David C. SMOKER, 69, of Gold, PA
David C. SMOKER, 69, of Gold, PA, died Friday, February 27, 2026 in UPMC Williamsport. Born October 18, 1956, in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of J. Ivan and Elsie Metzler Smoker.
On March 25, 1978, in Mills Union Church, he married Kathleen Jo Hess, who predeceased him on April 25, 2025. A 1975 graduate of Northern Potter High School, he earned an associate’s degree in diesel mechanics from Williamsport Area Community College.
Dave worked on the family farm with his father and brothers, Dennis, James, and Kevin, until 1998. He and his wife owned and operated Smoker Excavating, Inc., retiring in 2024. Dave was a member of Gold Church. He served on the Northern Potter School Board for 16 years.
PennDOT To Restrict Certain Commercial Vehicles On PA Interstates, Other High-Traffic Roadways Ahead Of Winter Weather Forecast For Tuesday
Drivers urged to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel during freezing precipitation.
Go to 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the most up-to-date information on weather impacts and vehicle restrictions.
Harrisburg, PA – Ahead of freezing precipitation forecast across Pennsylvania on Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is planning to implement vehicle restrictions across Pennsylvania’s Interstate network and on some other high-traffic roadways. Drivers are advised to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel if possible and to exercise caution when driving.
In areas without salt residue on the roadway from previous storms, PennDOT may pretreat with salt brine, essentially a mix of water and salt, from the backs of anti-icing trucks before frozen precipitation starts to fall. Salt brine isn’t appropriate for every storm, but when it’s used it helps prevent precipitation from bonding to the road and gives the department a jump start on removing ice and snow.
Restrictions are planned for certain vehicles during the storm, and will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Drivers can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions permit. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT personnel.
The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 3:00 AM on Tuesday, March 3, in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-80 from I-79 to Exit 173.
- I-99 entire length.
The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, March 3, in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-80 from Exit 173 to the New Jersey border.
- I-81 from I-78 to the New York border.
- I-84 entire length.
- I-180 from I-80 to U.S. 220.
- I-380 entire length.
- U.S. 322 from I-99 to I-81.
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
- Tractors without trailers.
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
- Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.
- Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.
- Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.
- School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches without available chains or another approved Alternate Traction Device on board.
- Motorcycles.
Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles when conditions warrant, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.
While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if drivers must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:
- Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
- Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
- Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
- Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
- Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
- Use your defroster and wipers.
- Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
- During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
- Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
- Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
- Always buckle up and never drive impaired.
- Have an emergency kit handy. Here are some suggestions of what you could include in your emergency kit.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways. Eleven of the people who died weren’t wearing a seat belt, and 17 of the fatalities were in crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane.
For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
Drivers can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts or subscribe to news in a specific county or region. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM NY ALERT
Winter Weather Advisory issued March 2 at 12:02PM EST until March 3 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations around a light glaze.
* WHERE…In New York, Steuben County. In Pennsylvania, Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties.
* WHEN…From 7 AM to 7 PM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…After an initial period of snow and freezing rain, temperatures will warm above freezing into the mid-30s for the valley locations Tuesday afternoon, with some pockets of subfreezing temperatures lingering over the higher elevations.
INSTRUCTIONS: Slow down and use caution while traveling.
In New York,
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can beobtained by calling 5 1 1.
In Pennsylvania,
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission remind motorist to adjust speeds based on driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania roadways. Visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadways, and traffic conditions.
Genevieve May Silvis, 97 of Coryville
She was born on March 31, 1928 in Carrollton, NY; a daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Mosher Mattocks.
She attended Olean, NY schools.
On January 22, 1949 in Olean; she married Clifford T. Silvis who preceded her in death on December 15, 2011.
She was a member of the Coryville Church of Faith and she was a volunteer with the Eldred World War 2 museum for many years. When she was younger, she used to sell Avon, bowl at the former Smethport Bowling Lanes and volunteer for the former Home Extension. She enjoyed going for walks, working in her flower bed and she loved visiting with people.
Paul Edward Keller – “celebration of life slated”
Paul Edward Keller “celebration of life slated”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Paul E. Keller, 82, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Sweden Valley Grange, 129 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport.
Please join Dad/Papa’s family for an afternoon of a small luncheon, socializing, and sharing loved memories. Dad/Papa loved to sit and share his favorite memories with everyone. We would love to hear your memories of him.
Paul’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
Eris L. Hogue, formerly of Bradford and Bradenton, FL
Eris L. Hogue, formerly of Bradford and Bradenton, FL, passed away, Monday March 2, 2026, while at her daughters home in Seneca where she had resided the last couple of years.
Born in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Eve (Daubenspeck) Latham. She was a 1941 graduate of Bradford High School.
On January 11, 1942, in Allegany, NY, she married Kenneth W. Hogue who died May 30, 2007.
For 28 years she worked at Corning Glass as an expediter.
Eris formerly attended the Derrick City United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Starlite Bowling League, a member of Bradford Women of the Moose and a member of the Red Hat Society. She had also been a Girl Scout Leader.
Surviving are three sons, Kenneth C. (Lynn) Hogue, Gregory L. (the late Deborah) Hogue and Jeffrey A. Hogue all of Bradford, one daughter, Karen L. (the late Sam) Smith of Seneca, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ken, three sisters, Jean Stiable, Josephine Latham and Erla D. Whitehill and one grandson, Todd M. Hogue.
