Austin VFD Takes Delivery of New Ambulance
Austin Volunteer Fire Department
Tuesday afternoon AVFD took delivery of our new 2022 Wheeled Coach Ford F-550 4×4 Ambulance. The unit was purchased from Atlantic Emergency Solutions. Extensive financial planning and grant work made this purchase possible. The new unit will replace our 2008 Ambulance which has been in service for over 13 years!
The unit was taken immediately to Cousins Designs for lettering / detailing and was picked up last evening. A few more tasks must be completed, and we hope to have Ambulance in service next week!
We are so proud to have a new unit to serve our community!
Pictured (L to R) : 1st Assistant Ambulance Chief Sheryl Orlowski, Atlantic Emergency Services Regional Account Manager Rachel Ray, & Ambulance Chief Tracy Orlowski
Minor Injuries In Early Morning Crash on Barnum Road
Town of Olean Volunteer Fire Department
At approximately 6:40 this morning Town of Olean Volunteer Fire Department along with State Police responded to a MVA on Barnum Road. Minor injuries were reported.
Elkland SAR responded to the forest fire
Delayed Post:
Around 3:55pm Wednesday(110922) Elkland SAR responded to the forest fire north of Rt. 555 at the request of Elk Co. Chief 5, with 12 members and all available equipment. Once arriving at the Command Post Chief 5 requested Elkland to work the eastern flank of the forest fire and report to Elk Co. Deputy 1, at the forward operations post. 2 Elkland members worked traffic control on Rt. 555, Elkland 2 stayed at Command and Elkland 1 and 8 others headed to the forward ops post.
Deputy 1 asked the team to head to the eastern fire break on the pipeline to hold the fireline. Elkland members teamed up with Elk Co. 1 equipment, members who were already working the fire with a DCNR team. Once Elkland members drove the 1/2 mile south to the fire, it was discovered the pipeline was already jumped and the fire was heading further north and east. Departments in that area regrouped and members went to work to stop the eastern flank on the fire with other departments already in the area working to stop the western flank fire from spreading north and west.
The fire heading north was stopped on the eastern flank at the top of the mountain, but the fire was still burning east and up the next ridge, heading north that direction. As the team was refilling water backpacks, they were met up with an additional department and the work resumed on the eastern flank and ridge. This department was another DCNR team of about 12 to 16 individuals I believe. After returning again to the UTVs for more water and to get a drink, additional departments arrived to help. I believe the was the team from Elk Co. 7, Sykesville and Brockway that formed a team of forestfirefighters to help at the fire and continued to work the eastern flank. Elk Co. 8 and I believe McKean Station 5, Kane, also arrived on scene with their brush unit and manpower to assist on the eastern fire line.
While this was going on, other departments were working their way up the mountain from the bottom. Im sorry i can’t identify what departments were coming up from the bottom but this was a HUGE TEAM EFFORT BY ALL DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED! They were also working to contain the fire by building fire break lines and working on the fire line itself to stop it. This was all of the eastern side of the fire. While this was going on, the western flank was just as busy or busier. As I write this only from my view of what I seen going on at the eastern flank.
Once the eastern flank was contained and able to be watched at night by DCNR so the fire wouldn’t jump the line, Elkland members returned to the Rt. 555 Command Post.
Around 9:45pm, as all the Elkland equipment was loaded up and the members were ready to return, it was discovered the western flank escaped the fire line and was heading west again around the first bench on the mountain . Elkland members traveled west of the Rt. 555 Command Post about a quarter of a mile and staged awaiting orders. Elkland, along with other departments, were requested to hike up the mountain and work to contain the area where the fire jumped the line. 8 members went up and using hand tools and water bladders work with the other departments to contain the fire. Around 1:45 am, the fire was contained and we were released to return home. It should be noted DCNR stayed on scene to protect the fire line and work on hotspots that were still burned within the fire line.
Notes:
This article only reflects on the efforts of Elkland SAR. This was a HUGE TEAM EFFORT on EVERYONE’S PART THAT WAS INVOLVED WITH THIS INCIDENT! This fire shows the EXTREME EFFORT Every Fire Department and Emergency Responder will take to support their fellow emergency responders no matter where they are requested to go. It was humbling to see so many departments working together for the community.
