Belmont, NY – The Allegany County Democratic Committee is pleased to announce that Serin Al-Fadhali, a junior at Alfred-Almond Central School, has been named the winner of its second annual Student Civic Engagement Award. An award reception will take place at the Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church on Sunday, May 31st at 12:30 p.m., and is open to all.
This award seeks to recognize Allegany County students in grades 11 and 12 for the ways in which they contribute to community life. It is a monetary award of $500.00 unrelated to academic performance. It is not a scholarship and need not be applied to the cost of secondary education.
Evelyn V. McIntyre, age 74, of Frankford, DE, formerly of Galeton, PA, peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE.
Born in Wellsboro, PA, Evelyn was the cherished daughter of the late Franklin George Pletcher and Evelyn Louise (Hensel) Pletcher. A woman of remarkable talent and dedication, she owned and operated Galeton Greenhouse in Galeton, PA, and served as President of Smith of Galeton Gloves before bringing her warmth and work ethic to Delaware. There, she devoted over two decades to human resources, serving Stockley Center, DNREC, and retiring from the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, DE.
Evelyn’s life was a celebration of beauty—both in nature and in family. Her green thumb brought gardens to life, and she delighted in days by the beach, shopping excursions, and above all, the laughter and love shared with her family. Her heart was generous, her spirit enduring, and her presence a gift to all who knew her.
Mark S. Wolfel, 64, of St. Marys, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following a lifetime defined by unending kindness, a gentle spirit, and heart that touched all who had the privilege of knowing him. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
COUDERSPORT, PA—Randy R. Deiter, 64, a longtime resident and businessman of Coudersport, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a lengthy illness.
Born on Thursday, July 20, 1961 in Coudersport, he was a son of Richard R. Deiter and Carol Deiter Espenshade. On December 15, 1995 in Coudersport, he married Dawnette D. Strayer, who survives.
Randy was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1979. He was a self-employed painter, having taken great pride in his work.
He, along with his wife, Dawn, enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking. His greatest love was his family.
CERES, PA—Sandra Lee “Sandy” Peterson, 77, of Ceres, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Born on Wednesday, August 11, 1948, in Cuba, NY, she was the daughter of Adam and Zora Wakefield Wysocki.
Sandy earned her GED from Bolivar Central High School. She was employed by the former Acme Electric in Allegany, NY, and Cuba, NY, as a technician. She was later employed by Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, NY.
Sandy was a member of the Ceres United Methodist Church. She very much enjoyed mowing her yard, playing cards, and her cats.
Timothy D. “Pops” James Sr., 59, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Born Nov. 22, 1966, in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of Robert James Jr. and Patricia Ann Truehart.
Tim was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, surrounded by a large, caring, loving family. Tim was a very family-oriented man. In his younger years of life, he spent many weekends and nights on Northland St. at his grandmother’s house. When he was going to school, he spent his time on Landon St., where he was accompanied by his great aunt and sister. After graduating from Grover Cleveland High School in 1985, he left and made his new residence in Bradford. He has resided in Bradford for the last 35+ years.
Tim had many friends. He was a very fun, outgoing, loving man. He was respectful, humble, and proud. He loved to cook, have company, listen to music, watch sports and wrestling, but most of all loved being a dad and loved his children. He loved playing video games with his children, watching them grow, and teaching them. He was proud to be their father.
New Rotarian Brent Bryant and Rotary President Andrea Streich
At the May 18, 2026 meeting of the Coudersport Rotary Club held at A&W West End Grill, Rotarians welcomed new member Brent Bryant.
A longtime educator, technology leader, and community advocate in Potter County, Brent currently teaches networking at Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center and previously served as Technology Director for the Northern Potter School District.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports a conviction in the homicide trial of Thomas MCELHATTAN. Following a 4-day jury trial, the jury delivered a verdict of Guilty to all counts – Criminal Homicide-Murder in the 1st Degree; Aggravated Assault; and two counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person- one count each for the deceased victim as well as her one-year-old child who was present in the home.
The Commonwealth sought enhancements for use of a deadly weapon and the jury agreed. The case was initiated after MCELHATTAN called 911 on June 7, 2025, and reported that he had shot a woman on Jefferson Street in Bradford. MCELHATTAN had left the location and proceeded to his residence on Rutherford Run. City of Bradford Police Sgt. Matthew Gustin and Officer Joshua Frederoski were dispatched to the victim’s residence on Jefferson Street and were able to view an obviously deceased victim on the couch through a window.
Sgt. Gustin kicked in the door and found 21-year-old Rebecca Haynes deceased on the couch with obvious gunshot wounds. The officers observed five shell casings and observed gun shot wounds to the victim including one through her ring finger. City of Bradford EMS responded but she was deceased. As City of Bradford Officers were responding to Jefferson Street, Bradford Township Officer Donald Neel was dispatched to Rutherford Run where he encountered MCELHATTAN and took him into custody. Throughout the evening of June 7th, officers from the City, Bradford Township, Foster Township, Pennsylvania State Police, County Detectives and District Attorney worked on both scenes to collect evidence.
