Elaine F. “Penny” Neely, 81, of Port Allegany, PA
Elaine F. “Penny” Neely, 81, of Port Allegany, passed away Wednesday (September 11, 2024) at her residence with her family by her side.
She was born September 9, 1943 in Olean, NY, the daughter of Leo and Aldean (Davenport) Cochran. On September 14, 1963, in Port Allegany, she married Grover D. Neely, who survives.
Penny was a graduate of Port Allegany High School class of 1963. She worked for Ball-Incon for several years and the former Jean’s Casual Shop in Port Allegany.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the First Presbyterian Church of Port Allegany, the Star Hose Auxiliary of Port Allegany, and was a leader for the Liberty Majorettes.
Groundbreaking Initiative Using Drones to Locate Orphan and Abandoned Wells in Pennsylvania Kicks Off
September 12, 2024 — Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in partnership with Moms Clean Air Force, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the U.S. Department of Energy, and McGill University has launched an ambitious project to identify and facilitate remediation of orphan and abandoned oil and gas wells across Western Pennsylvania. Utilizing cutting-edge drone technology, this initiative aims to locate these hidden environmental hazards, which pose significant risks to public health and safety, as well as climate and the environment.
Orphan and abandoned wells can leak oil, gas, and toxic chemicals, contaminating the air, soil, and water. This project, which focuses on Clarion, Venango, and McKean Counties, will deploy drones equipped with magnetic sensors to detect these wells, many of which have remained undocumented for decades or even more than a century.
McKean Residents Invited to Learn More About Groundbreaking Project Using Drone Technology to Help Locate Hazardous Orphan and Abandoned Wells in the County
An open house event will be held to provide the public with information about a new project that uses drone technology equipped with magnetic sensors to find and document orphan and abandoned oil and gas wells in Clarion County. These wells pose environmental and health risks, and this project aims to locate and plug them to improve air quality, property values, and public safety.
Disaster Declaration Provides Help For Flood Victims
In response to a bipartisan effort to help those affected by flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Debby on Aug. 9-10, President Joe Biden on Wednesday granted a Major Disaster Declaration, triggering the release of federal funds. It was the result of an inventory of damage to personal and public property compiled by township, borough, county and state agencies with volunteer assistance, all kicking off even before the waters had receded. Under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policies, disaster declarations can include separate qualification criteria for individual assistance and repairs to public infrastructure. Federal Coordinating Officer Mark K. O’Hanlon pointed out that the declaration allows for financial assistance to affected individuals and households in Potter, Tioga, Union and Lycoming counties. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has established a website through which flood victims can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov. They also may call the flood relief application hotline 1-800-621-3362.
Meanwhile, Randy Padfield, director of the Pa. Emergency Management Agency, said that PEMA is prepared to move quickly in response to the federal declaration. This could include deployment of a team to process damage claims in affected communities and establishment of disaster recovery centers, some of which could be mobile units traveling across flood-ravaged areas.
Seven members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation from districts affected by the flood signed on to an appeal spearheaded by U.S. Senator Robert Casey asking President Biden to issue the declaration. Congressman Glenn Thompson and Senator John Fetterman also supported the request. Earlier, a state disaster declaration provided an initial $5 million to deploy resources and personnel to the flood zone. The proclamation also waives some state regulations, including certain bidding and contracting procedures. PEMA is instructing residents and business owners to continue to report flood damage to their local township or borough.
On September 11, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania triggering the release of Federal funds to help people recover from Tropical Storm Debby that occurred August 9-10, 2024. Details of the disaster declaration and assistance programs are as follows:
Declaration Number: FEMA-4815-DR
Incident: Tropical Storm Debby
Incident Period: August 9-10, 2024
Federal Coordinating Officer: Mark K. O’Hanlon
National FCO Program
Individual Assistance (IA): (Assistance to individuals and households):
IA-Designated Counties: Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union Counties.
OTHER: additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Individuals in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union Counties can apply with FEMA the following ways:
- Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Constituents may call the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
PEMA’s Central Area Office is preparing for a FEMA/PEMA Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment for Public Assistance that would begin on Monday, Sept. 16. That process should be completed by Friday, Sept. 20. PEMA is also sending two assessment teams to cover Potter, Tioga, and Lycoming counties. It’s possible that FEMA will be simultaneously setting up Disaster Recovery Centers and Disaster Loan Outreach Centers.
Carl T. Coole, born in Tioga County, PA
Carl Thomas Coole
Carl T. Coole, born in Tioga County, PA, on November 11, 1940, passed away on September 10, 2024.
