Gildo R. Torchia, age 83, of Wilcox Road, Johnsonburg, PA
Gildo R. Torchia, age 83, of Wilcox Road, Johnsonburg, PA, died May 7, 2023 at Penn Highlands-DuBois, after a lengthy illness. A son of the late Frank and Josephine (DiNardo) Torchia, he was born on June 27, 1939 in Ridgway, PA. On June 13, 1970 he married Georgia (Newell), who preceded him in death on September 29, 2018.
Gildo is survived by: two daughters, JoAnn (Michael) Fitch of Duncansville and Georgann (Cory) Barnett of Johnsonburg; five grandchildren, Maddison (Niels vanBeusekam) Fitch, Reghan and Trent Fitch and Sydney and Justin Barnett; and a sister, Serafina (Richard) Alo of Houston, TX.
Besides his wife and his parents, Gildo was predeceased by: a sister, Sister Francis Dominic Torchia, SSJ (Theresa).
Gildo was a 1957 Graduate of Johnsonburg Area Schools, attended the Clarion State Teachers College and received his Masters in Education from West Virginia University. He had served as a High School Math Teacher in Bradford, Cameron County and St. Marys Schools. For over forty five years he was the Owner/Operator of the J.R. Duke DiNardo Paving Company, retiring in 2016. He lived all his life in Johnsonburg. He was a founding member of ELCAM; former Borough Council Member; and past president of the JC’s.
Public visitation will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and also on Saturday, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Ubel Funeral Home of Johnsonburg.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held, 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Johnsonburg, with Father David Wilson, celebrant.
Interment will take place next to his wife in the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to the Holy Rosary Church(Painting Fund) or the Johnsonburg Library, and will be accepting online condolences at the Ubel Funeral Home website(www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com).
Wellsville Police Blotter
Wellsville N.Y. Police Department
Friday, May 5, 2023
Wellsville Police arrested Robert N. Young, age 33, of Wellsville, charging him with Grand Larceny 3rd (Class D Felony) and Issuing a Bad Check. The charges stem from a complaint made by North Main Lumber. Young was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. Young is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on May 16th at 4:30 pm.
DETECTIVES RAID HOME IN ELDRED – TWO IN CUSTODY
May 8th, 2023 (MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg Shaffer reports that a wanted man and his girlfriend have been taken into custody.
The McKean County Detectives executed a search warrant at a home located on Main Street in Eldred during the early evening of May 7th.
Earlier that morning, Detectives and Drug Task Force Officers, acting on information received from the Pennsylvania State Police alleging drug trafficking at that residence as well as the presence of wanted person Timothy Bottorf, initiated an investigation and were granted a search warrant.
Following the tip, Task Force Officers maintained a surveillance position at the residence. Eldred residents saw numerous marked and unmarked police vehicles from several departments of McKean County who participated in the raid.
A warrant had been issued for Bottorf on April 11th related to a Robbery that occurred in Bradford after he failed to appear at trial on that case. He had been incarcerated on the charge, unable to satisfy the $150,000 bail set by the Judge, until he posted it in March with the assistance of a bail bondsman.
The warrant was executed by McKean County Detectives, Officers with the Drug Task Force and K9 Duke of the City of Bradford Police Department who made forced entry into the residence. Officers announced that they would release the dog if any occupants did not make their presence known to officers.
Bottorf and Sarah Waid did not show themselves to officers. K9 Duke showed interest in a bedroom and led officers to the two. Bottorf and Waid were found hiding in the bedroom of the residence. No one else was in the home.
Members of the Pennsylvania State Police and other Task Force Officers secured the exterior of the residence to assist Officers inside as well as to ensure safety of neighboring residents.
After Bottorf and Waid were detained by Detectives, Task Force Officers and State Police searched the residence with the assistance of K9 Rigby of the McKean County Detective K9 Unit who alerted on the presence of controlled substances. Officers seized Methamphetamine, an AR15 rifle, drug paraphernalia, surveillance cameras, money and other items.
Bottorf was taken into custody on his warrant and incarcerated.
Waid was charged by County Detectives with 4 counts of Delivery or Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) – Felonies; Hindering Apprehension (harboring a wanted person) – Felony 3; and Possession of a Controlled Substance- misdemeanor.
Magisterial District Judge William Todd set bail at $300,000 and Waid was remanded to the McKean County Jail.
On May 8th, Bottorf was charged with Flight to Avoid Apprehension (Felony) and 2 counts of Possession of Firearm Prohibited (Felony and Misdemeanor). He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge William Todd who set bail at $600,000 and remanded to the McKean County Jail.
