BRADFORD, Pa. — Peter J. Pantuso, the longtime president and chief executive officer of the American Bus Association and an international thought leader in transportation and tourism policy, has been selected as the 2026 commencement speaker for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He will provide insights and experiences from his own professional and personal journey, while also offering advice to current graduates on how to make the most of their opportunities.
“Pitt-Bradford helped set me on the path to success, and I am incredibly honored to be able to return to campus and celebrate the accomplishments of this class of incredibly talented graduates who will become our next generation of community and business leaders,” Pantuso said.
Late-March and early-April in-person and telephonic hearings will gather input from customers and other concerned parties
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded consumers about an upcoming series of in-person and telephonic hearings to gather public input about the $99.368 million (8.05%) natural gas distribution rate increase request filed by UGI Utilities, Inc. – Gas Division (UGI).
UGI provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 690,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in 46 counties across Pennsylvania.
PUC Administrative Law Judges F. Joseph Brady and Alphonso Arnold III will preside over the hearings.
In-Person Public Input Hearings
In-person public input hearings will be held at the following locations and times:
MANCHESTER – Timothy “Tim” Sheldon Quimby, 58, of Manchester, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 25, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving wife, children, brother, Chris, and sister-in-law, Amy, after a brief but brutal battle with small cell lung cancer.
Tim was born on Sunday September 24, 1967, to James Quimby and Jody Jaros. He joined the Air Force upon graduating from Coudersport High School in 1985. He proudly served for four years before joining the PA Air National Guard for two additional years.
After his honorable discharge, Tim fell in love with the open road, and began a lifelong career in the trucking industry both behind the wheel and within training and safety. He made his home with S&H Express. Known to many as “Trucking with Tim,” he embraced the adventure and independence of life on the road.
Settlement includes $325,000 civil penalty, safety enhancements, and funding for methane detectors
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement with Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC (Peoples) related to a July 26, 2021, natural gas explosion in Tyrone Borough, Blair County, that resulted in one fatality, multiple injuries, and significant property damage.
The settlement, approved by a vote of 5-0, resolves an investigation and formal complaint filed by the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E), which averred that gaps in the company’s emergency response and related procedures contributed to unsafe conditions.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various raw beef and pork products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and may bear a false mark of inspection. Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that put consumer health and safety at risk. FSIS is continuing to investigate and may add additional products to this alert as more information is obtained.
The Chautauqua County Health Department has issued a boil water order for all Village of Fredonia water customers, including those that live outside of the village in the Town of Pomfret effective Friday March 27th. A disruption at the water treatment plant led to water with elevated levels of turbidity entering the distribution system; this water could contain harmful microbes. The water entering the water treatment plant from the Fredonia Reservoir has high levels of turbidity which cannot be adequately treated at the water treatment plant. Boiling the water kills bacteria and other microbes that may be present. All Fredonia water customers must boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and making coffee until further notice. Water must be brought to a rolling boil for one minute then cooled prior to use. For more information, residents should call the Village of Fredonia at 716-679-2307 and Chautauqua County Health Department permitted facilities can call the Health Department directly at 716-753-4481.
With only 5 days left until the start of the drawings for the 12 Days of Cash, and 152 spots left to sell, without extending sales again which I refuse to do, our only option is to put the remaining spots in the Backpack’s name. As in many other drawings held by other organizations, they mention that unsold chances would belong to the organization which I honestly didn’t think I would need to do but guess what….here we are.
So with that being said, anyone who would like their money back and have your chances refunded please let me know. You can send a PM or feel free to give me a call at (814) 544-5802. I will gladly send your money back the same way you sent it. Any requests that come in after this post will be added to the list with no problem and Backpack’s name removed from those spots, but any that are unsold when the drawings start will belong to the Backpack program. If requests come in after the drawings start those too will be added and Backpack’s name removed from those spots.
This post leads right back to previous posts…apparently we are not supposed to do big raffles. Others are raffling off cars, trucks, 4 wheelers, etc. and closing them out within hours or at the least a couple of weeks. If we tried to do even a 4 wheeler we would probably have to sell tickets for a year before we were even close to having enough to pay for whatever it was we were raffling let alone make money.
So, we will get through this one and just keep our future drawings to l@ttery tick@ts and smaller items because they seem to go best, and try not to do a gazillion of them lol.
Lillian Nickerson Frost, age 90 of Galeton passed away on Saturday March 14, 2026.
Born October 28, 1935 in Galeton, she was the daughter of the late Harry Elmer and Velma Cornelius. Lillian was a waitress, worked at A&P plant in Horseheads and retired from Ragu as the quality manager in Rochester.
She loved music; playing guitar, writing songs and made her own record that she tried to get on the radio. She enjoyed camping especially in Lawrenceville on the family property “The Hill”, playing Yatzee and other games, reading and listening to the Bible, sewing and making her own clothes and spending time with her life partner Paul Grondin and Paul’s brother Yvan and his wife, Jackie Grondin.
