The Potter County Farmers Market
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and every Saturday from 11am to 3pm. The next market will be this Saturday, May 2nd. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICES:
* NEW SCHEDULE FOR 2026. The outdoor market is held EACH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY from May through December (weather permitting).
* Market times have been established after many trial times over the years. If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly. They are willing to try to accommodate your request.
* If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker2@gmail.com]
FRIDAY VENDORS
CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the market on Friday with sunflower seed bread, baguettes, cheese garlic bread, chocolate fudge cake with peanut butter frosting, jumbo chocolate chip cookies, granola, corn muffins, energy bites, jams and jellies and fresh brown eggs. Always feel welcome to request items for the market or anytime. netrabaker2@gmail.com Text 814-598-0649
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP is planning on attending the market on Friday and Saturday. We have a selection of goat milk based products that include soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions, lotion bars and bath bombs. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
VALLEY HONEY will be at the market on Friday only. We will have various sizes of liquid honey, whipped honey, honey sticks, honey gift bags and beeswax for sale. We accept cash payment. Hope to see everyone then!
The POTTER COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS are excited to join the farmers market this year and share some of the beautiful things we grow with all of you! Find us at the Maple Fest market this Friday and Saturday for our first annual plant sale. Accepting cash or card. If you have questions about the local Master Gardener program feel free to contact Director Keith Adkins at the Potter County Penn State Extension Office. Did you know, the local Master Gardener hotline is live and ready to answer all your gardening questions! Call (814) 274-8540, ext. 103.
SATURDAY VENDORS
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP is planning on attending the market on Friday and Saturday. We have a selection of goat milk based products that include soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions, lotion bars and bath bombs. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
The POTTER COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS are excited to join the farmers market this year and share some of the beautiful things we grow with all of you! Find us at the Maple Fest market this Friday and Saturday for our first annual plant sale. Accepting cash or card. If you have questions about the local Master Gardener program feel free to contact Director Keith Adkins at the Potter County Penn State Extension Office. Did you know, the local Master Gardener hotline is live and ready to answer all your gardening questions! Call (814) 274-8540, ext. 103.
MAPLE FESTIVAL VENDORS
Some of our vendors will be setting up on the courthouse square, along with all the other Maple Festival vendors. Here a list of who will be there:
BLU IVY will be set up on the courthouse square. I will be bringing a variety. Crochet market bags, hats, ear warmers, towel sets, jewelry, wood burnt items and bath bombs. I will also have girls tutus, headbands, wands and play jewelry. I accept cash, cards, PayPal, Venmo and cash app.
JULIE BENNETT will be at the Maple Festival this weekend. I will have crochet stuffies, wash cloths, scrubbies, hand beaded earrings and various other hand made items. I accept cash, PayPal and Venmo.
C & V SOAP AND CANDLES will be set up on the square, we will be bringing handmade different varieties of colored and scented soaps, body butters, bath salts, mens beard balms, sugar scrubs, bath bombs, shower steamers, lip balms, lotion bars, shampoo bars, & some Mothers day specials, Candle flower arrangements in baskets and vases, wax melts. We accept cash, PayPal, Venmo, bank cards.
STUDENT OF THE WEEK “CARSON COONEY ENGINEERING”
We are pleased to announce that the Seneca Highlands CTC engineering student of the week is Carson Cooney. Carson is a senior at Austin Area High School, where he participates in basketball, football, and is a member of their Black Forest Falcons trap team. During his high school career, he has also been active in Student Council, NHS, and the CTC’s Student Committee.
While participating in trap, Carson qualified for states and nationals the past five years. He was recently recognized as the region four Defensive Lineman of the Year and was selected for the Big Thirty All-Star football game.
Carson also enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling with his family. At the CTC, he displays leadership in our shop while obtaining OSHA certifications and working with the CNC wood router. Carson will be attending Slippery Rock University in the fall, majoring in safety management.
Mary Lou Andrus, 96, Of Emporium, PA
Mary Lou Andrus, 96, passed away at Guy and Mary Felt Manor in Emporium on April 30, 2026. She was born in St. Marys, PA on September 19, 1929, the daughter of William and Marcella Bille Dippold.
She was one of thirteen children. On August 13, 1955, she married Lawrence Andrus, who passed away in 1999.
She is survived by four children: Jeff (Kim) Andrus, Wanda (Todd) Smith, Scott (Cathy) Andrus, and Kevin (Lori Zimmer) Andrus, all of Emporium, PA; eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews; and two sisters, Carol Carr and Molly Glatt, both of St. Marys, PA.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by ten of her siblings.As a young woman, she helped with her younger siblings and nieces.
