Florence C. “Puggie” Iorfida, 85, of 129 Straub Avenue, St. Marys, PA
Florence C. “Puggie” Iorfida, 85, of 129 Straub Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away with her family by her side Sunday, February 12, 2023, at her residence.
She was born December 13, 1937, in St. Marys, daughter of the late James and Alice Curry Harlan. Florence was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1956, and was formerly employed by Stackpole Carbon and Kronenwetter Nursery School.
On March 3, 1962, in Queen of the World Church, Florence married Louis S. Iorfida, who survives. They were blessed to share 60 years of marriage.
Along with her loving husband, Florence is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo Fennell of Lansdale, PA and her two grandchildren, Anna and Ava.
In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Harlan. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Puggie, along with her husband, was a committed member to the community. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. She enjoyed reading and yard sales. Above everything, she cherished each moment with her husband, daughter, and grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Florence will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church at a future date to be announced, with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Catholic Charities Counseling & Adoption Services, 32 South St. Marys Street, Franklin Center, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to Make-A-Wish, The Gulf Tower, 707 Grant Street, 37th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Presidents Day Holiday
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, February 18, 2023, through Monday, February 20, 2023, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services
A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2023 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT's On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles 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.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following twitter regional alerts.
‘American Voices’ Readings Feb. 21 at Coudy Library
Coudersport Public Library will present “American Voices”, an evening of readings featuring short stories by classic and contemporary American authors, on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library.
Genres will include Classic, Horror, Cowboy and Impressionistic readings, led by local readers. This event is geared for a high school age through adult audience. All are invited to attend, discover new authors and revisit old favorites.
This is a free event; donations to support the Library’s general operations are always welcome. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are not required, but are appreciated for planning purposes; please call the Library at 814-274-9382, or email coudersportlibrary@gmail.com, if you plan to attend.
State ban on scholarship displacement will benefit local students
You may have never heard of scholarship displacement, but the Elk County Community Foundation, the McKean County Community Foundation, and our local students have dealt with it for many years. This occurs when colleges and universities reduce a student’s financial aid package by subtracting the scholarship amount when the student receives a private scholarship, such as one from the Community Foundation.
On Friday July 8, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law HB1642, a sprawling public school system bill that includes a ban on scholarship displacement at public colleges and universities. This makes Pennsylvania the fourth state in the country to eliminate the practice of colleges and universities reducing a student’s financial aid package when the student receives a private scholarship.
The ban went into effect immediately and will positively affect awards for this academic year. The fact that a new law or regulation was successful in the first year it was proposed is very unusual. However, once Community Foundations and other scholarship providers showed the legislature what was happening and what scholarship displacement was, representatives were eager to address it right away.
PACFA, the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association, joined a statewide coalition of scholarship providers to initiate the call for elimination of scholarship displacement in 2018. Paula Fritz Eddy, Community Foundation Executive Director, and PACFA Board Member, explains, “As a community foundation, our duty is to carry out our donors’ intent. When we award a scholarship to a student on behalf of a donor, and the university then reduces that student’s financial aid package, which essentially eliminates the scholarship’s benefit to the student, and defeats our donor’s purpose in awarding the scholarship. We are pleased with the passage of HB1642.”
With over 170 scholarships available from our local Community Foundations to area students in 2023, this bill will make an immediate positive impact within our region. Students can apply now through March 7 for these scholarships by visiting the Elk County Community Foundation and McKean County Community Foundation websites.
The Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies is the parent company of the McKean County Community Foundation and the Elk County Community Foundation. For more information, please contact the Community Foundation at 824-834-2125 or 844-238-2289.
Fatal Two Vehicle Crash On Rt. 6 In Tioga County
TROY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ADDRESSES LOSS OF ELEMENTARY TEACHER IN TRAGIC CRASH
FNN Article © Sunday, February 12, 2023.
Update: Troy Area School District will open at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 13, 2023.
TROY, PA – Dear Troy Area School District Community ~
This weekend our District suffered a tragic loss with the unexpected death of a member of our district community. Ms. Christine Woodward was in a fatal car accident Saturday February 11.
Christine was with the district for almost 15 years working as an elementary teacher at East Troy, WR Croman and Intermediate Schools. She was an active member of our booster clubs and was considered a mother figure to many of our students.