Lillian is survived by three step children, Diane DiProspero, Marquis Grondin and Danio Grondin; brother, Yvon and Jacqueline Grondin; daughter in laws, Patricia Nickerson, Phyllis Nickerson Magnotta, Carol Dilmore and Diane Nickerson; grandchildren, James Nickerson, Lisa Nickerson, Star Nickerson, Carmen Nickerson, Tanya McQuarrie, Brian Nickerson, Christopher Nickerson, Crystal Thompson, Josie Nickerson, Richard Nickerson, Lillain Nickerson, Nikki Burdick, Josh Sutton, Budd Nickerson, Jamie Nickerson and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husbands, James Edward Nickerson and Earl Frost; life partner, Paul Grondin; six sons, Joseph, James E., Carmen, Bradley, Richard and Budd Nickerson; daughter in law, Nancy Nickerson Shaughnessy and siblings, Edward, Harry, Anna and Mildred.
A Celebration of Lillian’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 11th at the First Presbyterian Church, Galeton from 11:00 – 12:00 PM. A memorial service will be held immediately following at 12:00PM with Pastor Fred Garrison officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Potter Brook. Arrangements are in care of Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
James A. “Jamie” Babcock, 92, of Shinglehouse, passed away suddenly with his loving family by his side on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born on Tuesday, November 21, 1933 in Shinglehouse, he was a son of Lloyd and Emma Babcock. He was married to Dolores M. Brown, who passed away on November 7, 2000. He later married Nancy A. Hyde, who survives.
Jamie was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School, Class of 1952. He enlisted in the US Army where he served in Germany. In his early years, Jamie was employed in the logging industry. For over 40 years, he was an over the road truck driver, owning his own truck.
He was a member of Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530. Anyone who knew Jamie knew him as a hard worker, retiring at age 78.
Jamie was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife; three daughters, Kimberly H. “Kim” Petrosewitz of Chardon, OH, twins, Lisa B. (Peter) Chouinard and Laura M. Davis, both of Shinglehouse; a son, James F. (Eleanor) Babcock of Kersey; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; a sister, Eloise Plants of Ceres, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Jamie was predeceased by a son, Michael Babcock; a granddaughter, Lauren Petrosewitz; a sister, Eva Bell; and three brothers, Clarence “Bab” Babcock, Ed Babcock, and Don Babcock.
In keeping with Jamie’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Private funeral services will be held in the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, with Jaime’s son-in-law, Peter Chouinard, officiating. Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
A celebration of Jamie’s life will be held on a date and place to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jamie’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Jamie’s family entrusted his 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 Jamie, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 25) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that Mentored Youth Trout Day will happen on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is a statewide event open to youth anglers ages 15 and under and their licensed adult mentors on hundreds of waters in all 67 counties.
“This is a special day where our youngest anglers have a chance to have fun and learn fishing skills they can carry with them for a lifetime,” said John Mahn, Jr., PFBC Board President and District 2 Commissioner.
The purpose of Mentored Youth Trout Day, created in 2013, is to provide an opportunity for young anglers to have fun while learning fishing skills a week before the large crowds arrive for the busy Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season on April 4, 2026.
Pennsylvania’s statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day happens this Saturday, March 28th, and young anglers will have plenty of chances to reel in a trophy trout. The Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) was busy with more trout stocking, as seen here on Upper Little Swatara Creek in Schuylkill County. On Mentored Youth Trout Day, anglers ages 15 under can catch and keep up to two trout. To participate, the kids will need to have either a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which costs $2.97 and benefits youth fishing programs. Kids also need to be accompanied by a licensed adult angler. Adults can fish while helping the youth anglers, but they are not allowed to keep any trout. The PFBC reminds everyone to check the tout stocking schedule online to make sure the water you plan to visit will be stocked before this weekend. The regular statewide Opening Day of Trout Season, for everyone, is Saturday, April 4th.
If you plan to fish from a boat, please wear a life jacket. Pennsylvania’s annual cold weather life jacket requirement remains in effect from November 1st through April 30th. Anyone aboard a bot less than 16 feet, including all canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, is required to wear a life jacket during this time. Children ages 12 and under should always wear a life jacket while boating.
Kathryn Louise “Kathy” MACENSKY, 80, of Galeton, PA, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Born December 30, 1945, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of Joseph A. and Virginia M. Colosimo Close, the youngest of five children.
A 1965 graduate of Galeton Area High School, she attended beauty school in Rochester, NY. On June 10, 1967, in St. Bibiana Catholic Church, Galeton, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life for over 58 years, Steve Macensky, who survives. Together, they built a life centered around friends, family, and faith.
Kathy devoted her life to her family, never missing a game or event in which either of her two sons were involved. This continued after she became a grandmother of three, all of whom she truly adored and loved deeply. She even retired from her job at the Tackle Shop to become a full-time Grammie. Whether it was volleyball or basketball games, concerts, tennis matches, graduations, or ceremonies, she was always there showing her support with a smile on her face and love in her heart.