A shout out to ALL the Dispatchers who worked tirelessly also! These individuals were manning the radios and talking to numerous departments that were dispatched via radio at the same time. They were requesting agencies from other departments and counties. All the while bringing in resources to fill the departments that were on scene of the forest fire. They are also covering the phone lines talking to other counties and checking for additional resources. While all this was going on, they are also handling other 911 calls and taking phone calls to keep the rest of the county and surrounding areas safe.
Elkand SAR encourages you to look around on other sites and view the other photos from this fire.
A Thank You to the fire auxiliaries and agencies that worked to bring food and drinks for the emergency responders or for their departments as they arrived back home.
The attached pictures are an accumulation of many FB posts and also some from our team.
Elkland SAR can only be a part of situations like this because of Your Financial Support that You the community provides us to work with. Without You, we can not do what we do!
Are you interested in becoming a member of Elkland Search and Rescue?
The next membership meeting is January 10th at 8pm. Please attend the meet and greet at 7:30 that evening to start the joining process. Please be a resident of Elk County Pa and at least 18 years old and attend that meeting. I encourage you to put that date on your calendar as a reminder of the meeting.
Respectfully Submitted by:
John Feldbauer
Chief of Elkland Search and Rescue
PennDOT, Safety Partners Stress Dangers of Aggressive Driving
Clearfield, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Ferguson Township Police, Department and Highway Safety Network held a media event today near the intersection of Blue Course Drive and West College Avenue where they stressed that aggressive driving behaviors are significant contributing factors to crashes and fatalities on our roadways. They explained that police conduct high visibility enforcement details each year to curb these behaviors and reduce the number of crashes on Pennsylvania roadways.
“It’s about stopping crashes and saving lives,” said Ryan Hendrick, Ferguson Township Police Sergeant. “Slowing down and increasing your following distance not only keeps you from being pulled over, but it also significantly reduces you chances of being injured or killed in a crash.
In addition to aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding and tailgating, Hendrick said law enforcement have been cracking down on violations of the state’s Move Over Law during the current wave of aggressive driving enforcement. The wave started Monday, October 24, and continues through Sunday, November 13.
Hendrick explained the state’s Move Over law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area that they must “pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing.” He explained an emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs, or try to warn travelers.
Hendrick noted that changes enacted to the law in 2021 included the creation of a new point system that imposes two points for failure to merge into the lane not next to the emergency response area. Changes also set fines at $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense. Third or subsequent offenses also require a 90-day license suspension.
Josh Woods, Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator with the Highway Safety Network, reminded drivers that the school bus stopping law requires them to stop at least 10 feet away from buses with their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Motorists meeting or overtaking a stopped bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped must stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. If a physical barrier such as a grassy median, guide rail or concrete median separates oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.
Approximately 300 municipal police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police are participating in these enforcement efforts, and they are concentrating efforts on roadways known to have high numbers of aggressive driving crashes.
According to PennDOT 2021 data, aggressive driving behaviors were a contributing factor in 6,206 crashes. Those crashes resulted in 126 fatalities and 481 suspected serious injuries. In Centre County, aggressive driving behaviors were a contributing factor in 53 percent of crashes in 2021.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law or the Move Over Law, visit http://www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.
BEAR CHECK STATION CHANGES SITE IN LYCOMING COUNTY
Kicking off on Saturday, Nov. 19, the regular firearms bear season will be here before you know it, and hunters in and around Lycoming County need to be aware a check station location has changed.
The check station at Trout Run Fire Hall, north of Williamsport along state Route 14, will operate as planned on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on each day. There also will be a check station at the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Northcentral Region Office, 1566 South Route 44 Highway, Jersey Shore, Pa., which also will operate on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on each day.
The check station at the Northcentral Region Office is not included on the list of regular firearms bear season check stations provided in the 2022-23 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest. That’s because it’s a recent change to accommodate hunters who ordinarily would have checked bears at the Antes Fort Fire Hall. The fire company has opted not to host a check station this year, so that check station instead will be held at the Northcentral Region Office, which is less than a quarter-mile away.
