HARRISBURG – At a time when Pennsylvanians are suffering from the impacts of inflation, failing schools and economic uncertainty, the House Republican Leadership team announced the Keystone Commitment, a platform for success focusing on issues affecting all Pennsylvanians.
“Our Keystone Commitment is centered around four cornerstones: A thriving economy, affordable living, safe communities, and a child-first, family-focused education experience,” House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said. “These are the issues our constituents are asking us to act on, and these are issues we cannot afford to sit back and wait for someone else to take the lead on.”
Republican leaders and members announced their platform as the House session showed Pennsylvanians the clear priorities of House Democrats.
“In just their first few days of session, Democrat leaders proved their desire to increase the size and scope of government, while reducing and restricting your constitutional rights,” Cutler added. “That’s not what Pennsylvanians are asking for. We listened to the voices of millions of Pennsylvanians crying out for help in creating a path to prosperity for themselves and their children. That’s what our Keystone Commitment is built upon.”
Embrace the spirit of “Aloha” on a leisurely 3-island tour of Hawaii featuring 3-night stays each in Oahu, Big Island (Kona) and Maui. Remember Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Embark on a wonderful journey along Oahu’s famous North Shore. Take in the natural beauty of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Admire the hula dance, an ancient Polynesian art form. Visit a coffee farm in Kona and learn about the coffee bean’s journey from tree to cup. In Maui, visit the old royal capital of Lahaina where you can stroll through historic streets. Uncover the beauty, culture and traditions of all three islands.
This 10-day/9-night tour that departs on November 2nd is a trip of a lifetime! Visit this link to register or for more information gateway.gocollette.com/link/1112514 or call (814) 274-4877 to request a brochure, get details/cost, etc.
Coudersport, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is alerting motorists that Potter County Maintenance will close Route 4001 (Sartwell Creek Road) in Roulette Township on May 11. This one-day closure will allow maintenance crews to replace a large drainage pipe beneath the roadway. PennDOT Potter County Maintenance forces will complete all work on this project.
At 7:00 AM on May 11, crews will close the road about three-quarters of a mile north of the intersection with Route 6. PennDOT anticipates reopening the roadway at 3:00 PM. No official detour will be in place for this short-term work. Drivers will need to use alternate routes around the closure. During work hours, school bus traffic and emergency services will be permitted through.
Walter B. “Bud” Johnson, Jr., 91, of Smethport, passed away Monday (May 1, 2023) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
He was born March 26, 1932 in Smethport, the son of Walter B. Johnson and Geraldine Kiser Johnson.
Mr. Johnson was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1951 and worked as a mechanical draftsman with his last employment being with St. Marys Carbon Plant, St. Marys, PA.
He was a longtime member of the Odd Fellows. He enjoyed woodworking, reading and gardening. He was also an avid Square Dancer for many years.
He is survived by:
Three daughters: Kathrine J. (Chris) Carlson of Clermont, Cynthia L. Johnson and Erica N. (Eric) Tanner, both of Smethport
Three sons: Walter B. “Ben” (Laura) Johnson, III of Duke Center, Michael K. (Jacki) Johnson of Clarksburg, TN and Paul (Barbara) Babcock of Kendallville, IN
Sixteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren
And several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by one sister, Shirley Marlene Loucks Brown, one brother, Kenneth Johnson, as well as three infant sisters.
At Bud’s request, there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date and time to be announced. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Kaden Price has been chosen as the Seneca Highlands CTC’s Student of the Week. Kaden is a third year student at the CTC and is a senior at Port Allegany High School. He demonstrates superb time management skills through his involvement in many extracurricular activities. Inside the classroom, Kaden is always willing to help his classmates and demonstrates a positive attitude. Kaden shows genuine interest in Homeland Security as a Junior Firefighter at the Port Allegany Fire Department. After graduation, Kaden plans to attend the Municipal Police Academy.
I am Bryan D. Phelps and I am seeking the position of Magisterial District Judge 55-3-01 that was vacated in January 2022 following the retirement of the honorable Annette Easton who previously held the position for 22 years.
I was born and raised in Coudersport where I graduated high school and then attended Mansfield University to obtain my training and certification through the municipal police officer training curriculum. I became a municipal police officer in 1997.
I have served as an officer in this county since the completion of my training. In 1999, I was hired at the Sweden Township Police Department as the Police Chief/ K-9 Officer where I continue to serve. During my years of service, I have also served 4 years as a Potter County Detective and am currently a member of the East Drug Task Force. This position is managed locally and runs through the PA State Attorney General’s office.
Serving in these capacities has taught me that compassion, fairness and being empathetic are of the upmost importance. A Police Officer is not only about enforcing laws, it is about doing the right thing for everyone involved, even if I don’t personally agree with it. I understand the rules of law and how to apply them as a Magistrate Judge.
For the past 37 years, I have been and continue to be, an active life member of the Coudersport Fire Department. Over the years, I have held many positions and since 2012, have been active as chief of the department providing emergency fire, rescue, and EMS services to protect the lives and property of the Coudersport community members and visitors of the area.