Ms. Woodward has been a caring and valued member of our team for many years and will be missed greatly by staff and students alike. She will be remembered as a dedicated staff member who, over the years, made so many strong connections with whom she encountered. Her passion for education was evident daily. She taught her students with high expectations and great flourish.
This is a somber time for all of us. We will be offering support and counselling and will have counselors available for as long as they are needed. We encourage families to talk about what has happened in whatever way is appropriate for each family.
Remember that the grief process can continue beyond the first day and that it is not uncommon for reactions to last several days and/or weeks. Our thoughts and support are with her family and friends.
Sincerely,
Dr. Janilyn Elias
Superintendent
FNN learned that Woodward was a third grade teacher at the Troy Area School District. Woodward was said to have been returning home from basketball game at Liberty. The crash occurred in Sullivan Township around 10:45 PM along Route 6.
Working Garage Fire On Sartwell Rd.
On February 12 at 9:41 pm. Eldred TWP. Fire Dept. was dispatched to 425 Sartwell Rd. for a working garage fire attached to a house the flames are coming out of the roof of the garage residents have evacuated. Eldred Borough Fire Dept. was dispatched to the scene. This is now a fully involved house fire. This is now a second alarm fire with multiple Fire company’s dispatched. Smethport Olean town and Portville tankers requested to the scene
QUALA-DIE SUPPORTS THE UNITED WAY
Elk County- Rick Schatz, Lynn Schatz, Dan Vogt, and Tim Ruberto from Quala-Die presented a generous donation to support the St. Marys Area United Way. Receiving the check on behalf of the United Way was Jason Gabler, United Way Corporate Campaign Chair and Doug Bauer, United Way Payroll Committee Chair. Quala-Die, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Penn United Company is located on Brusselles Street, St. Marys. Quala-Die specializes in the manufacturing of powder compaction tooling and precision machined components and consistently supports the Elk County area.
This donation supported the 2022 campaign. Also, included in that donation are dollars that were donated directly from employees who personally donated through Quala-Die’s 2022 payroll program. Doug Bauer, United Way Payroll Committee Chair recognized each contributing employee with a blanket as a token of appreciation for their donation. These blankets were purchased through a grant United Way received to help rejuvenate the payroll program following COVID. Funding that was raised in 2022 is available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2023. The St. Marys Area United Way has served the citizens of the City of St. Marys and surrounding counties since 1925. Making a contribution to the St. Marys Area United Way allows the donor to provide support to local agencies.
Thus far, as a result of the 2022 campaign, the St. Marys Area United Way provided grant awards to Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, Boys Scouts-Bucktail Council, CAPSEA, Catholic Charities, City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation, Dickinson Center, First United Methodist Church Youth Program, Girl Scouts of Western PA, Guardian Angel Center, St. Marys Area School District, St. Marys Library and the Veteran’s Memorial-Eternal Flame located on the Diamond downtown St. Marys.
The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. Those donations support the financial needs of non-profit agencies that serve the health and human welfare needs of our community. If you would like to become one of these individual 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
Doris V. Vinca, 96, of Bradford, PA
Doris V. Vinca, 96, of Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, February 11, 2023, at The Pavilion @ BRMC.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Elizabeth B. “Libby” Riley Stickles, 93, of Bradford, PA.
Elizabeth B. “Libby” Riley Stickles, 93, of Bradford, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday, February 7, 2023.
Born September 2, 1929, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd and Florence (Anning) Sherk Sr.
Libby attended Bradford Area High School and later graduated from the Continental School of Beauty. She worked in the beauty salon of Steve Gigliotti for her first two years, then opened Libby’s Beauty Salon which she operated for many years. She also owned and operated the L n A Dress Shop. Later in her career, Libby was the beautician at the Bradford Manor until she retired at the age of 70.
On April 9, 1948, in Salamanca, NY she married her beloved husband Donald J. Riley who passed away June 26, 1996. She later married Jay N. Stickles on January 1, 2005, who passed away February 18, 2010.
Libby was a member of West Branch United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and loved to sing in the choir. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Red Hat Society. Libby enjoyed spending her time golfing, camping, boating, playing cards, cooking, and knitting, but there was nothing she loved more than being with her family.
