Steven S. “Steve” Unangst, 52, of Roulette, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in UPMC Wellsboro.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Steve, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Ronald J. Bethel, 77, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (May 6, 2023) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
He was born April 19, 1946 in Newton, NJ the son of Charles and Muriel (Sterbinski) Bethel. He is married to Marilyn (Whritenour) Bethel.
Mr. Bethel worked in manufacturing at Howmet Aerospace and served in the US Navy.
He loved his home in the Pennsylvania woods, and the mountain man lifestyle. He and Marilyn enjoyed participating in reenactments throughout the state.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 sons Michael (Amy Hotchkiss) Bethel of Lompoc CA. and David Bethel (Gabrielle Gilbert) of White Salmon WA. Also, 2 step children Sue Johansson Sussex NJ, and Randy Gormley of Pocono PA, and several grandchildren.
Mr. Bethel was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Stephen Bethel.
At Ronald’s request there will be no visitation or services.
Burial will be in the Clermont Cemetery
The family sends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sena Kean Manor for their generous care of our charismatic Pop.
On May 8 at 9:52 am. Mansfield Fire Dept was dispatched to 37 Hemlock Dr. for a structure fire. Smoke can been seen coming from the residence. Wellsboro, and Blossburg have also been dispatched. Update the fire is under control. Galeton dispatched to standby at Wellsboro.
I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for Potter County Sheriff. I lived in Potter County for several years after attending college and then moved to Alaska to pursue a career in law enforcement. I started working as a Correctional Officer in a maximum-security prison in Juneau, AK for about 21 months.
In January of 1986, I was hired by the Juneau Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Approximately 4 years later, I was assigned to the Investigations Unit for approximately 3 years.
I was promoted back to the Patrol Unit as a sergeant where I supervised a patrol team for approximately 6 years. I was assigned back to the Investigations Unit, where I supervised major investigations for 5 years. As the Investigations Sergeant, I also oversaw two drug enforcement officers assigned to the Southeast Alaska Drug Task Force. During my time as a sergeant, I participated in numerous supervisory training classes.
My final assignment for the Department was in an administrative position where I restructured the Department’s training requirements and training schedule.
While employed by the Juneau Police Department, I had several ancillary duties. I was an Accident Reconstructionist for 16 years, and I was a member of the SWAT Team for 11 years. I held certifications from the FBI, NRA and the State of Alaska as a firearms instructor, and I was a certified Emergency Vehicle Operations instructor. I held an Advanced Police Officer certification from the State of Alaska and was awarded the Police Medal of Honor in 1993.
In the year 2000, I had the privilege of attending the Southwest Law Enforcement Institute’s, Law Enforcement Management College located in Plano, Texas. I successfully completed and graduated from the intensive 2 month long college level management course geared specifically toward law enforcement management.
After nearly 22 years in Law enforcement, I retired and my wife, Lynetta and I returned to Potter County to raise our twin girls.
I have served Potter County as a Deputy Sheriff with the Potter County Sheriff’s Department since 2016. I am currently certified by the Pennsylvania Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board. I am also certified by the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission as a Firearms Instructor. I have a clear understanding of the duties of the Sheriff Department. I would be honored to serve the people of Potter County as your Sheriff. Early in my career, I was taught to treat people fairly and with respect. As your Sheriff, I will continue to do so.
The time I served in the corrections environment will aid me in this position as the Sheriff sits on the Potter County Jail Board. My time as a Police Sergeant and management experience will benefit me in carrying out the duties of the Sheriff.
My family attends the Gold Church where I have served as Moderator, Trustee and Chairperson for the building committee while building our new church. I am a coach for the Black Forest Youth Trap Team and have done so for the last several years.
Thank you for considering me for sheriff. I am the only candidate with 28 years experience in law enforcement, of which the last, almost 7 years have been with the Potter County Sheriff’s Department. I am the only candidate that is currently certified with the State of Pennsylvania and will not have to attend a 19 week, residential academy to become a certified Sheriff. I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Potter County. Please vote KEVIN SISKA for Potter County Sheriff in the Republican Primary Election on May 16th. I would also welcome and encourage all write-in Democratic votes. Again, Thank You!