She also worked at Stackpole Carbon until she and Larry moved to Truman to raise their family. Mary Lou raised her kids in St. Mark Catholic Church where she sang in the choir. She remained a member of St. Mark until her passing. After raising their four children, she went to work as a housekeeper for the St. Mark Church rectory. She will always be remembered as a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
The family would like to express our eternal gratitude to the Felt Manor staff who lovingly cared for “ChaCha” in her last years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 10:00AM, with Rev. Thomas Curry, O.S.B., celebrating.
Burial will be in Moore Hill Cemetery.Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 8:30AM until 9:30AM.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Guy and Mary Felt Manor, 110 E. 4th Street, Emporium, PA 15834 or to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com
Joseph R. Mangione Jr., 79, of West Corydon St., Bradford, PA
Joseph R. Mangione Jr., 79, of West Corydon St., Bradford, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Buffalo General Hospital.
Born on October 30, 1946, in Buffalo, NY, he was a son of the late Joseph R. and Blanche (Miguel) Mangione Sr.
On May 25, 1966, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He served until his honorable discharge on May 24, 1968. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Viet-Nam Service Medal, and the Viet-Nam Campaign Medal.
On May 11, 1973, in Buffalo, NY, he married Christine T. (Szewczyk) Mangione who survives.
He formerly owned and operated Star Lanes for several years. Joe had a dream of owning a store to take care of friends and neighbors in Bradford, for 45 years he owned and operated Mastercraft Auto Parts & Glass Company servicing the community and making lifetime relationships over the years.
Joe was involved in many things, he started backup the Soapbox Derby in Bradford. His shop Mastercraft Auto Parts & Glass, sponsored teams in golf league, softball leagues and bowling leagues. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and softball. Joe was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Christine of nearly 53 years, are two daughters, Cindy (Donald) Smith, of Bradford, and Charlene Mangione, of Bradford, two sons, Christopher Mangione, of Bradford and Dillon Luksch, of Bradford, two sisters, Joanne Reback and Christine Eddington, two brothers, John (Alison) Mangione and Raymond Mangione, two grandchildren, Danielle (Doug) Fargo and Tyler (Ray Yankey) Smith, and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Gloria Saad, and one brother, Kenneth Mangione.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Ave., from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by funeral services at 6:00 pm with Fr. John Jacquel, Pastor, St. Bernard Church, officiating.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 4261 1600 Peninsula Drive Suite 15, Erie PA 16505, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Beverly A. Miller, 84
Beverly A. Miller, 84, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Select Speciality Hospital in Erie.
Born on September 1, 1941, in Clermont, she was the daughter of the late Lelia and Gerald Slade. Beverly attended Clermont School, beginning her education in a one-room schoolhouse, and later Smethport Schools.
Throughout her life, Beverly was known for her strong work ethic and caring nature. She spent many years cleaning homes for several families before later working at the McKean County Courthouse and the Office of Aging until her retirement.
Beverly was married to her beloved husband, Charles E. Miller Sr., whom she married in Farmers Valley on November 20, 1960.
She found great joy in gardening, honey and watching birds at her feeder, and she especially cherished time spent with her family, whom she lovingly referred to as her “babies.” She enjoyed riding with her husband in their convertible and Harley Davidson.
She is survived by her husband Charles, her children: Carol (Dr. Paul) Kirsch, Tina (Jim Dobstaff) Miller and Dennis (Vera) Miller.
She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, and was expecting, one in June and one in August, whom she was eagerly anticipating meeting, and one sister Mary Pinchock, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Charles E. Miller, Jr. and Steven A. Miller, two sisters, Maxine McFall and Shirley Taylor and four brothers, Melvin Slade, Dan Slade, Donny Slade and Bob Swanson.
Beverly will be remembered for her warmth, dedication to her family, and the simple joys that brought her happiness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
At Bev’s request there will be no public service.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or the SMA, Donations@smafoundation.org
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Betty J. BAER, 74, of Port Allegany, PA
Betty J. BAER, 74, of Port Allegany, PA, died Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
A gathering to celebrate Betty’s life will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Port Allegany Moose Lodge #460, 35 Pearl Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743 from 11:00 AM — 2:00 PM. Born May 7, 1951, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Harland W. and Leola K. Hardes Mericle.
A 1969 graduate of Port Allegany High School, she was employed by Pittsburgh Corning Corp., Port Allegany. She was a member of VFW Auxiliary #6391, Port Allegany and Port Allegany Lodge #460, Loyal Order of the Moose.
She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, watching every game. Over the years, she enjoyed shooting darts, putting puzzles together, crosswords, collecting carousel horses, and seeing her friends at the Park Hotel. Betty was passionate about her care for others. She spent time in nursing school and later in life served as a caregiver for a family friend until his death. She cared deeply for those she loved.
