William R. Graves

ELDRED, PA—William Roy “Bill” Graves, 87, of Eldred, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after a short illness.

Born on Wednesday, May 3, 1939 in Roulette, he was a son of Nelson A. and Esther Drabert Graves.  On June 11, 1966 in Olean, he married Judith E. Alexis, who passed away on February 21, 2026.

Bill was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1957, in Shinglehouse.  He was first employed by the former Agway in Portville, NY and Shinglehouse and then was employed by the former Spring Hill Dairy in Portville, NY, which was later sold to Meadowbrook Dairy, then becoming Dean Foods in Cuba, NY, retiring after 30 years of service.

He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Portville, where he was formerly the president of the church council. He also sang in the choir.  He loved to bowl and belonged on a league at the former Coral Lanes in Olean.  He loved to camp, having camped in every state with the exception of Hawaii. He and his wife had a permanent campsite at Sunny Hill Campsites in Richburg, NY for over 50 years.  His greatest love was spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Joyce A. (Jack) Aderman of Glen St. Mary, Florida and Laura S. (Joel) Burdick of Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren, Travis (Sara) Aderman, Jordan Burdick, Brooke Burdick, Chelsea Shelander and Alyssa (Damen) Palmer; five great-grandchildren, Jack “Bubba” Aderman, Abby Aderman, Izzy Aderman, Luke Aderman, and Kallen Palmer; a brother, Robert (Barbara) Graves of Clara; a sister, Linda Pease of Clara; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition his parents and wife, Bill was predeceased by a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen L. and Mark A. Shelander; a son, Thomas A. Graves; two grandsons, Ryan T. Aderman and Daniel J. Aderman; a brother, James Graves; and a brother-in-law, Ken Pease.

Family and friends may gather from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesday, and from 10am to 11am on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 11am with the Rev. Marilyn Hale of Portville, NY, officiating.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, PO Box 606, Portville, NY 14770; to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://donorservices.alz.org/; to the Maple Grove Cemetery Association, c/o B. West, 57 S. Branch Canada Hollow Rd, Shinglehouse, PA 46748; or to the Otto-Eldred Education Foundation, PO Box 27, Eldred, PA 16731 (in memo line—Kathy and Mark Shelander Scholarship Fund).

Bill entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, Funeral Director/Owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Bill, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Alright, folks!

I know we don’t normally distribute during the week, but since I already have an appointment in St. Mary’s, we’re going to kill two birds with one stone and take care of both our St. Mary’s and DuBois distributions on the same day.

Unfortunately, having the truck break down has really thrown a wrench into our schedule and put us behind, so we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do to get caught back up!

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we work through the chaos.

Andrew Kulp, Jr. – President/Founder

Allegany County, NY, August 15, 2026 – The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women (ACC FFW) is pleased to announce four recipients of its 2026 grant funding. ACC FFW grants support sustained economic self-sufficiency by providing financial assistance to women in the tri-county region who demonstrate financial need and a clear plan for how grant funds will advance their goals.

Two Chautauqua County women received grants. Laura Swanson will purchase kitchen equipment for her start-up bakery, while Sharon Alexis Tom will develop professional marketing materials to support her carpet cleaning business. Katelyn Coombes of Allegany County will use her grant to further her education in cosmetology, and Christina Collins of Cattaraugus County will pursue professional training to strengthen her event planning business.

To date, ACC FFW has provided financial support to more than 40 women pursuing higher education, professional development, and small-business growth—helping them build greater economic security for themselves and their families.

As Women’s Equality Day approaches on August 26, these grant recipients are powerful examples of what is possible when women support women in achieving economic equality.

To help ACC FFW continue providing financial support and empowering women to reach their career and business goals, please consider making a donation at www.accffw.org/donate-now.

BELMONT, NY — The Allegany County Department of Health (ACDOH) is providing an update regarding its ongoing measles response within the county.