Surviving are two daughters, Kathleen Crosby, of Smethport and Jodi (Michael) Yohe, of Bradford and one daughter-in-law Karen Riley, of Florida, five grandchildren, Timothy (Marsha) Riley, Drew Crosby, Chad (Anna) Yohe, Jennifer (Raymond) Douglass, Sarie Yohe (Jacob Johnson), and several great-grandchildren, three sisters, Shirley Frederick, of Rew, Nancy Anning, of Oklahoma City, OK and Diane Martin, of Seattle, WA, one brother, Gordon Sherk, of Bradford, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, one son, Michael D. Riley, three brothers Robert Sherk, Richard Sherk and Lloyd “Brud” Sherk Jr., three sisters, Florence Gilbert, Audrey Besecker, and Evelyn Edmonds.
Family will receive friends on Saturday February 18, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the West Branch United Methodist Church, where at 1:00 pm a Celebration of Life will be held with Rev. Fred Zickefoose, Pastor and Steve Sherk Sr. Co-officiating Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the West Branch United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Joseph Woodrow Foltz, 98, of 159 Buchanan Hollow, Bradford,
Joseph Woodrow Foltz, 98, of 159 Buchanan Hollow, Bradford, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023, at The Pavilion @ BRMC.
Born May 24, 1924, in Winslow Twp. he was a son of Grover Cleveland and Ida (Sprankle) Foltz.
He attended schools in Winslow Township. He went to work at an early age for Rochester and Pittsburgh Coal Company in Ernest PA.
On March 30, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served during WWII and was honorably discharged on June 3, 1946.
On March 10, 1951, he married Katherine (Shank) Foltz, who preceded him in death on December 6, 1971.
He and his wife moved to Bradford after the service and he was employed at Boviard & Seyfang for 25 years and later as a welder at Dresser Clark for over 10.
Joe was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking.
Surviving are four daughters, Sara Buck, of Galax, VA, Linda (Ron Nuhfer) Foltz, of Bradford, Roberta Conner, of Kane, and Laura (Rick) Facteau, of Plattsburg NY, two sons, Robert (Cathy Marie) Foltz, of Bradford, and Dennis Foltz, of Bradford, daughter- in-law, Judy Foltz, of Kane, 17 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, one sister, Barbara Hanna, of Canada, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Katherine, one daughter Brenda Foltz, and one son, Joseph J. Foltz, and 10 brothers and sisters.
Family will gather at 11:00 am on Wednesday February 15, 2023, at Lamphier Cemetery in Eldred for Military Honor’s by members of the United States Navy and the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford. with burial will follow.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to McKean County SPCA PO Box 113 Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
PDA Roundup: Governor Shapiro Visits the PA Department of Agriculture
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  Governor Shapiro Visits and Tours the PA Department of Agriculture Governor Shapiro stopped by the PA Department of Agriculture headquarters and PA Veterinary Laboratory to meet some of the many people who do important work to help keep PA agriculture moving. Together, Governor Shapiro and the PA Department of Agriculture are committed to cultivating opportunity and driving innovation to build a Commonwealth that works for everyone: safer communities, quality education, and an economy that works for everyone. See MoreMore Photos |
 PA Poultry Owners:The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reminds Pennsylvanians to stay vigilant and review biosecurity practices. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of HPAI in your flock:Sudden deathLack of energy and appetiteDecreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggsNasal discharge, coughing, sneezingIncoordinationDiarrheaLearn More |
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 Secretary Redding traveled to State College for the PA Dairy Summit, hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence and the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania. Secretary Redding was awarded the Golden Milk Award for his service to the dairy industry. See More |
 Secretary Redding spent time with the future of Pennsylvania agriculture at the Pennsylvania Young Farmers’ Association (PYFA) annual conference in Gettysburg. PYFA works closely with agricultural educators and FFA advisors to support the development of the next generation of agricultural producers and leaders. See More |
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| There’s Still Time to Turn in Your 2022 Ag Census The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity. Learn More |
| PA Farm Link to Host Farm Succession Workshops PA Farm Link, a non-profit dedicated to Linking Farmers to the Future, will provide information on various aspects of creating a Farm Business Succession/Transition. Workshops will take place in Indiana County on February 23 and in Chester County on March 1 between 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.Learn More |
 Dairy Processing Grants Available The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center announced two grants for dairy processors, totaling a $13 million investment in the region. Dairy processors play a vital role in the health of our regional economy, and increasing our regional processing capacity paves the way toward stabilizing the dairy sector.Learn More |
| Micro-Grants Now Available from Rodale Institute Rodale Institute offers a micro-grant program specifically targeted to support projects and consulting for small-scale Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers, whether you are organic, transitioning to organic, or an aspiring organic farmer. Deadline: Apply by February 28, 2023Apply |
| Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture | 2301 N. Cameron Street | Harrisburg, PA 17110 |
Dorothy E. Zimbicki, 95, of Russell, PA
Dorothy E. Zimbicki, 95, of Russell, PA., died Friday February 10, 2023, in her home, with her family by her side, after an extended illness.
