David C. Burton, 73, of 97 Marion Ave. Bradford, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Olean General Hospital.
Born on April 18, 1950, in Kane, he was a son of the late Edward D. and Dorothy (Humes) Burton.
On December 18, 1981, he married Toni Marie (Bizzaro) Burton, who preceded him in death on December 8, 2020.
Karen S. Ostrum, 77, of 7 Nelson Avenue, Bradford, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on October 27, 1945, in New Kensington, she was a daughter of the late John and Gertrude L. (Olbeter) Defassio.
On March 29, 1968, in New Kensington, she married Raymond D. Ostrum who survives.
Karen was a graduate of New Kensington High School. She earned her Bachelors in Education from Clarion University in 1967, and went on to earn a Masters in Reading from St. Bonaventure University.
She taught in the Bradford Area School District for over 37 years, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and the Bradford Children’s Home.
Karen was a member of the Red Hats, Penn York Doll Club, Literary Club, and PSEA.
On March 20, 1961 Debbie Lynn was born to Bill and Phyllis (Potter) Gaberseck and was destined to be full of life. A baby girl, with golden hair, she joined older brother, Billy Gaberseck, and then later younger brother, Larry (Mona) Gaberseck, and younger sister, Patty (Jess) Wilson.
Debbie graduated from Coudersport High School in 1979, which was the same year her son, Robert (Abbi) Rossman was born and 5 years later her son Jason (Liz) Rossman added to her family.
On October 22, 1988 she married the love her life, Geoff Mahaley. Together they built their business now known as Mahaley’s Outdoor Power Equipment. In June of 1989 she had her youngest son John (Maureen) Mahaley. Debbie and Geoff enjoyed many years together until November of 2016 when Geoff was called home.
Geraldine M. McDonald, 87, of 37 Fairview Heights, Bradford, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born May 17, 1936, in Newark NY, she was a daughter of the late Theodore and Nellie (Wilover) Baker. She was a graduate of Gowanda High School.
On May 26, 1956, she married Glenn C. McDonald who preceded her in death on August 7, 1986.
Gerrie was employed at Loblaws Grocery Store. She was a member of the Greater Bradford Senior Center.
Adam D. Ginther, 51, of 132 Laurel Lane, Kersey, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Smethport.
He was born March 22, 1972, in Olean, NY, son of the late David F. and Marie Gradl Ginther. He was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1990 and earned his degree in criminal justice from Edinboro University.
John S. Sheldon Johnson (Magoo), 60, of Warren, PA, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in Warren General Hospital, after an apparent heart attack.
He was born on January 18, 1963, in Martinez, California, the son of the late John W. and Sandra Treadwell Johnson. In 1989 John moved to Warren, PA and has resided here since. John married Michelle (Wood) Johnson in Russell, PA on June 27, 1998.
He worked as a diesel mechanic for Regal Trucking, in Ripley, NY.
“Beloved Daughter, Feral Sister, Wild Auntie, and Truest Friend”
Makena Lee “Kenna” Austin, 22, of Shinglehouse, PA tragically passed away with her whole loving family and most prized friends by her side on Friday, October 20, 2023, in Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Born on Thursday, March 15, 2001 in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Douglas R. and Hellen J. Limrick Ryan.
She was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 2019, Shinglehouse. An accomplished artist and photographer, Kenna was accepted into the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts juried High School Art Exhibits at St. Bonaventure University when she was a senior in high school. She also made honors in the choir in high school as an alto singer.
After graduation, Kenna worked with her father at XPO Transportation in Olean, NY. At the time of her passing, she was employed as a machine operator at Morgan AMT in Coudersport.
Edwin F. “Pike” Wittman, 87, of 607 Virginia Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Pinecrest Manor.
He was born August 30, 1936, in St. Marys, son of the late Edwin and Ethel Woods Wittman.
Pike was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1954, as well as a 1958 graduate of Villanova University. Pike joined GTE Sylvania after graduation where he served as Plant Controller until retirement. In addition, he taught accounting at Penn State DuBois for several years. Following retirement, Pike and his brother entered the powdered metal industry by opening Elk Metals.
On August 17, 1957, in the Sacred Heart Church, Pike married Sallie A. Fox, who survives.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that work to trim and remove trees along Route 872 in Grove Township, Cameron County, began today. This work will enhance driver safety and extend the life of the roadway surface.