Hunters are advised that the Antes Fort Fire Hall remains on the list of check stations on Page 41 of the Hunting & Trapping Digest, but those who go there will be redirected to the region office.
Meanwhile, all bear hunters should be advised the days and hours of operation have changed for check stations statewide this year. All check stations will operate on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on each day. Hunters who harvest bears on Monday, Nov. 21 or the season’s final day, Tuesday, Nov. 22, should call the Game Commission’s Centralized Dispatch Center at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD for instructions on having their bears checked.
In the extended bear season, which overlaps all or a portion of the firearms deer season and is held in 16 of 23 Wildlife Management Units, bear check stations are open on various dates and times. Those check stations and their dates and hours of operation are found on Page 42 of the 2022-23 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest.
Jeffrey John Blass, 65, of a longtime resident of Galeton, PA
Jeffrey John Blass, 65, of a longtime resident of Galeton, PA went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 11, 2022, in his home after a long illness.
Born on Friday, June 28, 1957 in Wellsboro, he was the eldest son of John J. and Janet Meholczo Blass. He was married to Trixie Buck Blass for 42 years, who preceded him in death.
Jeff was a graduate of Galeton High School and was a 1992 graduate of Penn Tech with a degree in Human Services, having attained a 4.0 GPA and was the Class Valedictorian.
He was employed for 18 years at the Northern Tier Children’s Home and had spent the balance of his 45 years working life as a heavy equipment operator, in the utilities field and in street maintenance.
Jeff had an excellent childhood growing up on the south side with his siblings and great lifelong neighbors on First and Second Streets of Galeton. He especially cherished the lifelong friendships made in the bus gang, where Redwood Village now stands. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends his entire life. He worked hard and played just as hard.
Surviving are three sons, John, Jake, and Josh; grandsons, Brantley and Jayse Blass; sister, Debra (John) Simonetti, niece, Breana Jo and grandnephew, Zander, all of West Pike; brother, Daniel (Louie) Blass of Mesa, Arizona and niece, Audrey and grandnephews, Oliver and Hayse of California; and sister, Sheila (Tanya) Blass of Ulysses.
Jeff was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Vicki.
In keeping with Jeff’s wishes there will be no public visitation or funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Jeff entrusted his care and cremation arrangements 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 Jeff, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Lake Effect Snow Expected From 7 PM Today Through Sunday
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 12 at 12:35PM EST until November 13 at 6:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo
DESCRIPTION: …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 PM EST SUNDAY…
- WHAT…Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3
to 6 inches in the most persistent lake snows. The greatest
accumulations will occur across the higher terrain. - WHERE…Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
- WHEN…From 7 PM this evening to 6 PM EST Sunday.
- IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.
INSTRUCTIONS: Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If
traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and
visibilities.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)
Patricia Louise Van Cise, 89, of Warren, PA
Patricia Louise Van Cise, 89, of Warren, PA., died on Thursday November 10, 2022, in her home after an extended illness.
She was born May 8, 1933, in Warren, PA. Patricia was the daughter of Edwin Miller and Vera Jean Hall Miller Holmberg. She has been a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1951 graduate of Warren High School. She had been employed with the former S.S. Kresge Company.
She enjoyed cooking and baking, loved farming, canning, square dancing, roller skating, bicycle riding, horseback riding, and married her high school sweetheart.
