Owlett Congratulates Area Blue Ribbon School
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) today congratulated North Penn-Liberty Junior/Senior High School in the Southern Tioga School District upon being designated a Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School.
“Nothing is more important than building a brighter future for our kids, and I commend the teachers, administrators, parents and students at North Penn-Liberty for their hard work and dedication toward that goal,” Owlett said. “Your commitment to learning and growing is making a difference for our students and the community as a whole.”
North Penn-Liberty is one of only 12 schools honored with the blue-ribbon designation across the state. Schools selected for the honor demonstrate exceptional academic growth, ranking among the top 15% statewide for whole school improvement while showing progress for all student groups.
According to the state Department of Education, qualifying schools create inclusive learning environments, support student well-being through strong Student Assistance Programs, maintain high attendance and assessment participation rates, and meet rigorous standards for special education and accountability. In addition, they are safe, well-managed schools that are not identified for improvement or corrective action.
“We are blessed with some outstanding schools in our area, and I’m so pleased to see North Penn-Liberty recognized for its exceptional efforts,” Owlett added.
This is not the first time a school in the Southern Tioga School District earned blue-ribbon designation. In 2000, Liberty Elementary School was recognized under the federal Blue Ribbon School program.
Eugia US LLC (f/k/a Auro Medics Pharma LLC) Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection USP 1.25g/Vial-30mL (Single Dose Vial) Due to Presence of Particulate Matter
November 06,2026 – East Windsor, New Jersey, Eugia US LLC (f/k/a Auro Medics Pharma LLC) is voluntarily recalling lot number 3VM26026A of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection USP 1.25g/Vial-30mL (Single Dose Vial) to the hospital/healthcare facility/user level due to the presence of particulate matter identified as a glass particle inside the vial.
Risk Statement: There is a reasonable probability that use of product containing glass particulates can cause serious adverse health consequences such as blockage and clotting in blood vessels, which can cut off blood flow to vital organs, lead to a life-threatening blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause permanent organ damage or death. Additionally, these particles may cause local vein irritation, inflammatory reaction, aggravation of preexisting infections, and allergic reactions. Greater susceptibility may exist in neonates, infants and patients with compromised organ function. To date, Eugia US LLC has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
Shapiro Administration, Law Enforcement Agencies Highlight Safe Driving Around School Buses through Operation Safe Stop
Participating school districts and law enforcement agencies documented 196 violations near school buses during Operation Safe Stop, an increase from last year.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration released the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual, one-day school bus enforcement and education initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for students across the Commonwealth by curtailing violations of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law.
Operation Safe Stop is a one-day targeted enforcement and education event where law enforcement officials and participating schools documented drivers violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, emphasizing the frequency of these violations and highlighted the importance of driving safely around students and school buses.
Pitt School of Dental Medicine Receives $9.4 Million in Rural Health Transformation Funding to Expand Regional Training Centers
PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine announced on Nov. 9 that it has received $9,428,042 in Rural Health Transformation Plan funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support its Regional Training Center initiative, which trains oral health care providers in rural communities where access to dental care is limited.
Federal fiscal year 2025-26 funding will be shared with training center partners in Bradford, Titusville and Johnstown. The Pitt regional campuses at Bradford and Titusville will receive funding for the equipment for simulation labs on each of the campuses. The centers’ partners, Universal Primary Care in Bradford, Titusville Area Hospital and Hyndman Area Health Center in Johnstown each receive a portion of the funding for dental equipment and equipment for radiology, digital dentistry and sterilization and to renovate their facilities to support the training programs. A portion of the funding will stay with Pitt Dental Medicine to support salaries and administrative costs of operating the educational programs.
Dorr A. “Bud” PERKINS, 91, of Wellsboro, PA
Dorr A. “Bud” PERKINS, 91, of Wellsboro, PA, formerly of Ulysses and Westfield, died Sunday, November 8, 2026, in his home. Born November 10, 1934, in Ulysses, he was the son of Dorr L. and Frances Young Perkins. On January 13, 1951, he married the former Edna M. Empson, who predeceased him on February 14, 2018. Bud and Edna owned and operated a potato and dairy farm in Ulysses for many years. Bud also logged with a team of horses.
Surviving are: three children, Gary (Teresa) Perkins of Coudersport, Kenneth J. (Tammy) Perkins of Ulysses, and Carla Baumgarner of Wellsboro; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; two brothers, Clayton (Debbie) Perkins of Beaver Dams, NY and Leon (Erma) Perkins of Rush, NY; a sister, Sally (Edward) Clopper of Greencastle; and many extended family and friends.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a son, Terry L. Perkins; a daughter-in-law, Melody Perkins; and five siblings, Arnold K. “Skip” Perkins, Raymond Perkins, Dorothy Culver, Thomas Lloyd Perkins, and Jack Carl Perkins.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 4:00 PM. Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948, or Ulysses Cemetery, P.O. Box 176, Ulysses, PA 16948. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Joanne S. ARMSTRONG, Wellsville, NY, Formerly of Scio
With profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Joanne S. Armstrong, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend. Joanne peacefully departed this world on November 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at the Hart Comfort House after bravely facing chronic health conditions.
