Allentown, PA – Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in coordination with Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will implement a traffic switch as part of Stage 2 of the I-80 Lehigh River Bridge Project.
The contractor will be implementing a new traffic pattern on I-80 eastbound, as early as March 21, 2026, at 9:00 PM, weather permitting. Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the right onto the new eastbound bridge.
After the eastbound traffic is shifted, there will be an approximate two-week delay until the I-80 westbound traffic will be shifted to the existing eastbound bridge utilizing temporary median crossovers.
Drivers should remain alert for changing traffic patterns, follow all posted signage, and allow extra travel time when traveling through the area.
The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on local history and preservation in March. The day started at The Johnsonburg Community Center where the participants heard from John Kautz and Ray Beimel about the history of Elk and Cameron Counties. Next the group received a tour of the Johnsonburg Community Center from the Director, Tara Pogue. To end the morning, the group got a Brick Block Tour from Stephanie Distler, President of the Johnsonburg Trust. One participant said “I am very impressed that modern opportunities have connected with historic opportunities. Revitalizing old structures to be used for modern opportunities proves that Elk and Cameron Counties continue to appreciate its historical value”.
There will be a special Human Services Committee meeting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25. The meeting is being scheduled to take action on the items that could not be voted on at the regular March 19 Human Services Committee due to a lack of quorum.
Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is inviting area students and aspiring tradesmen and business leaders to his second annual Future Entrepreneur Summit on Thursday, April 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lambs Creek Events, 200 Gateway Drive, Mansfield.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the need for folks in the trades is only continuing to rise,” Owlett said. “After a successful inaugural summit last year, it was a natural choice to focus on the trades and the many opportunities they present for this year’s event. This is a great opportunity to learn from one another as we grow together.”
The event will include a light breakfast, panel discussions with a variety of local business owners, and opportunities to connect with community resources. Lunch will be provided, along with time for networking.
The summit is open to students, new business owners or anyone interested in learning more about careers in the trades. There is no charge to participate, but registration is required. To sign up, visit Owlett’s website at www.RepOwlett.com/events or call the Wellsboro office at 570-724-1390. The deadline to register is Tuesday, March 31.
The event is co-hosted by Develop Tioga, Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, Progress Authority, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center and Ben Franklin Technology partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Sponsors include Commonwealth University – Mansfield, National Federation of Independent Business, PA Chamber of Business and Industry, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and The Fund for Northern Tier Development.
Jack G. Baker, 83, of Gifford, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born June 4, 1942, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Wayne and Georgean (Gallagher) Baker. He attended Bradford Area High School.
On July 5, 1997, in Bradford, he married Julie (Moonan) Baker, who survives.
Jack owned and operated Bakers Service in Gifford for 55 years. He was known for his ability to fix older model cars and he was particularly talented with his painting skills. He was a major car enthusiast and considered an expert with the restorations of all vehicles, especially Chevrolet cars and trucks. He enjoyed participating in car shows throughout the area.
He was an accomplished driver known for his car #56 “Boo Baker” in the late 60’s and 70s, when he raced at the local tracks including the Bradford Speedway and McKean County Raceway. Jack was elected into the McKean County Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the local race tracks.
Surviving in addition to his wife Julie of 28 years, are two daughters, Barbara (Keith) Delacour, of Port Allegany, and Kathy (Garry) Tipton, of Tampa, FL, two sons, Thomas (Rachel) Baker, of Akron, OH, and Dean (Carol) Truman, of Allegany NY, 15 grandchildren, Kyle, Lauren, Jonathan, Lindsay, Brandon, Lynae, Thomas, Jack, Gabrielle, Bobby, Dylan, R.J., Christopher, Hooter, Kasey, 10 great-grandchildren, Heath, Hazen, Hudson, Auggie, Emerson, Anna, Wren, Kylyn, Spencer, Jamison, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Dick Baker, his first wife, Linda (Clawges) Baker, two brothers, Jim Baker, Wayne Baker, one sister, Beverly Truman, and one niece, Judy Truman.
