PITT-BRADFORD STUDENT RESEARCHERS SEEK TO FIND POWER OF CHILDHOOD CURE
When Heaman Dhimal and Alisha Khadka were children in Nepal, there was one cure for all their childhood illnesses – honey.
Now, as biology students at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, they want to find out whether their elders were right about the putka honey of their childhoods having special medicinal properties.
They’re not alone. Several other researchers have recently looked into the cultural use of the honey as medicine and how its sales affect the livelihood of Himalayan communities. Now 7,500 miles from where they grew up, Dhimal and Khadka are doing their own research to see why the putka honey is special.
Dhimal and Khadka both came to the United States as children as part of a refugee resettlement program. They both attended high school and met each other in Harrisburg, which has become a hub for the Bhutanese refugee community.
Dhimal’s family is part of a large ethnic minority called Lhotshampas who settled in southern Bhutan in the late 19th century to clear forest, create rice fields and work them. They had come from Nepal and spoke Nepalese. In 1958, Bhutan passed a citizenship act that gave them full citizenship. More policies encouraged intermarriage and moving to other parts of the country.
But in 1985, a new citizenship act stiffened the requirements to become a naturalized citizen and created conditions under which citizenship could be revoked, including being disloyal to the king, country or people of Bhutan.
Soon Bhutan began requiring that Lhotshampas prove that they had paid taxes and wear the traditional dress of the majority. Schools stopped teaching in Nepalese.
Causer to Hold Satellite Office Hours
State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will hold monthly satellite office hours on Thursday, April 6, from 9-10 a.m.at the Emporium Borough Office.
Services available include assisting constituents with state-related issues or concerns, assistance with driver license and vehicle registration applications, and help in filling out applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE prescription drug assistance programs.
People who cannot make the satellite sessions may contact Causer’s offices in Bradford at 78 Main St., first floor, telephone 814-362-4400; or Coudersport, 107 S. Main St., Room 1, telephone 814-274-9769; or Kane, 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, telephone 814-837-0880. Information is also available at www.RepCauser.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RepCauser.
Working House Fire In Ridgway Borough
At 2:59 PM on Thursday, Ridgway & St. Marys Fire Depts have been dispatched to 240 Monterey Avenue in Ridgway for a working structure fire. Johnsonburg also dispatched to scene.
3:11 PM–Fully involved house fire. Mutual aid expedite. Wilcox for standby for Johnsonburg.
3 occupants have received minor burns but are remaining on scene. Advising county to contact Red Cross to assist residents. Fire Marshal advised.
Kersey dispatched for standby at Ridgway station.
·
This is some drone footage of yesterdays’s structure fire in Ridgway. A special thank you to videographer Michael McClain for giving us permission to share. This video gives some insight into what is is like to roll in on a working structure fire….chief’s assessment, equipment placement, mutual aid and so forth. Yesterday Elk Company 1 (St. Marys) was automatically on the box as Ridgway’s engine 44 is out of service and being refurbished. Not long after arriving on scene the Incident command requested an engine from Elk Company 2 (Johnsonburg), and then their air unit. Elk Company 3 (Fox Township)was dispatched to Ridgway for stand by. As you watch the video look at how the smoke changes color, and what happens when fire breaks through another part of the building. Video’s like this are a big help for a department doing a critique on an alarm. Thanks again Mike.
OPENING DAY OF TROUT SEASON IS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 1!
Photo: Rainbow Trout, credit PFBC
HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 30) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is this Saturday, April 1! Anglers may begin fishing at 8 a.m.
Throughout the 2023 season, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 126 lakes open to public angling. These figures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout; 707,000 Brown Trout; and 168,000 Brook Trout. As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds.
State Police Announce 15 Commissioned Officer Promotions
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced the promotions of three Members to the rank of Major, four to the rank of Captain, and eight to the rank of Lieutenant. All were recognized at promotion ceremonies on March 30.
Resurfacing Project Set to Begin Next Week on Route 15 in South Williamsport and Armstrong Township, Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a resurfacing project is set to begin next week on Route 15 in South Williamsport Borough and Armstrong Township, Lycoming County.
On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, will begin work on Route 15 between the Market Street Bridge in South Williamsport Borough and the West Branch Tennis Club in Armstrong Township. Work will be performed between the hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM with ADA curb ramp work being performed between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
The project will be completed in phases. Motorists can expect single lane with flagging and/or channelizing devices through the active work areas. Work will not be performed on this project during the Little League World Series.