District Attorney Vettenburg-Shaffer: “This operation was set into motion by a traffic stop of the Pennsylvania State Police. State Police then notified McKean County Detectives of potential drug trafficking. Detectives then worked the investigation back to the source, resulting in the above arrests. Excellent police work by all involved.” Additional charges are pending.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/detectives-raid-home-eldred-two-custody?fbclid=IwAR3u2no1DMl_Fz_367Gab-Nb5MQAGXOmj3hxJUyyHkCm_BUFVpxynT7B4E8
Permits Issued For New Gas Wells in Jones Township
| PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Jones Twp Township |
| Description: Gas permit issued on 5/1/2023 to SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC for site D09-M SRC WT 2333 353HU 53263 in Jones Twp township, Elk county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-05-01 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, permit, drilling, Gas |
| PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Jones Twp Township |
| Description: Gas permit issued on 5/1/2023 to SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC for site D09-M SRC WT 2333 354HU 53264 in Jones Twp township, Elk county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-05-01 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, permit, drilling, Gas |
| PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Jones Twp Township |
| Description: Gas permit issued on 5/1/2023 to SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC for site D09-M SRC WT 2333 355HU 53265 in Jones Twp township, Elk county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-05-01 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, permit, drilling, Gas |
Mansfield Dispatched For Search
At 12:22 PM on Monday, Mansfield Fire Dept. has been dispatched to 310 South Main Street to assist police in a search for a 13 year old male wearing a black hoodie & black backpack who left school & went into the woods at that location.
Drone 50 has been requested to scene.
At 1:10 PM–Police report that the youth has been located. Search dogs requested were cancelled.
Update on Route 6 Project in Potter County
Current Work Spans From Burtville To Coudersport
Coudersport, PA – With work continuing on a Route 6 project in Potter County, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is providing an update. Work to remove guide rail and stabilize shoulders through the work zone has completed. The zone stretches from Port Allegany (McKean County line) to Coudersport.
Starting Tuesday, May 9, temporary traffic signals will be set to enforce an alternating traffic pattern at the bridge spanning Trout Brook. The bridge is about 5 miles west of Coudersport. Structure repairs will then commence, with an expected completion of July 1 for those repairs. Once structure repairs are complete, the temporary signals will be removed, and roadway flagging will be used for the rest of the project.
Later in May, roadwork activities will get underway, including roadway resurfacing, pipe replacements, inlets, guide rail improvements, box culvert repairs, outlet protection, pavement markings, and miscellaneous items.
PennDOT expects this work to be complete by the end of October. Roadwork across this section of Route 6 will improve the condition of the roadway and result in smoother, safer travel for area motorists. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College, PA, is the contractor for this $7.6 million job. PennDOT reminds drivers to use caution in work zones, obey posted speed limits, and always buckle up.
Victim Identified in Fatal Motorcycle Collision Sunday Morning in Allegany
08 May 2023
On May 7, 2023, at 10:39 A.M., Troopers out of SP Olean responded to a two-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Buffalo Road in the town of Allegany.
Investigation determined that a 2019 Harley Davidson was traveling north bound on Buffalo Road failed to negotiate the curve, crossing into the oncoming lane and stuck a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado head on.
The operator of the Harley Davidson, Razvan Tuduc, 21, of North Collins, NY was pronounced deceased at the scene. The occupants in the Chevrolet were not injured. Cattaraugus County Medical Examiners office will perform an autopsy.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit assisted in this investigation.
Drainage Work Today on Little Pine Creek Road
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised of maintenance work today, Monday, May 8, 2023, on Route 4001 (Little Pine Creek Road) in Cummings Township, Lycoming County.
A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crew will be performing drainage work on Little Pine Creek Road between Route 44 and Little Pine State Park. Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for slow or stopped vehicles, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution through the work zone.
Minecraft
Get ready for an epic adventure that will take you to the blocky world of Minecraft! Join us for an exciting camp that will challenge your problem-solving skills, ignite your creativity, and test your teamwork abilities like never before. Work together with your fellow campers to overcome obstacles, create solutions, and achieve your goals. However, the excitement doesn’t stop there! You’ll also compete in team challenges that will put your Minecraft skills to the test. Build the tallest tower, navigate a tricky maze, or solve a riddle to unlock the next level.
This camp, taught by Brent Bryant, CTC Networking Instructor, is for students entering grades 5 – 9. It is scheduled for Monday, June 5 through Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 9:00a.m. – 3;00 p.m. in the Seneca Highlands CTC Networking Classroom. The cost is $20/person per person. To register, visit www.pottercountyedcouncil or call (814) 545-1333.
Steven S. “Steve” Unangst, 52, of Roulette, PA.
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.
William J. Baker, 81, of Roulette, PA.
William J. Baker, 81, of Roulette, PA passed away Saturday (May 6, 2023) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport, surrounded by his family.
He was born August 10, 1941 in Port Allegany, the son of Bernard and Helen (Creeley) Baker.
Mr. Baker was a 1959 graduate of Port Allegany high school.
Mr. Baker was a self employed welder owning and operating Baker’s Welding Shop in Roulette for 52 years.
Working and spending time with the family were his priority.
He is survived by two sons; Steven (Brenda) Baker of Roulette PA and Tim (Dodie) Baker in TX,
One daughter; Brenda Watson of Roulette PA
Seven grandchildren, several step grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
One sister; Connie (John) Benson of Port Allegany PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Matthew Baker and one brother, Robert Baker.
At Bill’s request there will be no visitation or services. Burial will be in Hill Cemetery, Roulette.
Memorials may be made to the Roulette Ambulance Association.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Ronald J. Bethel, 77, of Smethport, PA.
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.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Vote Kevin Siska Potter County Sheriff
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!
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