Through routine contact tracing and proactive monitoring, public health officials have identified a total of two (2) confirmed positive cases and ten (10) presumed positive cases of measles. All current cases remain localized within the Town of New Hudson. Broad community risk across Allegany County remains low.

ACDOH is sharing this geographic update so that residents in and around theTown of New Hudsonhave the information they need to monitor their family’s health and double-check their vaccination status. Health officials have provided information to our local healthcare partners in the area to coordinate educational guidance, support services, and convenient access to vaccination.

“Our priority is keeping our communities informed, supported, and protected,” said Public Health Director Tyler Shaw. “Because measles spreads easily, early awareness is key. We are encouraging anyone who feels unwell or believes they may have been exposed to stay home, reach out to their healthcare provider, and allow our team to support them with safe, confidential guidance.”

The general risk to individuals who are fully vaccinated or born prior to 1957 remains very low. ACDOH public health nurses continue to offer MMR vaccines, and localized vaccination opportunities are available.

Important Health Guidance for Residents:

• Stay Home if Unwell or Exposed: If you have been notified of a potential exposure or are feeling ill, staying home helps protect your neighbors and loved ones.
• Monitor for Key Symptoms: Watch for high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms begin.
• Call Ahead Before Seeking Care: If you or a family member develops symptoms, please call your healthcare provider, urgent care, or emergency room before visiting in person. Calling ahead helps clinics prepare to see you safely without exposing other patients.
• Check Vaccination Records: Ensure your family is up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.
  

For additional information on measles resources and local vaccination clinics, visit www.alleganyco.gov or call (585) 268-9250.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Jamestown woman has been arrested by Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force. 

By complaints filed on August 13th, 2026, Airica COCHRAN was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver/Delivery of cocaine (Felony); 2 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor); 2 counts Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); and Conspiracy to Commit Drug Delivery (Felony).

COCHRAN is accused of selling cocaine after setting up the drug transaction and arranging a subsequent delivery of cocaine.   Detectives accuse COCHRAN of arriving at the location of the planned subsequent drug sale, at which time she was taken into custody.  COCHRAN was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $75,000 for each of the two cases.  She was remanded to the McKean County Jail and is scheduled for central court on August 20th.

If you suspect illegal drug activity, please report it to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or leave tip at McKeanDA.org.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/mckean/da/136029/post/jamestown-woman-charged-drug-crimes-mckean-county-drug-task-force

ARLINGTON, VA – AUGUST 11, 2026 – Lidl US is recalling one lot of Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix 1.58 oz (45g) (UPC 4335619355491) with Lot # 155846 and BBD JUN 2028 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

The recalled product was distributed between 07/24/2026 – 08/10/2026 to all Lidl US retail store locations in Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.

The recalled product can be identified as follows: Vitasia Chinese Style brand Asian Style Wok Spice Mix, Net Wt 1.58oz (45g), with UPC 4 335619 355491 with Lot # 155846 and BBD JUN 2028, which can be found on the side of the label. The recalled product is packaged in a plastic container with a purple lid.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

View Full Recall

Kettle Cuisine LLC of Savage, MD is recalling Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit – 14oz (397g) because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, infection with Listeria monocytogenes can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth in pregnant women.

To date, the company has received no confirmed reports of illnesses associated with this product.

View Full Recall 

ALLEGHENY COUNTY—Pennsylvania’s lack of a clear sentencing framework for second-degree murder could produce inconsistent sentences, overwhelm courts and force victims’ families to repeatedly relive the murders of their loved ones, prosecutors testified Thursday during a House Republican Policy Committee hearing.

The hearing, “Protecting Pennsylvania: Accountability and Justice in Second-Degree Murder Sentencing,” was hosted by Reps. Valerie Gaydos (R-Moon Township), Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny) and Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) at the Moon Township Municipal Building.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that automatically imposing life without parole in every second-degree murder case, without considering an offender’s individual role and level of responsibility, violates the Pennsylvania Constitution. The court gave the General Assembly 120 days to establish a new sentencing framework, but the deadline passed without a final measure reaching the governor’s desk.

