Constance L. Curcio, 76, of Kloss Lane, Bradford, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at Bradford Manor.
Born February 9, 1950, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Victor I. and Savina Beatrice (Bretherton) Smith. She was a 1968 graduate of Bradford High School.
On June 1, 1988, at the home of her mother, she married Robert A. Curcio, who preceded her in death on November 23, 2024.
For many years, Connie was employed at the Bradford Regional Medical Center; prior to her retirement, she worked in the Emergency Room Admissions.
She enjoyed gardening, bowling, cooking for her family, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.
Surviving is one daughter, Rhonda K. Shinabarger, of Bradford, two sons, Steven (Stacy) Walb, of Summerfield, Fl, and Kevin (Stacy) Walb, of Ocean Springs, MS, six grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Conniee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bob, of 36 years, three sisters, Leana Simmons, Barbara J. Smith, and Florence Tyger, and one brother, Grant V. Smith Sr.
There will be no public services observed. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., Bradford.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to American Diabetes Association PO BOX 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.
Nancy Jo Silvis, 78, of Bradford, passed away in the early morning of October 8, 2026, in the company of her loving family.
Nancy was born and raised in Bradford and was a 1965 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
Nancy found joy in many simple things: playing card games, watching Animal Planet, listening to music, weekend shopping trips to her sister’s, and spending time with her family. She adored her granddaughters and played a large role in their lives. She especially loved hosting them for sleepovers throughout their childhood. She was also a devoted and loving dog-mom to her cockapoo, Meesha. When Nancy wanted some excitement, she enjoyed taking trips to her family’s camp on Cuba Lake, often playing card games around the table into all hours of the night, laughing and sharing stories and memories with family members. She also loved going to the casino, playing bingo, shooting pool, and bowling.
Nancy will be remembered by her loved ones for many things, including her homemade meatballs, her strawberry dessert she made for every holiday, her love for all animals and yes, even her Diet Mountain Dew and her cigarettes. Above all, she will be remembered for her sense of humor, her quick wit, and the way she so easily made others laugh and feel loved.
Nancy leaves behind her beloved husband, David, with whom she shared 47 years of love and friendship. Nancy often described David as her “prince,” noting how well he treated her after she had to “kiss a few frogs before she met him.” David was the most devoted caretaker for Nancy in her last few years. Their love serves as an example of selflessness, true love, and friendship.
Also surviving are Nancy’s cherished daughter, Shannon (Chuck) Ridenour, and her granddaughters, Jade Ueblhear, Jennifer (Kennedy) Cratty, and Jeana Ruffner, as well as one sister, Linda (Bill) Wilson and one stepsister, Cindy Bigly, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Lama, her father, Olin D. Louk Jr., her stepfather, Ralph “Yak” Lama, her stepmother, Sandra Remington, one stepsister, Kathy Stokes, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nancy’s life on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Avenue in Bradford, with visitation beginning at 1pm, followed by a memorial service officiated by Catrina Leamon starting at 1:30pm.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to No Feline Left Behind or the McKean County SPCA.
Thomas Clayton DUNN, 67, of Coudersport, PA, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, in his home. Born February 15, 1959, in Coudersport, he was the son of Guy G. and Donna A. Nelson Dunn.
A 1977 graduate of Coudersport High School, Tom worked as a beloved farrier for many years, serving customers throughout the surrounding area. When health issues required him to give up shoeing horses, he continued working alongside his brothers in their businesses. He helped Mike maintain his rental properties and supported Roger in all aspects of farming, always willing to lend a hand to his family. Tom especially enjoyed spending time with his horses, Jet, Thunder, and Sundancer. Over the years, he also participated in many Eastern Primitive Rendezvous. A lifelong sportsman, Tom spent countless hours hunting and fishing, particularly cherishing time in the woods with his brothers and nephews. He also devoted many hours to tracking with his beloved dog, Oreo. Tom will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his dedication to his family, and the many years he spent working with horses.
Surviving are: four siblings, Nancy (David) Bittler of Westminster, MD, Michael (Marcia) Dunn of Coudersport, Roger (Kerry) Dunn of Coudersport, and Kenneth (Linda) Dunn of Clayton, NC; ten nieces and nephews, Kimberly Bittler (Ralph Triquart) of the Netherlands; Michael Dunn of Coudersport, Jeremy Bittler of Westminster, MD, Amy Donna Bittler of Columbia, MD, Guy Dunn of Cumberland, MD, Jessica Dunn of Edison, NJ, Kyle Dunn of Jasper, NY; Cal Dunn of Jasper, NY, Laura Dunn of Coudersport, and Allison Dunn of Clayton, NC. He was predeceased by his parents.