Surviving are: two daughters, Sue (Mike) Speed and Millie (Chris) Knauer; six granddaughters, Desiree, Jessica, Shanna, Vanessa, Brooke, and Bryana; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Gay Mericle Glenn; nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Karen Walker.
She was predeceased by a son, Kevin J. Baer; a sister, Bonnie L. Sheerer; and two brothers, David Mericle and William Mericle. Memorials may be made to Port Allegany Moose Lodge #460, 35 Pearl Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Think About It – Mystery
Pastor B.J. Knefley
It’s fair to say most people enjoy a good mystery. Whether it’s a book or a movie, we sit on the edge of our seats, eager to see how it ends. Some of us even play detective, piecing together clues to solve the “whodunit” before the final reveal. But some mysteries simply can’t be solved. We can try and speculate, yet in the end we’re left without a certain answer—only faith.
Consider the Bible. Some argue it was written solely by men who invented God to control others. Others believe that while human authors wrote the words, they did so under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Is that a mystery? Many would say yes—but that’s the nature of faith, isn’t it?
In a recent conversation, my granddaughter’s husband told me that although he believes in God, he doesn’t believe the Bible because it was written by men. Later I asked him: when he shows a house he built to potential customers, does he call it the house he built or the house his subcontractors built? He answered that his subcontractors built it under his direction, so it’s still the house he built. You can probably see my point. He did too—and said, “I get your point. I never thought about it that way.”
The word “mystery” appears several times in the Bible, pointing to realities we can’t fully explain or understand. That’s why we call it faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Sadly, many people want neat answers—clear boundaries and absolutes, things they can touch and measure. Yet the mystery of faith can be all of that and more, if we’re willing to step into it and explore its depths. But with any mystery, we’re often tempted to notice only what we expect—or what we’ve trained ourselves to see. Think about it.
Eileen L. Mecca, 69, of Grove Street, Johnsonburg
Eileen L. Mecca, 69, of Grove Street, Johnsonburg, passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Penn Highlands Dubois following a very short illness.
She was born on January 14, 1957 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Raymond and Dolores Davis Cook.
Eileen was a 1975 graduate of Cameron County High School and worked at numerous powdered metal companies over the years. Eileen was a woman who found her greatest peace beneath open skies-whether tending to her garden, camping under the stars, or simply soaking in the beauty of the outdoors she loved so dearly. Her heart belonged to her family and to the many animals she adored, each one a reflection of her deep compassion.
Outspoken and spirited, she never hesitated to speak her mind, yet she carried a remarkable ability to see the good in everyone she met. Her quick wit and love of joking brought laughter to those around her, and she will be fondly remembered as “Boo-Boo Grandma,” a title she wore with pride and joy. She also cherished the memories of her time traveling with the carnival, a chapter of her life that spoke to her adventurous soul and love for the road. Her presence was vibrant, her love unwavering, and her memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and warmth she leaves behind.
She is survived by three children; Teresa (Jared) Elmquist of Wilcox, Carisa (Troy) Burke of Weedville, and Raymond (Lenaya) Kunes; of Brockport, and by her eight beloved grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her longtime companion, Terry Gabor of Johnsonburg, and by five siblings; Michael (Kathy) Cook of Somerset, Patty Bankovich of St. Marys, Victoria (Bill) Nussbaum of St. Marys, Anna Maria Farrell of Johnsonburg, and Laura Cook of St. Marys, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her daughter; Shannon Mecca in 2012.
Family and friends are warmly invited to gather together to share stories, laughter, and memories on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home from 4:00 until 6:00 PM with dinner following in Lynch-Green’s Friendship Hall.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Humane Society.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
‘Hacking College: A Parent’s Guide To Dual Enrollment’
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is offering two sessions virtually titled ‘Hacking College: A Parent’s Guide to Dual Enrollment’ in May. The sessions will explain to parents and students about the various benefits of dual enrollment at the College, including the perk that courses are free to all high schoolers across Pennsylvania from now through the Spring 2027 semester.
OLEAN MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR DRUG CRIMES AND ASSAULT CHARGE COMMITTED IN MCKEAN COUNTY
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a former Olean resident charged with various drug crimes in Bradford has been sentenced to state prison for his crimes.
Shane RICE was charged by City of Bradford Police Officer Colby Keane in July following a report of a physical altercation at JJ’s Saloon on East Main Street. Witnesses reported that RICE entered the establishment with a club and hit a patron in the knee with the club. When apprehended by police after the assault, RICE was found to possess a large amount of methamphetamine as well as cocaine with the intent to deliver the substances.
Shortly after posting bail, RICE was found by Trooper Timothy Mix to possess methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop during which RICE was operating a vehicle without a license.
