Local UPMC President Visits Lawmakers, Advocates for Affordable Care in Rural Pennsylvania
Patti Jackson-Gehris, market president, UPMC North Central Pa., recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where she joined other rural health leaders and advocacy groups along with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania to meet with federal lawmakers — including U.S. Rep. John Joyce, MD, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, U.S. Rep. GT Thompson, U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick — about protecting access and funding to care in rural communities.
During the visit, leaders discussed the importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and how it helps hospitals stretch limited resources to support services such as cancer care, emergency treatment, and other critical local programs, all at no cost to taxpayers.
“For those of us who live and work in these communities, this is personal,” said Jackson-Gehris. “We are not just hospital workers, we are neighbors caring for friends and family. Programs like 340B help us ensure patients can access high-quality care close to home, and it is our serious responsibility to advocate for the resources that make that possible.”
Rural providers face ongoing challenges, including workforce shortages, growing health challenges, longer travel distances for patients, and tighter operating margins. Hospital leaders shared firsthand perspectives with policymakers on how federal decisions directly affect their ability to maintain services and meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Causer Hosts Grant Seminar for Local Governments, Nonprofit Organizations
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) is inviting local government officials and nonprofit leaders to a seminar to learn about grant opportunities from the state.
The seminar will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the Smethport Fire Hall, located at 109 S. Nelson St., Smethport.
“There are many funding opportunities available from the Commonwealth to help our local officials and nonprofit leaders continue their missions to help our citizens and improve our communities,” Causer said. “I hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more.”
During the seminar, officials with the Northwest Region office of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development will discuss grant funding opportunities, such as:
- Neighborhood Assistance Program.
- Main Street Matters.
- Commonwealth Financing Authority Programs.
- Strategic Management Planning Program.
- Municipal Assistance Program.
Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP online at www.RepCauser.com/events or by calling 814-362-4400.
Failure To Appear Warrant Arrest In Bradford
City of Bradford Police Department Press Release On February 18, 2026, at approximately 1739 hours, City of Bradford Police Officers apprehended Theron Simmons on Main Street.
Simmons was taken into custody for an active McKean County Bench Warrant for failure to appear on a DUI sentencing. He was subsequently transported to McKean County Jail, where he will await sentencing. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to serving and protecting our community. If you have any information or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Fugitive From Justice Warrant Arrest In Bradford
City of Bradford Police Arrest Fugitive Wanted Out of Buffalo, NY On February 24, 2026, at approximately 4:02 PM, officers with the City of Bradford Police Department located and apprehended Ivan C. Williams, who was wanted on an active full extradition warrant issued by the City of Buffalo, New York.
The warrant stems from a firearms-related charge in Buffalo. Williams was taken into custody without incident. Williams was subsequently arraigned on the charge of Fugitive from Justice and was remanded without bail pending further proceedings and extradition to New York authorities.
The City of Bradford Police Department continues to work cooperatively with regional and out-of-state law enforcement partners to locate and apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the City of Bradford Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeWatch.
Elk And Cameron County Families!
Check the calendars for upcoming March Discover Lab activities!
Discover Lab:
For Immediate Release
Contact: Courtney Rieger
P: 814-781-3437
courtney@communityedcenter.com
Dates/Location/Times:
March 9, 2026- Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, 3:30pm-5:00pm (Grades 3-5)
March 10, 2026- Johnsonburg Public Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm (Grades 3-5)
March 30, 2026- Bennett’s Valley Community Center, 6:00pm-7:00pm (Grades K-8)
March 31, 2026- Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, 4:00pm-5:00pm (Grades 3-5)
Description: The Leprechaun has returned this year! Join us for zip lines and leprechauns!
No Registration Required!
Questions? Contact Courtney Rieger at courtney@communityedcenter.com or call (814) 781-3437
No School Days:
Engineer Extravaganza: a 4H and CEC No School Day
Dates/Locations:
March 16, 2026- Endless Mountains Methodist Church- Emporium, PA
Time:
10:00am-2:00pm
Registration Required
Bring a bagged lunch
Snacks and Drinks provided
Description: Join 4-H and CEC for fun-filled activities during the 2025-2026 school year on no-school days!
Open to students in 1st-8th grade whose schools have a day off.
Get ready for a fun-filled, hands on engineering extravaganza-spark the curiosity, creativity and exploration!
Register below using the following link by March 6th: https://forms.gle/7nPcxXQZHM7q8Qoc6
Questions? Contact: Natalie Aiello-email:nla11@psu.edu
Courtney Rieger-email: courtney@communityedcenter.com
or call (814) 781-3437
Tax Forms Now Available At Library In Emporium
State and Federal Tax forms are now available for pickup at the Barbara Moscato Brown Library, located at 27 W. 4th Street in Emporium. State forms are sent in limited supply and we will likely run out.
Library staff are happy to help you locate tax forms, print documents from the IRS website, and provide computers to access tax software.
Please note: To comply with ethical guidelines, library staff cannot offer tax advice, tell you which forms to use, or assist in filling out tax forms.
Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library
John P. Bruno, Jr., 76, of Bradford
John P. Bruno, Jr., 76, of Bradford, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born on May 21, 1949, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John P. and Alice (Allen) Bruno, Sr.
He was a 1969 graduate of Bradford Area High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and served until his honorable discharge on January 19, 1971.
On May 23, 1981, in the Sawyer Church in Bradford, he married Dawn M. (Milne) Bruno, who survives.
John worked as security guard for Dresser in Bradford and then became a maintenance man at Walmart.
He was an avid football enthusiast. If there was a football game on the tv he was going to watch it.
February 27–March 1: Crafts & Cuisine Winter Weekend, Wellsboro
Schedule of Events
Friday, February 27
• 6:00 pm–Midnight — FREE Game Night at Pop’s Culture Shoppe
• 7:30 pm — Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a witty comedy with slapstick, Warehouse Theatre, Hamilton-Gibson Productions $
Saturday, February 28
• 9:00 am-–11:00 a.m. Culinary Coins are Available at the Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce at 114 Main Street, Wellsboro $
• 10:00 am-–6:00 pm — FREE Stop in anytime at Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods to see furniture and art by Mike Welsh of MVW Woodworking who specializes in metal inlay designs in native hardwood furniture and art. Ask him questions. He will also have pieces for sale
• 11:00 am–1:00 pm — Culinary Coins are Available at Beck’s Bistro at 104 Main Street and at the Penn Wells Hotel at 62 Main Street $
• 11:00 am–2:00 pm — Food & Beverage Hopping (Culinary Coins Event) $
• 5:00 pm— Mocktail and Appetizer Pairing, Shake, Stir and Snack while Creating Them from Scratch at the Rookie Cooks Academy $
• 7:30 pm — Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a witty comedy with slapstick, Warehouse Theatre, Hamilton-Gibson Productions $
• 7:30 pm — Velveeta Concert, Deane Center’s Coolidge Theatre $
Sunday, March 1
• 2:30 pm — Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a witty comedy with slapstick, Warehouse Theatre, Hamilton-Gibson Productions $
LAST WINTER WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY OFFERS CULINARY COIN EVENT AT 11 ARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND FOOD LOCATIONS PRESS RELEASE WITH SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Crafts & Cuisine Weekend is this Friday through Sunday, Feb. 27-March 1. It is the last of the four February Winter Weekends in Wellsboro.
The highlight of this weekend is the Culinary Coin Event. Each coin can be redeemed for one special appetizer and/or a beverage at 11 participating locations this Saturday, Feb. 28, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A least one location is offering a dessert.
Some of these same businesses also feature crafts made by artisans.
The locations are: Beck’s Bistro, Cafe 1905, Highland Chocolates, Komodo Gelato, Los Agaves Taqueria, Oregon Hill Winery, Penn Wells Hotel & Lounge, The Roost, Timeless Destination, Wellsboro House Restaurant & Brewery, and the West End Artisan Shop.
The Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce office at 114 Main Street has Culinary Coins available for purchase on week days during regular office hours and this Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. On Saturday only Culinary Coins will also be available at the Penn Wells Hotel at 62 Main Street and Beck’s Bistro at 104 Main Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The coins are $5 each or 12 for $50.
A free passport will be given to every person who purchases coins and to anyone that requests one. Included in the passport are the names of the Culinary Coin Event participating locations and those that also feature crafts that visitors can explore throughout the weekend.
For more information about Crafts & Cuisine Weekend, visit the chamber website at www.wellsoboropa.com or call 570-724-1926.
LECOM to Acquire Bradford Regional Medical Center Campus and Skilled Nursing Facility; Outpatient Services to Continue
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Kaleida Health are in discussions regarding LECOM acquiring the Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) campus, including The Pavilion, the 95-bed skilled nursing facility, ensuring the continuation of essential healthcare services for the Bradford community.
The proposed acquisition remains subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements between LECOM and Kaleida Health, as well as the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.
Causer To Offer Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance In Bradford, Ulysses, Galeton
BRADFORD – The annual Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics hosted by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) continue with events in Bradford, Ulysses and Galeton. The schedule is as follows:
- Bradford Senior Center, 60 Campus Drive, Bradford: Monday, March 2, 9-11 a.m.
- Ulysses Senior Center, 522 Main St., Ulysses: Tuesday, March 3, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Galeton Senior Center, 71 Germania St., Galeton: Wednesday, March 4, 9:30-11 a.m.
The service is free, and no appointment is required.
For a full schedule of upcoming clinics, visit www.RepCauser.com/events.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible residents 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older. This year’s income limit is $48,110 for both homeowners and renters; be sure to exclude 50% of Social Security or railroad retirement income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
To file for the rebate, residents must have the following documentation to allow claims to be processed:
- Renters will need a 2024 PA Rent Certificate, completed by their landlord, or statement from HUD office; 2024 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate.
- Homeowners will need proof of 2024 paid property taxes to their county, municipality and school district; 2024 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed.
Applicants who wish to receive their rebates through direct deposit should bring a check for account information. If not, paper checks will be mailed. Disbursements should begin after July 1.