Family will receive friends on Saturday March 21, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue , followed by funeral services at 1:00 pm with Rev. Max Simms, Pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Kristyn Wilber, RN, was awarded the 2026 first quarter Nightingale Award.
Bradford, PA/Olean, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are pleased to announce Kristyn Wilber, RN, an oncology nurse at the Barry Street Health Center in Olean, as the 2026 first-quarter Nightingale Award recipient. Wilber has been a nurse at OGH since 2018.
“It takes a special type of person to be an oncology nurse. Patients often say that coming to our office is their safe space. They feel welcomed, cared for and look forward to freely talking with our staff. Kristyn helps make all of this happen. She has a genuine compassion for all of our patients including their family members. She makes each patient feel special. She goes above and beyond to provide the patient with the best care possible. She educates patients naturally throughout sincere conversation,” said her nomination.
PITTSBURGH – For women age 70 and over with a common form of breast cancer, determining “the right size” of treatment can be challenging, in part because clinicians have limited tools to guide individualized treatment decisions.
In a study published today in Clinical Cancer Research, scientists at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that a blood-based test may help guide treatment decisions for a carefully selected group of women age 70 and over who have estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, who were considering endocrine (or hormone-blocking) therapy as the primary treatment and forgoing surgery and radiation.
This morning at approximately 3:30 a.m. our Patrol Officers were dispatched to the 7-11 at 607 N. Union St. for a male that had pushed and struck the female clerk working at the time . This male left in a Tan Minivan before Police arrival. If anyone has information on who this male in the photo may be please call the Olean Police dept. at 716-376-5677. Calls can be kept confidential.
Check out our upcoming programs for students in grades K-8 and 3rd-5th! Discover Lab: Dates/Locations/Times: April 7, 2026- Johnsonburg Community Center 4:00pm-5:30pm (Grades 3-5)
April 13, 2026- Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library 3:30pm-5:00pm (Grades 3-5)
April 27, 2026- Bennett’s Valley Community Center 6:00pm-7:00pm (Grades K-8)
April 28, 2026- Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys 4:00pm-5:00pm (Grades 3-5) For Immediate Release Contact: Courtney Rieger P: 814-781-3437 courtney@communityedcenter.com
Description: Spring is nearly here! Join us in welcoming the season by assembling and planting your own microgreens! ** No Registration Required! ** Questions? Contact Courtney Rieger at courtney@communityedcenter.com or call (814) 781-3437 Discover Lab Event: Mom, Me and Microgreens Open to: Grades 3rd-5th Location: Ridgway YMCA Date: April 23, 2026 Time: 3:30pm-5:00pm Description: Join the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners and the CEC Discover Lab for a fun afternoon of learning about microgreens, setting up your very own microgreen grower and making a 3Doodler plant pick to add to your grower. Register by April 17, 2026 by using the following link: https://forms.gle/GPEJT1JnkYXy3JBH6 Questions? Contact Courtney Rieger at courtney@communityedcenter.com or call (814) 781-3437
Meranda ‘Mandy’ Schleicher, 49, of Lewis Run, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Bradford on January 11, 1977, she was a daughter of Dennis Trumbull and Rhonda (Cobb) Pascarella .
She was a 1995 graduate from Bradford High School. She then attended Pitt-Bradford University.
On August 23, 2003, in Bradford, Mandy married Robert A. Schleicher Jr., who survives.
Mandy started off working for the Bradford Nursing Pavilion, until moving to Fort Walton Beach, FL. In her time there, she was employed at Dillard’s, and Crestview Nursing Home. In 2006, she moved back to Bradford, where she returned to the Bradford Nursing Pavilion, and later moved to the billing department at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
She loved spending time with her family, and her dog Creed. She loved to have family time by the fire, going to and supporting her daughter, Abbigail, at her track meets. She also really enjoyed going to baseball games and concerts.
The student of the week is Autumn Ford. Autumn is a sophomore from Oswayo Valley School District who attends Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center for Health Assisting. She received fourth place at the District 6 SkillsUSA competition for medical assisting this year.