She was born May 21, 1927 in Heidelberg, PA., the daughter of the late Henry and Dorothy Briggs Hoeflich, Sr. She has resided in the Russell area since 1986 moving from Carnegie, PA. Dorothy was employed with the Warren Manor Nursing Home in the Laundry Dept. since 1988.
She is survived by 2 Sons – Stanley Zimbicki, Jr. and his wife, Cindy of Russell, PA., and Don Zimbicki of Pittsburgh, PA., 4 Daughters – Marlene Fricano of Cary, N.C., Joyce Sixsmith of Westfield, NY, Dorothy Moretti and husband, Mark of Carnegie, PA., and Karen Lytle of NC., 1 Sister – Anna Marie Hamilton of Ohio; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Zimbicki, Sr. whom she married January 19, 1949 in Heidelberg, PA, and one brother Henry Hoeflich, Jr.
Private services and internment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Aseracare Hospice, 12664 US-19 Unit 1A, Waterford PA 16441. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
Bizzak and Uber Bring First Predators into Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Josh Bizzak of Wilcox and Patrick Uber of Emporium both brought in foxes as the first predators harvested for Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap. “The windstorm was fierce, but you can’t participate from the couch,” said both Josh and Patrick when they brought in their harvest.
Josh Bizzak brought in an 8.2# male red fox that he harvested at 1:00 a.m. on private lands in Elk County. Josh shoots a .17 Hornet and uses an electronic call.
Patrick Uber brought in a 10.2# male gray fox that he harvested at 3:00 a.m. on public land in McKean County. Patrick shoots a .17 HMR and uses a Lucky Duck call.
Both Josh and Patrick are experienced predator hunters and both said, “We hope to be back yet again this weekend.”
Donald E. HACKMAN, 84, of Ulysses, PA
Donald E. HACKMAN, 84, of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, February 11, 2023 in his home.
Born October 7, 1938, in Bethlehem, he was the son of Paul and Mary Keeler Hackman. On June 22, 1985, in Galeton, he married the former Patricia A. Freeman Emmick, who predeceased him on October 4, 2021.
He was employed by the Carpenter’s Union and worked as a self-employed carpenter. An outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, and camping.
Surviving are: five step-children, Michael Emmick of Wellsboro, Donald Emmick of Nelson, Donna (Vincent Monks) Emmick of Wellsboro, Bruce (Shannon) Emmick of Ulysses, and Ben (Candy) Emmick of Ulysses; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Elaine Stevens of Houston, TX, Louise (Norman) Yons of Coopersburg, and Linda (John) Culpepper of Allentown; lifelong friend, George Heiserman of Zionsville; nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by three brothers, Floyd Hackman, Robert Hackman, and Leonard Hackman; a step-daughter, Brenda Bowen; three grandsons, Michael L. Emmick, Jr., Dennis Emmick, and Jesse Adams; and two step-daughters-in-law, Carol Emmick and Debra Emmick.
Services will be private. Burial will be in Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury Center.
Memorials may be made to Goodyear Hose Co., Galeton, 16922 or Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Co., Ulysses, PA 16948.
Arrangements are entrusted to Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Conventional Drillers Cited as New Regulations Applied
| PA Permit Violation Issued to SCHREINER OIL & GAS INC in Otto Twp, McKean County |
| Description: Administrative violation issued on 2/10/2023 to SCHREINER OIL & GAS INC in Otto Twp, McKean county. OGA3211(G) – WELL PERMITS – POSTING – Failure to post the well permit number and the operator’s name, address and phone number at the well site during construction of the access road, site preparation and during drilling, operating or alteration of well. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-02-10 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to SCHREINER OIL & GAS INC in Otto Twp, McKean County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2/10/2023 to SCHREINER OIL & GAS INC in Otto Twp, McKean county. OGA3220(A) – PLUGGING REQUIREMENTS – Failure to plug the well upon abandoning it. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-02-10 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
