James L. POLLOCK, 61, of Mills, PA, died Sunday, September 27, 2026 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, NY. Born April 30, 1965, in Coudersport, PA, he was the son of Clifford and Mary Ann Johnson Pollock, Jr. On June 2, 2024, in West Pike, he married Tobi Renee Darrington Furman, who survives.
He was employed by Kevin Risser for many years and was a self-employed logger and salvage dealer. James was a member of Tioga County ABATE.
Surviving besides his wife, Tobi, are: four children, Jessica (Shawn Rowland) Wright, Crystal (Dan) Thomas, Holly Pollock, and Steven (Shawna) Pollock; seven step-children, Charles Johnston, Jackie Hauber, Dustin Lamphier, Josh Button, Elizabeth Rice, Chad Hicks, and Danielle Stiles; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four siblings, Dennis (Erika) Pollock, Susan Mills, Jennifer (Asa) Drake, and Rosella “Sam” (Martin) Morales; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Randy C. Pollock; a sister, June C. Mastin; a nephew, Jonathan D. Pollock; and a niece, Samantha M. Morales.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Monday, October 5, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Funeral Services following at 11:00 AM. Rev. Kevin Cornish will officiate.
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Master of Social Work Alumni Network celebrated its 10th annual Pamela J. Cousins Excellence in Social Work award Friday, honoring clinical social worker and therapist Jennifer Moore of Kane.
Moore was nominated by her fellow alumna Cassie Kreckel of St. Marys for her endeavors in clinical social work practice, teaching, and mentoring. In her nomination, Kreckel said, “We all enter this field hoping to make a real difference in people’s lives. Jennifer embodies that hope. She consistently strives to help her clients, her students, and her fellow social workers grow and become the best versions of themselves.”
BRADFORD, Pa. — The City of Bradford Police Department has filed charges against Antwon L. Jacobs following an encounter on September 23, 2026.
According to the criminal complaint, Officer Colby Keane saw Antwon L. Jacobs AKA: Baby J, walking in the Chestnut Street area at approximately 2:58 p.m. Keane was aware of an active McKean County Adult Probation arrest warrant for Jacobs. The complaint alleges that, after Keane advised Jacobs of the warrant and told him he was detained, Jacobs fled on foot. Keane pursued and took him into custody.
Police allege that Jacobs had approximately 10.21 grams of crack cocaine (Schedule II) Controlled Substance packaged in 22 individual baggies, along with two packages containing marijuana.
Jacobs was charged with possession with intent to possess and deliver a controlled substance, flight to avoid apprehension, evading arrest or detention on foot, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use.
Magistrate Richard Luther remanded Jacobs to McKean County Jail on $125,000 cash bail.
The charges are allegations. Jacobs is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
PennDOT’s online survey is open until October 20 for Pennsylvanians to submit feedback.
Under the Shapiro Administration, more than 21,800 miles have been improved statewide, and work has advanced on nearly 2,000 state and local bridges.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 20 by visiting 2026 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey.
AUSTIN, PA—Doris C. Fowler, 98, a lifelong resident of Austin, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Born at home on Friday, July 13, 1928 in Austin, she was a daughter of Fraley J. and Edith G. Allison VanWhy. On February 9, 1949 in Coudersport, she married Bernard D. Fowler, who passed away in August of 1954.
Doris was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1946. She was employed by Sylvania in Emporium and later was employed for about 50 years at Emporium Specialties in Austin, retiring in 1996. She later decided to start working again at Emporium Specialties remaining there until well into her 80’s. Doris served for many years on the school board in Austin. In her earlier years she had been employed by many people, doing odd jobs —- sewing, cleaning their homes, and ironing. She had also been employed as a waitress at the VFW in Austin.
She was a member of the former Austin United Methodist Church, now God’s Country Global Methodist Church in Austin. She was a member of the former Mecca Chapter #217 OES in Austin. Earlier in life, she was a member of a bowling league in Austin. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and flowers. Later in life she enjoyed attending family reunions and visits from friends and family. She enjoyed thrift shopping, reading her Bible and telling stories of days gone by. Doris’ greatest love was her family.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Bernard “Mike” Fowler, Fred “Joe” Fowler, and Dawn M. Crosby, all of Austin; four grandchildren, Joy Oliver, Bernard “Bernie” Fowler, Mary Jo Fowler, and Barry Fowler; three great-grandchildren, Brandon Fowler, Olivia Clester, and Marrin Clester; several nieces and nephews, including Mark VanWhy, Fred VanWhy, Debra Reese and Cheryl Burgett; and several grandnieces and grandnephews, including Ike VanWhy, Theron VanWhy, and Eddie VanWhy.
