Two Hurt in Olean Fire
1 hour ago
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Eloise V. Nolan, 81, Wellsville, NY
Eloise V. Nolan, 81, Wellsville, NY, passed away at home surrounded by loving family on Friday (Dec. 18, 2020).
Eloise was born on October 18, 1939 in Alfred to Terrance and Amy L. (Savey) Houghtling. She was a 1957 graduate of Wellsville Central School. On March 11, 1963 in Georgia she married the love of her life, William G. Nolan, who survives.
Her varied work history includes a number of years at Argenteri Brothers in Wellsville. She also worked in maintenance at Dresser-Rand; in the Shipping Department at Northern Lights Candles; and she made knives at The Alcas Knife Company in Olean.
In addition to her husband of 57 years, Eloise is survived by two sons, Andrew (Lisa) Nolan of Wellsville and William G. (Jennifer) Nolan II of Alma; a brother, Clair (Peg) Houghtling of Plant City, Fla; a sister-in-law, Lois Houghtling of Sumpter, S.C.; five grandchildren, Cody Nolan, Casey (Adam) Humphries, Jade Nolan, Sierra (Eli) McCaig and Josie Nolan; great grandsons, Garrett and Wyatt Humphries; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by six siblings, Francis Houghtling, Arlene Houghtling in infancy, Lucina Stoneham, Fred Houghtling, Nathala Pitts and Richard Houghtling.
Eloise was a member of the Crystal Valley Saddle Club and TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly.)
Eloise was a traveler and she truly loved seeing the world. She had opportunity to visit many locations in Europe including Barcelona, Rome, and Venice, as well as more exotic destinations such as Istanbul and Morocco. She was thrilled to see Alaska and Hawaii. She especially enjoyed those trips that included a cruise and she amassed a long list of Caribbean ports of call. The trips were all about seeing the sights, relaxing by the pool or on the beach, and meeting people.
Closer to home, she enjoyed dancing, horseback riding, rodeos and playing horseshoes as well as working 3-D puzzles. Eloise was also a 4-H leader and hosted children during the summer through the Fresh Air Kids program. She especially loved the Christmas season and enjoyed shopping for her loved ones and the Salvation Army. Overall, her true joy was found in her family and the Buffalo Bills.
Visitation, with appropriate social distancing standards will be held on Monday (Dec. 21, 2020) from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Wellsville/Scio. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Diane Cox officiating. Burial will follow in Stannards Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Eloise’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. © 2020 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
Mary F. IRISH, 70, of Whitesville, NY.
Born November 7, 1950, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Robert and Pauline Confer Sluyter. She was to married Cecil Irish, Jr., who survives. Mary was employed by Allegany ARC as a caregiver.
Surviving besides her husband, Cecil, are: two daughters, Tisha (Jamie Lewis) Tarr of Whitesville and Christy (Chris) Waters of Whitesville; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Rebekah, Ethan, Drew, Owen, Tyler, and Olivia; a sister, Shirley Cornish of Troopsburg; and a nephew, Jan (Gloria) Sluyter of Bolivar.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Luther Tarr.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville on Saturday, January 2, 2021 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, with a Memorial Service following at 12:00 Noon.
CDC and NYS Department of Health guidelines apply. Burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery. Memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 194 N. Main St., Wellsville, NY 14895. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Kane Dispatched to Assist Highland For Vehicle Crash on Rt. 66
At 4:00 PM on Saturday, Kane Fire Rescue & EMS has been dispatched to assist Highland Township at a crash with entrapment on James City hill.
KANE UNITS CANCELLED
Roulette Ambulance to Fishing Creek Road
At 3:55 PM on Saturday, Roulette ambulance has been dispatched to Fishing Creek Road for chest pain.
Joel Rudolph Caccia, 81, Of Abbott Township, PA.
He is predeceased by his parents Merico Caccia and Delora Jones and his wife Jacqueline Inscho, whom he now lovingly joins in heaven.
He is survived by his brother Robert and half-brothers, James and Gary; sons Joel R. Caccia and wife Lynn, of Phoenix, AZ and Randall T. Caccia and wife Amy of Johnsonville, N.Y; granddaughters, Emma and Anna Caccia; and step-grandson Cole Beairsto.
