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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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Even after a couple days of rain and cooler temperatures, conditions are still dry. Friday at 1642 SFD were dispatched to the area of 494 Hamlin St. for a wildfire. Utility 25 along with Tanker 22 responded along with Station 12 with an ATV and Station 3 Utility with manpower. The aprx. 2 acre fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes and units cleared the scene around 1830.
June 14, 1937 – April 10, 2023 After a long illness, Robert Otto Sherwood, age 85, passed away peacefully at home in Highland, CA, with his wife by his side.
Robert (Bob) was born in Port Allegany, PA, the oldest of eight children to Ruby Haynes and Joseph Otto Sherwood. After graduating from high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he would be awarded the Bronze Star for Distinguished Service in Vietnam.
While stationed in Germany, he met and married Lieselotte (Lilo) Knoerrer in 1963. They lived in Spokane, WA, before moving to Highland. Bob received his B.A. from Chapman University, and also did graduate work there. Bob retired from the Air Force, after 20 years, as Chief Master Sergeant, Select. Following his military career, he worked at the County of San Bernardino, and then taught school for San Bernardino Unified School District, until finally retiring at age 70.
Bob leaves to mourn him, his wife Lilo and his daughter, Natasha Page, her husband Evan, and three grandchildren, Rebecca, Sierra and Chance. He is also survived by brothers John “Buck” (Iva) Sherwood, Wellington, OH; Delaney (Cathy) Sherwood, Eldred, PA; Garry (Deb) Sherwood, Eldred, PA; and sisters Alice (John) Chesebro, Smethport, PA; Ann (Kevin) Kinnard, Great Valley, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents, sister Amber Saelens, and brother Larry “Mike” Sherwood preceded Bob in death.
Bob was an avid reader, history scholar, sudoku enthusiast, and world traveler. ALWAYS LOVING ALWAYS LOVED
On April 21 at 10:08 pm. Port Allegany, Roulette, and Coudersport Fire Depts. were dispatched to E. Ransome St. for a possible structure fire. Update all units have been recalled
(HAMLIN LAKE, Smethport, Pennsylvania – April 21, 2023): The Fish and Boat Commission was out in McKean County stocking area waterways. They were greeted in Smethport by several members of the community, Smethport High School students in Mrs. Lightner’s Wildlife and Fisheries class, and District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer. Members of the community were ready to fish immediately after the lake was stocked. The Fish and Boat Commission is very active in McKean County both in enforcing the law but also in providing educational programs to students and the community. If you would like a Waterway Conservation Officer to speak to your school or other group, please contact the North Central Regional Office at (814) 359-5250. Pictured are Waterway Conservation Officers Jim Hillman and Sergio Herara along with Fish Culturist Amanda Johnston. Link To More Photos HERE
Richard L. Wright, 65, of 433 Derrick Road, Derrick City, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie. His family was by his bedside.
Born July 2, 1957, in Bradford, he is the son of Emma Marie (Johnson) Wright, and the late Norman “Mac” Wright.
Rick was a 1975 graduate of Bradford Area High School and attended the Williamsport Area Community College, graduating in 1978.
On October 13, 2001, in Bradford, he married Kathleen Marie (Coombes-Simpson) Wright.
Rick worked at Cummins Construction Company for 43 years as an Operating Engineer.
He enjoyed boating on Kinzua Dam, hunting, camping, downhill skiing, and riding his motorcycle. He was an avid outdoorsman.
Rick was a member of the American Legion Post 108, Fraternal Order of Eagles 2432, Progressive Italian American Club, and always rode his motorcycle at Kids for Cancer events.
Surviving is his mother, Emma Wright of Bradford, his wife, Kathy Wright of 22 years, two daughters, Tara (Greg) Johnson, of Buffalo, NY, and Melissa Simpson Kirk (Jon Andrianoff) of Pittsburgh, and one grandson, Kyle Kirk.
He was preceded in death by his father, one brother, Robert Allen Wright, and one grandson Peyton Kirk.
The family will receive friends on Monday April 24, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main Street.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the Peyton Kirk Memorial Scholarship at the McKean County Community Foundation, PO Box 708, Bradford PA 16701 or the Shawn Taylor Animal Rescue (STAR) in care of the McKean County Animal Hospital, 258 Seaward Avenue, Bradford, PA, 16701.
Dolores M. “Dee” Luzzi, 82, of Bradford, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
She was born on May 19, 1940 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Dominic and Rosine Pitrillo Talerico.
She was a 1958 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
On July 7, 1962 in the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church she married Anthony Luzzi who preceded her in death on March 23, 2007.
She was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church. Over the course of her life, she babysat for various local children that she thought of just like her own and she ended up being the family “caretaker” for her father, mother-in-law and her own husband when their health began to fail. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Prior to starting her family; Dolores was formerly employed by McCourt Label.
She is survived by one son, Stephen (Judy) Luzzi of Warren; one niece, Dianna (Chris) Chapman of Smethport; one nephew, Tim Pecora of Bradford; one great niece, Jessica (Cody) Wright of Port Allegany; two great great-nephews, Garrin Wright and Aston Wright; one great great-niece, Arianna Wright; two granddaughters and two great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband she was also preceded in death by one sister, Beverly Pecora.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Noon on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the St. Bernard Catholic Church with the Rev. James Gutting, senior associate pastor as celebrant.