Ridgway, PA: The North Central Pennsylvania Planning and Development Commissionis delighted to announce the approval of an EDA Tech Hub Strategy Development Grant, marking a significant milestone in the North Central Pressed Materials Strategy Development Consortium’s journey towards fostering innovation and excellence in the Pressed Materials Industries. This grant will propel the rural region into a new era of industry growth, further establishing North Central Pennsylvania as a premier hub for advanced pressed materials technology and research.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced it will close the right (travel) lane of Interstate 80 eastbound and westbound between mile markers 165 and 168 in Centre County on Thursday, October 26. The contractor will mill and pave the right shoulder as part of a larger project to replace four bridges along I-80.
We have scheduled several exciting Collette tours for the last half of 2024 and the first half of 2025!
Collette’s own Matt D’Eramo will provide details of each trip at a Zoom Information Session scheduled for Monday, October 23rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street. If you want to attend at home, use this link to register for the Information Session: https://tinyurl.com/PCEC2024TravelSeries. If you plan to attend at the Education Council, please email jmorley@pcedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877 to let us know if you plan to attend the presentation at the Education Council.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the residents of Potter County who voted for me in the Primary election. Not only did I win the Republican primary, but I received an overwhelming response from the Democratic write-in voters resulting in me being the Democratic nominee on the General Election ballot on November 7th.
I lived in Potter County for several years after attending college and then moved to Alaska to pursue a career in law enforcement. I started working as a Correctional Officer in a maximum-security prison in Juneau, AK for about 21 months.
In January of 1986, I was hired by the Juneau Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Approximately 4 years later, I was assigned to the Investigations Unit for approximately 3 years.
I was then promoted back to the Patrol Unit as a sergeant where I supervised a patrol team. After 6 years, I was assigned back to the Investigations Unit, where I supervised major investigations for 5 years. As the Investigations Sergeant, I also oversaw two drug enforcement officers assigned to the Southeast Alaska Drug Task Force. During my time as a sergeant, I participated in numerous supervisory training classes.
My final assignment for the Department was in an administrative position where I restructured the Department’s training requirements and training schedule.
While employed by the Juneau Police Department, I had several ancillary duties. I was an Accident Reconstructionist for 16 years, and I was a member of the SWAT Team for 11 years. I held certifications from the FBI, NRA and the State of Alaska as a firearms instructor, and I was a certified Emergency Vehicle Operations instructor. I held an Advanced Police Officer certification from the State of Alaska and was awarded the Police Medal of Honor in 1993.
In the year 2000, I had the privilege of attending the Southwest Law Enforcement Institute’s, Law Enforcement Management College located in Plano, Texas. I successfully completed and graduated from the intensive 2 month long college level management course geared specifically toward law enforcement management.
After nearly 22 years in Law enforcement, I retired and my wife, Lynetta and I decided to return to Potter County to raise our twin girls.
I have served Potter County as a Deputy Sheriff with the Potter County Sheriff’s Department since 2016. I am currently certified by the Pennsylvania Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board. I am also certified by the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission as a Firearms Instructor. I have a clear understanding of the duties of the Sheriff Department. I would be honored to serve the people of Potter County as your Sheriff. Early in my career, I was taught to treat people fairly and with respect. As your Sheriff, I will continue to do so.
The time I served in the corrections environment will aid me in this position as the Sheriff sits on the Potter County Jail Board. My time as a Police Sergeant and management experience will benefit me in carrying out the duties of the Sheriff.
My family attends the Gold Church where I have served as Moderator, Trustee and Chairperson for the building committee while building our new church. I am a coach for the Black Forest Youth Trap Team and have done so for the last several years.
Thank you for voting for me for Potter County Sheriff. I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Potter County. Please vote KEVIN M. SISKA for Potter County Sheriff in the General Election on November 7th. Again, Thank You!
Paid For By The Candidate
Smethport – Beatrice D. Banks, 78, of Rew, passed away unexpectedly, on Saturday (October 21, 2023) at at her residence.
She was born October 31, 1944 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Lyle Rees and Martha (Raymer) Rees. On July 16, 1965, in the Bolivar Run Baptist Church, she married Ralph A. Banks, who survives.
She was a graduate of Smethport High School and was a homemaker, tending to the needs of her family.
