Solomon's words for the wise: 10/18/20

Saturday, October 24, 2020

COVID-19 Statistic Update Friday, October 23, 2020

Positive Cases Update from Knights Creek Church Gathering

Positive Cases Update from Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center October 23, 2020

Blossburg Dispatched For Hunter Fallen From A Tree Stand

At 5:44 PM on Saturday, Blossburg Fire & EMS have been dispatched for a land rescue of a hunter fallen from a tree stand in the woods off the Welch Mountain Road.

6:40 PM--Mansfield & Liberty dispatched with UTV & manpower.

A Thank You From The Roulette TWP. Library

The Roulette Township Library would like to extend a very big thank-you to everyone who helped to make our Book Sale and Basket Raffle a good success. We really appreciate the help.

Allegany County FREE COVID-19 Rapid Drive-Up Testing Site Sunday, October 25, 2020

Because of the overwhelming response to the drive up clinic today, the Allegany County Department of Health in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, will be providing another FREE COVID-19 Rapid Drive-Up Testing Clinic at the BOCES Center in Belmont, tomorrow, Sunday, October 25, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

No appointment is necessary. If there is a large response again tomorrow, you may only get swabbed at the site and then called with your results later in the day.

You will need to bring photo ID for anyone being tested.
This is a drive-up clinic. You will remain in your car for testing. Please leave your windows up. You will be given instructions upon arrival.
Please do NOT bring other individuals in the car, who are not getting tested.
Please be prepared to return directly home and go into isolation after the test if you or a family member tests positive for COVID-19.

Stop the Spread of COVID-19. Get tested.

Police Investigating Report Of Child Calling For Help from the Woods

At 4:41 PM on Saturday, Police have been dispatched to the area of 2992 SR305 in Clarksville, NY for a report of a child calling for help from the woods across the road from that address.

Police report the child was stuck up a tree but has since been able to get down and exit the woods. Everything is ok there.

Gary John DeFrain, 61, of 20350 Bennetts Valley Highway, Byrnedale, PA

Gary John DeFrain

Gary John DeFrain, 61, of 20350 Bennetts Valley Highway, Byrnedale, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 23, 2020, at Penn Highlands DuBois, after a brief illness.

He was born December 3, 1958, in St. Marys, son of the late Charles L. and Louise Spangler DeFrain. Gary was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1977.

He was a retired employee of St. Marys Tool and Die, retiring in 2018.

On October 19, 1990, in Force, Gary married Jayne Sidelinger, who survives. He is also survived by two sons: Michael DeFrain of St. Marys and Gary DeFrain, Jr., at home; a sister, Denise Sennett and her husband James of Kersey; two brothers: Jeffrey C. DeFrain and his wife Mary Lee of St. Marys and Scott T. DeFrain and his wife Charlene of Kersey; his family fur friend, Maxwell; and by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Gary was a member of the John M. Reed Masonic Lodge #536. He was also a member of the Fox Township Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Association. Additionally, Gary was a member of the Olympic Athletic Club, the American Legion Post #948, the IP & S Club, the Pulaski Club, and the Scrub Masters Club.

Gary loved smoking cheese and pepperoni for his family and friends to enjoy. He could often be found enjoying a few beers with his friends at the campground. His hobbies included hunting with his boys and friends, fishing, and most of all camping with his family and friends. Gary had a very outgoing personality which his many friends will attest to.

There will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service to be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday, October 30, 2020, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Ginger Gardner officiating.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Hahne Regional Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801, or to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Penn Highlands DuBois, 100 Hospital Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

Arlene G. SWORT, 89, formerly of Whitesville, NY

Arlene G. SWORT

Arlene G. SWORT, 89, formerly of Whitesville, NY, died Saturday, October 24, 2020 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.

A Memorial Service will be held in 2021 after travel restrictions are lifted. A

rrangements will be announced by Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.org, Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State St., Wellsville, NY 14895, Manor Hills for patient activity fund, 4192-B Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY 14895,Whitesville Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 82, Whitesville, NY 14897, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Andover Dispatched For ATV Rollover Accident

At 4:07 PM on Saturday, Andover Fire & EMS have been dispatched to 1693 Jones Road for an ATV rollover with one patient injured. Air Medical has been requested to a LZ near the scene

Weekend Events

Port Allegany Moose Lodge Rib Fest October 25th

Robert C. TEARS, 85, of Ulysses, PA

Robert C. TEARS

Robert C. TEARS, 85, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, October 22, 2020 in UPMC Hamot, Erie.