An autopsy was performed by Dr. Todd Luckasevich of the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office in the following days who found that Rebecca Haynes suffered 5 gunshot wounds- 4 that went through her heart including a gunshot wound that passed through her hand and entered into her heart; two more gunshot wounds to the chest that entered into her heart; and two more that entered from her side – one through her shoulder and one through her upper back. Each shot was determined by the doctor to be fatal and she was alive for each shot.
Four of the bullets were located in Haynes’ body while one exited her lower back. A search of the residence located the bullet in her couch cushion. Two of the gunshot wounds were determined to have been fired at close range.
Bradford City Police Chief Michael Ward and McKean County Chief Detective Ryan Yingling interviewed MCELHATTAN. MCELHATTAN initially denied a sexual affair with Haynes, however, the investigators were able to elicit from him, ultimately, that he had, in fact, had an ongoing affair with Haynes for two years and Haynes repeatedly threatened to tell his wife.
MCELHATTAN said that nothing was different on June 7 than any other day other than he wasn’t feeling well and was fed up and said that there was no “safe” way to get her to stop from telling his wife. The investigators and everyone who had contact with MCELHATTAN that day described him as alarmingly calm.
The interviewers were the last witnesses called by the Commonwealth. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “I am grateful for the jury’s verdict. The evidence was not easy for jurors to see, I’m sure, but it was important to show them the condition of Rebecca Haynes and how the bullets entered her body- some at close range according to experts. These factors suggested an intentional killing and that was what we were seeking in a Murder in the first-degree verdict.
Although this brings us closer to the only justice the criminal justice system can provide for Rebecca, I know that her family and long-time boyfriend Devin still suffer every day from the defendant’s violent actions as will the defendant’s wife. My heart breaks for all of them. Rebecca’s mother and boyfriend expressed appreciation for the jury’s verdict, and I would like to convey that on their behalf to any juror reading this. Each piece of evidence, albeit important to the case, opened old wounds.
The senselessness of the defendant’s actions – murder to keep an affair quiet – makes her death even more difficult to comprehend. I also would like to commend our officers for their response, which was captured by their body-worn cameras. At the victim’s residence on Jefferson Street, Sgt. Matthew Gustin and Officer Joshua Frederoski, seeing her deceased body on the couch through a window, kicked in the door to gain entry to her residence without knowing if danger was lurking inside. Officer Donald Neel, upon being dispatched to Rutherford Run after the defendant called 911, raced to the defendant’s residence and took him into custody while knowing he just shot a woman.”
DA Shaffer explained the crime of Homicide: “Many people do not realize that, despite the defendant calling 911 to report what he had done, the Commonwealth must still prove he committed a Homicide which is required to be proven by other evidence before his confession is admissible.
If we can prove Homicide, we are then required to prove the level of Homicide which can be, in any case, any of the following: Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Murder in the Third Degree, Voluntary Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter. In this case, the jury was able to decide whether the homicide was Murder 1, Murder 3 or Voluntary Manslaughter/heat of passion justification.
So the work does not end at the 911 call. I rely on experienced interviewers to gain information from the defendant to determine what level of Homicide we could prove. In this case, the defense argued that he should only be found guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter/heat of passion justification which would be a sentence of only a couple of years.
Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling and Chief Michael Ward conducted the interview of the defendant and, it was the information gleaned from that interview, which proved his actions were intentional and without legal justification.
Their experience in these complicated cases and knowledge of the elements of each crime that could be charged allows them to know the types of questions to ask and is critical to the prosecution. Proving Murder in the First Degree versus a heat of passion Voluntary Manslaughter came down to this interview.” DA Shaffer continued:
“This case was the culmination of excellent police work of the responding officers, officers who processed evidence, cooperative witnesses, and the experienced interviewers in proving intentional, First-Degree Murder. Some officers responded to the scene while others processed evidence and interviewed witnesses. In the days that followed the murder, videos from neighbors and city surveillance cameras were obtained and allowed Officer Tyler Blair to track MCELHATTAN’S movements from the time he left his house with the victim’s one year old child to the time he arrived at her residence.”
Video showed that, when MCELHATTAN arrived, his key did not work in the door, and phone records showed that he called Rebecca who was inside. She had previously messaged him to leave items on the porch. Several minutes elapsed until he was finally able to enter the home only to exit a few minutes later, still on the phone with Rebecca who was still inside. He entered once again and was inside for 12 minutes before calmly exiting with the child, placing the child in the back seat of his truck, and driving to his residence. Thirteen minutes after he left, he placed the 911 call.