She is survived by her 4 children – Steven Van Cise and wife, Pat of Russell, PA., James E. Van Cise and wife, Nancy Maze of Cheyenne, WY., Sherry Lynn Klark and husband, Michael and Susan L. Knapp and husband, Chanc all of Warren, PA. 8 grandchildren, Michael Rowan (Rhonda), Kelly Van Cise (Patty), Andrew Rowan (Julie), Carrie Zeigler (Kevin), Kristina Miles, April Chisholm (Mark), Brittany Reed (Kurtis), and Ben Hagberg; 11 great grandchildren, Brandon (Destiny), Abigail (Darin), Ashley (Steven), Matthew, Michael Jr., Camron, Alex, Jordan, Aiden, Micah, and Abel; four great grandchildren, Harper, Eloise, Alex, Jacob; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, William G. Van Cise whom she married November 18, 1951, at Calvary Baptist Church, Warren, PA., who died February 3, 2004; three sisters, Yvonne Lee, Phyllis Maze, and Claudia Holmberg
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday November 17, 2022, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Funeral services will be held there at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor, Jon M. Swart, retired minister, officiating. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, PA.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through, The Alzheimer Association at www.alz.org/donate. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Ronald Joseph Massa, 93, of Warren, PA
Ronald Joseph Massa, 93, of Warren, PA, passed away on Saturday November 12, 2022, in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House after a brief illness.
He was born in Warren, PA, on November 1, 1929, the son of the late Samuel and Alberta Pochey Massa. Ronald was a Warren area resident his entire life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War. Ronald retired from Osram Sylvania and worked in the Administrative Department.
He is survived by his loving daughter Amy Adamski of Edinboro, PA; siblings, Dolores Grogan of Charlotte, NC, Toni Jo Loomis and husband Chuck of Warren, Sam Massa and wife Gayle of Warren, Michele Allen and husband Kevin of Irvine, Renee Sperry and husband Skip of Russell, Peter Massa and wife Laurie of Omaha, Nebraska, and Anne Rich and husband Martin of Jamestown, NY; two grandchildren, Samuel Adamski and Maggie Adamski; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Miller, and Joan Cornelius.
Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery, Warren, PA. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Those wishing to place memorial may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave. Warren PA, 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Galeton, Wellsboro Dispatched For Land Rescue at Colton Point State Park
At 12:41 PM on Saturday, Wellsboro & Galeton Fire Depts. have been dispatched for a land rescue at Colton Point State Park. An individual and a dog are stuck on a ledge of a cliff on the Rim trail.
At 2:00 PM the man has been rescued from the cliff. Rescuers are now working to extricate his dog.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH EVENTS PLANNED AT PITT-BRADFORD
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will continue its celebration of Native American Heritage Month with three more events during November.
On Nov. 14, the White Pine Singers and Dancers will highlight Iroquois-style social dances during a performance at noon in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons.
The performance will include dancing with encouraged participation from the audience and explanations of the traditional dances, instruments and outfits. A traditional lunch of Indian tacos, scone dogs, corn soup and strawberry drink will be served beginning at 11:15 a.m.
On Nov. 16, Hanley Library will host a noon session to discover the library’s newest books on indigenous topics, learn about native authors and uncover indigenous resources. A light snack will be served. Participants should feel free to bring their own lunch or stop by the Starbucks Café in the library prior to the presentation.
Finally, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, “Lake of Betrayal: The Story of Kinzua Dam” will be shown in the Bromeley Family Theater of Blaisdell Hall, followed by a discussion with producers Paul Lamont, Scott Sackett and Caleb Abrams via videoconference.
“‘Lake of Betrayal’ looks at how Kinzua Dam so drastically affected the Senecas’ way of life, and it examines the hidden agenda and political debts behind the United States government’s abrogation of the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794 which had guaranteed the Seneca Nation the free use and enjoyment of its lands, forever.
The creation of the Allegheny Reservoir in 1965 forced the removal of more than 130 Seneca families from their homes and properties.
Additionally, art and artifacts from regional Indigenous artists are on display in Blaisdell Hall throughout the month.
All events are free and open to the public.
COOLIDGE TO RELEASE FIRST BOOK IN HIS NEW NINJA RACCOONS SPINOFF SERIES ABOUT THE CAT BOARD, ORDER COPIES NOW
Illustration by Chris Jones
This is one of the eight illustrations created by Chris Jones under his pen name Jubalee for Kevin Coolidge’s new book, “The Cat Board and the Cardboard Caper.” When he first began illustrating Coolidge’s Totally Ninja Raccoon series in 2015, Jones lived in Wellsboro but now lives in Florida.