Born April 23, 1935, in Penn Yan, NY, he was the son of Francis X. and A. Whilma Crane Tears. On May 10, 2009, in Big Sandy, MT, he married the former Judith A. Avery, who survives.

A US Army Veteran, he served honorably
from 1954 – 1957.

A 1961 graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, he was employed as a certified airframe and power plant mechanic with inspector authorization, commercial pilot, and flight instructor.

US Army Veteran

Bob designed and built his own aircraft, the Raptor. Bob was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and Cessna 180 Owners Association.

Residing in Alaska for 30 years and Montana for nine years, he retired to Ulysses in 2011.

In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by a step-son, Russell (Nancy) Ferguson of Kotzebue, AK.

Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan, NY.

Memorials may be made to the Experimental Aircraft Association, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI, 54903-3086 or at www.eaa.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Median Work Along Interstate 180 in Lycoming County Starts Next Week

Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel Interstate 180 between the Route 87 overpass in Fairfield Township and the Lycoming / Northumberland County line are advised that work will be performed in the median beginning next week.

On Monday, October 26 through Friday, November 6, Penn Line Service, Inc., will be collecting soil borings in the median at multiple locations along Interstate 180. Traffic should not be impacted, but motorists are reminded to be alert for vehicles and workers along the median.

This work is part of a high-tension cable barrier project that will take place at this location next year. No work will be performed during weekends. Work will be performed during daylight hours. Work is expected to be completed on Friday, November 6, weather permitting.

Dorwin D. Knapp, 89, of Route 155, Port Allegany, PA

Dorwin D. Knapp

Dorwin D. Knapp, 89, of Route 155, Port Allegany, PA, passed away peacefully Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2020) in his home, surrounded by his family.

Born December 21, 1930, in Liberty Township, Pennsylvania, he was a son of Edward M. and Evelyne E. Bailey Knapp. On June 4, 1956, in Port Allegany, he married Maxine V. Minard, who survives. They were married 64 years.

Dorwin had been employed with Wyman Chemical Co. formerly of Port Allegany, Olean Tile Co., Olean, NY, and post recently with Pierce Glass Co. of Port Allegany, before his retirement.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the US Army. Dorwin was a member of Grace Chapel Fellowship, Farmers Valley. He guided and encouraged all his sons in their scouting programs. Each son achieved Eagle Scout, in the Boy Scouts of America.

Surviving are four sons, Duran D. (Peggy) Knapp of Coudersport, Darcy W. (Laurie) Knapp of

Korean War Veteran

Port Allegany, Darin J. (Jane) Knapp of Chapel Hill, NC, and Danylee M. (Crystal Tanner) Knapp of Smethport; eight grandchildren: Steven S. Knapp, Jarod M. (Moriah) Knapp, Eli C. (Lauren) Knapp, Chelsie L. Knapp, Brandy C. (Brian) Benson, Tara J. Knapp, Jacob M. Knapp, and Hannah L. Knapp; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Delancy E. Knapp, two brothers, Edward and Richard Knapp; and a sister, Rosalee “Rosie” Lewis.

Friends will be received from 1-4 p.m. Monday (Oct. 26, 2020) in Grace Chapel Fellowship , Farmers Valley, where a private funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. with Rev. Jerry Stauffer, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Knapp Family Cemetery, Port Allegany. The Port Allegany Honor Guard will conduct a military service immediately following the funeral service at the church.

Due to the pandemic conditions, friends & family are to recognize social distancing and wearing a mask. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.

