Calling all thespians! So you’ve never acted before but would love to? Come learn the essential skills needed to be on the stage. Even if you are not a novice, this is an excellent opportunity to refresh those skills and learn something new to add to your repertoire, such as improvisation or different techniques. The local theatrical group, Potter-McKean Players, has plans to offer productions in the upcoming months. This course will teach you what you need to be ready for those auditions.
This 4-part course will be taught by local director Paul Herzig and actor Jared Empson, of Eliot Ness Fest fame. The classes will take place on Tuesdays, March 7 – March 28, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost of the course is $25 per person. Class size is limited, so register today at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
On February 7 at 11:30 pm. Genesee, Ulysses, Willing, and Whitesville were dispatched to 1857 Ellisburg Rd. for a possible structure fire. The resident doesn’t see flames just smoke coming from an outlet in the first floor bathroom. Ulysses, Willing & Whitesville hold in quarters.
Robert E. Wildfire, 86, of Lovers Lane, Kersey, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Penn Highlands Elk following a lengthy illness.
He was born on December 9, 1936 in St. Marys, a son of the late Alois and Lottie Benson Wildfire.
On May 5, 1956, he married the late Dianne Carlson Wildfire, who preceded him in death on January 1, 2016. Together they shared nearly 60 years of love, laughter, and happiness.
Bob was lifelong resident of the area and graduate of Kersey High School, class of 1954. He retired from Keystone Carbon Company after many years of service and was a member of the K of C. He was also a life member of the Fox Township Firemen’s Club and member of the American Legion. He served as the Treasurer for the Fox Township Ambulance for a number of years. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed going for walks, and could often be found in his garden. He was a family man who cherished the time he spent with his family. He will be remembered for his kind, gentle, and sweet nature.
Bob is survived by 3 children; Cindy (Dick) FinGado of St. Marys, Nancy (Kevin) Prechtl and Karen Holtzhauser, both of Kersey; by 8 grandchildren; Ray (Sarah) Holtzhauser, Connie Mahovlich, Carrie Klein, Danielle (Harrison) Lore, Laurie (Sean) Palmer, Suzanne (Dan) Gerber, Becky Arnold, and Andy (Milo) Arnold, as well as by 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by 5 brothers; Francis, Jerome, Ralph, Carl, and Alan Wildfire, by 4 sisters; Mary Pearson, Florence Arigoni, Anna Freeburg, and Alice Wildfire, and by 3 siblings in infancy. He was the last member of his immediate family.
A Memorial Service for Robert E. Wildfire will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Krise Funeral Home in Kersey. Burial will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery.
Friends and family will be received at the Krise Funeral Home in Kersey from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Fox Township Ambulance Association or to the Fox Township Fire Department.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Edward “Ed” Brown, 81, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at The Green Home in Wellsboro, PA.
Born July 28, 1941, in Blossburg, PA, he was a son of the late Raymond and Viola (Losinger) Brown.
Ed was a Veteran having served in the United States Army. On May 22, 1964 at the Elk Run Methodist Church, he married the former Edna Owen, who survives.
Ed worked at the Westfield Tanning Company for many years. He spent his life helping others. He was a crossing guard for the school, was often seen shoveling snow for various people and churches and worked at the Recycling Center.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Edna Brown, are one son, Maynard (Sherry) Brown, Jonestown, PA; a half-brother, Edward McFall; six grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by a brother, Claire Brown and a sister, Juanita Piaquadio.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 10:00am at the Lighthouse Church in Galeton. The Rev. Brent Baker will officiate. Interment will be made in the Ulysses Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Potter County Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Collins Chapel, Galeton.
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) today announced that fire and ambulance companies in Tioga County will collectively receive $272,110 in state grants thanks to the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
“Our fire and EMS personnel risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of our communities, and that mission has become more difficult as costs increase,” Owlett said. “These grants are one way the state seeks to support these vital responders.”
The grants are awarded through an ongoing program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue. All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding.
Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. In order to receive funding, recipients must file a grant agreement with OSFC.
The grants were awarded as follows:
Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Inc.: $12,106.88.
MIDDLEBURY CENTER, PA – Flames that broke out in an attached garage in Middlebury Center quickly consumed the garage and spread to the house on Sunday evening, Sunday February 5, 2023.
The fire was reported around 6:24 PM and fire crews from Middlebury, Wellsboro and RIT from Elkland immediately headed out the reported garage fire at 11014 Route 287.
A member of the Middlebury fire personnel was already on scene when the first call for help went out as the garage and a section of the home were already ablaze.
At 6:28 PM a second alarm was requested as both the garage and house went up in flames. The second alarm brought fire crews from Mansfield, Tioga, and Little Marsh to assist with battling the blaze. Blossburg’s Rehab trailer was also requested to the scene.