He was born on February 14, 1939 in Sayre, PA and raised in Elmira, New York. He attended Elmira Free Academy and joined the New York National Guard followed by the US ARMY Reserves in 1955, serving 8 years achieving achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Joel worked for a number of companies and organizations over the years including his father’s Service Station, the Canteen Corporation, Continental Coffee Company, the Elmira Star Gazette, ARC of Schuyler County, and the Elmira City School District. Joel was active in the community as a Little League Coach and Junior Achievement Advisor.
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| U.S. Army Reserves Veteran |
He enjoyed camping, frequent fishing trips to Canada, exploring the national parks and spending time with friends and family.
Joel and Jackie retired in Abbott Township, Potter County, PA. where they were actively involved with the Germania Non-Denominational Church and the Germania Luncheon Club. He enjoyed gardening, walking his dog Teddie, and visiting with friends. Joel entered Bradford Manor Nursing home in 2018 due to Alzheimer's Disease and remained there until his passing due to COVID 19.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in Joel's memory to the Germania Non-Denominational Church or to the Alzheimer's Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Galeton. Our family appreciates your prayers and fond memories of our Father, now in heaven.
FRIDAY P.M. Update: Potter County Has 146 ‘Active’ Cases
Potter County Today
December 18th, 2020
Although there were seven new COVID-19 coronavirus cases confirmed in Potter County between Thursday and Friday, the number of active cases has declined to 146, according to the Pa. Dept. of Health.
DOH said “active” means that the positive test was confirmed over the past 14 days and the victim is considered contagious.
Breakdown of active cases is as follows: Coudersport area, 56; Ulysses area, 20; Austin area, 15; Galeton area, 12; Harrison Valley/Mills area, 12; Roulette area, 11; Shinglehouse area, 9; Genesee area, 8; Hector Township, 2; Cross Fork area, 1.
Also between Thursday and Friday, state health departments reported 20 more cases in Tioga County; 50 cases in McKean; one more case in Cameron; 10 more cases in Clinton; 84 new cases and seven more fatalities in Lycoming; 71 more cases and another death in Cattaraugus County, N.Y.; and 22 more cases in Allegany County, N.Y.
Entering Friday, overall case counts since the virus was detected stood as follows: Potter, 468 cases, 10 deaths; Tioga, 1,691 cases, 41 deaths; McKean, 1,237 cases, 11 deaths; Cattaraugus, 1,976 cases, 30 deaths; Allegany County, N.Y., 1,517 cases, 65 deaths; Clinton, 1,457 cases, 17 deaths; Elk, 1,021 cases, 13 deaths; Cameron, 105 cases, 2 deaths; and Lycoming, 4,524 cases, 88 deaths. Statewide, there have been 538,655 cases, an increase of 9,520 between Thursday and Friday, with 13,6-8 deaths. The latter figure grew by 216 over the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Potter County Commissioners have joined with several agencies in organizing free drive-through COVID-19 coronavirus tests at the Coudersport Area High School back parking lot for five days, Dec. 27 to Dec. 31. Up to 450 tests will be administered per day for anyone age 3 or older. Additional details will be announced.
Three testing sites for the COVID-19 coronavirus remain available in Coudersport. In addition to the testing site at UPMC Cole for physician-referred patients, tests are also being administered at Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 1-800-635-8611 to complete an eligibility assessment) and Rite Aid Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 814-274-0439).
A Pa. Dept. of Health (DOH) report shows that UPMC Cole in Coudersport is currently treating eight victims of the COVID-19 coronavirus, with one in the intensive care unit. Entering Friday, all four of the hospital’s ventilators were available.
A recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control model has found that the actual number of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. could be about eight times as much as the total reported cases. Details can be found here.
Coudersport Ambulance to Sweden Valley Manor
Valley Manor for difficulty breathing.
Morris Area Residents: Power Outage May Last All Day
FIRST News Now
11m ·
HEADS UP RESIDENTS OF MORRIS WHO ARE WITHOUT POWER STILL - MORE BAD NEWS AS POWER ISSUES EXPECTED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE DAY
FNN Article © Saturday, December 19, 2020.
