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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
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Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 4/24/2023 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Rush Twp, Susquehanna county. 78a86 – CASING AND CEMENTING – DEFECTIVE CASING OR CEMENTING – Operator failed to report defect in a well that has defective, insufficient or improperly cemented casing to the Department within 24 hours of discovery. Operator failed to correct defect or failed to submit a plan to correct the defect for approval by the Department within 30 days.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 4/24/2023 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Rush Twp, Susquehanna county. 78a86 – CASING AND CEMENTING – DEFECTIVE CASING OR CEMENTING – Operator failed to report defect in a well that has defective, insufficient or improperly cemented casing to the Department within 24 hours of discovery. Operator failed to correct defect or failed to submit a plan to correct the defect for approval by the Department within 30 days.
Pictured with the Lottery Ticket Frame is Lillianne Reed. The raffle includes $100 in lottery tickets and $50 in cash.
A spaghetti dinner will be held Sunday, April 30 at the Port Allegany Moose Lodge from 12:00 p.m. until sold out to benefit the Pastor Randy Headley Memorial Award for Community Service. The dinner including spaghetti and meatballs, salad, breadsticks and dessert will be available at a cost of $10 per person and half-dinners available for children 12 and under at a cost of $5.
In addition to the dinner, there will be a Bucket Auction, a Lottery Ticket Frame Raffle, a 2022 Autographed Gator Football with JB Graphic Print and a 50/50 raffle.
Pastor Randy served in the U.S. Marines and worked in sales before entering the ministry in 1991. He served United Methodist Churches in Shinglehouse, Ceres, Trinity (now Port Allegany UMC) Port Allegany Evangelical UMC (now closed), Crosby, Riverside and Fishing Creek, all in the Kane District of the UMC.
Pastor Randy served on the Board of Directors of the Cole Memorial Health System where he also served on Executive, Patient Safety, Public Relations and Voluntary Chaplin Committees and was named an Honorary Director of the Board at Cole Memorial. He was a member of the Port Allegany Rotary Club where he served as President and was named a Paul Harris Fellow, twice. He also served as a board member of the Port Allegany Ambulance Service, Port Allegany Borough Council, Economic Development Council and Port Allegany Asbestos Advisory Council.
Pastor Randy loved serving his church and community and loved spending time with and supporting the youth of the community. The Pastor Randy Headley Memorial Award for Community Service is given to help keep his memory alive and to encourage more youth involvement in service to their school, community and churches. Students in grades 7-12 at Port Allegany High School may apply for the awards.
The dinner is sponsored by Headley’s Headliners and Port Allegany Moose Lodge 460 FC. The Bucket Auction and raffles are sponsored by Headley’s Headliners and the Port Allegany Rotary Club.
Donations to the Pastor Randy Headley Memorial Award for Community Service can be mailed to Pam Fischer, 3786 Route 155, Port Allegany, PA 16743. Checks should be made out to Headley’s Headliners. To donate to the Bucket Auction call Cherie Nasto at (814)598-0779 or (814)642-7220
Kennedy Bledsoe, a junior from Whitesville High School, has been chosen to attend this year’s Students Inside Albany program sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc.
This 23rd annual Students Inside Albany program will take place from May 21-24, 2023 and will bring 60 students from across the state to Albany to get a first-hand education about their state government. The program is designed to increase high school students’ awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide information about the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility.
While at the conference, students will join their peers in a hands-on learning experience about how state government works. Students will participate in a series of interactive lectures on topics such as the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights to access government information, the role of media in politics, and the move to reform state government.
While in Albany, the students will have an opportunity to tour the state’s Capitol. The highlight for most students is the opportunity to shadow their Senators and Assembly members for an afternoon attending session on the Chamber floors.
For more information about the League of Women Voters Cattaraugus/Allegany Counties chapter, please contact us at cattarauguslwv@gmail.com For more information on the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc., or the Students Inside Albany conference, please visit their website at: www.lwvny.org. Empowering Voters Defending Democracy The League of Women Voters of New York State is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Membership is open to all and provides the opportunity to be active and involved in local, state and national issues.
Jim Weaver, 2023 tree planting coordinator for the Pine Creek Watershed Council Headwater Hemlock Project, invites anyone interested to participate.