I have given nearly my entire adult life to public service. If elected as Magistrate Judge, I will continue this lifelong service. I will be retiring as Chief of Police, but will continue my service with the volunteer fire department. My priority will always be to the Office of Magistrate District Judge.
The Magisterial District Judge 55-3-01 serves the Austin and Coudersport Boroughs and the townships of Eulalia, Sweden, Keating, Homer, Summit, Portage, Sylvania, and Wharton and all that reside, visit, or travel through those municipalities. District Judge responsibilities include after hour calls for arraignments, protection from abuse orders, search warrants, and covering for other district judges. They also include placing fair and equal bail and preside over hearings for violations of the consolidated statutes of the commonwealth and civil proceedings.
Photo by Gary Tyson The first palm warbler of the season (pictured) was seen on the April 29 bird walk at Hills Creek State Park.
For the sixth free guided-bird walk this Saturday, May 6, participants will meet at the Hills Creek State Park office at 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, Pa. 16901-9676 and promptly at 8 a.m. drive to the nearby starting location. No registration is required.
Three members of the Tiadaghton Audubon Society, including Gary Tyson who led it, went on the April 29 walk.
“Bad weather kept both birds and birders away,” said Tyson. “It was cold and gloomy but not raining.
“We saw 26 species of birds, including the first palm warbler of the season. These are among the earliest migrating warblers to arrive in our area and will continue heading north. We are expecting to see more of them on upcoming Saturdays.
“We did see one osprey this past Saturday but no broad-winged hawks or bald eagles. Some broad-winged hawks will stay in the county to nest, especially in the canyon area, but most move on farther north,” said Tyson.
The remaining three walks will begin at Hills Creek State Park on Hills Creek Road in Charleston Township, about seven miles northeast of Wellsboro at 8 a.m. on Saturdays, May 13, 20 and 27. The walks are all free and open to the public. For updates on the birds that have been seen in the area and helpful local birding information, visit www.facebook.com/TiadaghtonAudubon/ or tiadaghtonaudubon.blogspot.com or email tasmember@yahoo.com.
Two free programs, a Woodcock Walk and the Through Our Telescopes: Moon Watch are this Saturday, May 6 at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44.
All park programs are held in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Park in the gravel lot and follow the walkway next to the restrooms to the seating area. Since seating is limited and spring nights are chilly, those attending may want to bring a chair and/or blanket. Leave pets at home.
Programs will be cancelled in the event of rain or thunder. Telescopes will not be available in the event of significant cloud-cover.
Visitors may observe on their own at the park without attending a program but all should arrive before dark.
Woodcock Walk is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This Saturday, May 6
Learn about the woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle, bogsucker and labrador twister and then try to catch a glimpse of this bird’s springtime courtship displays.
After a short talk by park staff about the woodcock’s unique adaptations and peculiar rituals, there will be a 1- to 2-mile walk on level ground along the edges of the field in search of woodcocks performing their sky dance. Other creatures may be seen along the way. Be sure to wear suitable shoes for walking on potentially damp mowed grass.
Through Our Telescopes: Moon Watch is from 10 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. This Saturday, May 6
Join park staff and volunteers and go on an amazing telescope tour of the moon’s surface. Explore the diverse natural landscape of Earth’s moon, including highlands and volcanic plains, and where moon mission landings took place.
Telescopes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for the time listed. Availability is subject to staff/volunteer availability, weather conditions, and crowd size limitations.
MINNEAPOLIS (April 28, 2023) – General Mills today announced a voluntary national recall of two-, five- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour with a “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024. The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella Infantis,which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – [NEW YORK, NY] May 01, 2023 – Del Maguey Co., New York, NY is conducting a voluntary recall of certain ceramicware cups called copitas – small artisan cups traditionally used for drinking mezcal – because they may exceed FDA guidance levels for leachable lead.
Marlene KOLTHOFF, 70, of Chalfont, PA, formerly of Ulysses, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 9, 2023 in her home.
Born February 28, 1953, in Berea, OH, she was the daughter of Alvin and Frances Andrews Kolthoff.
Marlene devoted her life to caring for her family.
Surviving are: five children, Heather (George) Klitsch, George Tanner, Elizabeth Tilley, Christine (Roger) Smith, and Erin Crowell; five grandchildren, Michael, Aurelia, Aaron, Josiah, and Grace; a brother, Alvin (Nora) Kolthoff; two nieces, Jackie Kessler and Jennifer Pappas; and two fur babies, Bear and Kira.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three sisters, Frieda, Lorali, and Greta; and a son-in-law, Bruce Tilley.
Friends are invited to a visitation at the First Baptist Church of Ulysses, 603 South Main Street, Ulysses, PA on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon.
Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church of Ulysses, P.O. Box 268, Ulysses, PA 16948. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Angeline L. Gradizzi, 93, a resident of Highland View Health Center and formerly of Toby Road, Kersey, PA passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Highland View.
She was born June 10, 1929, in Jerome, PA, daughter of the late Joseph and Irene Benini Cilladi. Angeline attended Horton Township Schools and was formerly employed at St. Boniface School and Fox Township Elementary School.
