At the June 29, 2026, meeting of the Coudersport Rotary Club, held at the A&W West End Grill, members took a fascinating journey into the club’s own history through a presentation by guest speaker Jane Heimel-Metzger.

Heimel-Metzger, who retired from Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in 2008, continues to pursue her passion for writing and local history. As the granddaughter of Coudersport Rotary founder William Delos “Golly” Fish, she shared the remarkable story of how her grandfather helped establish the Rotary Club of Coudersport more than a century ago.

Fish was co-owner and publisher of The Potter Enterprise and was deeply committed to strengthening the Coudersport community. In the summer of 1923, while having lunch at the Yellow Bowl Tea Room, he struck up a conversation with a traveling Rotarian. Inspired by what he learned about Rotary’s mission of community service, Fish contacted Rotary International to determine whether a town the size of Coudersport could support a club. Describing the encounter years later, Fish wrote, “A Rotary seed found fertile soil in Coudersport in the summer of 1923. It fell but did not germinate until early in 1924. It then took root and quickly became a healthy plant.”

Working with members of the Wellsville Rotary Club, Fish organized local business and community leaders, and on March 31, 1924, the Rotary Club of Coudersport officially received its charter. The club’s first meeting was held in the pavilion at Mitchell Park, marking the beginning of more than 100 years of service to the Coudersport community.

Heimel-Metzger also shared the story of her grandfather’s attendance at the 1924 Rotary International Convention in Toronto, where he represented the newly chartered Coudersport club as its delegate. Because the club had only recently been organized, Fish became the youngest Rotary delegate at the convention. A historic photograph featuring the convention’s youngest and oldest delegates was published in Rotary Magazine, bringing national recognition to Coudersport.

Throughout his life, Fish chronicled the people, businesses, and events that shaped Potter County through his weekly newspaper column. He believed a hometown newspaper was more than just a source of news, writing, “It is the close personal touch that makes the weekly newspaper the institution it is in the hearts and minds of readers.” That same commitment to community inspired his work with Rotary and many other civic organizations.

William Delos Fish passed away in 1969 at the age of 94, but his vision lives on through the Rotary Club of Coudersport, which continues to serve the community more than 100 years after its founding.

Rotarians thanked Heimel-Metzger for preserving and sharing this important chapter of the club’s history, reminding members of the vision, leadership, and spirit of service that have guided Coudersport Rotary since 1924.

(Photos: Youngest Rotarian, Wm D. Fish of Coudersport from the August 1924 Issue of The Rotarian; guest Jane Heimel-Metzger)

​Williamsport, Pa., July 2, 2026 – A program that helps heart patients rebuild both strength and confidence now has a space designed to match its impact. UPMC Williamsport recently celebrated the completion of a major renovation and expansion of its Cardiac Rehabilitation gym with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The upgraded space provides a safer, more efficient environment for patients recovering from heart attacks, surgery, and other cardiac conditions. The program offers personalized, medically supervised exercise plans led by nurses and an exercise physiologist.

Galeton Celebrates the Nation’s Birthday – Despite the rain during the day and evening, the Galeton Fireworks Committee again wowed the Galeton community and the thousands of visitors who came to Galeton for their 4th of July fireworks display.  The surrounding area of the lake was lined with cars, as were the grassy areas where blankets and tents were placed to view the event.  Every imaginable area in Galeton was used as a parking area for the visitors. This annual event is held on the first Saturday of July, and this year, it was helping the nation celebrate its 250th birthday – Happy birthday, America! 

(Local Government)
Potter County Mental Health/ID
County Fiscal Officer 1

Posting Dates: June 23, 2026-July 6, 2026

Potter County Area Agency on Aging

Aging Case Aide 1
Aging Case Aide 2
Aging Care Manager 1

Posting Dates: June 23, 2026-July 6, 2026

Apply at: www.employment.pa.gov
Applicants may call 814-544-7315 with questions.

Potter County Human Services is an Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer

POSITION VACANCY

The Coudersport Area School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of School Nurse effective with the 2026-2027 school year.

Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, PA certificate, PA Standard Teaching Application, Act 24, 31, 34, 151, and 168 clearances, references (3 current, professional), resumé, and transcripts to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by July 9, 2026 or until the position is filled.

POSITION VACANCY

The Coudersport Area School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of HS Math Teacher effective at the end of September 2026. Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, PA certificate, PA Standard Teaching Application, Act 24, 31, 34, 151, and 168 clearances, references (3 current, professional), resumé, and transcripts to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by July 9, 2026 or until the position is filled.

Twila J. Barger, 84, of 81 Fairview Heights, Bradford, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Olean General Hospital.