“We are partnering with the Pennsylvania State Game Commission to plant on SGL 208 and 64 and on private lands in the Pine Creek Watershed,” Weaver said. “We will be planting mixed species of conifers, Norway Spruce, Red Spruce, Black Spruce and Balsam Fir.”
Those who want to help with the April 29 planting should be at the muster point, Sugar House at 428 Copp Hollow Road, Wellsboro by 9 a.m. this Saturday. The group will then carpool to the Patterson Lumber Company on the West Branch of Pine Creek to plant 500 stems by noon. “This is a great project for kids and they can get community service hours for their efforts,” said Weaver.
Other plantings of 500 tree stems from 9 a.m. to noon will be on Saturday, May 6 at Patterson Lumber Company at Long and Blue Runs; Wednesday, May 10 at SGL 208 Long Run; Saturday, May 13 at SGL 64 Phoenix Run and Saturday, May 20 at Sassaman Long Run.
“In addition, we may plant during the week if folks are interested and we can work out timing and availability,” Weaver said. “Carpooling is encouraged.”
Provided will be training and assistance, tree stems to plant, planting bars, buckets and planting bags, gloves, and drinking water.
Those participating are asked to provide: Proper footwear and clothing for themselves as the plantings will be done along streams and wetlands, snacks and food, and a good attitude and willingness to work. “This’ll be fun,” said Weaver.
Anyone who needs assistance with directions on how to get to the muster point at Copp Hollow Road, would like more information about the tree planting project or has other questions is encouraged to call Weaver at 570-439-7729.
I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for Potter County Sheriff. 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 promoted back to the Patrol Unit as a sergeant where I supervised a patrol team for approximately 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 returned 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 considering me for sheriff. I am the only candidate with 28 years experience in law enforcement, of which the last, almost 7 years have been with the Potter County Sheriff’s Department. I am the only candidate that is currently certified with the State of Pennsylvania and will not have to attend a 19 week, residential academy to become a certified Sheriff. I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Potter County. Please vote KEVIN SISKA for Potter County Sheriff in the Republican Primary Election on May 16th. I would also welcome and encourage all write-in Democratic votes. Again, Thank You!
Standing L-R includes: United Way board members Rob O’Leary, Jason Gabler, Rachel Rhed, Becky Piccolo, Jane Olson, Mark Saline, Doug Bauer, and Bill Olson.
Elk County- Ed Gerg, Owner of Allstate- Gerg Insurance and Financial Services, presented a generous donation to the St. Marys Area United Way. Ed presented this check at the St. Marys Area United Way’s quarterly board meeting on April 20, 2023. Pictured in the photo L-R seated includes Ed Gerg, Doug Gaffey, United Way President and John Dippold, board member.
This donation, like many others in the community help the St. Marys Area United Way achieve their annual campaign goal. The 2023 campaign goal is $200,000. As a result of the 2022 campaign, the St. Marys Area United Way board approved and granted awards in February of 2023 to Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, Boys Scouts-Bucktail Council, CAPSEA, Catholic Charities, City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation, Dickinson Center, First United Methodist Church Youth Program, Girl Scouts of Western PA, Guardian Angel Center, St. Marys Area School District, St. Marys Library and the Veteran’s Memorial-Eternal Flame located on the Diamond downtown St. Marys. The United Way board also approved a commitment of funding to support the City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation Leathers Playground Project. Specifically, the United Way funding would be used to help make the new Playland at Memorial Park handicap accessible. This commitment of funding is pending the city is awarded grant funding for the project and the Recreation board facilitates a capital campaign to acquire individual donations
The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. Those donations support the financial needs of non-profit agencies that serve the health and human welfare needs of our community. If you would like to become one of these individual or corporate donors, please call 781.6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857
Kawasho Foods USA Inc. of New York, NY, is announcing an expansion of its February 26, 2023, voluntary recall of canned GEISHA Medium Shrimp 4oz. to now recall all lots of this product. Kawasho Foods is taking this step out of an abundance of caution due to a concern that there is a possibility that the product has been under processed, which could lead to the potential for spoilage organisms or pathogens.