Route 287 was closed down so firefighters could work at extinguishing the burning structures and keeping the flames from spreading to a nearby building.
FNN was told a number of pets were gathered up and a few of the family’s dogs had ran off during the fire. Nearby neighbors were able to assist with rescuing the animals. At this time, it is believed all pets, including a pig were rescued.
The fire was brought under control around 7:00 PM and was reported out at 7:21 PM.
Fire crews were cleared from the scene around 8:50 PM.
It was reported to FNN that both the garage and house were a total loss. The American Red Cross was notified as three adults were said to have lost their home.
According to records, the 58-year-old home was owned by Rebecca Coolidge.
A GoFundMe link has been set up to help those who lost everything in this fire by Andrew Lee. Anyone wishing to assist can click on the following link to make a donation of any amount;
James T. Lechiara, 68, of 117 Oakwood Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away Friday, February 3, 2023, with his loving wife by his side at his home.
Born September 23, 1954, in Olean NY, he was a son of the late Thomas J. and Mary (Songer) Lechiara.
Jim was a 1972 graduate of Bradford High School. On January 26, 1973 he enlisted in the United States Army, and he served in Neckarsulm Germany. Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation with 1st One Oak Leaf Cluster. He was honorably discharged on December 11, 1978.
On October 23, 1999, in Farmers Valley, he married Betty L. Lechiara who survives.
Jim was employed as a Forklift Operator at Bush Industries for many years.
He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 108, of Bradford.
Surviving in addition to his wife Betty, of 23 years, are five daughters, Sherry Bradfield, of Warren OH, Menda Gray, of Bradford, Susie Driver, of Warren OH, Gidget Stone, of Pittsburgh, Tanya Graves, of Bradford, three sons, Chad Graves, of Bradford, Paul Graves, of LIttle Valley NY, and James Graves, of Bradford, 22 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three sisters, Corinda Panigatti, of DuBois, Marjorie Kroah, of Bradford, and Brenda Allen, of DuBois, and one brother, John Lechiara, of DuBois. and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Mary “Tea Cup” Nuzzo.
Family will receive friends on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main Street, at 1 pm funeral services will be held with Rev. Ronnie Sampson, retired pastor of the Fresh Fire Outreach Church in Union City, officiating, followed by Military Honors at McKean Memorial Park Cemetery, by members of the United States Army and the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the family and mailed to 117 Oakwood Avenue, Bradford PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
ServSafe is a certification program developed by the Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The course meets certification requirements for individuals who are responsible for the safe handling of food in restaurants, schools, elder care facilities, lodges, bed and breakfasts, community centers, and other food concessions (organizations or businesses that sell or prepare food on a regular basis).
This course, taught by Rick Kralj, Penn State Educator, is scheduled for Mondays, March 6 and March 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $185/person. The registration deadline is Monday, February 27th. To register, call (877) 489-1398 or go to http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/serv-safe.
This week’s Penn College Sports Update 25 contains news about former Port Allegany High student Rosey Thomas.
3 Penn College teams post wins, 3 esports teams ready to start
Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers posted a 3-0 week and the women’s and men’s basketball teams both picked up victories last week, while three esports teams are set to get into action this week.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (February 6) – During a meeting of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Boating Advisory Board today, members urged boaters to abide by the cold weather life jacket requirement, especially during the recurring “freeze-thaw” cycle happening across Pennsylvania.
This is the period, common during late winter, where air temperatures become warmer during the day, but water temperatures remain frigid. During these changes in weather conditions, boating activity increases, but many boaters, especially new boaters, do not realize the danger presented by cold water.
In January, the PFBC announced that the annual Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement, which was enacted in 2012, has resulted in fewer boating incidents that resulted in fatalities over its first decade in effect. Under the requirement, all boaters on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard, must wear a life jacket from November 1 through April 30. Boating accident data has revealed that while the number of boating accidents during the cold weather months has remained comparable over the 10-year period, fatalities during the cold weather months have been reduced by approximately 50%.
Ahead of the 2023 State of the Union address, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today highlighted the ways the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on its promises to build a better America and rebuild the backbone of the country, the middle class.
“At USDA, we understand that rural communities are strong, and we are proud to help keep rural people healthy, kids educated, and local entrepreneurs powered and connected through assistance tailored specifically for the people of rural America,” Torres Small said. “By championing the vision of rural leaders, we help drive the kind of economic security, innovation and prosperity that impacts our entire nation. Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA remains committed to supporting opportunities for rural people to build brighter futures, because we know when rural people thrive, America thrives.”