Witnesses testified that, just prior to calling 911, he told Rebecca’s boyfriend and his friends, “I shot her in the cocksucker. I shot her in the heart she doesn’t have.” DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “The evidence shows that the motive of the crime was to keep his affair a secret. The defendant’s actions were cold and intentional and he showed no remorse.
He deserves a sentence of life in prison which is the standard sentence for Murder in the First Degree. Throughout the case, the work of our officers and others continued up to the time of trial including Chief Ward, Chief Yingling, Sgt. Gustin, Officer Neel, Officer Frederoski, Trooper Coby Sebastian, Dr. Luckasevic, Rebecca’s mother, Shanel McElhattan, Trooper Jason Perry, Devin Milne, Joe Teeter, 911 operator Evan Rodriguez, Officer Tyler Blair, Det. Mark Deluca and Capt. Ray Douglass as well as countless hours of police work by assisting officers with the City, Bradford Township, State Police and Foster Township maintaining security at both crime scenes. Excellent police work and cooperation of witnesses allowed for the presentation of a case that supported a First-Degree Murder verdict.”
Chief Michael Ward and Chief Ryan Yingling were co-affiants on the case. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Sentencing will be held on June 24th.
The Black Forest Conservation Association will be hosting a Women’s Handgun Safety Course from June 8th to 11th, 2026 at 6pm on the clubhouse grounds at 189 Back Road, Coudersport. This event is open to the public. No prior experience is required, and participants do not need to own a handgun. The cost is $100 per person, which includes ammunition and targets.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Stephanie Gerhart at (814)598-0720 for further information or to register. Limited spots are available!
The Children’s Advocacy Center of McKean County (CACMC) is seeking qualified candidates for the Family Advocate position. Reporting to the Director of the Center, the Family Advocate serves as the primary contact for children and non-offending caregivers, providing trauma-informed support, guidance, and resources throughout the investigative and healing process.
In addition to direct services, the Family Advocate contributes to community prevention efforts and maintains the organization’s social media presence to support outreach, education, and awareness.
Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Greeting and orientation of children and their families to the CACMC. Explain the CAC process, including forensic interviews, medical exams, and legal proceedings in a clear and compassionate manner.
Provide crisis intervention, ongoing emotional support, and victim supportive counseling to children and non-offending caregivers.
Connect families with appropriate community resources and make referrals for follow-up. Maintains regular follow-ups with families to ensure continued support and access to services.
Keep families informed about the status of criminal proceedings and offer court advocacy, including accompaniment and preparation for legal proceedings when appropriate.
Education and experience qualifications include:
Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience equal to a minimum of three (3) years working with child victims of abuse.
A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with children and families, preferably in trauma-informed or advocacy settings. The successful candidate must have the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Interested applicants are invited to apply by completing a McKean County job application and submitting a resume. Please forward to: Michele Jubon, Director of Human Resources, McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749 or by emailing to: HR@mckeancountypa.gov. Applicants may also apply online at Indeed.com. We are an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.
On May 19th Shinglehouse Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to 858 Canada Hollow Rd. for a solo dirt bike accident the payient was ejected from the bike with possible injuries. Air Medical is on standby
On May 19th Westfield Fire Department was dispatched to 7318 Rt. 49 for a one vehicle crash with possible entrapment and unknown injuries call was made by a passerby. Clymer Fire Department was recalled
Michael K. Raybuck, Jr., 47, of East Main Street, Bradford, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Born February 18, 1979, he was a son of the late Michael K. Raybuck Sr. and Darla K. (Knowlton) Raybuck who survives.
Mike attended Bradford Area Schools and started working at Bob’s Auto Body at the age of 15. He later worked for Brown’s Otto Service Center and currently was an Autobody Technician for Dexter’s Service and Collision.
He loved riding anything with an engine, especially four wheeling. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and ice fishing.
In addition to his mother, Darla, he is survived by one daughter, Kaelyn Raybuck, two sons, Gunnar Raybuck and Hunter Raybuck, all of Bradford, one granddaughter Emmaline Mae Gallup, one sister Megan (Edward) Panighetti of Bradford, one brother, Thomas Raybuck, of Bradford, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mike was preceded in death by his father Michael K. Raybuck Sr. his paternal grandparents, Donald and Thomasine Raybuck, his maternal grandparents Charles C. Knowlton Sr. and Audrey Gilligan.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street, where at 6:00 pm funeral services will be held with Steve Jones, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Keystone Riders ATV/UTV Club P.O. Box 72, Rixford PA 16745.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced it will activate its Systematic Technique to Analyze and Manage Pennsylvania’s Pavements (STAMPP) crews in District 2, which encompasses Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties, starting Tuesday, May 19.
