The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code RED Air Quality Alert for all of Central Pennsylvania for Thursday, July 16th.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert for all of Central Pennsylvania for Friday, July 17th.
Wildfire smoke from Ontario Canada and Minnesota will enter the Commonwealth from north to south this afternoon and linger through Friday.
Everyone may experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more HDserious health effects.
For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles, visit www.airnow.gov, and www.aqpartners.state.pa.us.
The July Young Artisan Class will be held Thursday, July 23, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. This class is open to students in grades 2 through 6. Snacks and materials will be provided. The cost is $25 per student. By student request, participants will paint mini canvases using acrylic paint, squeegees, and paint brushes.
Beginner Watercolor Class will be held Friday, July 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Recommended for ages 14 and up, this class will cover basic watercolor techniques, how to use different watercolor materials, and ways to create a desired effect with materials on hand. The subject will be “Painting Clouds.” All materials will be provided. The class fee is $35.
Master quilt maker and teacher Brenda Bonzcar will lead Learning to Sew, on August 3 – 5, a three-day intensive introductory course for beginners. Classes will meet from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. Students will complete several projects during the course. All materials and equipment will be provided. The class fee is $75.
The Potter County Artisan Co-op is seeking sponsors and vendors for the upcoming Falling Leaves Festival. Contact the Co-op for vendor applications or sponsorship information.
To register for these classes or events, please call the Potter County Artisan Co-op at (814) 274-8165. The Co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Looking for an activity while visiting the area? The Potter County Artisan Co-op can arrange a private group class for you and your friends at a convenient time. Please call ahead or message us on Facebook to schedule.
Events and classes are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Elk County Council on the Arts, state agencies funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Richar Insurance & Tags is seeking a friendly, dependable, and motivated individual to join our team. We are a locally owned insurance agency and a Full Agent PennDOT Messenger Service, providing a wide variety of services to our community. This full-time position offers a diverse workday with opportunities to learn insurance, PennDOT title and registration work, and notary services. If you enjoy working with people, have strong computer skills, and take pride in providing excellent customer service, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
Assist customers in person and over the phone
Process PennDOT title transfers, registrations, and messenger service transactions
Prepare and review documents for accuracy
Perform general office and computer duties
Assist with insurance customer service and policy processing
Maintain a professional, courteous, and organized work environment
Qualifications
Strong computer and keyboarding skills
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced office
Pennsylvania Notary Public preferred, or willingness to obtain a commission
Insurance experience or a Pennsylvania Property & Casualty license is a plus, but not required
Willingness to learn and become licensed in Property & Casualty insurance
Dependable, professional, and a team player
What We Offer
Competitive pay based on experience
Paid vacation and paid holidays
No evenings or weekends
On-the-job training
Opportunities for professional growth and licensing
A stable, family-owned business serving the community for many years
No experience with insurance or PennDOT services? That’s okay. We are willing to train the right person who has a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a desire to build a long-term career.
Interested applicants should submit a résumé and any relevant qualifications or certifications forconsideration.
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for travel. Whether heading to the beach, visiting family, camping, taking a cruise, or traveling internationally, a little planning can help prevent common illnesses that can quickly derail a trip. While many travel-related illnesses are mild, some can lead to dehydration or the need for medical care, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Plan Ahead Before You Go
For international travel, health preparation should begin several weeks before departure. Some vaccines or preventive medications need time to work, and recommendations can vary by destination, activities, medical history, and length of stay. Pre-travel consultations are available and tailored to a traveler’s health status and destination, including guidance on immunizations, medications, safety precautions, and what to do if illness develops during or after travel.
HARRISBURG (July 15, 2026) – As the July 24 deadline rapidly approaches, Pennsylvania’s prosecutors are putting pressure on the General Assembly to enact legislation to address the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision regarding second-degree murder in Commonwealth v. Lee.