Friends will be received on Friday, March 6, 2026, from noon to 1:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, 33 South Avenue where funeral and committal services will be held at 1:00 pm, with Fr. John Jacquel, Pastor of St. Bernard Church, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials if desired may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Brett A. Hilliard, 65, of West Washington Street, Bradford, PA
Brett A. Hilliard, 65, of West Washington Street, Bradford, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, at UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie.
Born August 30, 1960, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Ronald Lee and Donna J. (Hallock) Hilliard Sr. Brett was a 1978 graduate of Bradford High School.
On September 7, 1985 in Bradford, he married Julie (Cobb) Hilliard who survives.
Brett was employed as a Rural Route Driver for the Bradford Era for over 35 years.
He was a member of Eagles Club, and a former member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed watching Western’s especially Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Movies.
Surviving is his wife Julie, they were together for over 50 years, one son, Brett A.Hilliard Jr., of Bradford, one granddaughter, Addison Hilliard, three sisters, Helen Hilliard, of Marienville, Shelley Hendryx, of Rew and Kathy Yehl, of Bandera, TX, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Ronald Hilliard, and Gregory Hilliard.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 33 South Avenue. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to No Feline Left Behind P.O.Box 783, Bradford PA 16701, or the Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
NORTHERN TIER SEARCH & RESCUE – “READ ACROSS AMERICA”
Northern Tier Search & Rescue spent Monday 3/2/26 reading to Galeton School District Students to kick off “Read Across America”.
Local Galeton resident Louise Sztenderowicz with K9 Hank and Jordan Leete with K9 havoc from Coudersport are a part of the Northern Tier Search and Rescue team based out of Morris, PA.
Lousie was glad to read a book about all types of working dogs, while Jordan led Hand and Havoc to greet the kids with paws. Kids from grades pre-school to first grade were thrilled to learn about what Hank and Havoc do when looking for lost people. Louise stated “Our K9’s loved all the attention and high fives and it was a great opportunity to share and teach the kids about what we do and most importantly what to do if they are lost”. We are grateful for the invite from Galeton School District Principal Mrs. Sarah Graber and look forward to doing this again.
Causer to Hold Satellite Office Hours
State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) will hold his satellite office hours on Thursday, March 5, at the following locations:
- Emporium Borough Office – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon.
Services available include assisting constituents with state-related issues or concerns, assistance with driver license and vehicle registration applications, and help in filling out applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE prescription drug assistance programs.
People who cannot make the satellite sessions may contact Causer’s offices in Bradford at 78 Main St., first floor, telephone 814-362-4400; or Coudersport, 107 S. Main St., Room 1, telephone 814-274-9769; or Kane, 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, telephone 814-837-0880. Information is also available at www.RepCauser.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RepCauser.
Teresa E. Siple, 72, of Sioux Falls, SD.
Teresa E. Siple “beloved mother and sister”
Teresa E. Siple, 72, of Sioux Falls, passed away with her loving daughter by her side on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, February 14, 1954, in Cumberland, Maryland, she was a daughter of Arthur L. and Eileen V. Isner Siple.
She was a graduate of Fort Ashby High School in Fort Ashby, West Virginia. Teresa honorably served in the US Army for 22 years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. She loved her time spent in the military.
Teresa loved to crochet, read, and swim. Her greatest loves were her family, friends, and her cat, Roman, who was her fur baby.
Left to cherish her memory are two brothers, Preston (Unsuk) Siple, retired US Army, of Salado, TX and Sidney (Cynthia) Siple of Fort Ashley, WV; her stepdaughter, Ashley M. Smith of Kane, PA; three grandchildren, Cory Lancaster of Franklin, PA, Jeremy Lancaster of Philadelphia, PA, and Luke Tamayo of Cranberry, PA; and her best friend and honorary sister, Marsha Gifford of Keyser, WV.
Teresa was predeceased by her parents.
A graveside celebration of life for Teresa will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Fort Ashby, WV.
Memorials in Teresa’s name may be made to an animal care sanctuary of the donor’s choice.
Teresa’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Teresa, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Beef Jerky Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for beef jerky products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products may contain soy lecithin, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
St. Marys Area Middle School 7th Graders Explore Local Manufacturing
The Community Education Center’s DISCOVER Partnership, in collaboration with St. Marys Area Middle School (SMAMS) and local manufacturers, offered their Intro to Manufacturing Program for 7th-grade students. The program is designed to introduce students to manufacturing careers and processes, educating and inspiring the next generation while strengthening the future of our local manufacturing industry.
Esther May Weimer, 97, of Roulette
Port Allegany – Esther May Weimer, 97, of Roulette, passed away Thursday (February 26, 2026) at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
She was born July 3, 1928 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Frank and Letha (Shelley) Manning. On February 9, 1951, at the EUB Church in Port Allegany, she married Rayburn A. “J-Bird” Weimer, who died July 23, 2012.
Mrs. Weimer attended Wright’s and Liberty Schools in Port Allegany, and she was a homemaker, tending to the needs of her family. She also was instrumental in helping her husband with their dairy farm and logging business.
Esther attended the Sartwell Creek Union Church in Burtville, PA.