In the classroom, she is an excellent student with valuable insight during lessons and laboratory practice. Her positive, yet humble, attitude and genuine kindness make her a trusted leader in the classroom. Throughout this year, she has already received certifications in OSHA 10, BLS, and Stop the Bleed.
Next fall, she plans to obtain her nurse aide registration. Autumn’s future plans are to attend college to become a registered nurse. Based on her personal qualities and her commitment to the improvement of the human condition, she will be a valued representative of the nursing profession.
Arlene J. Ayers “best mother and grandmother ever”
Arlene Joyce Ayers, 91, of Westfield, formerly of Coudersport and Austin, passed away at the home of her daughter, Susan Plumstead, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with her loving family by her side, after a brief illness.
Born on Tuesday, July 24, 1934 in Austin, she was a daughter of Maynard D. and Pauline Frost Robinson. On July 14, 1949 in Odin, she married Francis T. Ayers, who passed away on April 5, 2012.
Arlene was employed for over 31 years at the former Pure Carbon in Coudersport, where she became a chief inspector. After retiring from Pure Carbon, Arlene was employed by Adelphia in Coudersport for a number of years.
Arlene enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, and reading. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are four sons, Edward (Debbie) Ayers of Coudersport, Ralph (Nancy Rathbun) Ayers of Eldred, Dennis (Nancy) Ayers of Shinglehouse, and Kenneth (Susana) Ayers of Colorado; three daughters, Cheryl Furman of Austin, Gloria (Greg) Frable of Schaefferstown, and Susan (Terry) Plumstead of Westfield; twenty-four grandchildren; fifty great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; a brother, William Robinson of Roulette; a half sister, Nancy Kudlow of South Carolina; several nieces and nephews; a loving friend, Mary Plumstead; and her loving companions, Socks and Shelby.
In addition to her parents and husband, Arlene was predeceased by two grandsons, Aaron Arthur Ayers and Christian Michael Parrish; one great-grandson, Blake Alan Ayers; a great-great-grandson, Carver Michael Parrish; a sister, Mary Nolan; a brother, Jack Robinson; and a half brother, Robert Robinson.
Family and friends may gather from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Gospel Tabernacle, Rt 6 W, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 11am, with Pastor John Minor, officiating. Burial will be in Ayers Hill Cemetery, Coudersport.
Memorials in Arlene’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arlene entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Arlene, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Proudly Made Named Foreword INDIES Finalist, Adding to Growing List of Awards for PA Wilds Memoir
WARREN, PA — Proudly Made: A Story of Reinvention in the Big Woods and Small Towns of the Pennsylvania Wilds, the debut memoir by Tataboline “Ta” Enos, founder and CEO of the nonprofit PA Wilds Center, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in the Regional category — the latest in a string of honors for the book since its release in June 2025 through Sunbury Press’ Catamount Press imprint, which focuses on northern Appalachia.
The Foreword INDIES program is among the most respected recognition programs for independently published books. Finalists are evaluated by teams of librarians and booksellers, with gold, silver, and bronze winners to be announced in June 2026.
The Foreword INDIES website says: “Fans of ‘The Glass Castle’ and ‘Wild’ will love this unforgettable 20-year journey that heralds the difference one person with a little mettle can make, and the greater good that can come when many of us work together.”
(Washington, D.C., March 18, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business-Cooperative Programs Administrator J.R. Claeys today announced that seafood processors in Maryland and Illinois will receive a total of $2 million to create new and better markets for the processing of invasive, wild-caught catfish through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. This directly enhances Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins initiative by strengthen the capacity of existing processors to help reduce the population of invasive wild-caught catfish, especially in Chesapeake Bay, where they are causing significant ecological damage.
“This investment in the processing of invasive wild-caught catfish not only solves a problem but also adds to the list of ways Secretary Rollins and the USDA are supporting President Trump’s America First agenda by investing in economic opportunity and prosperity in rural communities,” said Claeys.
