldn’t do it.
When it comes to the heart we can say one thing but the heart will reveal our true motives. Outward actions do not always reveal what’s in the heart. As in our story, a person can do all the right things, but for all the wrong reasons. Ask yourself the question, “What has my heartstrings?” The answer might surprise you. Think about it.
Bradford Little Theatre (BLT) will be the recipient of the 2024 Jackie Award
BCPAC
We are thrilled to announce that Bradford Little Theatre (BLT) will be the recipient of the 2024 Jackie Award, the Marilyn Horne Award for Excellence in the Creative and Performing Arts.
BCPAC has presented this award since 1990, recognizing an individual or organization who has demonstrated excellence and support of the creative and performing arts in the region. The award was originally given as The Bravo Award, but then retired in 2000 and was changed to the “Jackie” award, given in recognition of Bradford native and world-renowned opera singer, Marilyn Horne “Jackie”. Ms. Horne was awarded the “Jackie” when she came to town in the spring of 2000.
BLT has provided theater opportunities for over 25 years, not just for the Bradford community, but for people around the Twin Tiers, including straight plays, theater camps, special events and full-blown musicals. BLT has also created an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents on stage by creating a variety show called “From the Heart”.
PA Drilling Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Cogan House Township, Lycoming County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 4/23/2024 to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Cogan House Township, Lycoming county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2024-04-23 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Cogan House Township, Lycoming County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 4/23/2024 to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Cogan House Township, Lycoming county. 78a56(a) – TEMPORARY STORAGE – Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2024-04-23 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Cogan House Township, Lycoming County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 4/23/2024 to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Cogan House Township, Lycoming county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2024-04-23 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
DCED Single Application training sessions offered
RIDGWAY – The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (North Central) and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) are excited to offer a collaborative training session for DCED’s online Single Application portal.
The training sessions will focus on the DCED Multimodal grant, which is currently open, and the DCED’s Local Share Account (LSA) grant, which is expected to open in a few months.
During this training, North Central’s Elise Grovanz and DCED’s Terri Cunkle will guide participants through the process of completing DCED’s online Single Application, provide tips for writing your grant, and allowing time for addressing any questions you may have about the grant or the filing process.
The first training session, which will offer in-person and virtual attendance, will be held at 1:30 p.m. May 9 at the Brookville Borough Building, located at 18 Western Ave., Brookville, PA 15825.
The second training session, which is in-person only, will be held at 10 a.m. May 16 at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department, 419 N. Broad St., Emporium, PA 15834.
The two locations aim to accommodate municipalities throughout North Central’s six-county region, which serves Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties.
To reserve your spot for this training, click here.
(The link to link to the registration is found at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=bYEJwuPDdkeOj6Mx85EWcdm6yFYO47xFlTrWiADGoQlUQTFCWTg5VEwwRzNWMURFMkk4QzlPODFaQS4u)
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The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is a premier regional development organization that serves the public and private sector through a wide range of economic, community, infrastructure, human services, and technology programs for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter Counties.