In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was predeceased by four sisters, Aldean Cochran, Norma Roseman, Lucille Cochran, and Nadine VanWhy; and four brothers, Otis Davenport, Fred VanWhy, Edward VanWhy, and Donald VanWhy.
Family and friends are invited to attend a brief graveside service at 3:30pm on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Forest Hill Cemetery, Austin. Pastor Todd Lamer of God’s Country Global Methodist Church, Austin, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Joy Oliver, 182 Rockey Rd, Loganton, PA 17747, for the purchase of a headstone to honor Bernard and Doris.
Doris entrusted her funeral 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 Doris, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Allegany, NY Robert J. Salmonson, 94, formerly of N. Fourth St., passed away Monday (September 28, 2026) at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Olean. He had been a resident of the Pines for the last several years.
Born March 10, 1932, in Olean, he was the son of C. Arnold and Rita Gerringer Salmonson. On October 19, 1957, he married Margaret Mitchell, who preceded him in death on February 14, 1960. On January 11, 1969, at the United Methodist Church in Shinglehouse, PA, he married Barbara R. Halleck. She passed away on July 4, 2022.
Robert was a graduate of Allegany Central School and later received a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. He enlisted in the US Army and served from 1953 to 1955, having achieved rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the artillery unit during the Korean War.
He worked at many businesses, including the former A&P Market in Olean, the Howard Dana Insurance Co. in Rochester after his military service, and taught business courses for a short time at Corning, NY High School. When he returned to the Olean area, he worked as an assistant manager for the former Loblaws Store from its opening in 1961 until 1974. At that point, he worked for the next twenty years as a timekeeper for Dresser Clark Co. until his retirement in 1994.
Robert was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Allegany and served as its former treasurer, as an usher, and sang in the choir. He bowled in a local league for several years and enjoyed hunting and fishing. More recently, he enjoyed doing word search puzzles.
He leaves behind his three daughters, Kathryn R. Salmonson of Allegany, Julie (Keith) Glover of Allegany, and Beth (Danny) Fuller of Shinglehouse, PA; 7 grandchildren, Stephanie (Mitch) Rozansky, Ashley (Tyler Walters) Foster, Halley Glover, Heidi (John Cook) Estes, Thomas Estes, Gregory Estes, and Samantha (Tyler) Jones; four great-grandchildren, Abbi Glover, Lola Glover, Amelia Thompson, and Lincoln Jones; a sister-in-law, Sara Halleck of Olean; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Salmonson; a sister, Elsie Schultz; and a brother-in-law, David Halleck.
The family will receive friends on Monday (October 5, 2026) from 1-3pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A memorial service will begin at 3pm in the funeral home. Rev. John Kearns, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, will officiate. Urn burial will follow next to his wife Barbara in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse, PA.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at The Pines that have cared for and loved Robert over the years.
Memorials may be made to the Allegany Fire Dept., ATTN: Donations/Memorials, 188 W. Main St., Allegany, NY 14706, Allegany Rescue and EMS, 10 N. 1st St., Allegany, NY 14706, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 36 N. Fourth St., Allegany, NY 14706, or to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Dr., Suite 310, Buffalo, NY 14221.
The Bradford Chamber Foundation and Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Autumn Auction on Thursday, October 8, at The Bradford Club, bringing together local businesses and community members for an evening of dinner, bidding, and fun.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the auction begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and include dinner, music from DJ Benzo and signature drinks available for purchase.
Richard A. “Dick” Parson, 82, of St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026.
He was born October 9,1943, in St. Marys, son of the late Harvey and Josephine Sosmiski Parson. He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1961, and a proud veteran of the United States Army. Dick worked for Stackpole Carbon for thirty-five years and was the owner of Parson Excavating. Following retirement, he and a co-worker started McKean Magnetics, where they enjoyed making magnets out of their little building in Kane.
Dick is survived by his sister, Nancy Holowecky of Hopewell, VA; two nieces: Laura Harbin (Ken) of Stroudsburg, PA and Christine Holowecky Bowen of Prince George, VA; and two nephews: William Parson (Melissa) of Easton, PA and Allen Holowecky (Beth) of Naples, FL.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Rev. Donald Parson, Robert Parson, and Arthur Parson; longtime companion, Alice Feldbauer; sister-in-law, Kathleen Parson; and brother-in-law, Gene Holowecky.
Dick was a simple man with a kind heart and a kind word for everyone he met. He was proud of his service to his country and believed in giving back to his community where he was a former member of the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. He took a special interest in the young people around him. As a mentor, he offered encouragement, friendship, and guidance, always willing to listen and share a few words of wisdom.
One of his greatest joys in his life was bringing happiness to children with special needs. With his accordion in hand, he would play for them, sharing music and moments of pure joy. His willingness to give his time and talent reflected the kindness that defined him.