A gathering to celebrate Tom’s life will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Tri-Town Fire and Ambulance Hall, 810 S.R. 49, Ulysses, PA, from 4:00 – 5:00 PM, with a brief service at 5:00 PM. Rev. Allen Long will officiate. Refreshments will be served after the service. Burial will be in Raymond Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Potter County Fair.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Thomas G. PLATKO, 81, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Bradford, died Friday, October 9, 2026 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. Born November 12, 1944, in Bradford, he was the son of George and Helen Michalski Platko. On October 3, 1992, in Bradford, he married Catherine Kelly, who survives.
A 1965 graduate of Bradford Area High School, he was employed by Zippo Manufacturing in Bradford for 40 years. Tom was an avid Penn State and Buffalo Bills fan. Go Bills! He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bradford, Zippo Golf League, various bowling leagues, and basketball leagues. In 2008, he was honored as Bradford Owls Basketball fan of the year. His grandchildren affectionately called him Tom Tom and Papa Tom. He faithfully attended their school and extra-curricular activities and called them his “super stars.” He watched for reports of their cross country and track accomplishments in the newspaper.
Surviving besides his wife, Cathy, are: three daughters, Kelly (Chris Suttrich) Fish of Allegany, NY, Kate (John) Vinelli of Bradford, and Kara (Cody) Anderson of Alma, NY; three grandchildren, Madison Vinelli, Charlie Vinelli, and Addy Anderson; a sister, Rose Sloter of Bradford; and two nephews, Tim (Heather Costello) Sloter of Bradford and Kevin (Linda) Sloter of Alabama.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 2:00 PM. Rev. Joseph V. Dougherty will officiate. Memorials may be made to the McKean County SPCA or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Nancy E. Hetrick, 89, of Harrison Avenue, Johnsonburg, passed away at her home on Friday, October 9, 2026 surrounded by her family.
She was born on August 31, 1937, to the late Sidney P. Bennett Sr. and Evelyn B. (Hatch) Bennett. Her birth was a very joyous occasion for her parents who had prayed for a child.
On October 23, 1976, she married Richard E. Hetrick, who preceded her in death on November 2, 2021.
Nancy proudly dedicated many years of her life to working for The Salvation Army, a role that reflected her caring heart and genuine desire to help others, before eventually retiring. Music was always a special part of Nancy’s life. As a child, she played in the school band and sang in the chorus, experiences she dearly loved and that showcased her natural musical talent. Above all else, Nancy loved Jesus as her Savior and carried her faith with her throughout her life. She treasured her family, had a tender heart for animals, and possessed a wonderful love for life itself. Nancy found joy in the people and simple blessings around her, and she will be remembered for her faith, her loving spirit, and the way she embraced life with a grateful heart.
Nancy is survived by seven children; Aimee (Wade) Coder of Ridgway, Cynthia Schutz of Glenville, GA, Lisa (Roman) Nieves of Oracle, AZ, Patrick (Tina) Hubbard of Bradford, Vicki Hetrick of Johnsonburg, Billie Jo (John) Ford of Dubois, and TaraLee Miller(Louis Day) of Ridgway, and Maggie Cherico whom she considered her adopted daughter, Five step-children; Denise Neal, David Hetrick, Christopher Hetrick, Shery (Tom) Chandler, Melissa (Kevin) Dixon, and their families all of Niagara Falls, NY, twenty-one grandchildren; Jason, Todd, Brian, Dona Jo, Kyle, Elizabeth, Jadd, Jake, Bernie, Timothy, David, Michael, Machias, Hannah, Dylan, Mercedes, Rebecca, Jaedon, Briana, Bridgett, and Johnny, and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren all of whom she adored and loved. She is also survived by three siblings; Roger Bennett, Doris Banks, and Sidney Bennett Jr., by two sisters in law; Carol Tickner and Dawn Langenfeld, and by her first husband; Dennis Hubbard Sr.In addition to her husband Richard and her parents, she was preceded in death by stepfather; Leo Bloom, stepmother; Ruth Bennett, her son; Dennis Hubbard Jr., one stepson; Richard Hetrick Jr., three grandchildren; Nichole Hubbard, Shane Miller, and Ethan Dixon, one great grandchild; Miracle Santos, two brothers; Gary Bennett and Baby Herky, two sisters; Beverly Holmes and Donna Carlson, two sisters in law;
Patricia Wilson and Susan Henderson, and by her nephew; Jeffery Langenfeld.