Kevin Coolidge, children’s author, will be releasing “The Cat Board and the Cardboard Caper” later this month. The book is the first in his new series involving the Cat Board, the main antagonists in his Totally Ninja Raccoons series.
“Writing the Cat Board scenes in the Totally Ninja Raccoons is a lot of fun. I also felt the Cat Board deserved its own series,” said Coolidge.
“Currently, 65 percent of those reading the Totally Ninja Raccoon books are boys between the ages of 7 to 10 and 30 percent are girls in that same age group. The remaining 5 percent are adults,” he noted.
“By focusing on cats, my goal is to encourage more girls to read the first book in my new series, which may lead them to get interested in also reading the Totally Ninja Raccoons,” said Coolidge.
“At the same time, I want to give my current readers another exciting adventure series,” he said.
“The Cat Board is the international organization that is plotting against the Totally Ninja Raccoons and humanity,” said Coolidge.
“Cats love boxes. Boxes are important to commerce. Control the flow of cardboard and boxes and you control the world, or at least that’s the Cat Board’s plan. You might have suspected that cats want to take over the world, and now you know it’s true,” he laughed
“People often ask me where my ideas come from. It’s often hard to explain, but the new book is definitely influenced by my blue-collar background and my most recent experience of working in a box factory,” said Coolidge.
“I love writing and working in the bookstore, but the pandemic has been hard on retail. I went to work at the factory to help the bookstore through tough times. This idea came to me while I was there and I decided it was a perfect first book for the new series,” he said.
Coolidge is planning to write more Cat Board and Totally Ninja Raccoon stories. Readers don’t have to be familiar with the Totally Ninja Raccoons to enjoy the new series.
Signed, personalized copies of “The Cat Board and the Cardboard Caper” can be ordered now in advance of its publication by calling From My Shelf Books & Gifts at 570-724-5793. Copies can also be reserved in-person by stopping in at Coolidge’s bookstore at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro.
HAMILTON-GIBSON CHILDREN AND YOUTH CHOIRS 2022 POINSETTIA SALE IS NOW UNDERWAY, TO END ON MONDAY, NOV. 21
The Hamilton-Gibson Children and Youth Choirs 2022 Poinsettia Sale is now underway and will end on Monday, Nov. 21, which is the last day orders will be taken.
Proceeds will benefit the members of the three Hamilton-Gibson choirs. They include: Choir, Too students in grades 2-4, Children’s Concert Choir youth in grades 5-8, and Young Women’s and Young Men’s Ensemble students in grades 9-12. Involved second through twelfth grade singers attend public, or private schools throughout Tioga County or are homeschooled.
Profits from the sale will be credited to each singer’s account. Those who would like to designate a singer are asked to do so with their order; otherwise Hamilton-Gibson will use those undesignated sales for singers who are in most need of financial support.
Members of the two older choirs will use their funds to help pay for their three-day trip in May 2023. They will be singing at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stony Creek Township, Somerset County and at other sites in and around Pittsburgh.
The poinsettias come in a choice of red or white in two different sized pots. A 6.5-inch pot of poinsettias (one plant) is $15 and an 8-inch pot (three plants) is $20. A “Welcome Christmas” planter with evergreens and pinecones is $25.
The poinsettia and planter orders will be available for pick-up at the Warehouse Theatre at 3 Central Avenue in Wellsboro on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
To place an order online and pay, go to hgp.booktix.com. Scroll down to find the size and color of poinsettias and the Welcome Christmas planter and order.
Or, place an order by calling the Hamilton-Gibson office at 570-724-2079 or sending an email to hamgib@gmail.com, Attention Tara Gordon. The person ordering is asked to provide his or her name, phone number and email address and send a check with “Poinsettia” on the check memo line for the total amount of the order to the Hamilton-Gibson Children and Youth Choirs, 29 Water Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901.
Families whose children are interested in joining HG’s choral program, are welcome to call the Hamilton-Gibson Children and Youth Choirs at 570-724-2079 or email hamgib@gmail.com.
Salamanca Water Rescue team dispatched
On November 11, at 10:55 Pm. Salamanca Water Rescue team dispatched to the abandoned river bridge off rt. 17 for a male possibly gone into the water.