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) today announced 15 school entities in the region will be receiving more than $1.9 million in School Safety and Mental Health Grants through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

The funding is designed to help schools strengthen physical security, address safety concerns and provide behavioral health support for students and staff.

“Ensuring our students feel safe and secure helps form the foundation for successful learning,” Causer said. “This funding gives our local schools the tools and resources they need to strengthen security and address the behavioral health needs of students and staff.”

The grants include:

• Austin Area School District: $105,310.
• Bradford Area School District: $195,686.
• Cameron County School District: $123,555.
• Coudersport Area School District: $126,615.
• Galeton Area School District: $113,655.
• Kane Area School District: $140,354.
• Keystone Central School District: $263,391.
• Keystone Central Career and Technical Center: $70,000.
• Oswayo Valley School District: $114,539.
• Otto-Eldred School District: $121,826.
• Northern Potter School District: $122,428.
• Port Allegany School District: $137,766.
• Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center: $70,000.
• Seneca Highlands IU 9: $70,000.
• Smethport Area School District: $129,304.

The funding is administered through PCCD’s School Safety and Security Committee, which oversees programs designed to improve school safety and security, strengthen behavioral health supports, and provide training and technical assistance to schools across Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (August 13) – On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced a new, collaborative statewide public fishing and boating access strategy.

The strategy provides a clear blueprint for state agencies and their partner organizations to follow as they develop, plan, and enhance public access opportunities in their communities.  Partners including heritage areas, watershed organizations, 501(c)3 nonprofit groups, local governments, and water trail managers, can use the tools available through this strategy by visiting the Pennsylvania Fishing and Boating Access Strategy page on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).

​TOWANDA, Pa. (August 14) – On Thursday, August 13, 2026, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Executive Director Tim Schaeffer, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz joined community partners to celebrate the opening of a new river access at the French Azilum historical site in Bradford County.

The river access, which features a concrete boat launch for unpowered boats, parking lot with ADA parking spaces and walkway, and restroom, and campsites, provides accessible public access to the Susquehanna River (North Branch).

“When communities with incredible natural resources such as the picturesque Susquehanna River embrace public access for fishing and boating along Pennsylvania’s waterways, the benefits are almost too many to count and stretch beyond the next bend in the river,” said Schaeffer.  “Thank you to the leadership at French Azilum, our partners at DCNR, and others in the community who had a vision and worked hard to make it reality.  Recreational amenities like this new boat launch and its accessible features make the river more relevant locally, attract new visitors, and create a deeper connection to resource stewardship.”

The PUC event connects front-line professionals with utility assistance programs, affordability resources, and tools to help Erie-area households maintain essential services

ERIE – Human service professionals helping Erie-area families navigate utility bills, affordability changes and available assistance are encouraged to register for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC’s) free “Be Utility Wise” conference on September 17, 2026, at Erie’s Ambassador Conference Center.

For three decades, “Be Utility Wise” has been a cornerstone of the PUC’s consumer education efforts, bringing together front-line service providers, community advocates, utilities, regulators and other organizations to share information, strengthen connections and help Pennsylvania households access available assistance and maintain essential utility services.

“The people attending these conferences are often the first connections that families make when they are struggling with utility bills or trying to understand what assistance is available,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “Be Utility Wise helps give those front-line professionals the information, resources and connections they need to respond eff…

View this press release on our website

The Coudersport Rotary Club welcomed Janet Smith, Vice President of the Susquehannock Trail Club, to its August 10, 2026, meeting at A&W West End Grill. Smith was accompanied by longtime Susquehannock Trail Club member Bill Boyd. The organization is celebrating its 60th anniversary of creating, maintaining and promoting the Susquehannock Trail System.

The Susquehannock Trail Club has strong ties to the Coudersport community. The organization was founded by William D. Fish Jr., publisher of the Potter Leader-Enterprise and son of William D. Fish, founder of the Coudersport Rotary Club.