Born January 4, 1942, in Lafayette, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Daisy (Garvin) Newhouse. She was a 1961 graduate of Bradford High School.

On November 17, 1962, in Limestone she married Ralph E. Barger who preceded her in death on December 24, 2010.

Twila was employed at Minard Run Oil Company. Airco Speers, Case Cutlery and she was a lifetime housewife and mother.

Twila enjoyed camping, bingo, games, the casino, and most of all spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are two daughters, Marjorie (David) Schoonover, of Scranton, and Donna (Dan) Green, of Bradford, two sons, Ralph (Amy) Barger, of Bradford, and Kenneth Barger, of Bradford, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Twila was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph of 48 years, one daughter, Julie A. Gorrell who died December 27, 2017, three sisters, June Zuccolotto and Catherine “Jo” Miller and Carolyn Carr and one brother, Richard S. Newhouse, and several nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday July 8, 2026, from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Avenue, at 6 pm funeral services will be held with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor of St. Bernard Church officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Michael D. TAYLOR, 64, of Port Allegany, PA, died Saturday, July 4, 2026 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.  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.

Ella Todd DUNN-ROSKOS, 89, of Smethport, PA, died Sunday, July 5, 2026 in her home.  Arrangements 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.

Environmental Education Programs

Weekend of July 10^th & 11^th

Program Title: Eliot Ness Museum Road Tour

Date: Friday, July 10^th

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Campground Amphitheater

The National Weather Service in State College has issued a * Flash Flood Warning c.  C cc"for...Northern Potter County in north central Pennsylvania...
  Northern Tioga County in north central Pennsylvania...

* Until 700 PM EDT.

* At 401 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Mansfield, Elkland, Shinglehouse, Westfield, Genesee, Millerton,
  Harrison Valley, Keeneyville, Tioga, Knoxville, Ulysses,
  Roseville, Oswayo, Osceola and Tioga Junction.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

In hilly terrain, hundreds of low water crossings are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or
creeks.

On July 5th Morris Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Rt. 287 for a two vehicle crash with possible injuries and one vehicle is smoking

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies invites our communities to reflect not only on our nation’s history, but also on the values that continue to strengthen our towns, shape our future, and bring people together.

For 250 years, America’s greatest strength has been the willingness of ordinary people to do extraordinary things for their neighbors and their communities.

Williamsport, Pa., July 1, 2026 – UPMC Muncy and UPMC Wellsboro have been named among the cleanest hospitals in the United States by earning 5-star ratings for cleanliness from Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services’ Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient survey. These top cleanliness scores are part of ongoing federal hospital quality ratings and reflect direct patient feedback about the condition and upkeep of patient rooms and hospital facilities.

“Cleanliness doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of staff across our hospitals looking out for one another and for our patients every day,” said Ron Reynolds, president, UPMC Wellsboro and UPMC Cole. “Our environmental services teams work hand in hand with our clinical staff to create a space where patients can focus on healing. This recognition really belongs to those teams who take pride in the details and show up every day with that shared commitment.”

The five-star rating reflects the steadfast commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for patients and families. These top cleanliness scores are part of ongoing federal hospital quality ratings and reflect direct patient feedback about the condition and upkeep of patient rooms and hospital facilities. Clean, well-maintained facilities are more than just an aesthetic concern — they are a critical part of preventing infection and promoting healing.

“Patients may not always know every role of their care team, but they feel the difference a clean, well-cared-for environment makes,” said Andrea Reed, president and CNO, UPMC Muncy. “This honor reflects how closely our environmental services and clinical teams work together to care for the whole patient. It’s a true team effort, and I’m so proud of how our staff supports one another in delivering that experience for every patient, every time.”

To learn more about UPMC in North Central Pa., go to UPMC.com/NorthCentralPa.

OLEAN, NY — Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, welcomed community members, donors, caregivers and supporters to celebrate the reopening of the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center on Tuesday, June 30, marking a major milestone for local cancer care and a renewed investment in the future of patients across the region.

A few years ago, I was asked what I had done for a living. I answered by giving an overview of the professions I had worked in. The next day, I thought about what I had said the night before and realized that, if I looked at the different professions I had worked in, it all came down to a simple idea. I fixed things.

The three major professions I have worked in and draw a pension from are: 15 years with the phone company, fixing lines and service problems; 20 years in mental health, working with the chronically mentally ill and providing family and individual counseling; and, finally, 20 years as a Pastor, which covered a wide range of assessing needs, providing care, and assisting in the walk of faith. All of these involved some aspect of fixing things. 