The Potter County Education Council serving Potter and McKean Counties has three openings for part-time Career and Vocational Mentor-Aides to serve within the following school districts: Galeton Area School District, Oswayo Valley School District and Smethport Area School District.
These part-time positions are available beginning the 2026-2027 school year (approximately 25 hours per week). It is anticipated that this will be a recurring position each school year (approximately 40 weeks each year). A job description may be reviewed at the Education Council Office at 5 Water Street in Coudersport, PA (814-274-4877) or by visiting our website www.pottercountyedcouncil.org.
Minimum high school diploma. Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Appropriate work experience with older children (Grades 3-12).
Knowledge or work experience in business or industry.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications desired.
Must have a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and safe driving history.
Interested applicants should send the following to the Potter County Education Council at 5 Water Street, PO Box 5, Coudersport, PA 16915 or via email to Dr. Michele Moore mmoore@pcedcouncil.org:
Resumé with cover letter
Three current (less than one-year old) letters of professional reference
Appropriate clearances including PA Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance, PA Act 34 Criminal Record Check, a current PA FBI Clearance (Education Versions)
A negative TB test result
The cover letter should be addressed to Dr. Michele Moore, Executive Director. You may be asked to complete an employment application upon review of your initial application materials. E.O.E.
Pennsylvanians concerned that they have encountered a scam text or email regarding their driving or vehicle records are encouraged to contact PennDOT by calling 717-412-5300 or sending an emailto PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are warning about text phishing scams currently targeting Pennsylvanians that threaten the suspension of driving and vehicle registration privileges for not paying a fine or toll violation. PennDOTdoes not send text messagesto customers for any reason and uses traditional mail sent via the U.S. Postal Service to communicate with Pennsylvanians.
“If you receive a text message notice from a sender claiming to be from PennDOT who is threatening to suspend your license or registration privilege, do not click on any links and just delete the message,” said PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Deputy Secretary Kara Templeton. “These messages are not from PennDOT.”
Spring holidays bring families and friends together for Easter ham, Passover brisket, and Mother’s Day egg-based brunch dishes. As consumers across America prepare these traditional meals for large gatherings, following basic food safety practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) met with members of Otto-Eldred’s FFA program at the state Capitol this week for FFA’s State Legislative Leadership Conference. The group had a great conversation about agriculture, health care and other issues facing rural communities. Pictured, from left, are Ryon Stone, Leah Burrows, Gabby Long, Ellie Bennett, Causer, Brooklynn Pearce, Emma Button, Danica Austin, and Brandon Witmer, agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor.
Leslie W. “Les” SMITH, 78, of Port Allegany, PA, died Thursday, March 26, 2026 in his home. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Neil P. Wolcott, 65, of South Kendall Ave, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by his family while at home.
Born on February 21, 1961, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Robert F. and Hazel M. (Pollock) Wolcott. He was a 1979 graduate of Bradford High School.
On October 5, 1985, at the Asbury United Methodist Church, he married Anita (Davis) Wolcott.
Neil was employed at Zippo Manufacturing Company for 43 years.
Neil enjoyed planting and raising produce, canning hot peppers and making salsa, gardening, and working in his yard. He was an avid fan, supporter and annually traveled to see the Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a member of the Bradford Eagles Club, and the Moose Lodge, and he enjoyed going to see his friends at the Casino. He was a former member of the Monday and Thursday Night Bowling Leagues. He coached for the Hilltop and Bradford City Little League for 10 years, he played adult softball in the Bradford City Softball League and Old-Timers League for 25 years. He enjoyed game night with Mark, Mandi, Austen, and Maranda, and camping at Darien Lake. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Surviving in addition to his wife Anita, of 40 years, are three children, Sarah (Josh) Rounsville, of Eldred, Jaime Digel, of Smethport, Mike (Amanda) Tingley, of Girard, nine grandchildren Kody (Athia) Bair, Tyler Adams, Dani (Cody Slomski) Adams, Brianna Digel, Kameron Rounsville, Callie Digel, Emily Rounsville, Lucas Tingley, Braidon Rounsville, two great-grandchild, Abby, and Theo, one sister, Cindy Ervin, of Rew, one sister-in-law Cindy (Ron) Jankowski, one brother-in-law Mike Davis, his God daughter, Kylie McCleary, and many nieces and nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Adina Lynn Wolcott, four brother’s-in-law, Ron Davis, Dan Davis, Don Davis Jr., and Jay Ervin, his father and mother-in-law Don Sr., and Bev Davis, one of his best friends, Joe Hannon.
Family will receive friends on Sunday March 29, 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main Street, where funeral and committal services will be held on Monday at 11:00 am with the Rev. Jay Tennies, and Rev. Rick Nelson, Co-officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes In.