STAMPP crews are two-person teams consisting of a driver and an evaluator that travel a roadway’s shoulder at 5-10 mph while completing manual distress surveys of the roads’ shoulder, guide rail, and drainage systems. In some instances, such as on roads with narrow shoulders, the team may survey portions of the road on foot after safely parking their vehicle.
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Volunteers from the RGS Upland Bird Hunt Chapter, American Woodcock Society, Pheasants Forever, and the Rolfe Beagle Club put on an Individual, One-on-One Bird Dog Training Clinic on Sunday, 5/17, at the Rolfe Beagle Club, a premier dog training area in NC PA. Eight bird dog handlers were selected to attend this one-on-one program with experienced bird dog trainers. “We limit the attendees to only eight birddoggers so we can spend a solid two hours working on whatever the dog handler wants to work on,” said Bethany Ford, organizer of the training.
Initiative supports deserving students in completing their degree
BRADFORD, Pa. — Marianne Jacaszek Brown has created a new scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to ensure students have access to a high-quality education and the opportunity for a rewarding career. It will be awarded for the first time during the 2026/27 academic year.
“Pitt-Bradford had a huge impact on my personal and professional journey, and I am very proud to be in a position where I can assist others in achieving their dreams,” adds Brown, a 1984 business administration graduate.
After graduating from college, Brown moved to Florida and worked for many years in the banking industry. She retired as Vice President and Relationship Manager for Association Services at Truist and previously held leadership roles with BB&T and Regions Financial Corporations. Brown currently lives in St. Petersburg and remains connected with the Pitt-Bradford community, including serving remotely on the Alumni Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020.
“With my education and strong work ethic, I had a very successful professional career. In retirement, I have focused on giving back to the communities and institutions that supported me,” Brown says. “Pitt-Bradford is on the top of that list! It is a unique and special place where students can get the personal attention and support that is not always available at larger institutions. I want to make sure that incredible experience is available to all who want it.”
To learn more about creating a scholarship at Pitt-Bradford, contact the university’s Office of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement at 814-362-5091 or visit the giving page.
[Bellefonte, PA] Each year the Centre County District Attorney’s Office receives nominations from the public, law enforcement and government agencies of individuals to be recognized for their exceptional work in law enforcement, above and beyond the call of duty. The nominees represent a snapshot of the work that police do in our community every day. The nominees for 2025 are as follows:
Trooper Jonathan Hodges – Pennsylvania State Police
Trooper Jonathan Hodges of PSP’s Rockview Barracks transitioned into the criminal investigations unit and quickly established himself as a dependable investigator on some of the agency’s most complex and demanding cases. He is known for a steady work ethic and a collaborative approach that strengthens coordination across units and agencies. Trooper Hodges is particularly noted for his ability to engage with victims and witnesses in a way that builds trust and supports accurate, thorough reporting of facts. His follow-through and attention to detail have proven essential in moving difficult investigations forward. Across all assignments, he consistently demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, and respect for those involved, reflecting the standards expected of the award.
Detective Lisa Larkin – Bellefonte Police Department
Detective Lisa Larkin of Bellefonte is relatively new to her department, but has already made a remarkable impact on the community through her investigative skills and dedication. She is recognized for her ability to elevate those around her and her capacity to remain deliberate and composed in unpredictable or high-pressure situations. Her work reflects a consistent balance of fairness and determination, ensuring that each investigation is handled thoroughly and without bias. Perhaps most significantly, she treats every individual she encounters with unwavering dignity, compassion, and respect. Detective Larkin’s work on challenging and sensitive cases routinely leads to productive outcomes grounded in thorough investigation, careful attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the human consequences in each case.
Humane Society Officer Mark Rusnak
Humane Society Officer Mark Rusnak has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, compassion, and dedication in the protection and welfare of animals within our community. As the first individual to hold this position while also serving as a County Sheriff, Officer Rusnak has taken on this additional responsibility with remarkable commitment and leadership. Through tireless investigative work, strong community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to humane treatment, Officer Rusnak has consistently gone above and beyond in carrying out the mission of animal protection and public safety. He approaches every case with integrity and empathy, earning the respect of colleagues, partner agencies, and the public alike.
Sergeant Elijah Vardzel – Patton Township Police Department
Sergeant Vardzel is nominated for his dedication and drive to ensure that projects affecting all of Centre County, not just Patton Township, exist and are implemented. Sgt. Vardzel is part of the Centre County Crash Reconstruction Team and has ensured that the team has proper training, equipment and personnel to provide crash reconstruction services to local police agencies throughout Centre County. He has also been instrumental in the beginning of the Centre County Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. This taskforce will coordinate with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, which receives tips from the federal government of child pornography being transmitted to computers in Centre County. Although just beginning, this taskforce will again ensure that local police agencies have information, support and tools to be notified of these internet tips and subsequently investigate and prosecute those crimes.