Assistance is also available at Causer’s offices in Bradford (78 Main St., 814-362-4400), Coudersport (279 Route 6 West, Office 2, 814-274-9769) or Kane (54 Fraley St., 814-837-0880). Residents may also apply online at mypath.pa.gov.
Burglary Arrest In Bradford
Arrest Made in Burglary Investigation on Charlotte Avenue On February 24, 2026, at approximately 10:20 PM, officers from the City of Bradford Police Department responded to 21 Charlotte Avenue for a reported active break-in.
Upon arrival, officers conducted an investigation and located a male subject hiding in a closet inside a vacant upstairs apartment. The individual was identified as Anderson Tolbert Jr. Investigation revealed that entry had been gained through a broken window.
During the incident, Tolbert admitted that he entered the residence with the intent to take items he could “profit off of.” Tolbert was taken into custody and charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Theft.
He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Luther, who set bail at $50,000 straight. Unable to post bail, Tolbert was remanded to the McKean County Jail pending further court proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing.
PFA Violation Arrest In Bradford
The City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Jacob Kamats on an outstanding warrant related to a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order violation investigation.
On February 21, 2026, officers were notified of a potential PFA violation that occurred earlier in the day at the Bradford Family YMCA. Investigation determined that Kamats traveled from South Center Street—the residence of his protected partner—with his protected minor son to the YMCA.
While inside the facility, Kamats allegedly wrapped the child in plastic and placed the child in a sauna in an attempt to assist the child in cutting weight for a sporting event. City of Bradford street camera footage captured Kamats traveling between the YMCA and South Center Street, and surveillance documented his presence at the residence in violation of the active court order. Kamats was taken into custody on the warrant and arraigned before Judge Michele Alfieri-Causer. He was subsequently released pending further court proceedings.
Criminal Mischief Arrest In Bradford
The City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Christian Clark in connection with a criminal mischief investigation stemming from an incident at Eternal Art Tattoo Shop, 5 Main Street.
On February 11, 2026, at approximately 7:22 AM, officers responded to the business after employees discovered the front window had been shattered overnight. Investigation determined that a heavy vape battery was used to break the window. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and conducted follow-up investigation, which led to the identification of Clark as the responsible party.
Clark was charged in connection with the damage to the business property and was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Luther. Bail was set at $20,000. Clark, unable to post bail was remanded to the McKean County Jail.
Betty Jean Soble, 96, a lifelong resident of Bradford, PA
Betty Jean Soble, 96, a lifelong resident of Bradford, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Olean General Hospital.
Family will receive friends on Saturday February 28, 2026, from 11 am to Noon in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Ave., at Noon funeral services will be held with Rev. Jay Tennies, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Get FREE Help with Filing Your Taxes- Appointments are Available Friday
Hosted in Partnership with the Campaign for Working Families
Take advantage of FREE help with your taxes and make sure to access federal and state tax credits that will put more money back in your pocket. Join us for our Tax Preparation Event on Wednesday OR Friday (2/25 and 2/27) at the The Wynnefield Library.
Sign up for an appointment online or by calling 215-454-6483. Click the flyer below for more information. Get FREE Help with Filing Your Taxes- Appointments are Available Wednesday and Friday
George Tadder, 67 of Eldred, Details For His Celebration of Life Included
George Tadder, wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa
Eldred- George Tadder of Eldred, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at home.
Born in Coudersport, PA, on September 19, 1958, the son of the late Clifford and Lucinda Burdick Tadder. On August 20, 1958, he married the former Betty Gummo, who survives.
George attended Northern Potter Junior Senior High School. He went on to work for the Daily Bread Cafe in Port Allegany. George was a member of the Old Man Coffee Club. He enjoyed a good game of pool and was the biggest bullshitter you ever met.
George is survived by his wife, Betty (Dolly); his sons, Wayne (Angela) Tadder and Trevor (Morgan) Tadder; five wonderful grandchildren, one great-grandchild; three sisters and four brothers.
He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Lucinda, and one brother.
There will be a Celebration of Life for George on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eldred Township Firehall on Windfall Rd in Eldred.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. to Host Red Feather Awards Dinner April 30
Bradford, PA — The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. (UWBA) will host its annual Red Feather Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, at The Bradford Club. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The evening will feature a light hors d’oeuvre buffet, live music by Jim Ronan, and recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations whose service and generosity continue to strengthen the Bradford community. Tickets are $25 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Made Fresh Salads, Inc. Recalls Assorted Flavors of Cream Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk
Made Fresh Salads, Inc. of Bay Shore, NY is recalling assorted flavors of cream cheese because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which 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, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Kardinal Estate & Tag Sale Company 2 Day Estate Sale In Smethport
2 Day Estate Sale!
February 27 and 28 Friday & Saturday 9am to 5pm
343 Christian Hollow Rd. Smethport, PA
Barrel furniture, beverage signs & goods, Pyrex, Corning, books, vintage toys, water bed, CDs, dressers, antique bedroom set, shelves, kitchen items, glassware, colored glass, holiday decor, GI Joe tent, stereo, desks, office items, Fair memorabilia, Tupperware, collectible items, country star autograph pictures, home goods, dining set, silverplate items, and much more.