Over the past year, I have come to realize that caregiving is part of my nature. Caregivers often help repair what is broken, but they must also learn to set boundaries because needy people can drain them. It is not our job to fix everyone. Instead, we help others take the reins and begin healing. In truth, we walk alongside them on life’s path, but we cannot walk it for them. There is also a danger of falling into codependency while helping others. If you’re not sure what that might look like, it’s when people in your life create a need that gives you purpose. Codependency also means putting the needs of others above my own. If you’re codependent, you’ll probably find yourself in one of these three areas: Caretaker, Enabler, or Controller. Although I have learned that I do fix things and enjoy that aspect of my life, I have also learned that fixing things can stem from wrong motives. That’s why codependency is such a danger. A simple prayer for anyone who embarks on the path of helping others is found in Ps 139:23, “Search me, God, and know my heart.” If you’re embarking on an unhealthy road, ask God to reveal that to you. Think about it.

Kayla Keen, RN 
Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, UPMC Williamsport

Fireworks are a familiar part of summer celebrations, especially around the Fourth of July, but they are also explosive devices that can cause serious injuries in seconds. Trauma and burn experts regularly caution that fireworks-related injuries can include severe burns, permanent scarring, loss of vision, and injuries to the fingers, hands, and face. Even smaller fireworks and novelty items can be dangerous when they are handled at home, used too close to others, or treated like toys.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave them to trained professionals and attend a public display from a safe distance. If fireworks are used at home where permitted, adults should take the risk seriously, follow local laws, read all instructions, and keep children well away from the area.

Sunday, July 5th , 2026

9:00 AM, 10:30 A.M., and 12:30 P.M. -Pontoon Tours of the Stevenson Reservoir-Join park staff for a relaxing and informative tour around the lake, as we cruise the shoreline of the George B. Stevenson Reservoir in search of wildlife. Group size is limited. To reserve a seat, please pre-register. Registration is not required but is strongly recommended. Register online or by calling the park.

Meets at: Lake Day Use Area

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa., June 25, 2026 – UPMC in North Central Pa. honored local student-athletes at the 2026 Student Athlete Perseverance Awards (SAPA) ceremony, hosted by UPMC Sports Medicine. The annual event recognized students from across the region for the determination and resilience they showed in recovering from injuries or other setbacks and returning to play with a positive attitude.

“The SAPA ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the grit and determination these student-athletes showed throughout their recovery journeys,” said Michael Ludwikowski, manager, Athletic Training and Development, UPMC Sports Medicine in North Central Pa. “Their commitment, along with the support of their families, coaches, schools, and care teams, helped them overcome challenges and continue pursuing the sports they love.”

The 2026 SAPA honorees are:

• Bucktail Area High School – Kylie Lebo
• Central Mountain High School – Ricky Rohrbach
• Cowanesque Valley High School – Max Millard
• Hughesville Jr./Sr. High School – Dylan McConnell
• Jersey Shore Area Senior High School – Zeke Sechrist
• Loyalsock Township High School – Ryan Lingg
• Montgomery Area High School – Logan Joy
• Montoursville Area High School – Jacob Schon
• Muncy High School – Nathan Rogers
• North Penn-Liberty/North Penn-Mansfield – Ryder Breon
• South Williamsport Jr./Sr. High School – Maddie Pinkerton
• St. John Neumann Regional Academy – Zairek Gohl
• Sullivan County High School – Zoey Reese
• Wellsboro High School – Mason Nowak
• Williamsport Area High School – Trace Town
• Williamsport Area High School – Zion Hughes
• Williamson High School – Barrett Heyler

Honorees are selected by certified athletic trainers who work closely with students throughout the school year and witness firsthand the effort it takes to recover, rehabilitate, and continue competing.

The Champions Cup is an additional, fun award set up in a “points for winning district and state titles” format. All UPMC-contracted schools elect both boys’ and girls’ interscholastic teams they think will have successful athletics seasons for the upcoming year. The schools that accumulated the most points throughout the year were awarded a traveling trophy cup they can display for the upcoming school year. 

This year’s Champions Cup recipients were: Small Division – Montgomery Area High School; Large Division – Hughesville Jr./Sr. High School.

UPMC Sports Medicine provides comprehensive care for athletes of all ages across north central Pennsylvania, including injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play support. To learn more about sports medicine services available in the region, visit UPMC.com/SportsMedicineNCPA.

On July 5th Coudersport Fire Department was dispatched to E. Second St. for an automatic alarm

Galeton Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday – in photo is Brooklyn United band and Dancing Unit which participated in our celebration. 

Units ranged from floats, antiques tractors and cars to dog and horse units, and local fire departments.  Photo by Andy Lychalk