He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Ila Frazier Coole, sisters Belva Cabeen, Irene Robinson, Barbara Ayers, and brother Roger Coole. He leaves behind his brothers Arvid (Juanita) Coole and Larry (Chris) Coole; his four children, Micki (Dave) Jones, Leslee (Mike) Reese, Todd (Cheryl) Coole, Matthew (Malou) Coole; grandchildren, Jason (Michelle) Jones, Isaac (Sylvia) Jones, Brianna (Abe) Kightlinger, Maverick Raber, Angela Williams, Stephanie (Jason) Massey, Devin (Erin) Raber, Crystal (Drew) Etheridge, Faith (Meghan) Coole, Madel (Taras) Coole, Elijah Coole, several great-grandchildren and other special family and friends, who have fond memories and stories to share.
He graduated from Galeton High School in June of 1958. He was a hardworking man who instilled in his children the same work ethic. His many labors included machinist, quarryman, logger, head sawyer, and owner of 2C’s Sharpening.
R. Allen Pritchard, 92, of Mt. Jewett, PA.
R. Allen Pritchard, 92, of Mt. Jewett, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at the Bradford Manor.
He was born on April 11, 1932 in Clermont, a son of the late Chester and Martha Fuller Pritchard.
On January 13, 1953 in Kushequa he married Shirley A. Dudick who preceded him in death on December 10, 1987.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War; where he received two purple hearts.
He was a member of the Kane Lodge #566 F&A Masons, American Legion Post 574, Mt. Jewett and the VFW Post 6347, Mt. Jewett.
Michael A. “Stimey” Schaberl, 62, of 715 First Avenue, Johnsonburg, PA
Michael A. “Stimey” Schaberl, 62, of 715 First Avenue, Johnsonburg, passed away early Saturday morning, September 7, 2024, at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, following a brief illness. He was born on October 9, 1961, in St. Marys, a son to the late George Luke and Jane Miles Schaberl.
Raised in St. Marys, he was Catholic by Faith and was Baptized and Confirmed at Queen of the World Parish. He attended St. Marys Area High School and had worked as a mechanic for Rick’s Auto Parts in Kersey for many years.
Stimey had lived in Johnsonburg for the past 15 years with his daughter and grandchildren which were his whole world, devoting himself to spending as much time with them as possible. He loved to take them fishing, four-wheeler riding or to monster truck shows. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an excellent mechanic and loved to work on and rebuild cars and listen to Classic Rock and Roll music.
Walter J. Farrell, 77, of Tyrone, formerly of Bradford, PA.
Walter J. Farrell, 77, of Tyrone, formerly of Bradford, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at the Hollidaysburg Veteran’s Home, Duncansville; after a courageous battle with cancer due to his exposure to agent orange in Vietnam.
He was born on June 21, 1947 in Bradford, the son of the late Walter and Mary “Romaine” Hotelling Farrell.
He was a 1965 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
On May 10, 1969 in the First United Methodist Church, Bradford, he married Connie E. Wilson, who survives.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War; where he earned the Purple Heart for wounds received during combat.
He was a life member of the Lt. John C. Roche Post 212 VFW, Bradford, and a member of the Moose Lodge 223, Huntingdon. He was a NASCAR fan who loved hunting, gardening or just being outdoors. When he and Connie owned a motor-home they enjoyed spending time camping. In his younger years he worked on the family’s dairy farm.
He was employed by the former Trico Industries, Bradford, for twenty six years, prior to working at the former JPT, Jamestown, NY, for seven years and finally retiring in 2012 after five years of working as a custodian for the Bradford Area School District.
Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce to hold Autumn Auction
The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its Annual Autumn Auction, set to take place on September 19 at the Bradford Club. This highly anticipated event will feature a diverse array of items available for bidding, including exclusive experiences, Tom Seagren painting, signed Buffalo Bills items, limited edition Zippo lighters, one-of-a-kind items from our local businesses, fall decor and more, all aimed at supporting our local business community. The Autumn Auction serves as a vital fundraiser for the Chamber, enabling us to continue our mission of promoting and supporting businesses, as well as the local community throughout the Bradford Area.
Christmas Parade Theme Set
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce thinking Christmas. For the past few years and at the urging of residents the chamber has organized a night Christmas Parade that coincides with the lighting of the community tree. The event is planned for Friday December 6 at 7pm.
The theme this year will be Christmas music. Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Solak says the broad theme will enable participants to select traditional to whimsy for float ideas. Letters to past participants are going out this month. If you did not receive a letter contact the chamber office for more information.
Timothy E. Newhouse, 62, of Lewis Run, PA.
Timothy E. Newhouse, 62, of Lewis Run, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com