Entombment and committal services will be in the St. Bernard cemetery.
Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Gene A. Rees, 75, formerly of Punxsutawney, passed away at home in Coudersport Friday April 21, 2023.
He was born April 23, 1947 in Coudersport, to Donald and Glendolyn (Hartwell) Rees, and had been a resident of Punxsutawney for better than 40 years prior to coming back to Coudersport. He built a business for himself as an upholsterer and developed a reputation as one of the best in the region. He was a member of the Punxsutawney Seventh Day Adventist church, and the Punxsutawney Eagles, he enjoyed motorcycle riding, and NASCAR racing. He loved cars, and enjoyed that aspect of his vocation, working on car interiors, the most. Gene is survived by two sons: Gene Rees, Jr. of Perrysburg, NY and Levi M. Rees (Donna Herrington) of Newton, TX; three daughters: Kimberly Rees of Port Allefany, Angel “Sis” Rees (Tony Bundy) of Coudersport, and Sherri McDonald (Roy) of Springville, WV; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a brother: Donald Rees (Cindy) of Austin; and a sister: Donna Clinton (Gaylon) of Austin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Ronald J. Rees; two granddaughters: Ashley, and Amber Rees; a beloved dog: JD; and his second wife: Lorraine Rees with whom he maintained a close relationship even after their separation.
Services will be private at the convenience of his family and have been entrusted to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home 210 N. East Street Coudersport, PA 16915. Donations in his name made to the American Cancer Society. To share a condolence or memory with his family, visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Grace Ellen (Bilodeau) Keech left this world on Tuesday, April 20, 2023, at 96 years old, to go home with the Lord. Born July 25, 1926, to Millie (Bish) and Fred Bilodeau of Gardener Hill, Grace was one of 11 children that grew up in Toby. She married Clyde Keech on January 12, 1943, and moved to Kersey where they raised a family of their own. Clyde preceded her in death on January 2, 1991, after nearly 48 years of marriage.
Grace attended school in Toby and was a member of the Toby United Methodist Church.
“Gracie’s” presence was a one of constant love. While she was the mother of four, she took countless neighborhood children and friends into her fold, making it her job to fill their stomachs and kiss their cheeks. She spent her life caring for others. She boarded many guests, including local laborers and hunters, in their home, babysat several of her grandchildren and children of many working families, and was an elder care companion for neighbors in their final years. Grace made sure you weren’t alone and always knew how special you were (but never hesitated to let you know when she didn’t like something you were doing). In her heyday, Grace could be seen speeding up and down Brandy Camp Road and through Kersey-she always had somewhere to be. She was a road warrior and enjoyed travel, including camping when her children were younger and later several road trips with her sisters Alice, Ruth, and Mae, where they fondly referred to themselves as “the Golden Girls.” Grace bowled on several leagues at Jireh Lanes. But most notably, she was a true artist in the kitchen, famous for pies and Cookie trays. She had a talent for crocheting which she also gifted to others, including dresses, baby blankets and booties, colorful afghans and doilies.
She is survived by her four children Pamela (Ken) Anderson and their daughter Kristi (Jeff); Carl (Brenda) Keech and their children Amber (Dave), Brandy (Chuck) and Dustin (Amy); Laverne (Judy) Keech and their children Jamie, Steve (Christine), and Betsy (Philip); Robert (Delores) Keech and their children Tammy, Mike, John, Dan and Saundra (Jason). Grace’s legacy further includes 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Mae (Dick) Serianni of St. Marys
It is near impossible to fully capture with words the depth and breadth of this world touched by “Gracie” over her long life. Grace is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Clyde, a newborn son, Charles, a grandson, Ben, and nine siblings, Rachel Reichard, Frances Strum, Twila Moyer, Ruth DePonceau, Alice DeSantis, Dolph Bilodeau, LeRoy “Bud” Bilodeau, Leo Bilodeau, and John Bilodeau in infancy, as well as countless other friends and family.
The family would like to thank all those who helped care for and show Grace love in her final years as she suffered her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, including but not limited to, longtime friend, May Wolfe, the Kersey Senior Center, Penn Highlands Adult Day Care, ATA bus drivers, Helpmates (Community Nurses), and the staff at Mountain Laurel Healthcare.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Joni Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridge Cemetery in Kersey.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Wednesday morning, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fox Township Ambulance Association, 432 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846, the Penn Highlands Adult Day Care, 625 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857, or a charity of your choice.
Scott Burgeson, 57, of St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Elk County- The St. Marys Area United Way voted at their quarterly meeting on April 20, 2023 to open up a mini grant application cycle for local nonprofits that serve the citizens or the St. Marys Area School District. Specifically, this grant application process is for those eligible nonprofit organizations that support the health and welfare needs of our community.
To apply, all applicants must call the St. Marys Area United Way office at 814-781-6000 to understand the application guidelines. The deadline to apply for this grant cycle will be June 15, 2023.
HARRISBURG—Pennsylvania’s bipartisan Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Task Force, chaired by Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia), met today for the first time to gather information on the best and safest way to increase the export of LNG.
