Reporting North Central PA & Southern Tier NY News As It Happens
CLICK ABOVE TO SEE OUR FACEBOOK EDITION.
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.
List your Yard Sale FREE on our Auction & Yard Sale page: Send to shurfine40@gmail.com
Chief 48 Phelps arrived @ 18:41:44 and along with Cdspt Boro Police officer entered the upstairs apartment at the direction of the tenant. The tenant stated he had utilized an extinguisher in an attempt to put the fire out.
The fire was located in the bathroom ceiling area near the bathroom fan/light with fire above the ceiling. The power to the fan/light was secured and bathroom door shut until Fire crews arrived.
Engine crews secured a water supply at the corner of W 2nd and N Main and stretched a 1.75 attack line to the fire area and pulled the ceiling and fully extinguished the fire by 18:59:50.
Crews were on scene til approximately 19:20 hrs and returned after an investigation into the fire and placing lines back in-service at 19:35.
Due to Our RIT being on another call for service, Roulette Chemical Engine #1 was requested to fill that assignment and staged at N Main x W Second.
During the incident N Main st from 2nd to 3rd st was shut down along with W Second st. The cause of the fire was electrical in nature ( bathroom ceiling light/fan ) damage is estimated at $5000.
All dept 48 units responded and in all 28 members of our dept answered the call for service.
Assisted at the scene by :
Boro Police
Dept 49 – Cdspt Amb.
Roulette dept 46
The tenant of the department was displaced and assisted by the owner of the building.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 14) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is once again seeking applicants for grants to support education programs that promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating in Pennsylvania through the recruitment of new participants, retention of existing participants, and reactivation of former participants – collectively known as “R3.”
The R3 grants aim to connect Pennsylvanians with the fun of Commonwealth waterways by teaching fishing and boating skills and providing quality locations where these activities can be enjoyed. Organizations are encouraged to engage groups under-represented in the fishing or boating population to learn the benefits of these activities, including community, wellness, and taking advantage of the outdoors.
Last year, the PFBC awarded $201,837 in R3 grants to support 13 education projects in nine counties.
The R3 grants will reimburse qualifying organizations up to $25,000 for eligible expenses for the period of July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The grants require a minimum of 25% match of total project costs. The deadline for submission of R3 grant applications is April 14. At this time, applications for multi-year grants are not being accepted.
More information about the grant program, including the application, can be found on the PFBC R3 Grant Program page on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).
The Potter County Education Council, Tri-Co Connections, the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, and our local school districts are continuing to team up to implement a county-wide program called Seniors 2 Seniors. This program is teaching basic computer skills, digital literacy, and cybersecurity to senior citizens so that they have the skills and knowledge to utilize the many benefits of high-speed Internet, which can include: Staying connected to friends and family; Sending and receiving emails; Using search engines to navigate the Internet; Utilizing telemedicine (healthcare from home); Using on-line banking; and Shopping from home (for items not available in the local area).
As a part of this program, local high school students volunteer to provide on-site support to each of the adults who participates in the course. The area high school students are a logical resource to support the senior citizens as they learn about the Internet since this generation of students has grown up with technology as a part of their daily lives. They are a true “tech savvy” population and can provide valuable support to older adults who are learning to navigate and use new technological skills and information.
The Seniors 2 Seniors technology course is being offered at each of the four senior centers in Potter County on a six-week rotating schedule, meeting on Wednesdays (following the school districts’ calendars), throughout the 2022-2023 school years. The course will meet at the Ulysses Senior Center on Wednesdays, April 5th – May 10th from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
The registration deadline for the Ulysses course is Wednesday, March 29th. Register yourself, a parent, or grandparent by calling the Potter County Education Council at (814) 274-4877 or by stopping by the Potter County Education’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/08/2023 to STL RESOURCES LLC in Gallagher Twp, Clinton 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 3/08/2023 to STL RESOURCES LLC in Gallagher Twp, Clinton 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.
From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank you all enough for the great success you made my benefit Saturday! I’m truly blown away by the whole entire thing. The kindness, generosity, support and love you have all given to me and my family is truly humbling and overwhelming. You have all helped make this journey a little bit easier.