He also enjoyed nature as an avid fisherman and hunter and especially enjoyed the time in the woods spent with his nephews and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 12:00PM with Rev. Ignatius Camello, celebrating. Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 10:00AM until 11:15AM.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
HARRISBURG – Kicking off the fall legislative session, members of the PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus (AHT) today applauded two monumental legislative victories for victims, law enforcement and survivors.
Requested and fully supported by the Office of Attorney General, Act 41 of 2026 (Senate Bill 45) increases criminal penalties for those who prey upon vulnerable individuals who have been groomed, manipulated and forced into “The Life.” This new law relocates most prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code and places these offenses them under the jurisdiction of the Office of Attorney General.
Clarence L. “Babe” Gerg, 86, of Toby Road, Kersey, PA, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at his home in the presence of his beloved wife when the Lord called him home.
He was born on September 15, 1940, in Dagus Mines, a son of the late Gerald and Anna Bauer Gerg.
On April 23, 1960, in Daguscahonda, he married the love of his life, Margaret Viola Prechtl, who survives. Together they shared more than 66 years of love, memories, and laughter.
He attended school in Kersey. He worked 39 years at Quality Components in Daguscahonda and then Metaldyne in Ridgway, where he retired. Prior to that, he worked in construction.
Babe enjoyed NASCAR racing, loved to hunt and fish with family, and enjoyed watching baseball games, along with football. He was a member of the Kersey Eagles for many years.
Babe was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always caring and there to help others when in need.
In addition to his wife of 66 years, Margaret Prechtl Gerg, he is survived by one daughter, Debbie Anderson and her husband Ken of St. Marys; three grandchildren, Jason Anderson and his wife, Chaustin of Pleasant Gap, PA, Renee Huber and her husband, Josh of Volant, PA, and Kristen Jones and her husband, Josh of Weedville, PA; and by his seven beloved great-grandchildren, Esme and Isla Anderson, Raelyn, Elyse, and Everett Huber, and Shayla and Olivia Jones. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gerald “Buddy” Gerg, Jr. and Jerome Gerg; by two sisters, Kathleen Sorge and Marie Cameroni, and by his step-mother; Anna Gamarion Gerg. Babe was the last of his immediate family.
Heaven gained a remarkable man on September 25, as Babe completed his journey on Earth and went to his eternal rest.
Funeral Services for Clarence L. “Babe” Gerg will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM at the Krise Funeral Home, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 with Rev. Ron Burkett officiating.
Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Krise Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 10:30 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to the American Heart Association.
Krise Family Funeral Homes, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and memories, stories, and words of comfort may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Photo (Courtesy PFBC): Waterways Conservation Officer Seth Strawser empties a net full of Rainbow Trout into Holman Lake at Little Buffalo State Park, Perry County (October 2025).
HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 29) – Some of the best stocked trout fishing opportunities of the year are approaching on dozens of waterways across the Commonwealth!
Beginning October 1, 2026, and continuing through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will stock approximately 114,700 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout in 117 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will immediately replenish many popular fishing spots just as the fall season begins and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately.
(Washington, D.C., September 28, 2026) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Karl Elmshaeuser announced today $40 million to support technical assistance and training for rural water and wastewater systems across the nation.
“Creating access to technical assistance and training supports President Trump’s initiative to strengthen rural economies and empower our nation’s agricultural producers,” said Administrator Elmshaeuser. “The awards announced today will ensure American families have access to efficient, reliable water and waste disposal services.”
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) welcomed McKean County Fair Queen Rory Undercoffer to the state capitol on Monday, Sept. 28. Fair queens from across the state were in Harrisburg for Fair Queen Advocacy Day, which provides the opportunity for fair queens to meet with state legislators and advocate for the state’s agriculture industry. Undercoffer is a senior at Kane Area High School. She and Causer were joined in the House chamber by Undercoffer’s grandfather, Jim Lenaway, also of Kane.
“Firm updated the product information on September 26, 2026 in order to accurately reflect the recalled item.”
Important Information About Our Voluntary Recall
For generations, families have trusted Mezzetta products on their tables. We take that trust seriously, which is why we want to share what we know about a voluntary recall involving a specific lot of Mezzetta GOLDEN GREEK PEPERONCINI MEDIUM HEAT, 32-ounce, and the actions that we are taking.
We’re aware of a video circulating on social media showing a potential pest contaminant in a jar of Mezzetta GOLDEN GREEK PEPERONCINI MEDIUM HEAT, 32-ounce. We have contacted the consumer and have moved quickly to investigate the situation and initiate a voluntary recall.
At this time, we have received no reports of illness or injury.