“The firm updated the press release to include the reason for recall, illness information, and dates of distribution.”

Oma’s Pride of Avon, Connecticut, is voluntarily recalling one lot of Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe, 6 lb bag (Lot BB012729) because it is contaminated with Salmonella.

The recall was initiated after FDA received a consumer complaint and subsequently collected and analyzed a sample of the product, which tested positive for Salmonella. Oma’s Pride is continuing with their investigation to determine the source and root cause of the contamination. Three illnesses have been reported to date in association with the complaint.

Coudersport native Zach Dow has released “The POCO Pack” through Darkpines Music. You can find his tracks on multiple streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

The album may be especially interesting to those who remember growing up in Potter County. Dow hopes his listeners can imagine themselves sitting around a campfire hearing songs like “The Town Pool Incident of 92 or 93”, “I Remember Cherry Springs Before It Was Cool,” featuring Brothers Crickets, or “Ludwig Lane Crashouts,” to name a few. The tracks draw inspiration from people, places, and experiences in the POCO area that will feel familiar to local residents and those returning for its serene atmosphere and natural beauty.

Dow is a 2004 graduate of Coudersport Area High School. He spent much of his time growing up in Austin at his Grandfather’s home that backs to darkpines. His parents and extended family still live in the area, and Dow continues to return often to visit.

Music has always been a central part of Dow’s family life, from trumpet to drums to school band experiences, all of which helped shape his path into music education and his creative work. He went on to earn his degree from Bloomsburg University and now works as a music teacher.

You can find him on Instagram: @darkpinesmusic

BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – During the month of August, Bradford Medical Park (BMP) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are offering a variety of classes and support groups designed to provide health education, encouragement and community connection.

If you are scheduled for total joint replacement surgery, join our Total Joint Care Class. This class provides an overview of your procedure, the recovery process and the rehabilitation you will need. It is led by an experienced member of our outpatient rehabilitation team. This month, the class will be held on Wednesday, August 19, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the OGH Education Center on the first floor. To register, call (716) 375-7481.

ConnectLife will be hosting blood drives in both Bradford and Olean in August. The blood drive in Bradford will take place at Bradford Medical Park in the main lobby on Wednesday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The blood drive in Olean will take place on Thursday, August 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the ConnectLife bus across from OGH. All donors receive a football t-shirt. Donors can pre-register by calling 716-529-4270 with sponsor codes 000468 for Bradford and 000485 for Olean. Donors can also register online at connectlifegive.org/donor. Walk-ins are also welcomed.

At BMP, individuals can connect with others dealing with a loss of a friend or loved one by attending the Grief Relief Support Group. Grief can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. The meeting is held in the Community Room inside the BMP Main Lobby. This compassionate and supportive group provides a place where you can share your journey with others who understand. The group will meet on Tuesday, August 25, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (814) 362-8288. No registration required. The meeting is free and open to the public.

For more details on these and other upcoming events, visit www.brmcogh.org/events.

BRADFORD, PA — Bradford Medical Park continues to provide essential outpatient healthcare services to the community, the Anita Herbert, MD, Occupational Health Center remains a trusted resource for employers throughout Bradford and the surrounding region.

The Anita Herbert, MD, Occupational Health Center continues to serve employers throughout McKean County and the surrounding region by providing comprehensive occupational health services designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. From pre-employment physicals and drug screening to OSHA compliance, respiratory fit testing and employee wellness, the center helps organizations maintain a healthy workforce while meeting workplace safety requirements.

The center’s services include:

On August 14th Port Allegany Ambulance was dispatched to E. Mill St. for a person fallen

PennDOT is now projecting the contractor will complete the pipe replacement in the middle of next week. The detour will remain in place until the work is complete. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank drivers for their patience while the work is completed.

On August 14th Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to 1 Futures way for a fire alarm. Uodate all units recalled