Glenn O. Hawbaker is the primary contractor for this $2.6 million resurfacing project. Work includes milling and paving, ADA ramp upgrades, guide rail upgrades, signage, and line painting. Additional work will be performed on the bridge over Hagerman’s Run. Work is expected to be completed on this project in October of 2023, weather permitting.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays, watch for stopped traffic, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution through the work zone.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
St. Marys Area United Way Awards Grant
Elk County- Doug Gaffey, St. Marys Area United Way President presented a $4,500 grant award to the Leslie Swope, St. Marys Public Library Librarian. The library applied for the funding to support the operational needs of the library.
The St. Marys Library offers several programs for the community. The library offers weekly story time for young children, weekly programs for adults with disabilities, a summer reading program, Books on Foot, book clubs, monthly drawing and watercolor classes, and special programs for school aged children and adults. The library continues to provide quality materials to their patrons in formats they request. Books, audiobooks, DVDs, eBooks, eaudiobooks, periodicals and games are available for patrons. The library also offers meeting space for individuals in the St. Marys area.
The St. Marys Library is one of the many partnering organizations that have sought grant money from the St. Marys Area United Way. Over the next couple of weeks, the United Way will continue to notify the public of all the grant recipients and award amounts. The grant funding disseminated in 2023 is as a result of the donations raised during the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. Funding raised in 2023 will be available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2024.
The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. If you would like to become one of these individuals 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
Mikie D. Plaster, 80, of Olson Street, Ridgway, PA
Mikie D. Plaster, 80, of Olson Street, Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Penn Highlands Dubois following a brief illness.
She was born on September 3, 1942, in Denison, TX, a daughter of the late Juanita Fitch Bass.
On August 15, 1959, she married the late Bruce A. Plaster, who preceded her in death on April 4, 2017.
Mikie was a resident of the area for many years and a member of St. Loe Church. She worked many years at the Pennsy Restaurant and the Oasis. Mikie spent her time watching WWE, knitting, playing bingo, and going to the casino. She loved her family, and cherished her time she got to spend with her grandchildren.
Mikie is survived by 3 children; Debra A. Howard of Ridgway, Craig A. Plaster and his wife Debra of Reidsville, NC, and Lisa Plaster of Orchard Park, NY, 5 grandchildren; Brandy (Doug), Brianna, Connor, Amanda, and Morgan, and 3 great grandchildren; Hunter, Madisyn, and Emma. She is also survived by a brother, Jerry Landers of Denison, TX, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and mother, she was preceded in death by a step father, Clifford “Jack” Bass, 2 brothers, Homer and J.W Landers.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mikie D. Plaster will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Catholic Church, 111 Depot St. Ridgway, PA 15853. Officiating will be Fr. Justin P. Pino, Pastor of St. Leo Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Leo Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Krise Funeral Home from 4:00PM until 7:00PM.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Ridgway Fire Department.
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
PennDOT Reminds Candidates that Campaign Signs Are Prohibited Within State Right-of-Way
Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding candidates for political office that no campaign signs can be placed within the PennDOT right-of-way along state road, interstate, expressway, and other limited access highways. Political signs cannot be attached on light or signal posts, guide rail or other PennDOT traffic control devices.
It is illegal to install, erect or place any sign of any nature, including a temporary sign, on PennDOT right-of-way. Illegal signs can be removed at any time by PennDOT.
When PennDOT workers must remove campaign signs, it takes them away from working on important highway maintenance and safety projects.
Campaign signs placed along roadways may pose the following risks:
- Reduced sight distance at intersections;
- Possible harm to animals (wire posts could cut animals, and the plastic signs could be mistakenly eaten by animals);
- Plastic signs that blow off their posts could clog drains; and
- Wire posts left behind may cause safety hazards to PennDOT employees when they mow roadside vegetation
Signs posted in the right-of-way will be removed and stored at the PennDOT county maintenance office for 30 days prior to disposal.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
Eleanor J. Shelley, age 91, of Webster, NY, formerly of Elkland, PA
Eleanor J. Shelley, age 91, of Webster, NY, formerly of Elkland, PA passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital.
Born October 4, 1931 in Rexville, NY, she was the daughter of the late Merle and Mabel (York) Greene.
