Donald E. HACKMAN, 84, of Ulysses, PA
Donald E. HACKMAN, 84, of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, February 11, 2023 in his home. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Joshua Stuart SILSBY, 31, of Andrews Settlement, PA
Joshua Stuart SILSBY, 31, of Andrews Settlement, PA, died Friday, February 10, 2023 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Ulysses Township. Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Mary Jane “Butzie” Raubenstrauch, 88, of the Lutheran Home at Kane and formerly of Klodike, Johnsonburg
Mary Jane “Butzie” Raubenstrauch, 88, of the Lutheran Home at Kane and formerly of Klodike, Johnsonburg, passed away Thursday morning, February 9, 2023 at the Lutheran Home following a brief illness.
She was born on September 2, 1934 in Ridgway a daughter to the late Harold and Florence Steger Erickson. On July 6, 1968 in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, she married Stephen James “Jimmy” Raubenstrauch. He preceded her in death on June 25, 1992.
Mary Jane had graduated from Ridgway High School. She resided in Johnsonburg for most of her life and was a member of Holy Rosary Church. She enjoyed being a homemaker, caring for and loving her pets and going to yard sales.
She is survived by her brother Charles “Chuck” Erickson of Ridgway and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Jane is predeceased by brothers Walter “Snookie”, Donald, Norman and Clifford Erickson, and sisters Doris Launer and Maxine Gunsallus.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Jane Raubenstrauch to be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor as celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
If desired, memorial contributions should be made in her name to the Lutheran Home at Kane, 100 High Point Dr., Kane, PA 16735.
Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 401 Chestnut Street Johnsonburg, PA.
Richard Eugene Appleby Sr., 82, resident of Greenwood, SC
Richard Eugene Appleby Sr., 82, resident of Greenwood, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023, at Self Regional Healthcare.
Born February 8, 1941, in Bradford, PA, he was a son of the late Herbert Thomas Appleby, Sr. and Alice Octavia Stark Appleby. He was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School and was an avid reader and loved thrift stores. He enjoyed being outside, loved collecting blue glass, and was an animal lover especially his buddy Duncan.
Surviving are a son, William Alan Appleby of Pittsburgh, PA; a sister, Rebecca Schoenberger (Robert C.) of Greenwood; a brother, Ronald E. Appleby of Eldred, PA; and a great-grandson, Jamie Studeny.
He was predeceased by a son, Richard E. Appleby, Jr.; a granddaughter, Jade E. Appleby; two sisters, Sondra Guilford and Annie Williams and a brother, Herbert Thomas Appleby, Sr.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Pennsylvania.
For online condolence, please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Mr. Appleby’s family with arrangements.
Lucille A. Foster Baker Shavalier, of 15 First St., Eldred, and a former Olean, N.Y. and Portville, N.Y. resident
Lucille A. Foster Baker Shavalier, of 15 First St., Eldred, and a former Olean, N.Y. and Portville, N.Y. resident, passed away Wednesday (Feb. 8, 2023) peacefully, at home.
Born June 27, 1936, in Rochester, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Sydney Jellison Foster. Lucille first married Lyman W. Baker Sr., and together they had four children. On Jan. 16, 1993, at the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Portville, she married Daniel Shavalier, who survives.
Lucille worked as an inspector for Cooper Power Systems (now Eaton) in Olean for several years.
She was a proud parishioner of the St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. In her younger years, Lucille served on the altar society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
In her free time, Lucille enjoyed her perennial gardens and sending birthday cards to her extended family and friends. She will fondly be remembered as being the best pie maker and baker.
In addition to her husband of 30 years, Lucille is survived by three children, Lucinda Baker of Eldred, Lance (Martha) Baker of Eldred and Leslea Baker Weil of Philadelphia; eight grandchildren, Kristin (Dennis) Kupiec, Amanda (Jude) Auman, Lance E. (Sarah) Baker, Jeffrey (Morgan) Baker, Zachary Weil, Peter (Marjorie Fiering) Weil, Lily Weil and Adam Weil; four great-grandchildren, Jude, Luke, Sawyer and Lincoln; one sister, Joan (Jerry) Jordan; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by one son, Lyman W. Baker Jr.; and two sisters, Francine Aloi and Sydney Foster.
Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday (Feb. 13, 2023) at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main St., Portville. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 14, 2023) at the Sacred Heart Oratory, 43 Maple St., Portville. Burial will follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org; or to St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, 202 S. Union St., Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
Friday, February 10, 2023The latest news from the State Capitol  Thank you to Kiwanis Club of Bradford for inviting me to join their meeting this week as guest speaker. We had a great discussion of state and local issues. I’m pictured here with club member Candy Tingley and club president Dennis Stromberg.  Thank you to the Potter County Commissioners and community development officials for a great discussion on Thursday about county economic development, the need for an increase in Payment in Lieu of Taxes from the state, reauthorization of county 9-1-1 services, election law changes and support for emergency services. Pictured from left: Commissioner Paul Heimel, vice chairman; Commissioner Nancy Grupp, chairman; me; Commissioner Barry Hayman; Will Hunt, director of county planning, community development and GIS; and Kal Logue, community development coordinator. Property Tax and Rent Rebate Clinics Set for Wednesday, Thursday  The first in our series of clinics to assist with filing for the 2022 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program will be held next Wednesday and Thursday. There is no cost for assistance, and no appointments are needed. Just bring the necessary documentation. Next week’s schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Feb. 15 • Eldred Senior Center, 169 Main St., Eldred – 9:30-11 a.m. • Ulysses Senior Center, 522 Main St., Ulysses – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Smethport Senior Center, 119 W. Main St., Smethport – noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 • Galeton Senior Center, 111 Germania St., Galeton – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Kane Senior Center, 100 N. Fraley St., Kane – 1-3 p.m. Click here to view the full schedule. If you are unable to attend any of the clinics, assistance is also available at my offices in Bradford, Coudersport and Kane. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Revenue Department automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners. The deadline to apply for a rebate is June 30. Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. Additional information, as well as claim forms and a link to apply online, are available at www.revenue.pa.gov. Supporting Our Local Fire, EMS Agencies  Fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties were awarded more than $425,000 in funding through the Fire and Emergency Services Grant Program.Our fire and EMS companies across the state, and especially in rural areas like ours, are struggling financially, and these grants provide some much-needed assistance. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who work so hard to protect our communities. The funding for the grants comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue. The grants may be used for construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. For more information and a full list of recipients, click here. Pick Up Pennsylvania Registration Now Open  Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has announced registration is open for the 2023 Pick Up Pennsylvania, a community improvement initiative. Pick Up Pennsylvania is a year-long program; however, events scheduled from March 1 through May 31 receive free trash bags, gloves and safety vests provided by support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT and Keep America Beautiful, as supplies last. Events can include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections, and education events. Click here to learn more, including how to register your group. Pay Attention to Your Heart Health!  February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. It notes one person dies every 34 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. About 697,000 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2020. That’s one in every five deaths. To protect yourself, the CDC encourages people to choose healthy foods and drinks, keep a healthy weight, get regular physical activity and don’t smoke. People should also take charge of medical conditions that could increase their risk of heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes. Learn more about heart disease and how to protect yourself here. |
Roger L. Okerlund, 73, of Berts Dr., Port Allegany, PA
Roger L. Okerlund, 73, of Berts Dr., Port Allegany, PA passed away Thursday (Feb. 9, 2023) in Lakeview Senior Care & Rehabilation, Smethport, PA.
Born December 21, 1949, in Kane, PA, he was a son of John E. and Gayle Cole Okerlund. On June 18, 1977 in Smethport, he married Linda M. Harpster, who died Dec. 5, 2018.
Roger was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Smethport Area High School, class of 1968.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served with the US Navy.
Roger was employed with the Penn. Dept. of Transportation for 35 years as assistant maintenance manager, before his retirement.
He was a member of the East Smethport United Christian Church, Port Allegany Fire Dept., McKean County Fair Assoc., and Moose Lodge #460, Port Allegany.
Surviving is a son, Jason L. (Danielle) Okerlund of Port Allegany; a daughter, Stephanie M. (Travis) Rankin of Port Allegany; four grandchildren: Savannah and Madison Okerlund, Jackson and Lyndee Rankin; two brothers, Gerald (Muriel) Okerlund of Gifford, and twin Robert (Joan) Okerlund of Marvindale, PA; two sisters, Donna Kay Carpenter of Port Deposit, MD, Debra (Richard) Plummer of Eldred; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Linda, two grandchildren, Watt and Levi Rankin; and a brother, John W. Okerlund.
Friends will be received from 1-4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 12, 2023) in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday (Feb. 13, 2023) with Rev. Allen Young and Rev. Max Simms, co-officiating. Burial will be in Grimes Cemetery. Port Allegany.