Born February 26, 1944, in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of Charles and Anita Strobel. Her childhood was enriched by their love and the presence of her brother, Robert. From a young age, Joanne displayed an insatiable curiosity and a profound love for learning, which she nurtured throughout her life. In 1967, Joanne married her beloved husband, Donald M. Armstrong, in a union that spanned decades, filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. Together, they raised five remarkable children and were blessed by her grandchildren. Spending time with family was the highlight of her days.
Joanne pursued an education in teaching, earning her bachelor’s degree from Mansfield University. Her career as an educator began in Hornell, but she soon found her true calling in Wellsville, where she spent the majority of her professional life. Teaching at the Martin Street School alongside her mother was a source of great pride and joy for Joanne. She often remarked that she never worked a day in her life because teaching was her passion, not just a profession.
After retiring in 2002, Joanne continued to make a difference in her community as a Parent Advocate at ARA’s FACT and FOCUS Program. Her commitment to helping others did not end with her professional career. Joanne was a dedicated volunteer at the Allegany County Office for the Aging. She also was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church Dorcas Guild, where she expressed her creativity and compassion by making quilts for families in need. Joanne was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved the simple joys of sitting on her porch, watching the beauty of nature unfold with her chickens, trees, and flowers. She was a gifted crafter, always eager to explore new projects and ideas.
Throughout her life, Joanne faced numerous challenges with strength, determination, and an unwavering positive outlook. Her kind and empathetic nature touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was the glue that held her family together, a source of wisdom and comfort, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
Joanne was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Robert Strobel; her sons, Patrick Armstrong and Sterling Armstrong; and her husband, Donald M. Armstrong. She is survived by her children, Anita Mattison (Wallace Eaton), Aaron (Rachel) Armstrong, and Christine (Jeff) Gabler; eight grandchildren; and her cousin Janet (John) Vargo, whom she cherished like a sister.
A private ceremony will be held to honor Joanne’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hart Comfort House in her memory. Joanne’s family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Joanne S. Armstrong’s legacy is one of love, learning, and service to others. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends, and she will be dearly missed but forever remembered.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Michael “Mickey” ROBBINS, 66, of Bolivar, NY, Formerly of Batavia
Michael “Mickey” ROBBINS, 66, of Bolivar, NY, formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Jones Memorial Hospital following a very brief illness. Born December 22, 1959, in Batavia, he was the son of Sandra Bunnell and Carl “Mike” Robbins. He was an avid sports and Buffalo Bills fan, enjoyed fishing, being around family and friends, land oved to cook. Mickey was always trying to help someone.
Surviving are: a son Justin (Valene) Hoover of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren, Skylo, Starlette, Rocky, and Indigo, all of Cape Coral, FL; stepdad, Dennis Bunnell of Belmont; siblings, Roxanne Robbins of Caledonia, Carrie (Clifton) Eliot of Zephyrhils, FL, and Anna (Richard) Claypool of Bolivar; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and paternal grandparents, Kenneth (Helen) Gartley, Leo (Ella) Robbins.
There will be no prior services. A gathering to celebrate Mickey’s life will be held privately for family and friends on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a drug treatment facility of your choice or Horizons Health Services, 314 Ellicott St, Batavia, NY 14020.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Constance L. “Connie” Galeotti, 86, a Longtime Resident of Keating Summit
Constance L. Galeotti “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister”
KEATING SUMMIT, PA—Constance L. “Connie” Galeotti, 86, a longtime resident of Keating Summit, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Wheaton’s Personal Care Home in Westfield, after a long illness.
Born on Monday, September 30, 1940 in Ridgeway, she was a daughter of Thomas and Irene Fullcomer Pitts. In Austin, she married Louis H. “Lou” Galeotti, who survives.
Connie attended Emporium High School. She owned and operated Connie and Lou’s Market in Keating Summit from 1963 until 1977.
She enjoyed fishing and camping.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband; a daughter, Melody A. (Duane) Heller of Denver, NC; a son, Thomas L. (Trish) Galeotti of Coudersport; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, William D. Pitts of Warren, Ohio.
In addition to her parents, Connie was predeceased by three sisters, infant Doris Irene Pitts, Barbara Ann Crawford, and Alice McClimans; and two brothers, Donald Pitts and John Thomas Pitts.