Potter County Commissioner Nancy J. Grupp has announced her intentions to run for re-election on the Republican ballot in the May 16 Primary Election.
During her first term in office she served as the chair of the Board of Commissioners, County Salary Board, and County Retirement Board. She has served in an unpaid capacity as Potter County Director of Emergency Services, saving the county thousands of dollars each year and is a member of the county’s Aging Advisory Board.
During her tenure, Commissioner Grupp has also spearheaded improvements in county operations, including technology upgrades and updates to personnel and human resources policies. She was also chosen by her peers to chair the executive board of the regional community and economic development agency, North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission.
Some of the current board’s accomplishments under her leadership have included:
— Creating programs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support small businesses along with fire and ambulance services and other non-profits that were negatively impacted during the shutdown.
— Facilitating COVID relief grants to those significantly impacted in the hospitality industry, many of which would not have survived without those funds.
— Adoption of a countywide Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance, making available county tax breaks for businesses building or expanding operations to create jobs and support economic development.
— Improving services for Potter County veterans by expanding the Veterans Affairs Director position to full-time, giving military veterans much-needed assistance in accessing the benefits and services to which they are entitled.
— Supporting a collaborative effort to bring cost-free transportation to veterans who require rides to medical appointments.
— Repurposing federal grant revenue totaling more than $500,000 to support infrastructure projects in Genesee, Galeton and Ulysses to date.
Fiscal responsibility has been a high priority for the board under Commissioner Grupp’s leadership. While improving services in multiple ways, the board has not raised real estate taxes, which she considers a major accomplishment. Grupp is a lifelong resident of Potter County, has 30 years of experience working in the finance industry, and has served as a township auditor and secretary/treasurer, as well as president for the Potter County Township Officials Association.
She and her husband, Lynn, live in Coudersport.
Commissioner Grupp states, “Rather than engaging in extreme politics, if re- elected I pledge to continue to bring common sense leadership to Potter County. Thank you for your support.”
My name is Angela Milford, and I am a Republican candidate running for the position of Potter County Sheriff. I was born and raised and have worked in this area my entire life. I have worked for Potter County government for approx. 29 years in the jail. I was a Corrections Officer and was moved up into management of Deputy Warden and now Warden for approx. 14 years of that. I work very closely with the Sheriff’s Department and am very familiar with their role. I am being endorsed by the current Sheriff, Glenn Drake. He has expressed to me his desire and intention, should I be elected, to stay on with the department in a part-time capacity, which will assist me in my transition into this new job. The role of Sheriff has many different aspects with much of it being administrative and delegating other functions to deputies. I do some parts of the administrative tasks already in assistance to their department such as coordinating transports, going on transport, taking care of extradition requirements and many other tasks. I am confident I will be able to jump into this position and take it on. I do understand and know there will be training that I need to attend and look forward to learning. I believe I am the best candidate for this position as I am motivated by a desire to help people. I am firm but I am also fair. I hope you will vote for me as your next Sheriff. I would appreciate my democratic friends to write me in also. Thank you.
BRADFORD – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) is inviting emergency medical services (EMS) providers, county and local officials, and concerned citizens to a town meeting focused on finding solutions to the state’s growing EMS crisis.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at the Smethport Fire Department, 109 S. Nelson St., Smethport.
“Ambulance services across the Commonwealth are struggling with rising costs, declining revenue and a shortage of providers,” Causer said. “The problem is especially severe in rural areas like ours.
“We all need to work together to ensure our emergency responders can continue providing the life-saving services we depend upon,” he added.
Aaron Rhone, director of the Bureau of EMS within the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is scheduled to attend, as is Heather Sharar, executive director of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, and Tom McElree, executive director of EMS West.
Causer noted lawmakers in Harrisburg have been working to address the EMS crisis by enacting policy changes requested by the EMS community, including increased Medicaid reimbursement rates, payment for treatment without transport, volunteer incentives, training availability, staffing requirements and more.
“Unfortunately, even with these changes, the challenges facing our EMS providers continue to mount and threaten their ability to continue operating,” Causer said. “Already, many ambulance companies across the state have shut their doors. We have to do all we can to keep our EMS companies up and running. Lives depend on it.”