The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association says legislative inaction is dangerous because:
As Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, said “Failing to act would leave our communities and victims without needed protections.” Defendants convicted of second-degree murder present a threat to public safety and the legislature is responsible for creating a lasting framework for the criminal justice system to follow;
Doing nothing will result in an inequitable sentencing scheme. For example, if the deadline expires without a new law, juvenile offenders will face harsher mandatory penalties than adult offenders;
If the cost to resentence more than 1,000 cases is placed on the county district attorney’s offices and public defender offices, it will be an overwhelming cost burden for county taxpayers; and,
Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania Executive Director Sara Jacobson agrees that uniformity is important. She says without a legislative fix, the disparity of resources county to county will lead to a “justice by geography” situation. (Spotlight PA, July 14, 2026)
As a prosecutor and former defense attorney, Berks County District Attorney John Adams said, “I have been on both sides of this issue, so I know it by heart, and I know it through experience.” He says prosecutors want to see legislation that offers appropriate sentencing alternatives for cases that don’t warrant life in prison but keep the possibility open for those that do.
The PDAA is committed to continuing to seek justice for crime victims and their families, and we implore the legislature to act. The clock is ticking.
Mansfield, Pa., July 15, 2026 – UPMC is offering free skin cancer screenings in Mansfield and Westfield. These screenings are offered by appointment only at the following locations and times:
Thursday, July 23 416 S. Main St., Mansfield 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 154 Church St., Westfield 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Screening appointments are limited. Results will be given immediately, along with recommended follow-up if needed. Call 570-723-0716 for an appointment at either location.
Harrisburg – The PUC will hold its regular public meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 on the second floor of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.
Livestream of the Public MeetingThe PUC will be streaming video of its regularly scheduled public meetings live on its website.
Public Meeting AgendaHere is the link for the Public Meeting Agenda for July 16, 2026.
Archived Audio and VideoA link to the archived audio will be accessible at the Public Meeting Video page and will be posted shortly after the conclusion of the public meeting.
For more information about the PUC visit our website at puc.pa.gov.
Sandra J. Baker, age 80 of Galeton passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. Born February 13, 1946 in Westfield, she was the daughter of the late Asaph L. and Evelyn B. (Lewis) Allen.
Sandy graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School, Class of 1964. She worked at many places, the Green Home, Preschool in Galeton and the Westfield Tannery. She married Earl Baker on June 10, 1967 and they shared 59 years together. Not having any children of their own, the community was their family; volunteering their time at the Westfield Christmas parade, whether it was being Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus or riding a float, Christmas was their favorite. She was a lifelong member of the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, a dedicated member of Clymer Township Volunteer Fire Company, Galeton Ambulance, Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Company and an EMT, where she had the honor of delivering four babies, 2 being born on her birthday.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Earl; brother, Steve Allen; nephew, Jake Allen and two great nieces, Ashley Kae and Mikarra Shea Allen.
A Celebration of Sandy’s Life will be held at Harrison Valley Alliance Church, 217 E. Main St., Harrison Valley on Sunday, July 19th at 3:00PM with Pastor Kevin Cornish and Allyn Baker officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Sandy’s honor to the Crary Hose Fire Company, c/o Christmas Parade, 429 E. Main St., Westfield, PA 16950 or to the Westfield Historical Society, c/o Christmas boxes and tree, 151 W. Main St., Westfield, PA 16950.
Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Westfield.
Virginia M. O’Brien, 94, of West Washington Street, formerly of Rockland Ave., passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving children, at Olean General Hospital.
Born February 9, 1932, in Bradford she was a daughter of the late John Henry and Leonora A. (Derrick) Quirk. She was a 1950 graduate from St. Bernard School.
On September 8, 1956, in St. Francis of Assisi Church she married John E. “Jack” O’Brien who died October 14, 2004.
Virginia worked for Emery Hardware, and later for 19 plus years as a cashier at CVS until retiring in March of 1994.
She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, and Rosary Altar Society, enjoyed gardening and her greatest joy in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Deborah A. Bennett, 75, of Looker Mountain Trail, Rixford, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born on February 17, 1951, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late John and Helen (Nuhfer) Hepfer.
She was a 1969 graduate of Otto Eldred High School.
On June 27, 1969, she married Thomas D. Bennett who survives.
She was a clerk for the United States Postal Service in Rixford for 26 years.