UPDATE
Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
On 11/11/2022 at 10:50pm the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office was notified that an ATV had been washed away in the flood waters along the Allegheny River near Old Route 17.
At that time the operator of the ATV was able to make it out of the water safely, but had become separated from his passenger. The identity of the passenger was unknown to the driver, and was known to him only as “Matt from Jamestown”.
It is believed the passenger was a white male, possibly in his 40’s, first name of Matt, from Jamestown, NY and possibly drove a tan truck. It is unknown if he was able to get out of the water and make it back to safety.
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking help from anyone that may know the identity of this male, who may have been in the Salamanca area that night, so that we may be able to confirm that he made it out safely.
Anyone with any information, please CALL the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office by phone at 716-938-9191.
Many Flooded Roads in Cattaraugus County, NY
At 10:30 PM on Friday, there are multiple road closures in Cattaraugus County from flooding. Route 16 is closed in the Town of Ischua. Other routes also have water over the roads. Best to delay travel until daylight. Fire stations have been activated for flooded basements in many locations.
John S. Wilson, 87, a longtime resident of Sinnamahoning, PA
“beloved husband, father, and grandpa”
SINNAMAHONING, Pa.—John S. Wilson, 87, a longtime resident of Sinnamahoning, PA passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022, in UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, March 3, 1935 in Ickesburg, he was a son of Charles and Matilda Sweiger Wilson. On July 26, 1979 in Emporium, he married Arveta R. “Cookie” Kepler, who survives.
John honorably served in the US Navy, serving at the Brooklyn Navy Yard where he chauffeured the Senior Captain. He also served on a Naval survey ship, the San Pablo USS AGS 30.
He was employed for many years at Bethlehem Steel Corporation until retiring due to injuries he received on the job in Steelton.
In his younger years, John enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his later years, he and his wife enjoyed watching eagles and song birds.Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 43 years; a daughter, Colleen Klepak of Miami, Florida; twin grandsons, Dimitri Klepak of Miami, Florida and Yanni Klepak of Tallahassee, Florida; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, including Bernie (Sandy) Kepler of Annville and Amy (Shawn) Zimmerman of Kersey; and a brother-in-law, Charles (Peg) Kepler. Jr. of Leesburg, Florida.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by six siblings.
In keeping with John’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
John’s wife entrusted his care and cremation arrangements 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, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Marjorie H. Woods, 93, of 232 South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA
Marjorie H. Woods, 93, of 232 South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022, surrounded by her family, at
Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Larry E. CADY, 82, of Maryville, MO, formerly of Port Allegany, PA
Larry E. CADY, 82, of Maryville, MO, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, passed away Friday, October 21, 2022 in Parkdale Manor due to complications of dementia.
A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the Gold Church, 2402 SR 49 W, Ulysses, PA. Rev. Cameron Cowburn will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to Gold Church, 2402 SR 49 W, Ulysses, PA 16948. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfosut.com.
Upgrades completed at OGH Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Olean, NY – Olean General Hospital (OGH) is set to reopen the Interventional Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, “cath lab,” after a five-week hiatus due to renovations and upgrades. OGH now has the state-of-the-art Siemens Artis Icono Lab that will continue to allow the cardiology team to continue to provide full comprehensive cardiology services to the region.
Since 2013, the cath lab at OGH has performed nearly 5,000 cardiac catheterizations and treated over 700 heart attack (STEMI) patients with excellent outcomes. Led by Dr. Christopher Mallavarapu, a world-class interventional cardiologist, the cardiology team provides comprehensive care that ranges from treatments as simple as lifestyle changes to performing pacemaker and defibrillator implants right here in the community.
“We are pleased to continue to provide advanced cardiac procedures close to home,” said Christopher Mallavarapu, MD, FACC, FASCAI, medical director, cardiology. “With this new technology and experienced team of cardiologists, clinical and non-clinical staff, the community is in great hands for cardiac care!”