In Nancy’s passing she wanted everyone to know “She loved them and God Bless”.
Funeral Services for Nancy E. Hetrick will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Krise Funeral Home, with Captain Kathy Allen, Salvation Army chaplain, officiating.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Krise Funeral Home from 1:00 PM until the time of service.
Burial will be in Ott Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Rd., St. Marys, PA, 15857.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center St., Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Joan M. Brown of Boynton Beach, FL; formerly of Derrick City, died on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Born July 6, 1931 in Derrick City. She was the daughter of Sidney and Julia Allio Cummings.
On May 30, 1953 she married Richard L. Brown at the former St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church by the Rev. G. Carlton Ritchie. Richard preceded her in death on May 30, 2017.
Mrs. Brown was a graduate of the Bradford Area High School class of 1949. She attended classes at the University of Buffalo and graduated in 1952 from the Millard Fillmore Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse.
Working experience was at Fort Leonard Wood, MO; as a civilian RN during 1953-1954 until her husband was honorably discharged from the Army. She was transferred to Lock Haven Hospital while her husband attended Lock Haven College. In 1957 Mrs. Brown returned to Bradford with her husband and continued her nursing career at the former Bradford Regional Medical Center. In 1977 she worked as a Urology nurse until her retirement in 1993.
Mrs. Brown was a former member and past president of the Koffee Kup Bowling League. She was also a charter member of the Bradford Area Women’s Club where she held office as vice president and president. She was a member of the Bradford Ecumenical/Chapel Ridge Auxiliary where she also held the position of treasurer, a member of the 50+ Club of St. Francis Church, a member of the Red Hats Society, a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Women’s Club and its Resurrection Choir.
Mrs. Brown is survived by three daughters, Cynthia (Dan) Songer of Stephens City, VA, Mary Kay (Bob Maine) Brown of Elmira Heights, NY and Nancy (Stephen) Gallagher of Boynton Beach, FL; two sons, Steven (Hortenze) Brown of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Charles (Traci) Brown of Erie; one nephew, David (Julie) Cummings of Moscow, ID; special friend, Martha Lauzon of Florida; seven grandchildren, Melanie, Karen, Kristen, Anna, Sean, Simon and Amanda and ten great grandchildren, Ryan, C.J., Cole, Meghan, Carter, Colby, Christian, Ariyah, Parker and Macie Rae.
In addition to her parents and husband she was also preceded in death by one brother, James Cummings and his wife, Virgina Cummings, and one sister-in-law, Kathleen Brown.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. from 12:00 to 1:00 PM with a funeral service to immediately follow at the funeral home at 1:00 with the Rev. Edward Walk, senior associate pastor of the St. Bernard Catholic Church officiating.
Committal services and burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Bonna L. (Wareham) Burkhouse, 95, formerly of Totten Hollow, Bradford, PA, passed away peacefully at Chapel Ridge Assisted Living at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, surrounded in her final days by the love of her family and the caring staff who cherished her. Throughout her long and vibrant life, she was known for her unfailing appreciation, steadfast faith, ready wit, and deep love for her family.
Born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1930, in Sandy Lake, Bonna was the beloved only child of Charles and Bessie Wareham. Raised with affection—and a legendary family tale that her mother had found her “in a suitcase on a stump”—she grew up in the area, residing for a time in Knapp Creek. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1948 and soon after began working at the McCourt Label Company in Bradford.
On March 25, 1950, at Sawyer Evangelical United Brethren Church, she married James C. Burkhouse, Jr. who preceded her in death on January 5, 2020.
In 1964, Bonna attended cosmetology school, sharpening her new skills by practicing endlessly on her daughters’ bangs, urging them to “sit still” through haircuts that occasionally turned out a bit shorter than planned. Following her training, she opened Bonna’s Beauty Salon, a cozy one-station, two-dryer shop run right out of the back of the family home. Serving a faithful circle of regulars, she offered modest $2 and $3 permanent waves and weekly wash-and-sets. While tax time usually revealed she broke even at best, Bonna treasured every minute for the lifelong friendships and community connection the salon brought into her life.