Eleanor loved to crochet, bake, dance and read. She enjoyed softball games at the ball park in Elkland and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Gary (Arlene) Shelley of Dubois, PA, Sharon (Michael) Maynard of Webster, NY and Charlene Shelley of Webster, NY; four grandchildren, Kara (Matt) Russell, Shannon (Brian) Bottoms, Ryan (Angel) Shelley and Alanna Shelley; great grandchildren, Owen, Piper and Lyla Russell, Abby and Jack Bottoms and Zeke, Louie and Frankie Shelley; a brother, Thomas Greene of Andover, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Roger G. Shelley; a brother, Burdett Greene and two sisters, Elaine Druetto and Kathleen Crittenden.
Private family services will be held at their convenience. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, next to her husband. Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Inc. Eleanor J. Shelley, age 91, of Webster, NY, formerly of Elkland, PA. https://www.kenyonfuneralhome.com/
Douglas E. “Doug” Hyde, 77, of Genesee, PA
Douglas E. “Doug” Hyde, 77, of Genesee, PA passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, after a long illness.
Born on Friday, March 15, 1946 in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of L. Earl and Margaret L. Dunshie Hyde. On October 9, 1982 in the Genesee United Methodist Church, he married Linda A. Dunn, who survives.
Doug attended Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse and also attended trade school (now Pennsylvania College of Technology) in Williamsport for heavy equipment operator. He also attended the former Breeden School of Welding in Genesee.
He was first employed as a welder at the former Felmont Agway in Olean, N.Y. and later was employed at Air-Preheater in Wellsville, N.Y., for a total of 13 years. Doug’s true passion was that of a logger and trucker.
A life member of the American Trap Shooting Association, Doug enjoyed going to state shoots in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. He won the Eastern Zone Singles Championship several years ago. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Linda; five children, Christine (Bruce) Fink of Coudersport, Allen Hyde of Barneveld, N.Y., David Hyde of Eleven Mile Road, Joshua Hyde of Wellsville, N.Y., and Holly (Justin) Kibbe of Troy, Pa.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Fran Stilson of Sharon Center; a brother, Don (Pat) Hyde of Millport; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by three sisters, Barbara Van Pelt, Virginia “Ginger” Sturdevant, and Patricia Todd.
Family and friends may call from 11am to 12 noon on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Chrystal United Methodist Church, Eleven Mile Road, Chrystal, where funeral services will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Fred Kemp of the Potter County Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Chrystal Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895 or to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Doug’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Doug, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Dawn Sikes Rodriguez, 48, of 11 Summit Rd., Rew, PA, formerly of Olean
Dawn Sikes Rodriguez, 48, of 11 Summit Rd., Rew, PA, formerly of Olean, passed away Tuesday (March 28, 2023) at the Olean General Hospital, after an unexpected illness.
Born March 1, 1975, she was the daughter of Gerald Sikes, Sr. and Rosalie Knight Sikes. On November 18, 2016 she married Alex Ortiz Rodriguez who survives.
Dawn attended school in Olean and resided with her husband in Rew for the past few years. She will be remembered by family and friends as a loving person who helped others. She loved taking care of her family and her home, and opened it up to anyone who needed care.
She leaves behind her loving husband Alex; 1 daughter Joy Sikes of Olean; 2 sons Gage Rodriguez of Pennsylvania, and David Lovelace of Port Allegany, PA; 1 grandson, Keaven Sikes; her siblings Donna VanCuren of Allegany, Barbara Williams of Pennsylvania, Nancy Cornelius of Clarksville, Linda (Leslie) Kameck of Cuba, and Steven (Bobbie Jo) Sikes of Olean; 1 stepson Jonnie Burke of Bradford, PA, and several nieces, and nephews, including Nevaeh Sikes of Ohio.
She was predeceased by her parents, and 2 brothers Gerald R. Sikes, Jr., and Robert VanCuren .
There will be a gathering of family and friends on Saturday (April 15, 2023) from 11am to 12:30pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A memorial service will begin at 12:30pm in the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Maternity Closet Will Be Open
St. Eulalia Church Maternity Closet in Coudersport and St. Gabriel Church Maternity Closet in Port Allegany will be open this Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10:00 am.
The Maternity Closet provides baby items such as disposable diapers and baby clothing as well as numerous baby items, for local mothers and their children, free of charge.
All are welcome!
SR 19 Closed By Tractor-Trailer Rollover Near Fillmore
At 9:35 AM on Thursday, Fillmore & Wiscoy-Rossburg Fire Depts. have been dispatched to SR 19 for a tractor-trailer rollover blocking the roadway. Hazmat has been called to the scene for leaks of oil, diesel fuel and milk from the truck.
SR 19 is closed and anticipated to be closed for hours according to scanner traffic from the scene.
Preliminary assessment indicates possibly only minor injuries to the driver.