Condolences can be made to:

Maxine V. Knapp, 2930 Route 155, Port Allegany, PA 16743

FALL TURKEY SEASON TO BEGIN

Pennsylvania’s fall turkey season kicks off Saturday, Oct. 31 in 19 of Pennsylvania’s 23 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), with more fall turkey hunting – including the return of a three-day Thanksgiving season – around the corner in much of the state. While fall turkey hunting occurs in most of the state, there is no fall season in WMUs 5C or 5D, and season lengths differ in different WMUs. Hunters are advised the three-day Thanksgiving season to be held in 12 WMUs this year will run Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

In recent years when a three-day season was held, the season ran from Thursday through Saturday. Fall turkey season lengths are as follows: WMUs 1A, 2A, 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E – Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMU 1B, Oct. 31-Nov.7; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) and WMU 2C – Oct. 31-Nov. 20 and Nov. 25-27; WMUs 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4C– Oct. 31-Nov. 14 and Nov. 25-27; WMU 5A – Nov. 5-7; and WMU 5B – Nov. 3-5. While fall turkey hunters no longer are required to wear fluorescent orange, the Game Commission highly recommends the use of orange when not required, especially while moving.

Fall turkey hunting Statewide in recent years, Pennsylvania hunters have taken upwards of 9,000 fall turkeys. In 2019, the fall turkey harvest was an estimated 9,056 – similar to the 2018 harvest of 9,219 and 7 percent below the previous three-year average of 9,776. Part of the 2019 decrease is due to the Thanksgiving season being shortened from three days to two to accommodate the new Saturday opener of firearms deer season.

The return of a three-day season could provide for a rebound. Other factors that contributed to lower harvests included an abundant mast crop in some parts of the state, which made birds more difficult to locate; carryover effects of below-average reproduction in 2018; and decreased hunter participation. In 2019, an estimated 95,800 took part in fall turkey hunting.

The previous three-year average was 117,400. Fall turkey hunter success in 2019 was 9.6 percent, an increase from the previous three-year average of 8.4 percent and similar to the previous 10-year average of 10 percent. Female turkeys comprised about 48 percent of the 2019 harvest, similar to the previous three-year average. Since 2015, the average female harvest has decreased significantly, which is encouraging because every time a fall hunter passes on a hen, there’s a greater chance for improved recruitment in the following year’s statewide population. Season outlook Field reports of oak mast production vary across the state, but the white oak acorn crop seems to be low, and non-existent in many areas.

However, red oak and black oak acorns seem to be average and in some areas are providing a bumper crop. In areas where acorns are scarce, hunters are encouraged to cover a lot of ground to find flocks that likely will concentrate around available food sources. In areas where mast is abundant, hunters are encouraged to scout to determine turkey movement patterns as turkey flocks will wander more where food is abundant. As for turkeys, the most recent population estimates come from the spring, when the statewide turkey population was estimated at 196,260, 7 percent below 2019’s estimate of 212,200 and 11 percent below the previous 10-year average of 214,650.

The management goal to allow the population to increase is achievable through continued habitat and harvest management to improve survival and reproductive success. Harvests and reporting Successful fall turkey hunters must tag their birds according to instructions provided on the printed harvest tags supplied with their licenses, then report harvests. Mentored hunters under the age of 7 may receive by transfer a fall turkey tag supplied by their mentor.

The turkey must be tagged immediately after harvest and before the turkey is moved, and the tag must be securely attached to a leg until the bird is prepared for consumption or mounting. Within 10 days of harvest (five days for mentored hunters), turkey hunters must report harvests to the Game Commission, either by going online to the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.pa.gov, calling toll-free or mailing in a prepaid post card. Hunters reporting their turkey harvests over the telephone through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system can call 1-855-PAHUNT1 (1-855-724-8681). Hunters will need to have their license and their copy of the harvest tag in front of them when they make the call. Hunters should record the confirmation number supplied by the IVR system for the turkey reported. All hunters reporting harvests are asked to identify the WMU, county and township where the bird was taken.

Additionally, hunters may harvest a turkey that has been leg-banded for research purposes, and if so, they should follow the instructions on the band. The Game Commission leg-banded approximately 300 turkeys last winter in a continuing effort to determine spring harvest rates and annual survival rates by WMU, tracking turkey populations.

West Nile virus research Thanks to funding from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Multistate Conservation Grant and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the Game Commission and its partners continue to study the potential effects of West Nile virus (WNV) on turkeys, though the study has been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Partnering with the University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc., the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study and NWTF, the Game Commission is assessing and measuring the effects of experimentally infecting wild turkey poults and bobwhite quail chicks with West Nile virus to determine if the disease might be impacting these game birds, as it is ruffed grouse, which have seen dramatic declines partially due to WNV losses.