In keeping with Connie’s wishes, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Connie’s name may be made to a SPCA of the donor’s choice or to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Connie entrusted her care and cremation arrangements 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 Connie, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Travis A. Marsh “celebration of life slated”
AUSTIN, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Travis A. Marsh, 39, of Austin, formerly of Coudersport, from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Coudersport American Legion, 2 Buffalo Street, Coudersport. Food will be served after the celebration.
Travis passed away on August 5, 2026.
Travis’ 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
Shawn Joseph Metcalf, 57, of Shinglehouse, PA
Shawn J. Metcalf “a devoted father, son, veteran, outdoorsman, and follower of Jesus”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Shawn Joseph Metcalf, 57, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA, surrounded by his family as he walked into the arms of our loving Savior Jesus Christ.
Born on May 2, 1969 to Joseph and Deborah Metcalf in Wellsboro, PA, Shawn was raised in Clara Township where he graduated from Oswayo Valley High School in 1987. A dedicated individual with a strong work ethic, Shawn applied his skills across various roles over the years. He served the Borough of Shinglehouse for 21 years, as well as holding positions with Eaton and Keystone Tool & Die. He also lent his expertise to plumbing, electrical work, general handiwork, and many other skilled trades. He proudly served his country in the military, stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base from 1988 to 1996, deployed to Diego Garcia in 1990 for Desert Storm, and worked on B-52 Electronic Weapon Systems. He lived a life defined by his Christian faith, service, and fierce love for his family and animals.
A deeply loving father and a devoted man of faith, Shawn found immense peace in nature. He was an avid outdoorsman with a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and beekeeping. His dedication to his fellow veterans was unwavering, reflected in his strong advocacy and support for the LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve.
Shawn is survived by his parents, Joseph and Deborah Metcalf; his beloved children, Zachary Thomas (Rebecca Lauren) Metcalf, and Hannah Rose (Jordan Douglas) Swartwout; his grandson, Graham Thomas Swartwout; his brothers, Brian (Julie) Metcalf, and David (Kendra) Metcalf; many loved nieces and nephews; and his loyal service dog, Riley Ann.
Family and friends are invited to come and celebrate Shawn’s life starting at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, in Faith Bible Church, 8137 Main, Little Genesee, NY. Pastor Jerry Clark will officiate, with an invitation for loved ones to share personal memories. Shawn will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Thursday at the church.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shawn’s may be made to LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve, please visit their website at savaw.org and click donate now or checks may be made out to LEEK Preserve, 494 SR 244 East, Oswayo, PA 16915 or to Little Mahoning Bible Camp, 1051 Alabran Rd, Smicksburg, PA 16256. Donations may be made on their website at lmbible.org/donate or checks may be made out to Little Mahoning Bible Conference.
The family has tenderly entrusted Shawn’s arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, owner and funeral director of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home in Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Shawn, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
2027 HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT
Open Enrollment is November 1 – December 15, 2026!
Now is the time to explore your health insurance options for 2027. Through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can complete an application, compare available plans, and find out what coverage and savings you or your family may qualify for.
Important Deadline: Enroll by December 15, 2026, for coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
To get started, you will need to create an account and complete an application to see the plans and potential savings available to you.
For official information and enrollment assistance, visit:
Health Insurance Marketplace:
https://www.healthcare.gov/
Learn About Lower-Cost Coverage and Income Requirements:
https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/
This public service announcement is provided to help inform the community about the 2027 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period. Visit Healthcare.gov for complete details and eligibility information.
2026 Gift of Memory Program Underway
Kevin and Patty Dusenbury and their granddaughter, Gwynne (also The Boys!!) of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, announce that the Gift of Memory Program, which benefits Potter County’s Christmas House in Coudersport, is now underway for the 26th year!!
Through Dusenbury’s business, residents can contribute presents in memory of their deceased loved ones to the Christmas House, which distributes gifts to over 1,200 Potter County children and elderly during the holidays. In the past 25 years, gifts too numerous to count were collected at the funeral home and presented to the Christmas House for distribution to needy families. Those wishing to make donations of new, unwrapped toys or gifts can call Dusenbury at 814-697-6570.
Donations will be collected until Friday, December 4, 2026.
The Dusenburys are hoping that the less fortunate children of Potter County, through the Christmas House, will receive gifts from the many generous donors who support this program.
PFBC LAKE HABITAT SECTION CHIEF HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS
HARRISBURG, Pa. (November 9) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is pleased to announce that Ben Page, PFBC Lake Habitat Section Chief, has been honored by the Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership (RFHP).