MORRIS, PA - Around 11:00PM residents in Morris lost their power due to equipment failure. Although it was believed by utility workers that the issue was going to resolved this morning around 9:00AM, it seems those without power may have to wait the entire day.
The extended repair time is due to the issue were there was an additional problem at a location that is located approximately 3 miles from the roadway and the fact that there is 3 feet of snow or more all the way to that location.
On top of that bad news for residents trying to stay warm is the fact that some residents do not even have phone service and cannot call out to 911 according to information learned from Frontier Communication crew in that area. Morris Fire Department is aware of both issues. It is unknown if cell service is available in that area or not.
If anyone has more information or an update, please send it in a private message so FNN can update the article and our readers.
Support for Cameron County Businesses
Governor Tom Wolf and PA Department of Health latest mitigation efforts for Covid-19 has impacted restaurants, bars, organizational clubs, gyms and retail businesses. “These are the same businesses that have been struggling since March and usually rely on the next few weeks to put money in the cash register to get through the slow winter months of January-March,” says Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Solak. A visitor to the chamber Facebook page shared a bingo game created for Bradford restaurants and Solak took off creating a Cameron County version.
The Bingo card not only includes restaurants, delis, and organizations, but retail businesses also that must limit their occupancy to 50%. The game runs over three weeks December 13 through January 4 which mimics the latest restrictions from Harrisburg. Each of those 3 weeks Bingo winners will be entered in a drawing to receive prizes donated by other businesses, organizations not effected by the latest Covid-19 measures.
Each week the top prize is $100 in chamber bucks donated by The Cameron County Project. A second prize donated by C&N Bank is $50 in chamber bucks will be given each week. Rhonda Ramsey Hair Salon will give gift certificates to the winners week one and three, while a free state inspection from Reids Auto Sales and Service will be given to the top winner in week 2.
Bingo cards will be posted each week on a special Facebook page created for the project. It is called Cameron County Business Bingo. Paper copies are also available at the chamber office.
Capitol Report by Rep. Mike Armanini
It's now official on the doors of my district offices in DuBois and St Marys.
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We're open for business - your business - so we hope you'll stop by and check out the many state government services that are available to you, the people for whom we work! See you soon! |
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| COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives in PA
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I had a very timely meeting Monday in my DuBois office with Penn Highlands Director of Clinical Operations Arianne Zimmerman and Behavioral Health Center Service Line Director Richard J. Nunneau. Penn Highlands’ DuBois and Elk health campus are among 87 hospitals that will be receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine between now and this Monday, Dec. 21. Hospital sites for the initial 97,500 doses are selected by criteria that include an ability to manage the vaccine's cold chain requirement. The number of doses, recipient hospitals, and arrival dates are subject to change based on updated information from the federal government and Pfizer. The vaccine will be available in phases beginning with critical populations due to the limited supply. The first phase is divided into two parts, with the first doses of vaccine administered to health care workers, EMS first responders, and residents and staff in congregate care settings. In the second phase, the department anticipates more vaccine doses will be available. The third phase begins once the department has a sufficient supply of vaccine. In this phase, the entire population will have access to a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. |
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| Out and About in the 75th District
Establishing and maintaining relationships with local officials is one of the first responsibilities of a state legislator. I enjoyed spending part of an afternoon last week in my DuBois district office with Sandy Township Manager Shawn Arbaugh.
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I recently enjoyed seeing these amazing “lawn ornaments” along Route 255 in Weedville on the drive to my St. Marys district office. |
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| Serving Our Veterans
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Cameron County Christmas Parade Winners Announced
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce pulled off the first night time Christmas parade just in time. The date for the event pushed up by one week and it turned out to be perfect, since new Covid-19 mitigation efforts would have prevented the event.
Eighteen lighted floats delighted the crowd Friday December 4. Judges sprinkled among the watchers submitted score cards for individual, business, and organization categories. First place individual winner went to motorcyclists Natasha Ariel and Kasey Macro. The pair decorated the Harley with a leg lamp while wearing the pink bunny suit. First place business was a tie between Smoker Logging depicting Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer pulled by a decked out tractor trailer and the gingerbread house created by workers at Emporium Penn Highlands Q-Care. First place organization went to ADAS Grinch float.