For turkeys and quail, the outlook might be better. All inoculated birds in the 7-week age group survived with no WNV-related effects. In the 16-week inoculated group, no quail and only one turkey showed symptoms from WNV infection. Due to COVID-19-driven closure of the laboratory earlier this year, further analyses are pending regarding the turkey. But it is known that all WNV-inoculated birds developed WNV antibodies to help fight future infection.

The study also tests wild turkeys for WNV antibodies, which would signify a bird survived infection. Hunters are helping in the effort. During 2019, fall turkey hunters submitted blood samples from 194 turkeys across Pennsylvania. Of these, 34 percent had antibodies to WNV or a closely related virus. This percentage is higher than highly susceptible species, like the greater sage-grouse, suggesting some turkeys are surviving infection. The Game Commission is coordinating fall turkey blood sample collections to include other Northeastern states during 2021 and 2022. Over the three-year study, determining wild turkey antibody levels in relation to mosquito populations will provide more insight as to how varying factors influence WNV transmission.

Earl F. Doucette, 64, of Church St., Port Allegany, PA

Earl F. Doucette

Earl F. Doucette, 64, of Church St., Port Allegany, PA, passed away unexpectedly Sunday (Oct. 18, 2020) in his home.

Born December 2, 1955, in Central Falls, RI, he was a son of Joseph A. and Theresa George Doucette. On Dec. 27, 1978, in Pawtucket, RI, he married Sharon L. Abel, who survives.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served with the US Marine Corps. Earl had worked as truck driver with the Garlick Diary Co. of Woonsocket, RI, and a carpenter with Art Buzzier Construction Co. of Cumberland, RI, before retiring. He attended the Chestnut Street Baptist Church of Port Allegany.

Vietnan War Veteran

He was a 10 year member of the Cumberland Fire Dept., Cumberland, RI. He enjoyed cabinet making and home remodeling and was a jack of all trades.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Sharon, are his mother-in-law, Carol D. Abel of Port Allegany;

two brothers, Joseph (Paula) Doucette of Woonsocket, RI, Alfred (Lin) Doucette of Port Saint Lucie, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and father-in-law, Dean Abel.

Friends will be received from 5-6 p.m. Friday (Oct. 23, 2020) in the Chestnut Street Baptist Church, where a Celebration of Life service will be held at 6 p.m. with Rev. Douglas J. Cameron, pastor, officiating. The Port Allegany Honor Guard will conduct a military service immediately following the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.

Condolences can be made to:

Sharon L. Doucette, 86 Church St., Port Allegany, PA 16743

Mansfield Dispatched To Crash on Route 6

At 10:20 PM on Saturday, Mansfield Fire & EMS have been dispatched to Route 6 near the Rice Road in Richmond Township for a one vehicle crash with one unresponsive occupant.

EMMF THANKS WARD MANUFACTURING FOR SUPPORT

Photo provided Pete Guidi, president and chief operating officer of Ward Manufacturing in Blossburg, accepts a special Endless Mountain Music Festival packet from Cynthia Long, executive director, who thanked him for Ward's continued support of the festival for the past 16 years, including 2021. “Ward Manufacturing makes a difference in our community as evidenced by their continued commitment to local organizations,” Long said. In 2021, Ward is sponsoring the "Cosmos and a Lost City" concert featuring the EMMF Symphony Orchestra and pianist Sheng Cai performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE SATURDAY, NOV. 7 NRA BASIC PISTOL CLASS

Because of the overwhelming number of inquiries she is receiving, the Lambs Creek Sportsman’s Club has approved Instructor Marilyn Jones' request to hold another National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Shooting Course at its facility in Mansfield. The class is being offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the pistol range at the Lambs Creek Sportsman’s Club at 339 Sportsman's Club Road, Mansfield, Pa.

The course is open to novice and experienced pistol shooters and owners. Participants will learn how to safely handle and shoot a pistol, as well as how to clean and store a firearm. Other topics to be discussed are: pistol mechanisms and operation, building pistol shooting skills, and pistol selection and use. A shooter can bring his or her own pistol or revolver for the class and 150 to 200 rounds of ammunition or borrow a .22 long rifle (LR) pistol from the instructor and bring 150 to 200 rounds of .22 long rifle (LR) pistol ammunition for it.