Bonna later worked at Finer Floors and Furniture and National City Bank as a teller. Upon retirement she enjoyed wintering in Hempstead TX with her husband and Texas family.
Bonna was a woman of industrious creativity. Her home was a living canvas where horizontal surfaces were often happily devoted to projects—whether sewing, decoupaging, or hand-tinting black-and-white portraits for Olan Mills. She frequently sang a clear, beautiful alto while doing household chores, passing on a natural gift of harmony to her children. Her kitchen was famous for its unique culinary lore: she and her family often laughted about such legendary tales as cakes that survived rolling down the hill and her infamous “gingerbread gravy”—where she accidentally omitted sugar while making a ginger sauce. Family members also learned quickly never to trust the contents of a repurposed Cool Whip or I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter container in her refrigerator.
Her life was anchored by an unwavering faith. Bonna was the last surviving founding member of Sawyer Evangelical Church, established in 1969. Over decades of devotion, she taught Sunday school, served as Sunday school superintendent, sang in the church choir, and was an active, lively voice in the Care and Share class.
Together with her late husband, Bonna shared an adventurous spirit and a deep passion and support for mission work and travel. In their younger years, they rode with the “Bow and Arrow Gang” motorcycle group, proudly becoming only the second couple to cross the span of the Kinzua Bridge on motorcycles.
Their short-term mission travels took them across the world to Africa, Honduras, Italy, and Israel. As her later memory became more creative, she repeated an ever-evolving story of a harrowing flight she was on. In her later version, the pilot burst from the cockpit to stop a flight attendant from opening a cabin door at 30,000 feet because of smoke coming from the luggage compartment—saving the plane and its passengers.
Bonna loved camping, tending her flower beds, and spending time with her family. For 22 years, she and her husband spent their winters in Hempstead to be near their children and grandchildren—first staying in their camper before purchasing a winter home.
Above all, Bonna cherished motherhood and grandmothering. In early years she delighted in keeping her daughters home from school for the mildest sniffles just to spend extra time playing together. Her iconic, high-pitched morning wake-up call from the bottom of the stairs could rouse anyone from the deepest sleep. She loved all her grandchildren equally, making sure she was always near as they grew and flourished.
In her final years at Chapel Ridge and Bradford Ecumenical Home, Bonna was a light to those around her—never complaining, consistently expressively grateful, and constantly telling everyone around her that she loved them.
Surviving are three daughters, Susan (Bruce Winquist) Giannantonio of Humble, Texas, Jamie (David) Trask of Smethport, Kerrie (Mark) Pessia of Lewis Run, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday October 14, 2026, from 10 am to 11 am at the Sawyer Evangelical Church, followed by funeral services at 11 am with the Rev. Homer Williams officiating. Private burial will be in McKean Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Sawyer Evangelical Church or to the charity of your choice.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of October 12. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and while crews will be off Monday to observe the Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day Holiday, the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:
Bridge Maintenance & Cleaning
Route 346 at a bridge spanning an unnamed tributary to Foster Brook in Foster Township. Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Pennsylvania has some of the oldest bridges in the country, with an age of more than 50 years on average. Preventive maintenance is vital in extending the life of the structures. As such, PennDOT maintenance crews perform some bridge deck patching and structural repairs.
Joint and Crack Seal & Hot Pour Mastic
Route 59 starting at Route 4003 (Bingham Road) in Lafayette Township and continuing westbound approximately 18 miles to the McKean-Warren County line. Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
All of Route 4001 (Lafayette Avenue/Big Shanty Road). Thursday, October 15. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Crack sealing and hot pour mastic operations prevent water intrusion from seeping through cracks or joints in an asphalt road, which can lead to potholes and pavement breakup. They are proactive preventive maintenance strategies to prevent water from entering the roadways and accelerating the formation of potholes and other failures.