Here is a look at USDA Rural Development’s actions in 2022 to rebuild our economy and rural communities, minimize impacts of climate change, create good-paying jobs for American workers, and invest in our families.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/30/2023 to FRONTIER NATURAL RESOURCES in West Keating Twp, Clinton county. 78a91(a) – PLUGGING – GENERAL PROVISIONS – Upon abandoning a well, the owner or operator failed to plug the well to stop the vertical flow of fluids or gas within the well bore under § 3221 of the 2012 Oil & Gas Act, 25 Pa. Code §§ 78a.92—78a.98 or an approved alternate method.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/30/2023 to FRONTIER NATURAL RESOURCES in West Keating Twp, Clinton county. OGA3220(A) – PLUGGING REQUIREMENTS – Failure to plug the well upon abandoning it.
Stephen H. Knight, 75, of 346 Water Works Road, Ridgway, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 3, 2023, at his residence.
He was born February 6, 1947, in St. Marys, son of the late Edward and Florence “Irene” Sabine Knight. Steve was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1965, and retired from Keystone Carbon Company.
On June 15, 2019, in St. Marys, Steve married Deborah L. Teeple, who survives.
In addition to his loving wife, he is also survived by a daughter, Michelle Ramos (Albert) of Texas; a son, Edward Knight (Elizabeth) of St. Marys; step-children: Karl Frederoski and Stacey Collins (Tim), both of Ridgway; seventeen grandchildren: Marina, Austin, Hustin, Brooke, Hope, Dustin, Shannon, Stephen, Logan, Alex, Caroline, Lazerol, Isabella, Timothy, William, Shawn, and Ernesto; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters: Judy Knight of New York and Pauline Bauer (Denny) of St. Marys; and an aunt, Rita Eckert of Ridgway.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by a daughter, Renee Russell on February 17, 2022.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed shooting trap and skeet for the St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club and the friendships he developed there over the years. He loved to garden and stayed active in many outdoor activities. He loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 5:00PM with Fr. Thomas Curry, OSB officiating.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Tuesday February 7, 2023 from 3:00PM until the time of service.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club, 1339 Glen Hazel Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.
Love your library by participating in the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library Building FUN(d) 5K Run or Fun Walk (1 mile)! Run, walk, bike, scoot, or skate to raise money for the library’s Building Fund! Pre-register by March 1, 2023 to receive an event T-shirt. 5K Run and Fun Walk start and end at the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library at 201 E Maple Street in Port Allegany, PA.
Registration Fees Adults (age 19 & up) $35.00 Students (age 6-18) $15.00 or $0 with a business sponsorship (call the library to see if a sponsorship is available for you)! Children (age 5 & under): Free
Event T-shirts must be ordered by March 1, 2023. T-shirts are not available after March 1.
Registration forms are available now in the library or via Google: https://forms.gle/fvJx1JgVRMSw1Gga6 Payment in the library can be made with cash or check, the Google Form allows electronic payment.
Adventurous weekend warriors of any age who enjoy testing their skills are invited to participate in the Mt. Tom Challenge on Sunday, Feb. 12. It is free and open to anyone who wants to give it a try. Sponsor is the Tyoga Running Club based in Wellsboro.
Registration from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and the 9 a.m. start are both at the bottom of Mt. Tom. Participants run, climb or scramble up Mt. Tom’s 1,100 vertical feet of trail to its summit. After catching their breath and taking in views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and west nearly to Galeton, they continue a short distance along the ridge before descending Mt. Tom using a forest road.
The challenge is to complete one lap up and down the mountain regardless of weather conditions. “This can be considered an adventure race, a run or a climb,” said Tim Morey, one of the organizers. “It is for serious runners; not beginners. There are no prizes, no swag bag or T-shirt. This is a no frills event. It’s a great way to get out on the trails in winter.”
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, Bill Robling of Philadelphia will take the Coolidge Theatre stage as Benjamin Franklin at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Following his performance will be a question and answer session with the audience.
Robling, an actor for more than 35 years, has portrayed Franklin with wit and wisdom for over 15 of those years. His portrayal comes from his years of experience in theatre, hundreds of hours of study of Ben Franklin’s life, and a commitment to accuracy in costuming, information and demeanor.
Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of 17 children. Born on Jan. 17, 1706, he died on April 17, 1790 at age 84.
Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688 is meeting in person at a new location this coming Tuesday, Feb. 7 and via Zoom. Leading the meeting is President Jere White.
The business meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the general meeting at 7 p.m. at the Tioga County Conservation District office at 1867 Shumway Hill Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901. The public is invited to attend.
Don Kelly, owner of the Tackle Shack in Wellsboro, will be the featured speaker at 7 p.m. He will share information about warm water fishing opportunities in the area.
Chapter #688 meetings will be on the first Tuesday of each month through May at the Tioga County Conservation District office. The dates are: March 7, April 4 and May 2. The business and general meetings are free and open to the public. Participants do not have to be a member to attend.
For more information about the meetings, email President Jere White at whitesgordonsetters@gmail.com or call him at 570-662-2167.