Kawasho Foods made this decision after receiving additional information from the Food and Drug Administration.
The Product was distributed to retailers nationwide (AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI) from Dec 2022 to Apr 2023.
Louis C. Facchine, 88, formerly of Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born on September 22, 1934 in Caledonia, PA, a son of the late Alphonse and Elizabeth Buraffalo Facchine.
On August 16, 1958, at Queen of the World Church, he married the late Ann Kronenwetter Facchine, who preceded him in death on April 17, 2017. Together they were blessed with more than 58 years of love, laughter, and happiness.
Louie was a graduate of Jay Township High School, class of 1952. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957-1963 with active duty from 1961-1962 at Fort Bragg, NC during the Berlin Crisis. He retired from Keystone Carbon Company after more than 44 years of service. He was a member of the Bennetts Valley American Legion and several of the local sportsmens clubs. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. Louie will be fondly remembered for his sunny disposition, his smile that lit up a room, and an endless supply of charm. He was an amazing and generous husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, often gifting them a $20 bill so they could enjoy a treat.
He is survived by three daughters; Karen (Allen) Floravit of St. Marys, Jean (LeRoy) Smith of Kersey and Susan (Russ) Heiberger of Ridgway; by six grandchildren, Jessica (Joe) Schaut, Amy (Frank) Beimel, Casey (Jay Papuga) Smith, Nicole Smith, Gregg Brunner and Renee Brunner, as well as by five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister; Vera Hetrick of Byrnedale as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Louis was preceded in death by his grandson; Tim Floravit, by a sister; Esther Longo, and by a brother; Leonard Facchine.
Funeral Services for Louis C. Facchine will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 140 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857. Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Memorial Contributions may be made to Pinecrest Manor Activities Fund.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Karen E. “Tweety” Krise, 63, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at her residence.
She was born on June 4, 1959, in St. Marys, a daughter of Brenda Perryman Krise and the late LeRoy C. Krise.
Tweety was a very kind person and was always there to listen. She enjoyed cooking food and giving it to everyone she knew. She worked at Clarion Sintered as a die-setter, manager of C&J Lounge, and Colonel LeRoy’s Cajun Peanuts. Tweety was an avid Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins fan.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by 3 daughters: Audra Ferguson and her husband Chris of Ohio, Allicia Garverick of Ridgway, and Ashley Krise of Pottsville, PA, 6 grandchildren: Megan, Rylie, Matthew, Alexis, Jaxon, and Emalynn, and 5 siblings; Valerie King of Johnsonburg, Michael Krise of St. Marys, Gregory Krise of St. Marys, Lesley Kline of Dubois, and Bethany Krise of St. Marys. She is also survived by her good friends, Earl Condon and Carl Parks, by numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.
Funeral Services for Karen E. Krise will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Hallton Church of Christ, 657 Evergreen Drive, Ridgway, PA 15853, with Rev. Ron Burkett officiating.
Burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held at Krise Funeral Home on Thursday 2:00PM until 6:00 PM.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ridgway Johnsonburg Burial Detail, Attn: Ben Brendel, 117 Main Street, Ridgway, PA, 15853.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), Republican chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, today applauded the testimony of Arthur Stewart, owner of Cameron Energy Company in Warren County, as he set the record straight about orphan and abandoned wells, as well as well bonding in the Commonwealth.
The hearing was called by Democrat Chairman Greg Vitali and featured testimony by groups including the Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund and PA Environmental Digest.
“These groups claim wells are being abandoned in large numbers across the Commonwealth, and that simply isn’t true,” Causer said. “The ‘hundreds of thousands’ of wells to which they refer are those that were dug many decades or even more than a century ago for which the responsible party is no longer living. Rather than blame today’s operators for these legacy wells, we should be working together to plug them.”