HARRISBURG, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris announced the promotion of Pennsylvania State Police Captain Michaelann Andrusiak to Major, and her appointment as Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security.
“Major Andrusiak has decades of experience in law enforcement and protecting our Commonwealth against the threats we face, and most importantly, she has embodied the highest standards of trust and integrity throughout her career,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner. “I am confident in her ability to continue serving the people of Pennsylvania and ensuring public safety.”
“I am honored to be selected by Governor Shapiro and Colonel Paris to serve as the Director of the Office of Homeland Security for Pennsylvania,” said Major Michaelann Andrusiak, Director of the Office of Homeland Security. “I look forward to the collaboration of talents and strength brought by the dedicated employees who serve in the Office of Homeland Security, the Governor’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and all stakeholders, to continue the critical work to defend against emerging threats in service to protect the citizens of this Commonwealth. I will work hard to carry out the mission of this office.”
The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security coordinates with the Pennsylvania State Police, federal agencies, local governments, and the private sector to secure the Commonwealth against acts of terrorism and to ensure public safety.
Major Michaelann Andrusiak is a native of Berks County who now calls Montgomery County home. Major Andrusiak enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in 2002, beginning her career as a trooper assigned to the Troop K, Media Station. While assigned to Media, she worked as both a patrol trooper and criminal investigator. Major Andrusiak held the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant and Lieutenant within the various stations which fall under the purview of Troop K, Philadelphia. Major Andrusiak has also served in the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, and most recently served as the Director of the Drug Law Enforcement Division within the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Major Andrusiak is a 2000 cum laude graduate of Kutztown University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She is also a graduate of the 283rd session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
Figure 1: Commissioner Barry Hayman, Commissioner Nancy Grupp, 4-H Educator Spencer Gee, Commissioner Paul Heimel
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Communities across the state, including Potter County, will celebrate Pennsylvania 4-H Week March 12-18, marking more than 100 years of programs that aid and educate youth.
The Potter County Commissioners passed a proclamation recognizing 4-H Week in the county and praising 4-H for its continuing service to the commonwealth’s citizens.
The term “4-H” often calls to mind youngsters showing calves and sheep at a county fair, but animal science is only part of what makes up 4-H. With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H members can explore technology, civic engagement, healthy living, fashion design, cooking, environmental stewardship, forestry and wildlife, entomology, community service and other subjects. 4-H is the state’s largest youth development organization, with clubs in rural communities, small towns, and big cities.
A nationwide total of nearly 6 million children and teens, ages 5 to 18, take part in 4-H. In Pennsylvania, 4-H reaches more than 77,000 members in all 67 counties and includes a network of more than 6,000 adult volunteers.
In celebration of Pennsylvania 4-H Week, 4-H clubs throughout Potter County will be decorating windows in their communities to showcase their 4-H projects and achievements from throughout the year.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-H.
The Engineering Technology student of the week is Brayden Cosper. Brayden is a sophomore from Smethport Area High School. He performs excellent work in our shop, and is currently fabricating and building a steam engine. Brayden consistently completes his assigned classwork on time or early. He is one of only a couple in the shop that performs the computer based assignments at home. This allows him to spend more time out in our shop working with the machines.
At Smethport High School, Brayden is a member of the National Honor Society. He also shoots for Smethport’s Trap Team. Brayden plans to attend college, majoring in mechanical engineering.
Each year Pennsylvania VFW Posts have the opportunity to nominate individuals in their community for Public Safety Awards. Recognition is given to one FireFighter & one EMT.
Candidates must have demonstrated:
Recognition by their colleagues or those they serve. Consistent excellence in the performance of their duties. Consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.
This evening our Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Burgett was recognized as Firefighter of the Year & our Ambulance Chief Tracy Orlowski was recognized as EMT of the Year by the Austin Post 7810 VFW. The VFW Board members were present and Commander Dynda presented the awards.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars also selects a teacher from their community to receive the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Award.
Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award.
Recognized this evening by the Austin Post 7810 VFW as Teacher of the Year was Mrs. Angela Brewer of the Austin Area School District.
We congratulate Chief Burgett & Chief Orlowski on their awards and continued dedication to our company and community.
Also we send a big congratulations to Mrs. Brewer whose dedication to her profession has made a large impact on the kids in our community, including many of our responders!
At 5:27 PM on Monday, Emporium Firefighters have been dispatched to 497 Hillcrest Drive for a report of a house fire with heavy smoke showing.
Port Allegany Fire Dept. dispatched for RIT. St. Marys engine requested to scene. All occupants are out of the house. Advised there are oxygen tanks inside.
Engine company requested from Austin to cover Emporium station.
Clara J. Laskey, 73, of 89 East Main Street, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, at Bradford Manor.
Born December 12, 1949, in Springville, NY, she was a daughter of the late Earl M. and Nina V. (VanValkenburg) Fuller. She attended school in Springville NY.
On October 23, 2018, she married Howard Laskey who died in March of 2020.
Clara was employed in the health care field all her life, having worked at BRMC in the food service department, as a CNA in Olean and Allegany NY, at the Pavilion at BRMC and in Conshohocken.
Clara was a member of First Wesleyan Church, the Ladies Ministry, Encouragers, and Bible Study, and T.O.P.S.
Surviving is one daughter, Tammy (Christopher) Turner, of Allentown, one son, Robert Moore of Baxley GA, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother Morris Fuller.
Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at First Wesleyan Church, followed by funeral services 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 16, 2023, with Pastor Terri Niver, officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, in Abigton.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the First Wesleyan Church.
J Arland Wagner, age 87, of Middlebury Center, PA, passed away on Thursday, March 09, 2023. He was born on July 13, 1935 in Middlebury Center, PA, a son of the late Charles D. and Elizabeth (Elsenheimer) Wagner and was married for 64 years to Elaine Audrey (VanZile) Wagner.
A man of few words, his 64 year marriage spoke volumes of his never-ending devotion. Arland was a proud dairy farmer, managing his herd for more than 60 years. An avid outdoorsman, you could find Arland spending his spare time hunting and enjoying the outdoors. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and found great joy in spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife: Audrey Wagner, two daughters: Deborah Campbell and Melanie Love, both of Middlebury Center, PA, two sisters: Mary Ann Bachman, of Wellsboro, PA, Carol (Gene) Davis, of Dillsburg, PA, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
At 4:30 PM on Monday, St. Marys Fire & EMS have been dispatched to a 2 vehicle crash on Johnsonburg Road. One patient is reported to have a head injury.
Nancy I. Kness, 73, of Hazel Hurst, PA, passed away Friday (March 10, 2023) surrounded by her loving family.
She was born May 27, 1949 in Kane, the daughter of Joseph E. Suain, Jr. and Hazel I. Taylor-Irons. On April 22, 1967, in Bradford, she married Larry E. “Nutsy” Kness, who survives.
Nancy was a graduate of Smethport High School and had worked several part time jobs over the years while being a homemaker. She worked for the US Postal Service and Census Bureau while taking care of her family. Later, she began working for Helpmates and Evergreen Elm of Bradford because she enjoyed helping people. As a longtime member of the Hamlin Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. Nancy often served as a flagger and helped with Bingo.
Nancy truly lived her life to the fullest through simple pleasures and was gifted at storytelling. A friend to so many, she enjoyed chatting and spending time with her friends and family, sitting on her front porch enjoying a good thunderstorm, or reading a book. In fact, as a child, she read every book in her home. Her love of cooking brought many canned goods and preserves. There was always something freshly baked, whether it be homemade bread or cookies being pulled out of the oven. Making crafts with her grandchildren and sewing also brought her joy, as would a “good deal”. For a number of years, Nancy was a member of the “Goodwill Frequent Flyer Club” and a Tupperware Salesperson.
Nancy was so many precious things to her friends and family. Her family describes her as “our” rock and they will miss her dearly.