RICE was sentenced on crimes of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Felony); Simple Assault (Misdemeanor 2); Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor); Possession of Methamphetamine (Misdemeanor); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor); and summary violation. During a sentencing hearing held April 30th at the courthouse, RICE was sentenced by a judge to a period of incarceration in state prison for at least 2 years and up to 5 years. He is to have no contact with the victim of the assault and additional terms.
Jacqueline A. Rees, 78, of Smethport, PA
Jacqueline A. Rees, 78, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (April 28, 2026) at her home.
She was born February 27, 1948 in Olean, NY, the daughter of Robert and Joanne (Bell) Bradt. On May 8, 1971, in Eldred, PA, she married William D. Rees, who died February 4, 2026.
Jackie was a 1966 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School and attended St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Olean, NY, where she received her LPN, and then the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford where she received her RN.
Mrs. Rees was a Registered Nurse, employed by Sena Kean Manor of Smethport for 20 years, retiring in 2003.
She and her husband enjoyed boating on Chautauqua Lake with their family. Just recently, she received a Florence Nightingale pinning by UPMC Home Healthcare of Central PA & Family Hospice.
Jackie is survived by:
One son: William D. (Billi Jo) Rees, Jr. of Eldred
One daughter: Bobbi Jo (John) Morgan of Lawrenceburg, KY
Three grandchildren: Bailey Jaye Morgan, Karsen Joanne Rees and Mason William Rees
Four brothers: Gary (Lynn) Bell of Bothell, WA, Bob (Mary) Bradt of Eldred, Donald Bradt of Sacramento, CA and Ted (Linda) Bradt of Moncks Corner, SC
And several nieces and nephews
In addition to her parents and husband, Jackie was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Karley Anne Morgan.
In keeping with Jackie’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE
May 4, 2026
LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR A MAIL-IN
May 12, 2026
NOTICE OF ELECTION
Primary Election Day- May 19, 2026, 7AM to 8PM
HYBRID VOTING IN POTTER COUNTY
All voters in Potter County will be given the choice to mark a paper ballot or use the ES&S ExpressVote ballot marking device to mark their ballot. All voters will use the DS200 Precinct Scanner to cast their completed ballot.
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/voter-support/voting-system-demos/potter-county-voting-system
CANVAS & COMPUTATION NOTICE
May 22, 2026 at 9AM in the Front Conference Room of the Gunzburger Building
Equipment Operator/ Maintenance Worker Wanted
Harrison Township, Potter County is accepting applications for a laborer with mechanical talent for duties including the operation and repair of equipment, road maintenance, township property maintenance, and all tasks as assigned by the Supervisors or Roadmaster. Valid driver’s license required. CDL a plus. Applications are available at the Township Office, 205 E. Main Street, Harrison Valley, PA during regular office hours or by calling 814-334-5425. Applications accepted until position is filled. Salary based on experience $20-$25.00 per hour.
Evelyn L. “Penny” Neumann, 74, of Derrick Road, Bradford
Evelyn L. “Penny” Neumann, 74, of Derrick Road, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Olean General Hospital.
Penny was born in Greensburg, on December 3, 1951, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Clara (Gess) Ruble. She was a 1969 graduate of Greensburg-Salem High School in Greensburg
For nearly 53 years, she was married to Wolfgang Henry Neumann, who survives.
Shortly after high school Penny began a 47-year career at Behrenberg Glass Company where she retired in 2016, as the Plant Manager.
Surviving is her husband Henry, one son, Robert (Dee) Neumann, one granddaughter, Autumn Neumann, all of Bradford, and one brother, Robert D. Ruble, of Delmont, PA
Penny was preceded in death by her parents.
At Penny’s request services are private. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to No Feline Left Behind PO Box 783 Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences, if desired may be left at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Our Legacy Fund announces fourth grant cycle to support nonprofits
The Our Legacy Fund committee has announced the launch of its fourth grant cycle to support nonprofit organizations through strategic financial contributions. The fund’s mission is to foster social impact, advance equity, encourage sustainability and identify unmet needs within the community by partnering with nonprofits that demonstrate effective solutions to critical issues.
Applications will be accepted beginning May 1. This cycle offers up to $150,000 in total funding with individual grants of up to $10,000. The deadline to apply is May 29.The application process will be administered by the McKean County Community Foundation, a nonprofit grantmaking organization that works with donors to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. Grants are available to schools, municipalities, faith-based organizations and nonprofit 501 (c) (3) entities serving local communities.
Grant requests may be submitted online through the McKean County Community Foundation website at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org or through the Our Legacy Fund website at ourlegacyfund.hp@gmail.com. Community members who recognize a local need may contact the foundation at mccf@mckeancountyfoundation.org or the fund at ourlegacyfund.hp@gmail.com For additional information visit Our Legacy Fund on Facebook