RSVPs for the meeting are requested. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to sign up at www.RepCauser.com or call one of the offices in Bradford (814-362-4400), Coudersport (814-274-9769) or Kane (814-837-0880).
Clayton Theodore “Ted” Gross, 73, of the Emery Towers, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on January 10, 1950, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Clayton E. “Gus” and Jean K. (Whitmire) Gross.
Ted was a 1968 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
He was employed at Quaker State, Haliburton, Owen-Illinois. Prior to his retirement he was the owner, operator, and driver of a tractor trailer for over the road trucking.
Surviving are four sons, Timothy (Heather) Gross, of Clearwater, FL, Todd (Amy) Gross, of Bradford, Thomas (Stacey) Gross, of Bradford, and Scott Hirst, of Sherburne, NY, one daughter, Allison (Rex) Santon, of Manhatten, KS, one sister, Sharon Work-Grice, of Bradford, one brother, Jack Gross, of Bradford, and several grandchildren.
A Celebration of Ted’s Life will be held at a later date this summer.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to McKean County SPCA, P Box 113, Bradford, PA 16701 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Randal G. “Randy” Simbeck, 66, of Glen Hazel, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk surrounded by his family following a brief illness.
He was born on April 5, 1957 in St. Marys, a son of the late Harold “Rudy” and Rita Wendel Simbeck.
Randy was a lifelong resident of the area and graduate of St. Marys High School, class of 1975. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. A true American patriot, Randy served in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country from 1975-1979. He has been a dedicated and longtime member of the St. Marys Servicemens Burial Detail, where he also served as past president. Armed with great skill and talent, Randy spent many years working as a carpenter. Over the years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his kids. He also loved Jeeps, was an avid country music fan, and had a special love for his service dog, Cash. Most of all, he adored his grandchildren, and was over the moon with his newest grandson, Wyatt. With an endless smile, an ear always willing to listen, and a friendship you knew was true, Randy will be deeply missed by many, having touched the lives of many.
Randy is survived by three children; Amy Simbeck of Florida, Justine McKinnon and her husband Ryan of Florida and Aaron Simbeck and his wife Sophia of St. Marys; and by his six beloved grandchildren; Maddox, Harper, Reagan, Jackson, Addison, and Wyatt. He is also survived by one brother; Ronald (Denise) Simbeck of St. Marys and by numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by a son in infancy; Jason Scott Simbeck.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Randal G. Simbeck will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street. St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas Curry, OSB, as celebrant. Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemens Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Servicemens Burial Detail.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
On May 7 at 1:31 pm. Wellsboro ambulance was dispatched to a water rescue at 124 Greenhouse Lane patient was in a pond for over an hour he is breathing but hypothermic. Fire Dept. was also dispatched but later cancelled because the patient was removed from the pond. Air medical is on standby
Floyd H. Stahl, Jr., 92, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born on Saturday, November 8, 1930, in Harrisburg, he was a son of Floyd H. Sr. and Charlotte Weis Stahl.
After graduating from high school, Floyd served honorably in the US Marines. After his service to his country, he was employed as a photolithographer, laying out pictures in magazine articles.
Surviving are three daughters, Constance L. (Terry) MacNeill of Landenberg, Nancy A. (Kevin) Bradshaw of Marietta, California, and Jean S. Stahl of Placentia; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Floyd was predeceased by his parents.
Private graveside burial services will be held in the Bell Run Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Floyd’s name may be made to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Service, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Floyd entrusted his care and funeral 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 Floyd, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
The Cameron County Mud Run is just around the corner, time to get your vehicles wrapped up, it’s almost time to race!
Only 3 weekends left till it’s go time.
3rd annual Cameron County Mud Run
Head-to-head timed race around the course and mud bog. There will be payouts for 1st place for both race and the bog. SUV’s, trucks, jeeps are all welcome, after races the track will be open to have fun. Mega trucks are welcome to come play also.
Cost for admission is $10 spectators’ kids 10 and under are free and $15 for drivers.
Vinny and the Mud Flaps will be playing live music during the event.