Potter County Christian School Community Carol At The Dollar General Parking Lot
The students and staff of the Potter County Christian School would like to invite you to a Community Carol Sing at the parking lot of the Dollar General in Roulette on Wednesday, December 23 from 10:00 – 11:00 am. If you are available and would like to come and sing with us, or just listen, we are allowed an outdoor gathering of up to 50 people. If you only want to come for part or listen in your car; we would like to bring some Christmas cheer to you.
NORTHWEST PRESENTS CHECK
Elk County- Scott Dahl and Brooke Forsythe from Northwest Savings Bank presented a generous donation to Jason Gabler, St. Marys Area United Way President and John Dippold, St. Marys Area United Way Corporate Campaign Chair.
This donation will support the St. Marys Area United Way’s 2020 campaign. Funding raised in 2020 will be available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2021. The St. Marys Area United Way has served the citizens of the City of St. Marys and surrounding counties since 1925. Making a contribution to the St. Marys Area United Way allows the donor to provide support to local agencies. In 2019, the St. Marys Area United Way distributed $127,850 to the following agencies: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, CAPSEA, Catholic Charities Counseling, City of St. Marys Recreation and Parks, Dickinson Center, Girl Scouts of Western PA, Guardian Angels Center, St. Marys Public Library, Veteran’s Memorial Eternal Flame, and Life and Independence For Today (LIFT).
The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. Those donations support the financial needs of non-profit agencies that serve the health and human welfare needs of our community. If you would like to become one of these individual or corporate donors, please call 781.6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857
Norman D. Smithers, age 76 formerly of Elkland, PA
Norman D. SmithersNorman D. Smithers, age 76 formerly of Elkland passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Corning Hospital.
Born October 12, 1944 in Wellsboro, he was the son of the late James V. and Mary Jane Smithers. He worked at the Electri-cord and Truck-lite.
Norman is survived by his wife, Diane Smithers; his children, Mary Jane Smithers of Tioga and Norman D. Smithers, Jr. of Coopers Plains; grandchildren, Cobin and Krayzen Beard and Alex, Michael and Zachary Smithers; two brothers, Dennis and Alfred Smithers of Elkland; a step brother, Larry McFall and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Rebecca Ann O’Brien and a brother, James Smithers.
Private family services will be held at their convenience. Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Elkland. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.
New Park Benches in Galeton
On Wednesday morning, before the snow, Gehman Iron Inc. from Knoxville, PA. installed four new metal benches outside the Library, in the park at Galeton. Three benches were generously donated by the Gale Foundation, and one in memory of Jean Lush, by the Lush family. One bench is in Honor of Henry Lush, who has contributed so much to the Galeton Community. The Friends of the Library helped coordinate the installation. Weathering the cold to see the benches installed were L-R Debbie Long,(Library Board and Gale Foundation member), Henry Lush, Mike Callahan (representing the Gale Foundation) and Maggie Frith,( Library Board Member and President of Friends of the Library)
Friday, December 18, 2020
Coudersport ambulance to Green Forest Road
At 10:25 p.m. on Friday Coudersport ambulance was dispatched to Green Forest Road for chest pain.
Allegany dispatched to head on crash on route 417
At 5 45 p.m. on Friday, Allegany Fire & EMS have been dispatched to a head on crash on route 417.
Thelma M. Mattison, 66 of Port Allegany, PA
Thelma M. Mattison, 66 of Port Allegany, PA, passed away Friday (December 18, 2020) at her home.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, PA. are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary
Rev. Darell D. “Bud” HARRIS, 92, formerly of Oswayo, PA
Rev. Darell D. “Bud” HARRIS, 92, formerly of Oswayo, PA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his daughter’s home in Cooperstown, PA.
Born May 4, 1928, in Duke Center, PA, he was the son of Carl and Lucille Brizzee Harris.
At age 15, Darell found Christ and eventually went into full-time Christian ministry. As a young adult, he worked as a driller in the oil and gas fields and later as a welder at Air Preheater in Wellsville, NY.