Participants are also asked to bring their own eye and ear protection. Students who successfully pass the course will receive the NRA Basic Pistol Course Completion Certificate, materials about gun safety, the NRA Basic Pistol Student Handbook, the NRA Marksmanship book and other handouts to assist in keeping a record of firearms, how to buy the right firearm, to keep your skills up and how to apply for a Tioga County Concealed Carry Permit.

The fee for this eight-hour course is $50 per person to be paid in advance to cover the handbook, handouts and lunch with water, soda and coffee to drink. The class is limited to 12 men and women. Only four spaces remain. To register or for answers to questions about this class or to borrow a pistol for the day and/or eye and ear protection, contact Marilyn Jones at 570-549-2794 or by email at jones_mk@yahoo.com to get started on the road to being a safe gun owner. Each registrant is asked to provide his or her name, address, telephone number, email address, and date of birth to guarantee a seat.

PA Wilds Center announces development of new regional ecommerce infrastructure to support rural entrepreneurs

WARREN – This time next year, the nonprofit PA Wilds Center plans to pilot an online marketplace where consumers can buy authentic local products made in the PA Wilds region by a variety of nonprofits and small businesses.

Erie-based MakerPlace Inc. has been retained to develop the marketplace, PA Wilds Center CEO Ta Enos said Monday. “Marketplace sites are more software development than website development, and we were thrilled to find the MakerPlace Inc. team right here in our backyard,” Enos says. “We are grateful to our partners at Ben Franklin Technology Partners, who helped connect us. MakerPlace has a proven track record, and the company’s values align with our nonprofit’s mission.

We are excited to have them at our side as we work to build better market access for rural makers and entrepreneurs.” An investment from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is helping to underwrite the buildout of the new regional e-commerce infrastructure. The supply chain for the marketplace will be The Wilds Cooperative of PA, a free juried network of more than 350 local companies and organizations that the Center coordinates.

The Center says it anticipates additional companies in the PA Wilds will join the network as the marketplace launches. The PA Wilds online marketplace will allow qualified vendors in the Wilds Cooperative to feature their company on the marketplace, selling directly to consumers while drop shipping from their locations, but with the added marketing power of the regional PA Wilds brand. “‘I Love NY’ makes $30 million a year for the public good,” Enos says. “‘Keep Austin Weird’ has helped turn a sleepy college town into one of the fastest-growing cities in America.

We are not NYC or Austin, nor do we want to be. Our brand is rooted in our region’s tremendous public lands, outdoor experiences, maker culture, rural lifestyle and stewardship ethic. But we know there is huge economic power in developing our place-based brand and that this kind of commerce infrastructure is key to unlocking that power so more rural companies and communities can benefit from it.”

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), a longtime investor in the PA Wilds strategy along with its sister agency, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), applauded EDA’s investment and the Center’s direction. “Rural counties in northcentral Pennsylvania have seen tremendous success through the Pennsylvania Wilds initiatives—establishing a diverse revenue strategy to create opportunities in the region,” said DCED Sec. Davin. “This funding will be critical as PA Wilds develops an e-marketplace through strategic partnerships, ensuring more access for rural entrepreneurs to share their products and be supported by the community and visitors to the area.”

According to the most recent statistics, visitors spend $1.8B annually in the PA Wilds. The region sees almost 15 times its population in day-trip visitors. The region’s public lands and outdoor recreation experiences are its main tourism draw. The PA Wilds is home to the greatest concentration of public lands in the Commonwealth, including 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 50 state game lands and PA’s only National Forest -- all together, more public land than Yellowstone National Park. “This brand and commerce infrastructure really is built on the back of our state’s public lands,” says Enos. “The conserved land in our region is a critical economic driver for our rural communities, and this is just another example of that.” “Visitors want to ‘take home a piece of the PA Wilds,’” says PA Wilds Center chief of operations, Abbi Peters. “We see it every day at our brick-and-mortar PA Wilds Conservation Shop store at DCNR’s Kinzua Bridge State Park, which focuses on selling local products from rural companies and makers in the Wilds Cooperative.