The team of cardiologists include Dr. Mallavarapu, Christopher Michaeles, MD both local community members along with Gates Vascular Institute (GVI) interventional cardiologists, Vijay Iyer, MD, Kishor Phadke, MD, Selvakumar Chockalingam, MD, and cardiac electrophysiologists, Chee Hoon Kim, MD and Donald Switzer, MD.
“This team performs life-saving procedures every day,” said Dr. Mallavarapu. “Having the service, technology, and accessibility are very important to effectively treat patients with heart diseases. The community is fortunate to have a hospital that offers these services in such a rural region. The accessibility alone increases the patient’s chances of a positive outcome because every minute counts.”
Though Olean boasts a population around 14,000, 1% of all heart attacks in New York State are treated at Olean General Hospital. The newly enhanced cath lab will allow the cardiology team at OGH to continue to treat these cardiac patients for years to come.
The American Heart Association (AHA) sets guidelines for cardiology cases to ensure that patients receive timely cardiac care because “time is muscle.” The cardiology team at OGH has continued to surpass these metrics since its inception in 2013.
The AHA sets a 90-minute threshold that starts upon entering a facility to receiving the procedure, also known as the door to balloon time. The OGH team’s average is 60 minutes for the door to balloon. Another guideline set by the AHA is a 120-minute threshold with transfers from other hospitals — door to door to balloon. OGH averages 96 minutes for door to door to balloon metrics, besting the AHA threshold by 24 minutes.
The last metric that AHA sets is 90 minutes from first medical contact to balloon meaning from first contact by emergency medical services (EMS) to the patient receiving the procedure. OGH’s average is only 83.5 minutes. This average is most notable due to the increased transport times from home to the hospital in this rural region. The partnership and open communication with local EMS allows the OGH team to mobilize and be ready upon the patient arrival, bypassing the emergency room and the patient being transported directly to the cath lab for immediate treatment.
The OGH cardiac cath lab has been recognized multiple times by the American Heart Association’s Mission Life Line for performance and last awarded the silver plus distinction. Olean General Hospital was also recognized in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” American College of Cardiology for implementing high standards of care and protocols for patients.
The lab is operated in partnership between Olean General Hospital and Kaleida Health’s Gates Vascular Institute in Buffalo, the largest provider of cardiac services in Upstate New York. Olean General Hospital is the only hospital in Southwestern New York to offer advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology, in partnership with Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute. OGH is a designated heart attack receiving center and an accredited stroke center.
“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the help from the OGH Foundation, its board members, and the community,” said Jill Owens, MD, president, BRMC, OGH. “We can’t thank everyone enough for their commitment to understanding the needs and the importance of having quality healthcare in this region.”
Dianne E. McFall, 74, of King Street, Eldred, PA
Dianne E. McFall, 74, of King Street, Eldred, PA passed surrounded by her family on Thursday, (November 10, 2022) at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on October 6, 1948 she was the daughter of William K. and Rhea Bradford McCauley.
Diane was a 1966 graduate of Otto Eldred Schools. She had worked for 15 years as a secretary for the First Presbyterian Church, and then Cutco- Vector Marketing.
Dianne loved to cook and bake with her great grandchildren, riding in her best friend Wayne Nolff’s convertible wearing her sun hat and glasses. She also enjoyed the time she spent on the bowling league, teaching swim classes at the Bradford YMCA, and her poker nights with her close friends. Dianne loved all the Holidays, even the smallest she would decorate her whole house for them all. She enjoyed Sunday Fundays with her whole family and especially she had a love for everyone that was unmeasurable.
Surviving is one Son; Mik (Beth Dunson) Foster of Phoenix, Az., one Daughter; Crystal (Robert) Harris of Eldred, one Step Son; Brandon McFall of Port Allegany, one Sister; Pat (Don) Tyler of Coryville, three Grand Children; Antrika (Ricky) Camejo of Bradford, Michael (Haylee Hathaway) Updegrove of Bradford, and Zoe Updegrove of Bradford, three Great Grand Children; Maya Hathaway, Amani and Avari Camejo.
She was preceded in death by one Great Grandson Deandre Brooks and her parents.
Following Dianne’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.
Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com