Deb was a member of the Otto Township Ladies Auxiliary for 37 years, the Greater Bradford Senior Activities Center and a volunteer as a poll worker for the McKean County Board of Elections. She enjoyed baking cakes, making candy,crocheting, and helping the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She never missed an event for her kids or grandchildren. She loved playing cards with everyone, and looked forward to Friends Night every month.
In John 15:13, Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” After reading this verse, I wondered whether I had friends who would do that for me—and whether I was that kind of friend to others.
From what I’ve observed, men don’t often have close friends. If we have any at all, it’s usually just one or two. We are often the kind of creatures who don’t confide in others. We keep our thoughts to ourselves and rarely share our fears, emotions, dreams, hopes, or wishes. If we’re hurting, we hurt in silence. Yet we can also be deeply devoted and won’t hesitate to jump into the fray to help a brother out. But here’s the interesting part: we may not always do it out of expressed love, but out of instinct, loyalty, and nature.
The other day, I received a phone call from someone I hadn’t heard from in years. It was someone I used to see regularly, but when he retired, things changed. That’s the way it is with many relationships: life changes, and relationships change with it. The interesting thing is that I had kept up with what was going on in this person’s life because of social media. Although we didn’t talk, we quietly peeked into each other’s lives through that thing we call Facebook. As we talked, he shared that I had been important in his life and that he was trying to reconnect with people who mattered. That reminded me of what Jesus said about “no greater love.” Maybe it is not only about laying down your life for another person in a dramatic moment. Maybe it is also about taking time out of your life to reach out by phone and say, “Hey, you’re important.” So where does it go from here?
The next step is that we’re going to have a meal together. This time, I’ll be the one reaching out to set it up. It’s easy to think of someone, but it’s another matter to reach out and connect. Yet that is what loving others is all about. I liken it to living without regrets—in other words, never having to say, “I wish I had.” Think about it.
BRADFORD – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will once again host a series of Senior Citizens Expos to provide area seniors and their family members and caregivers convenient access to a wide range of information in one convenient location.
“This is a great opportunity for our senior citizens and their caregivers to connect with service providers here in the area,” Causer said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of what the expos have to offer.”
The events will be held as follows:
Bradford: Friday, Aug. 7, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Campus Drive, Bradford.
Kane: Friday, Sept. 11, at the Kane Community Center, 46 Fraley St., Kane.
Roulette: Friday, Oct. 9, at the Roulette Fire Hall, 12 River St., Roulette.
Each event is free to attend and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided and door prize drawings will be held at each event.
Causer is encouraging businesses, agencies and organizations that offer services to senior citizens to take part in the expo to connect with potential clients. Exhibitors share information about health care, insurance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial planning, fraud protection, government services, hunting/fishing, personal safety and more. Health screenings will also be offered.
For more information about the senior expos, or to register as an exhibitor, contact Causer’s Bradford office at 814-362-4400. Information is also available at RepCauser.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepCauser.
Richar Insurance & Tags is seeking a friendly, dependable, and motivated individual to join our team. We are a locally owned insurance agency and a Full Agent PennDOT Messenger Service, providing a wide variety of services to our community. This full-time position offers a diverse workday with opportunities to learn insurance, PennDOT title and registration work, and notary services. If you enjoy working with people, have strong computer skills, and take pride in providing excellent customer service, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
Assist customers in person and over the phone
Process PennDOT title transfers, registrations, and messenger service transactions
Prepare and review documents for accuracy
Perform general office and computer duties
Assist with insurance customer service and policy processing
Maintain a professional, courteous, and organized work environment
Qualifications
Strong computer and keyboarding skills
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced office
Pennsylvania Notary Public preferred, or willingness to obtain a commission
Insurance experience or a Pennsylvania Property & Casualty license is a plus, but not required
Willingness to learn and become licensed in Property & Casualty insurance
Dependable, professional, and a team player
What We Offer
Competitive pay based on experience
Paid vacation and paid holidays
No evenings or weekends
On-the-job training
Opportunities for professional growth and licensing
A stable, family-owned business serving the community for many years
No experience with insurance or PennDOT services? That’s okay. We are willing to train the right person who has a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a desire to build a long-term career.
Interested applicants should submit a résumé and any relevant qualifications or certifications forconsideration.