This new online marketplace will allow even more rural entrepreneurs to access these markets and keep a larger cut of each sale, while helping us meet visitor demand.” MakerPlace Inc. has over eight years in consumer product ecommerce sales and marketplace experience, and, with investment support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners, has developed a proven technology that allows it to quickly bring local sellers online at minimal cost while taking ownership over the most complex back-office operations of a marketplace. “We are passionate about the local seller,” says MakerPlace Founder and CEO Karen Rzepecki. “We’ve built a people-centered platform where makers are encouraged to tell their stories and consumers can support the local community. As a frequent visitor to the PA Wilds region, it’s an honor to be working with people entrusted with such an important mission.

We are thrilled to be a part of the economic growth for this region!” Ben Franklin Technology Partners provides direct funding, business assistance and networking to early-stage and established technology firms throughout PA. They have invested in several businesses in the Wilds Cooperative, and also in MakerPlace. “Ben Franklin Technology Partners is very excited to partner with the PA Wilds Center on this marketplace initiative,” said Steve Brawley, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA. “We are thrilled that our Ben Franklin portfolio company MakerPlace could help realize this vision, and we are eager to support the opportunities it creates for entrepreneurs, makers and craftspeople across the PA Wilds region.

This is a shining example of cooperation across economic development partners and the Commonwealth’s investments building on each other.” The Center is looking at a revenue-share model for the marketplace that will allow vendors to keep the bulk of each sale, with a small percentage going to help cover tech support, maintenance and marketing of the site. “It is critical that we build sustainability into the marketplace from the start so businesses and consumers know it is something they can count on long-term,” Enos says. Peters says partners involved in helping grow the region’s nature and heritage tourism industry started talking about a regionally-branded online marketplace concept more than a decade ago. “It takes time for a brand to stick and to build the appropriate network and resources to take on a complex project like this,” says Peters, who helped found the Center’s Wilds Cooperative and PA Wilds Conservation Shop programs. The PA Council on the Arts (PCA) is a longtime supporter of the Center’s efforts to promote the PA Wilds region’s vibrant maker culture.

PCA Executive Director Karl Blischke says, “With a dynamic digital platform and the support of key partners in the field of entrepreneurship and small business support, the PA Wilds Marketplace is an exciting offering for Pennsylvania. The marketplace will give Wilds-based creative entrepreneurs and artists the opportunity to directly showcase their work to a vast clientele and help them expand their business while highlighting the richness and agility of PA’s arts and culture sector.” Since the COVID crisis began, the Center has interviewed dozens of businesses in its value chain about how they are doing, and many have brought up the marketplace concept.

“We didn’t decide to tackle this project because of COVID, but the pandemic has certainly reinforced, in a major way, the need for this regional commerce infrastructure,” Enos says. “We are very appreciative of EDA’s investment. Rural companies in our network want and need more opportunities to reach consumers online. And consumers want more ways to support authentic local businesses in the PA Wilds. We look forward to creating a marketplace where those two audiences can meet.” The PA Wilds marketplace is expected to launch in late 2021. About the Pennsylvania Wilds:

The Pennsylvania Wilds is one of the state’s 11 official tourism regions, and also one of its eight designated Conservation Landscapes. It covers about a quarter of the Commonwealth and includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren and northern Centre. The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. (PA Wilds Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that strengthens and inspires communities in the Pennsylvania Wilds. For more information on the PA Wilds Center’s programs and services, please visit www.pawildscenter.org.

Seneca Highlands CTC's Coudersport Student of the Week is Isaac Burr

Seneca Highlands CTC's Student of the Week is Isaac Burr. Isaac is a senior at Coudersport Area High School, he is a third year student at the CTC in the Culinary Arts program. Isaac has great leadership skills and always sets good examples for his peers.

Lisa Kay VanKurin, 66, Of Wellsville PA.

Lisa Kay VanKurin

Lisa Kay VanKurin, 66, went to heaven on Monday (Oct. 19, 2020) from her home in Wellsville.

Lisa Kay was born in Corning on Sept. 5, 1954 to Gerald A. and Katherine E. (Quill) VanKurin. She graduated from Corning West High School in 1972. During her young married life, she was a stay-at-home mom and a vital part of the family dairy farm.