A Korean War Veteran, he served honorably with the US Army from 1950 – 1952, stationed in Germany. 
Korean War Veteran
On November 23, 1952, in Ceres, PA, he married the former Elaine F. Loucks, who predeceased him on July 9, 2018.
From 1960 – 1998, Darell and Elaine served in pastoral ministry under the American Sunday School Union, Evangelical United Brethren, United Methodist Church, and the Wesleyan Church. Known for his faithful service to the Lord, Pastor Harris delivered biblical messages spiced with many of his own experiences and illustrations. Evangelism and world missions were at the center of his ministry. Even in retirement, he continued until almost age 90 to minister through pulpit supply and two home Bible study groups.
He loved reading and telling stories. In recent years, he authored his own book filled with stories and life experiences. He also enjoyed hunting, working with horses, making maple syrup, and having a dog at his side.
Surviving are: three daughters, Kay (Larry) Kilburn of Arcade, NY, Sue (Rahn) Hill of Cooperstown, PA, and Jan (Manuel) Rodriguez of Shiloh, IL; 13 grandchildren, Gregory Kilburn, Kurt (Nancy) Kilburn, Stacy (Troy) Cameron, Laura (Jared) Pierce, Matthew (Julie) Kilburn, Rebecca (Dustin) Mattocks, Kristin (Jameson) Walker, Kelly (Jerad) Koelle, Nicole (Martell) Montgomery, Juliane Rodriguez, Steven Rodriguez, Christopher Rodriguez, and Mary Rodriguez; 23 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert T. (Doris) Harris of Allegany, NY; nieces and nephews; and goddaughter, Suzanne Loucks (Ben) Codiga.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by an infant brother, R. Graydon Harris; a sister and brother-in-law, Corrine Y. (Hugh) Pearsall; and a nephew, Walter Harris.
A private graveside service will be held in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville, PA. A public memorial service will be held on a date and location to be announced.
Memorials may be made to Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 1020 Rag Hill Road, Genesee, PA 16923 or to Galilean Children’s Home, P.O. Box 880, Liberty, KY 42539.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Carl W. “Bud” Rosenswie, 71, of Smethport, PA
Carl W. “Bud” Rosenswie, 71, of Smethport, PA, passed away Tuesday (December 15, 2020) in the Bradford Ecumenical Home, Bradford.
He was born April 21, 1949 in Kane, PA, a son of Edward and Florence Ohman Rosenswie.
Mr. Rosenswie was a graduate of Smethport High School and attended Clarion University where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
Mr. Rosenswie was the Principal and teacher at the Hazel Hurst Elementary School. He then was an elementary school teacher at the Smethport Elementary School, from where he retired, with over 30 years of total teaching in his career.
“Mr. R’s” compassion was second to none for his students, and that is why he was loved so much.
“Bud” was a Devout Catholic, being a member of St. Elizabeth Church in Smethport. He was a radio station host for WQRFM, an avid outdoorsman, and was a life-long Buffalo Bills fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family at camp.
He is survived by:
One sister: Cecilia Rosenswie Megivern
One brother: Jack (Marilyn) Rosenswie
One nephew: Paul
Five nieces: Kim, Kelly, Kristi, Erika and Elise
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no visitation or services at this time. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Route 414 Remains Closed in Brown Township, Lycoming County
Crews are on scene removing snow and material from the roadway and expect to re-open Route 414 this evening.
Motorists should be alert and drive with caution in the area.
Roulette Ambulance To Sartwell Creek Road
At 2:02 PM on Friday, Roulette Ambulance has been called to Sartwell Creek Road for a woman ill.
Mary J. Iorfida, 84, of 1066 East Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA
Mary J. Iorfida, 84, of 1066 East Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at her residence, after a brief illness.
She was born October 21, 1936, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Michael and Ida Kriegish Polaski. Mary was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School. She worked for many years in the local powdered metal industry.
On May 2, 1959, in the Holy Rosary Church in Johnsonburg, Mary married John J. Iorfida, Sr., who preceded her in death on June 26, 2018.