On November 22, 1952, at Holy Cross Church in Brandy Camp, Angeline married the late Silvio Gradizzi, who preceded her in death on January 2, 1985.
Angeline is survived by three daughters: Irene Coder (Guy) of Toby, Carol Klaiber (Mike Neubert) of Kersey, and Barbara Curley (Doug) of Port Matilda; a son, James Gradizzi of Williamsport; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Theresa Marie Cilladi of Brockway; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Angeline was preceded in death by three brothers: Louis, Raymond, and Silvio Cilladi. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Angeline was a member of the St. Boniface Church and the Rosary Altar Society. She was part of the auxiliary for the Dagus Mines American Legion and was involved with the Elk County Fair. She enjoyed cooking, quilting, and crocheting. Faith and family were most important to her. There was nothing more precious to her than spending time with her family, especially over the holidays.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Boniface Church on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Kevin Holland, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the St. Boniface Gathering Space on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of service.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Boniface Rosary Altar Society, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 or to the Elk County Fair, PO Box 225, Kersey, PA 15846.
Mary A. Winner, 88, of 175 Constitution Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away, Tuesday May 2, 2023, at UPMC Hamot, in Erie, surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born in Benevento, Italy on November 27, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Antimo and Ada (Ricciadi) Bagnoli.
She was a 1952 graduate of St. Bernard School in 1952.
On August 29, 1953, in St. Francis Church, she married Paul H. Winner who preceded her in death on June 16, 2011.
Mary worked at Dresser Manufacturing, W. R. Case Cutlery, and later as a transportation aide at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and a former member of the Orakettes at the Orak Grotto.
Mary’s greatest joy in life was her children and their families. She loved to cook and was happiest around the holidays when everyone would gather to eat.
Surviving is one daughter, Kelley (Millard Taylor) A. Housler, of Bradford, three sons, David (Olivia) P. Winner, of Bradford, Gary (Sherry) A. Winner, of Erie, and Bill (Lisa) J. Winner, of Cranberry, eleven grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, two nieces, Kathy Verbocy and Pam Siffrinn, and one nephew, Patrick Deasey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, and one sister, Ann Deasey.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from Noon to 2:00pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main Street, where funeral services will be held at 2:00pm with Pastor Steven Beatie, of the Pentecostal Church in Olean, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions, if desired may be made to the Ashley Booth CARE for Children, PO Box 616, Bradford, PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Sandra D. DAVIS, 65, of Alma, NY, died Monday, May 1, 2023 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.
Born April 12, 1958, in Hornell, she was the daughter of Kenneth R. and Beatrice Teribury Geffers.
On March 17, 1990, in Wellsville, she married Charles R. “Chuck” Davis, who survives. A 1977 graduate of Belmont High School, she was employed by AMES, Wellsville Manor, and Allegany County ARC.
Sandy enjoyed quilting and was part of a local group, sewing, baking, camping, bonfires, and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving besides her husband, Chuck, are: four children, Josie (Kelly) Cross of Alma, Daniel (Heather) Stoll of Stannards, Shawn (Andrea Clancy) Stoll of Wellsville, and James (Cassie Whitney) Davis of Wellsville; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Linda Austin of Bolivar and Judy Mattison of Wellsville; four brothers, Daniel Mullen of Wadsworth, James (Betty) Geffers of Leesburg, TX, Larry Geffers of Wellsville, and Raymond Geffers of Wellsville; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Charles R. Davis, Jr. on April 29, 2007; two sisters, Mary Lynn Geffers and Margaret Giblin; three brothers, Joel Geffers, Calvin Geffers, and Kenneth L. Geffers; and two brothers-in-law, Calvin Mattison and Claude Austin.
Friends may call Friday, May 5, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, where Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Rev. Elva Cornell will officiate. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery.
Barbara L. “Snookie” Morgan, 79, of Smethport, PA passed away Monday (May 1, 2023) at UPMC-Shadyside, Pittsburgh.
She was born July 12, 1943 in Bradford, the daughter of Harold Benjamin and Ellen Anderson Benjamin. On November 13, 1965, in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, she married James L. Morgan, who died April 29, 2014.
Barb was a graduate of Smethport Area High School. She first worked for Corning in Bradford, from where she retired, then for the fair association. She then worked in the cafeteria at the Smethport Elementary School for years before retiring again.
She was a former member and secretary of the McKean County Fair Association. Snookie loved her animals, both large and small. She always had dogs with her and the farm was abundant with animal life.
She is survived by:
Two sons: Richard “Rick” Morgan and Terry Morgan, both of Smethport
One sister: Sarah Benjamin of Smethport
Three brothers: Phillip “Cricky” Benjamin of Smethport, George Benjamin of Eldred and Harold “Sonny” Benjamin of Erie, PA
And several nieces and nephews
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Janet Billings, and one brother, Ronald “Skip” Benjamin.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4 from 4-6 PM at the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport, where funeral and committal services will be held following visitation at 6:30 PM, with the Rev. Max Simms, officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