To that end, Causer and Stewart advocated for full implementation of Acts 96 and 136 of 2022, which guide the use of federal infrastructure funds for well plugging. While the majority of the funding would go to the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) existing well plugging program, 20% would be directed to a new grant program designed to maximize use of the federal money and expedite well plugging by providing funding opportunities to experienced well-plugging companies. Thus far, DEP has dragged its feet on implementing the grant program. Watch Causer’s exchange with Kurt Klapkowski, acting deputy secretary for the Office of Oil and Gas Management, on the issue: https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pagopvideo/263327166.mp4
Key takeaways from Stewart’s testimony include:
There is a difference between orphan and abandoned wells. Orphan wells are ancient wells, abandoned long ago, and for which there is no responsible party. An abandoned well typically belongs to a known responsible party and is considered abandoned when it hasn’t produced for a period of 12 months. DEP’s database shows 1,836 abandoned wells in the Commonwealth. The number of orphan wells is not known but is estimated to be more than 200,000.
DEP has more effective tools than bonding to go after a company that abandons wells, including civil and criminal penalties, fines and even jail time.
Higher bonding will not aid in plugging orphan wells, which pose the biggest challenge to the Commonwealth. It would, however, have dire consequences for small operators who would be forced to tie up greater capital in bonding, leaving less money available for updated equipment or salaries for employees.
“Conventional wells drilled since the imposition of bonding are not being abandoned like a fast-spreading cancer, and the outcry for higher bonding amounts is not supported by the statistical data. We are tired of fighting demagogues who preach a false narrative to pursue a global environmental agenda,” Stewart testified. “Every year my company plugs more wells than it drills; and my company has NO abandoned wells. There is no need to punish my company, and the entire cadre of responsible conventional operators, via unnecessary bonding, when: 1) bonded wells are not being abandoned at a reckless pace; and 2) the state already has an adequate solution in the laws that exist.”
Stewart closed his testimony by inviting committee members to visit conventional operations like his to see the wells they responsibly and routinely plug, the employees whose jobs would be in peril if unnecessary higher bonding is implemented and the people who can plug wells for half of what it costs DEP to do so.
Port Allegany – Harold W. Harrier, Sr., (Punk), 91, of Austin, PA passed away Saturday (April 22, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
He was born October 15, 1931 in Austin, the son of Elijah and Nettie (McCann) Harrier. On July 31, 1954, in Emporium, PA, he married Carolyn A. Harrier, who died December 31, 2005.
Mr. Harrier was a general tradesman, employed by Pittsburgh Corning of 37 years retiring in 1993.
Mr. Harrier was a member of the Sons of the Legion, Port Allegany. He was a past member of the Moose Lodge 460 of Port Allegany. He enjoyed fishing and loves he cats. He was a fan of the Buffalo Sabre’s and the Cleveland (Indians) Guardians.
He is survived by one daughter; Barbara (Jay) Beeman Austin PA,
Two sons; Harold W. (Patricia) Harrier, Jr. and David (Jane) Harrier both of Port Allegany PA.
Five Grandchildren and Nine Great Grandchildren
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 3 brothers and 2 sisters
Following Harolds wishes there will be no visitation or services at this time
Burial will be in the Portage Valley Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Potter County Animal Assistance Program
Edna Mahon of Roulette, PA celebrated her 100th birthday on 4/20/2023. She was joined by over 150 family and friends on Saturday to shower her with celebratory wishes!
Edna has an impressive family tree that includes 11 children, 39 grandchildren, 77 great grandchildren, 62 great great grandchildren, and 1 great great great grandchild, many of whom were able to attend her party in person to shower her with love!
Outside of her family, Edna has also become a beloved bonus “Gram” for many of those who have been blessed to know her!
Edna and her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those that took the time to shower her with well wishes on her milestone birthday.
Bonnie L. Huff, 81, of Smethport, PA passed away Monday (April 17, 2023) at UPMC-Cole Place, Coudersport.
She was born April 14, 1942 in Kane, the daughter of Herbert and Vincetia “Vince” (Hesso) Swanson. On June 18, 1960, in Salamanca, NY, she married Robert S. Huff, who died June 5, 1985.
Bonnie was a Smethport High School graduate and worked as a cook in several establishments. Her last place of employment was cooking at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford before retiring.
Bonnie loved sewing, bowling, arts and crafts, word search puzzles, and especially cooking.
She is survived by:
Two sons: Robert A. Huff and Allan E. Huff
One daughter: Julie K. Pire
Seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren
Two brothers: Gary A. (Barbara) Swanson and Albert “Paul” Swanson
And several nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation or services. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