Memorials can be made to the Port Allegany Fire Dept. or Port Area Ambulance Service.
Condolences can be made to: Jason L. Okerlund, 25 Berts Dr., Port Allegany, PA 16743
Sandra K. (McConnell) Williammee, 71, of Wellsboro, PA
Sandra K. (McConnell) Williammee, 71, of Wellsboro, PA passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023 at UPMC Cole in Coudersport.
She was born November 14, 1951 in Blossburg to Grant M. and Lorna (Crumb) McConnell. Sandra worked as a personal care aide at the Green Home and volunteered at the Tioga County Homeless Shelter. She attended the Marsh Creek Fellowship Baptist Church, was a member of the Ladies Chapter 60 of the Wellsboro Moose and was a life member of the VFW Auxilliary in Mansfield for over 30 years.
Sandra is survived by a son: Martin Jelliff of Lawrenceville; four daughters: Amber Lynn Hull of California, Vickie Lynn Swan (Michael Hart) of Middlebury Center, Angela Renee Knighten (Loretta) of Wellsboro, and DelAnn Marie Swan of Wellsboro; a step-son: Mikey Williammee (Chelsea) of State College; a son-in-law: Russell Hull “Golden Child” of Antrim; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters: Patricia “Pat” McConnell Heck (Wayne) of Middlebury Center, and Diane M. McConnell Ferrell (Tony), and close lifelong friends: Nora Boom and Sandy Crumb.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter: Ciara Hart, and her companion: John Thompson.
Friends and family are invited to pay tributes to Sandra’s life from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, with a funeral service to follow in the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
Shinglehouse Dispatched For House Fire on Taylor Brook Road
At 8:35 AM on Saturday, Shinglehouse Fire Dept. has been dispatched for a report of a house fire at 184 Taylor Brook Road in Ceres Township. Everyone is reported out of the house. Alma, Allentown, Bolivar & Portville requested mutual aid. Eldred Township, Westons Mills & Richburg tankers dispatched.
Calling CHESS Players – on Sunday, February 12th we are hosting a competitive chess tournament at RVW.
We need participants to sign up – $100 prize to be awarded to the winner $$,donated by Cameron County Mercantile
Sign up today by emailing us at
This takes place during our Chili, Checkers and Chess event to wrap up our weekend of Fun and Games, celebrating our 3rd Anniversary!
Nancy J. Sweet, 94, of Knoxville, PA
Nancy J. Sweet, 94, of Knoxville, PA passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023 at UPMC Cole in Coudersport.
She was born October 31, 1928 in Taylor, Pa to James and Hannah (Curtis) Morgan. On August 7, 1970, she married Robert N. Sweet, and together they owned and operated the Country Store Sewing Center in Wellsboro.
Nancy had been a member of the Dexter Baptist Church, and more recently was a member of the Butler Hill Baptist Church. She loved sewing, and was very active in her church and especially enjoyed singing in church.
Nancy is survived by her son: James (Maria D.) Ace of Knoxville, PA, a daughter: Linda Kiefer of Lexington, VA; three grandchildren: Ashley Zakowitz, Morgan LeRoyer, and Robert Ace; 10 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Beverly Rodgers, and Gail Morgan. She was preceded in death by her parents; three husbands: William Lanzer, Ronald Ace, and Robert Sweet; a sister: Gertrude Griffiths; and three brothers: Harold, Jimmy, and Wendel Morgan.
Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Nancy’s life from 6:00-8:00pm Monday, February 13, 2023 at the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, and to her funeral service 11:00am Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in the funeral home with pastor William O’Neil officiating. Burial will be in the West Branch Cemetery.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Butler Hill Baptist Church, 1141 Butler Hill Road, Knoxville, PA 16928. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
CONTROL CHIEF CORP. MAKES GIFT TO PITT-BRADFORD ENGINEERING
BRADFORD, Pa. – Control Chief Corp. of Bradford has made a gift to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to support the university’s new four-year engineering technology programs and the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building.
In appreciation for its gift, the electronics lab is being named for Control Chief Corp. The electronics lab — with its soldering kits, function generators, analog and digital microcontrollers, power supply and oscilloscopes – was a natural choice for the company.
“We use those exact pieces of equipment here at Control Chief every day,” said Jake Bryner, chief technology officer at the Bradford business that makes remote controls for industrial uses such as large overhead cranes and locomotives. Many of the remotes that Control Chief engineers and manufactures are made to order for customers, a process that is engineering intensive.