In addition to her husband, Larry, she is survived by three daughters: Renae I. (Dick) Johnston of TN, Bobbi S. (Edward) Nystrom of Erie, and Misty L. (Cory) Kness of Mt. Jewett.
Six grandchildren: Matthew (Cassie) Burt, Arthur Burt, Jonathan Kimble, Katelyn Kimble, Shelley Chapman and Amylia Jo Yasurek
Seven great grandchildren: Vata, Marcus, Rain, Harmony, Gideon, Lucian & Cameron and one great-great grandchild: Estella
One brother: Harold H. (Melissa E.) Suain of VA, and several nieces, nephews and step-siblings.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her niece Donna Suain-Giannattasio.
At Nancy’s request, there will be no visitation or services.
Family, friends and others whose lives Nancy touched are invited to donate to:
Fish n Kids Club, PO Box 97, Hazel Hurst PA 16733 or the Hamlin Twp. VFD Station 20, PO Box 104, Hazel Hurst PA 16733. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Michael A. Lukaschunis, 62, of Bradford and formerly of State Street, St. Marys, PA died on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York following an illness of the past few years.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete, and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Lorraine Ann Minor, of Coudersport, PA went home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Lorraine Ann Moore was born on May 13, 1926, in Bethpage, New York, to Ellsworth and Florence Moore. She was one of seven children.
On September 21, 1947, she married the love of her life David Minor. After the marriage, Lorraine accompanied David to Providence, Rhode Island, to attend seminary at the Zion Bible Institute. Upon completion of David’s education, they returned to Long Island, New York, to work in ministry with their good friends Joseph and Marjorie Crandall.
While living in New York, Lorraine gave birth to three children, Sharon, Karen, and David. In 1956, David and Lorraine moved to Potter County, Pennsylvania, to help establish a new church, the Gospel Tabernacle. After the move to Pennsylvania, Lorraine gave birth to three more children, Stephen, Timothy, and John.
During her life, Lorraine was employed as an administrative assistant for a private business in New York and then at the Gospel Tabernacle until her retirement. During her early years in Coudersport, she supervised the playground at Coudersport Elementary School where she was often found providing clothing and hugs for the children. She was also honored to be a foster parent.
Lorraine was known as a woman of integrity, humility, and compassion. Her acts of kindness were legendary. She was affectionately referred to as “Mother” because she was a mother figure to so many people. Even in her later years, Lorraine would often visit the local nursing homes, hospitals, and those who were homebound who had no visitors. She regularly purchased clothes and food for the less fortunate. Once you met Lorraine, you were no longer a stranger but a friend.
She did all her kind acts in secret and never sought recognition for herself. Her husband would often say that the Church they built together in Coudersport would not have existed but for Lorraine’s love and sacrifice for her family, the congregation, and the community. After Lorraine’s passing, many messages flooded in from across the country from people whose lives she had impacted.
Lorraine’s husband, Pastor David Minor, passed away in 2017, but she continued her personal ministry of compassion, and when she could no longer walk, she was often heard on the phone offering support, prayers, and encouragement from her bed. Many lost souls found their way to her bedside for counseling and prayer.
Lorraine is predeceased by her brothers Charlie (Mary) Moore and Buddy (Mary) Moore, and sisters Nellie (George) Linden and Lillian Moore, and her son Timothy (Barb) Minor.
She is survived by her brothers, Jay (Lore) Moore and George (Susan) Moore, sister Ruth (John) Sallade; her five children, Sharon (Larry) Richter, Karen (Tim) Knapp, David (Michelle) Minor Jr., Stephen (Marie) Minor and John (Gina) Minor; her 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Because Lorraine had a way of making each of her children and grandchildren feel special, they all felt that they were her favorite.
Lorraine joins her husband, David, of 71 years, her son, her parents, siblings, and friends in heaven. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Our lives were enriched because of you.
Public viewing will occur on Saturday March 18, 2023, at the Gospel Tabernacle Church, 420 US Route 6 West, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service.
The family has entrusted Lorraine’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East Street, Coudersport, PA 16915. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