She is survived by her daughter, Jolene Braun of St. Marys; two sons: John J. Iorfida, Jr. and Michael J. Iorfida and his wife Tanya, both of St. Marys; eight grandchildren: Brandon and Taylor Eckstrom; Zachary and Jordan Iorfida; Jared, Dillon, and Raechel Braun; and Jenna Iorfida; three great-grandchildren: Landon Skok, Lennon Eckstrom, and Reid Eckstrom; her son-in-law, David “Willie” Eckstrom of Ludlow; and by three brothers: David Polaski and his wife Jean of St. Marys; Michael Polaski and his wife Annie of Johnsonburg; and Jake Polaski of Johnsonburg.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandy Eckstrom on March 1, 2018; her son, Kevin D. Iorfida on July 24, 2018; her sister, Ann Novosat; and by her brother, Don Polaski.
Mary was a member of the Queen of the World Church. She loved family gatherings; whether it was cookouts, picnics, or the holidays, she loved spending time with her family. Mary also enjoyed reading and playing lottery tickets.
There will be no visitation.
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeffery Noble officiating.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Community Nurses, Inc., Hospice, 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857, or to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, National Headquarters, Attn: Financial Operations, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017.
Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer
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| Friday, December 18, 2020 | The latest news from the State Capitol | ||||||||||
| Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account. You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
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I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! May you have a wonderful and safe season that is full of peace and cheer. And may 2021 be a better year for all of us. My district office hours may be limited in light of the holidays. Please call ahead to be sure my offices are open. Also, PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed on Friday, Dec. 25, for Christmas, and on Friday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. |
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While the holidays are a joyous time for many, they can be a depressing time for others. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, the state’s mental health support and referral helpline, Persevere PA, is available 24/7. The free resource is staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers available to counsel people struggling with challenging emotions. The helpline caseworkers can refer callers to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. Contact Persevere PA at 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600. If you or someone you love is in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available by calling 1-800-273-8255. The hotline is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can offer free, confidential support. Spanish speakers who need immediate assistance can call 1-888-628-9454. Help can also be accessed through the Crisis Text Line by texting “PA” to 741-741. |
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Dozens of the Commonwealth’s hospitals have received or will soon receive doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The state’s initial vaccine allotment totals more than 97,500 for 66 of our 67 counties. Philadelphia received its own allotment of 13,650 doses. According to the state Department of Health, in the initial distribution, 87 hospitals were set to receive vaccine directly from Pfizer. As additional allocations become available, more hospital sites will be added. Hospital sites are selected by their ability to manage the cold chain requirement with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, completion of the COVID-19 provider agreement, and successful onboarding with the Department of Health for necessary documentation for vaccination. The number of doses, recipient hospitals, and arrival dates are subject to change based on updated information from the federal government and Pfizer. The vaccine will be available in phases beginning with critical populations due to the limited supply. The first phase is divided into two parts, with the first doses of vaccine administered to health care workers, EMS first responders, and residents and staff in congregate care settings. In the second phase, the department anticipates more vaccine doses will be available. The third phase begins once the department has a sufficient supply of vaccine. In this phase, the entire population will have access to a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Read more about the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan here. |
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As if 2020 wasn’t already rough enough on small business owners and their employees, the latest round of COVID-19 mitigation orders by the governor are making matters worse for them. Bars, restaurants and others in the hospitality industry have been especially hard hit. If you are financially able, consider picking up takeout from a local establishment or buying gift cards from those establishments, either to give as gifts or to use yourself later. The extra income now could mean the difference between the survival of these small businesses or their permanent closure. |
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Working to ensure area veterans receive the services and support they need, a representative of the American Legion will be available at my local offices in January to discuss issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Appointments by phone are encouraged; however, in-person appointments are also available. To protect the health and safety of veterans and staff, only one appointment will be scheduled per hour to allow for cleaning and social distancing. To avoid overlap with others, veterans should not arrive early for their appointments. At the request of the Legion representative, they also must wear a mask. The schedule is as follows:
You need not be a member of the American Legion to participate. |
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Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2019 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Remember, assistance through my offices is always free. You need not pay a private firm for assistance. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. For additional information and applications, click here, or contact my offices for assistance. | |||||||||||
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