She had a solid work ethic and was highly organized in all her tasks. She held various jobs over the years, which included her time at Corning, Inc. From 1984-1986 she owned and operated Lisa Kay’s Café in Canisteo. The position that was most meaningful to her was driving a school bus for Whitesville Central School where she enjoyed a 22-year career, retiring in 2018. During that time, she considered herself a role model for the students and actively encouraged them toward personal growth. Recently she became an overnight companion for Tender Loving Homecare where she greatly enjoyed helping the elderly.

Lisa is survived by two daughters, Kitrina L. VanCise of Clarks Summit, Pa. and Shelbi K. VanCise of Genesee, Pa.; one son, Glenn G. (Coleen Eddy) VanCise of Jasper; one step-son, Brandon (Jen) Smith of Granville, Ohio; three sisters, Sondra (Alan) Kuhn of Wellsville, Ellen Buchanan of Wayland and Karen (John) Evener of Canisteo; two brothers, Gary VanKurin of Canton and Jesse (Eliyana) VanKurin of Tucson, Ariz. and a special friend and loving companion, Randall Howell of Galeton, Pa. and his three children, Pete Howell, Tressa Howell and Dale Howell. Additionally, “Mama”, her name given by her grandchildren is survived by nine grandchildren, Samantha Kear, Sarah Wahl, William Wahl, Rebecca VanCise, Matthew Dodson, Adriana Dodson, Kaylee Hunt, Jackson Smith and Isabella Smith; five great grandchildren, Sadie Moag, Greyson Kear, Ember Lockwood, Lincoln Lockwood and Dahlia Dodson; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, James E. VanCise; a brother, Steven Buchanan and the father of her children, Gerald E. VanCise.

Lisa was a music lover and was very talented. She taught herself how to play the guitar and became the lead singer in a local band, Lisa Kay and Kross Country, initially to supplement the family income. She developed a following in the area as she sang in many counties at jamborees, events, and in various pubs. She eventually recorded three albums in Nashville and was enjoying some local fame.

The accidental death of her son at age 12 was a turning point in Lisa’s life. This tragedy turned her eyes heaven-ward and she met her Savior, Jesus. From that time, Lisa only sang in church, at home, and more recently in a nursing home ministry.

Lisa loved horses. She was responsible for setting Shelbi on her life-long love of horses by regularly taking her as a youngster of three to the stables to ride a pony; and later by getting Shelbi a horse of her own. The life-lessons Lisa taught through that horse were lessons she embraced herself – responsibility, hard work, and commitment. It seemed like Lisa was always running late. But she had good reason. People. She truly loved to bring a bit of joy to their lives. She loved socializing and chatting with others as she made her way through her day.

She wouldn’t cut a conversation short, but she might have been known to push the gas pedal to try to make up some time. Her heart was large and giving and she cherished the people in her life. Lisa loved her family and they are the well into which she poured herself. For her parents, she was the primary caregiver in their ending years, making it possible for them to avoid nursing home care. For those that have special challenges, she advocated for them in many ways. She worked very hard to provide opportunities for them to be self-sufficient by giving of her time, talent, and money.

If there was a way that she could be a help, she was there for them. For her children, she was the glue of their family. She was a natural cook and baker, which was lavished on her children and grandchildren. She lived a life that taught them about forgiveness, honesty, and compassion. Lisa was willing to speak out about difficult issues and stand her ground. Lisa planted her deep love of family firmly in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. The lasting legacy from Lisa is a life of quiet devotion to God. She turned to him at the most difficult intersection of her life and walked with him from there forward.

Visitation will be held on Friday (Oct. 30) from 10 a.m.–noon, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Tim Armstrong officiating. Covid-19 guidelines will be in place including social distancing and masking. Burial will follow in Whitesville Rural Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Lisa’s name may be made to James E. VanCise Memorial Scholarship, 692 Main Street, Whitesville, NY 14897.

Book Sale And Raffle At The roulette Library

BOOK SALE and BASKET RAFFLE at the Roulette Library 10:00 - 3:00

Headline Harrisburg by Rep. Matt Gabler

One of the best parts of my job as state representative is meeting some incredible people!

I recently presented citations to two wonderful women in celebration of their historic birthdays - 100-year-old Angeline Cheslock (pictured above) and 107-year-old Sophia Simko (pictured below).

The honor and pleasure is ours, ladies!