During an awards banquet in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on September 23, 2026, Page received the RFHP’s Friends of Reservoirs Award, honoring “outstanding contributions, leadership, and continued commitment to the Partnership and its mission of improving fish habitat in reservoirs throughout the United States.”
Page, who has been employed by the PFBC since 2006, holds a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State University.
Link to RFHP announcement: LINK
Gregory B. Pavone, 71, of Bradford
Gregory B. Pavone, 71, of Bradford, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, surrounded by his wife and daughters, at Buffalo General Hospital.
Born April 27, 1955, in Allegany, NY, he was the son of the late Gregory P. and Carol A. (Napolione) Pavone.
Greg was a 1974 graduate of Allegany High School and a graduate of Buffalo State College with a degree in Business Administration.
On September 16, 1989, at St. Bonaventure Parish, he married Robin L. (Cousins) Pavone, who survives.
Greg had been employed at Dressser Rand, and later at SKF Aeroengine as a Senior Account Representative, retiring in 2017, after 28 years of service.
Greg was a member of St. Bernard Church, the Knights of Columbus Council in Allegany NY, and the St. Bonaventure Golf Course.
He had a true love for the game of Golf and cherished the many hours he spent on the course with his golf partner Bob and his friends. Some of the greatest memories were made on the fairway. Greg and his wife enjoyed trips to the casino together. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandson Vincent, who brought endless happiness and love into his life. He treasured every moment, every laugh, and every memory they shared. He rarely went out without his faithful four legged companion, Fred Mertz Pavone by his side. He cherished him very much. He loved the Buffalo Bills, and the Buffalo Sabres were his favorite.
Surviving, in addition to his wife Robin of 37 years, are two daughters, Nikki (Stephen Joblon) Pavone, of Bradford, and Megan Pavone-Martin and her husband Cody Martin, of Eldred, and one grandson, Vincent Gregory Joblon.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main Street in Bradford.
Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10 am at St. Bernard Church with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor as Celebrant. Committal services and burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to 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
TUESDAY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Team Up with West Virginia, Ohio to Remind Travelers to Drive Sober and Slower this Holiday Season
Claysville, PA – On Tuesday, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carrol and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troop B Commanding Officer Captain Jeremy Barni will gather with representatives from neighboring states at the Welcome Center at Washington in Claysville to kick off Operation Safe Holiday, reminding drivers throughout both states to wear their seat belts, drive sober, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel this holiday season.
The statewide “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving Enforcement Mobilization began on November 9 and runs through November 30. The Holiday Season Impaired Driving Campaign begins November 25 and runs through January 1.
WHO: Mike Carroll, Secretary, PennDOT
Captain Jeremy Barni, Troop B Commanding Officer, PSP
Jack McNeely, Director, West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Office
Lt. Todd Henry, Ohio State Highway Patrol
WHEN: TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 10 at 10:00 AM
WHERE: Washington County Welcome Center, Claysville, I-70 eastbound (5 miles east of PA/WV border)
RSVP: Media interested in attending should RSVP with the name of the reporter/photographer to emstambaug@pa.gov.
Charles E. Hoyt, 88, of Bradford
Charles E. Hoyt, 88, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Olean General Hospital.
Born on January 16, 1938, in Jamestown, NY, he was a son of the late Leon H. and Margaret M. (Taraska) Hoyt.
Chuck was a graduate of Wilcox High School. He then enlisted in the United States Army on November 6, 1956 until his honorable discharge on November 5, 1969.
On June 9, 1978, in Warren, Charles married Kathlyn “Kay” (Carter) Hoyt, who preceded him in death on August 12, 2026.
He worked at the Tannery in Wilcox, drove logging trucks, and drove tanker trucks for Crosset for over 20 years. After he retired, he began driving school buses and drove for the ATA.
Chuck was a member of Masonic Lodge 749 F&AM. Enjoyed drag racing and hunting.
Surviving are four daughters, Melissa Hanson, Lacy Fink, Lisa Rumich and Chrissy Hoyt, three sons Todd Hartman, Chucky Hoyt and Wayne Hoyt, 13 grandchildren, Abigail Fink, Sean Fink, Luke Fink, Brandon Hartman, Seth Hartman, Anthony Hanson, Colton Hanson, Austin Hanson, Ashley Lindemuth, Dixie Eschrich, Stevie Eschrich, Shania Eschrich and Vincent Rumich, three great grandchildren, Akiya Swanson, Blake Lindemuth and Carter Lindemuth.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and two grandsons, Charles J. Fink and David Swanson.
At the family’s request, there will not be any public services.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Dorr A. “Bud” Perkins, 91, of Wellsboro, PA
Dorr A. “Bud” PERKINS, 91, of Wellsboro, PA, formerly of Ulysses and Westfield, died Sunday, November 8, 2026, in his home. Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
