Shapiro Administration Modernizes Commercial Driver’s Skills Test, Addresses School Bus Driver Shortage
The Administration continues to work to improve customer experience, expand Pennsylvania’s workforce, create opportunity and make Commonwealth services more accessible
Harrisburg, PA – In keeping with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to expand Pennsylvania’s workforce and serve Pennsylvanians more efficiently, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that a new, modernized commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test will be implemented at all PennDOT Driver License Centers that offer CDL skills tests and at all third-party CDL driving skill testers beginning August 28, 2023. As new technologies emerge, the modernized CDL skills test ensures that CDL drivers have the knowledge and skills to drive safely on the road while waiving outdated requirements that hold workers back.
Joel T. BLASS, 68, of Santa Barbara, CA

Joel T. BLASS, 68, of Santa Barbara, CA, died Monday, November 7, 2022 in his home.
NOTE—CHANGE OF DATE—A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 9, 2023 in Yochum Hill Cemetery, Carter Camp, PA.
Allen D. BERFIELD, 75, of Coudersport, PA

Allen D. BERFIELD, 75, of Coudersport, PA, died Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in UPMC Williamsport.
Born April 4, 1948, in Conneaut, OH, he was the son of Cecil A. and Virginia B. Hall Berfield. On June 19, 1971, in Coudersport, he married Carolyn A. Potocek, who predeceased him on April 8, 2017.
Terrance L. “Terry” MILLS, 65, of Ulysses, PA

Terrance L. “Terry” MILLS, 65, of Ulysses, PA, died Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in his home.
Born June 4, 1958, in Wellsboro, he was the son of Adrian M. and Elsie Simmons Mills. On February 10, 2001, in Ulysses, he married the former Michelle Loring, who predeceased him on December 28, 2012.
A 1976 graduate of Northern Potter High School, he was employed by Ulysses Lumber for many years. Terry was a member of the NRA.
Surviving are: ten children, Terilee Mills, Laura Mills, Adrienne Mills, Bryan (Julianna) Kear, Tracy (Stephen) Mills, Katlyn Kear, Raymond Tomb, Patrick Tomb, Heather Mastin, and Miranda Hoyt; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, James (Jackie) Mills; nieces and nephews; and former wife, Susan Mills.
In addition to his wife, Michelle, he was predeceased by three sisters, Wilma Nelson, Dorothy Nelson, and Anna Van Etten; and a brother, John Mills.
A Memorial Service will be held 4:00 PM, Monday, August 21, 2023 at the C&MA Church, Harrison Valley, PA. Rev. Kevin Cornish will officiate. Cremation was at Olney-Foust Private Crematory. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to C&MA Church, 217 E. Main Street, Harrison Valley, PA 16927.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
William L. “Bill” Tomaski, 77, of 403 Water Street, Johnsonburg, PA

William L. “Bill” Tomaski, 77, of 403 Water Street, Johnsonburg, PA passed away Tuesday morning, August 15, 2023 at Ridgmont Personal Care, Ridgway.
He was born on June 28, 1946 in Ridgway, a son to the late Martin and Mildred Lynch Tomaski.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Johnsonburg and was a 1964 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church and Central Hose Co. He loved to be outdoors and enjoyed hunting and gardening and working on old trucks, particularly old Fords.
COMMUNITY BLOOD BANK TO HOLD BLOOD DRIVE
PORT ALLEGANY, PA – Community Blood Bank is sending out an appeal to the community as the blood supply for the region plummets to dangerous levels. Hospital usage continues to trend upward as the number of people donating continues to decline. There is no better time than now for people, to roll up their sleeves.
Donate Blood. Save Lives. Go Shopping! All donors who donate blood with Community Blood Bank in August will be automatically entered to win a weekly drawing for 4 – $100 Walmart gift cards! That means 16 people will win $100 gift cards during the month of August.
“Each day premature babies are born, cancer patients rely on platelets, and accidents, emergencies and traumas happen – the need for blood doesn’t stop.” says Community Blood Bank’s Executive Director, Dee Rosenthal. “All types are needed, however, there has been a near constant critical need for type O.”
All blood types are needed, especially type O blood which helps meet the immediate needs of patients.
Please consider coverage for the following blood drive:
S.W. Smith Memorial Library on the bloodmobile
201 East Maple St, Port Allegany, PA 16743
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
CALL (814) 456-4206 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TO DONATE. Appointments are encouraged to reduce your wait time but not required. Walk-ins are welcome.
Community Blood Bank partners with hospitals in Northwest Pennsylvania and Western New York to provide blood for patients in need. If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. You must have a valid photo ID in order to donate. Prior to donating, those giving blood should eat a good, solid meal.
Potter County Farmers Market Friday on Courthouse Square

The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, August 18th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICES:
* Market times have been established after many trial times over the years. If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly. They are willing to try to accommodate your request.
* If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]
Potter County resident wins more than $580k in online lottery
POTTER COUNTY, Pa. (WETM) — The Pennsylvania Lottery has announced a resident in Potter County was recently awarded over half a million dollars in winnings from an online game.
The Pennsylvania Lottery said that the person won the online prize of $581,087.54 while playing the online Pennsylvania Lottery game Cave Quest.
Pipe Work to Close Honeoye Road Near Shinglehouse for Two Days

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that a pipe replacement project along Route 4021 (Honeoye Road) in Sharon Township, Potter County, will begin Wednesday, August 30. Replacing the pipes will improve drainage along the roadway.
While crews from Potter County Maintenance are replacing the pipes, a detour will be in place from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. PennDOT will divert traffic onto Route 4014 (Plank Road), Route 4023 (Eleven Mile Road), and Route 44. It will reopen Honeoye Road at the close of each workday and expects to complete the project by the close of business on Thursday, August 31. All work is weather dependent.
PennDOT’s Potter County Maintenance Organization will perform all the work associated with this project.
Basic Sign Language and Intermediate Sign Language Offered This Fall!
How many times do we encounter hearing impaired people and wish that we could communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones. Here is your opportunity to learn basic sign language that could help you or someone you care about.
Basic Sign Language will cover beginning sign language, the alphabet, conversational phrases and a variety of commonly used signs. In addition, basic facts essential to the correct use of the language will be addressed. A dedicated student could learn as many as 800 signs and understand signing and interpreting rules, basic deaf culture, and medical situations that cause deafness and loss of hearing.
Do you already know some signs but want to learn more to take your knowledge to the next level? Intermediate Sign Language will be a continuation of the introduction of signs (cities, states, countries, holidays, household items, religious terms, etc.), more conversational sign language, slang, and a discussion on political correctness as it pertains to signing, as well as to deaf culture.
Both Basic Sign Language and Intermediate Sign Language will be taught by Sheri Greene at the Education Council’s Coudersport office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 19 – October 31, 2023 (no class on October 19). Basic Sign Language is scheduled from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Intermediate Sign Language is scheduled from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The cost for Basic Sign Language is $160/person and the cost for Intermediate Sign Language is $160/person. The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 12th. To register or for more information, visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.




