All of Route 1011 (Barnum Road) in Eldred Township. Tuesday, October 13. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Route 59 between Route 3009 (Roberts Road) and Riterville Road in Lafayette Township. Wednesday, October 14, through Friday, October 16. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Most permanent pothole patching is completed in spring or summer when temperatures stay consistently above freezing. Manual patching consists of filling potholes with warm mix asphalt using a shovel. It is then leveled and compacted. Mechanized patching consists of milling paving notches, cleaning the surface, applying tack to all edges to act as a glue. A paver then places warm mix into the milled paving notches, and a roller compacts the material. If patching was not performed, the damaged road surface would deteriorate further, and PennDOT would need to completely rebuild the road or perform more costly corrective measures.
Pipe Replacing & Cleaning
All of Route 2004 (Christian Hollow Road) in Norwich Township. Tuesday, October 13, through Friday, October 16. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
All of Route 3003 (Burning Well Road). Tuesday, October 13, through Friday, October 16. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Pipe replacement and cleaning are essential in maintaining water flow around state roadways. Controlling water flow is one of the most important aspects of maintaining pavements. Uncontrolled water flow will damage both the pavement surface and the area under the pavement, which causes deterioration across the length of the pipe.
This schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, emergencies, or other unforeseen interruptions.
(Washington, D.C., October 9, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced the obligation of $28 million in fiscal year 2026 funds through the Single Family Housing Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants program. As part of this effort, USDA redirected $7 million from underperforming Mutual Self-Help oversight contracts to direct grant awards. The funding enabled Section 523 grantee organizations to provide technical assistance and oversight, supporting the construction of 155 new homes through the Section 502 Direct Loan Program.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Rural Development delivered more than $28 million in Mutual Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants, supporting the development of 579 new housing units and the rehabilitation of 181 homes,” said Rural Housing Service Administrator George Kelly.
USDA Rural Development administers this funding through the Single Family Housing Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grant program. This program provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects. Grant recipients supervise groups of very low and low-income individuals and families as they construct or rehabilitate their own homes in rural areas.
For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making Rural Development’s investment data accessible to the public.
For more information about USDA Rural Development programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
Fiscal Year 2026 Factsheet: Record Processing Speed, Improved Credit Quality, and Full Multi-Year Deployment
(Washington, D.C., October 6, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has released its fiscal year (FY) 2026 fact sheet for the Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans program, also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program. In FY 2026, the program provided $571 million in affordable home loans, helping more than 2,100 very low- and low-income rural residents become homeowners. These investments reflect USDA’s continued commitment to using taxpayer dollars responsibly and improving program efficiency while expanding access to safe, affordable housing in rural communities.
Statutory Multi-Year Allocation and Operational Execution
Under Congress’s two-year funding structure for FY 2026-FY 2027, the Section 502 Direct Loan Program received a total of $1 billion. Of that amount, $750 million was made available for FY 2026 and $250 million was statutorily structured to carry over into FY 2027.
Even with the unexpected federal government shutdown that paused operations for several weeks, USDA Rural Development delivered strong results. In FY 2026, the agency provided $571 million in loans, about 76% of available funds, to help 2,115 families buy homes. The average loan amount was $269,000. These funds were obligated over only nine months, averaging $63 million per month. At that pace, a full 12 months of operations would have reached $762 million, slightly above the total funding available for FY 2026.
The full $250 million carryover amount remains untouched and will be used in FY 2027 to continue supporting homeownership in rural communities.
USDA Rural Development also redirected $7 million from underperforming Mutual Self-Help oversight contracts to direct grant awards. This shift gave Section 523 grantee organizations the resources they needed to help build 155 homes through the Section 502 Direct Loan Program.
Strengthened Credit Performance and Operational Efficiency
Rather than expanding high risk federal debt, USDA Rural Development prioritized strong fiscal discipline, lowering systemic taxpayer risk while expanding access:
25% Reduction in First-Year Delinquency Rates: USDA improved financial literary support for applicants and strengthened credit screening. As a result, first-year delinquency rates dropped 25%, falling from 3.82% in September 2025 to 2.89% in September 2026, protecting both borrowers and taxpayers.
First Decrease in Average Loan Size in 14 Years: The average Section 502 Direct Loan amount decreased to under $270,000, the first year-over-year decrease in 14 years. Lower average loan sizes will allow the agency to serve more rural families by stretching federal funding further to benefit more rural families.
Faster Decision Times: Program improvements shortened the median eligibility determination time from 84 days to 64 days, getting families answers 20 days faster.
USDA Rural Development administers this funding through the Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans program, which provides affordable home purchase and repair financing to qualified individuals and families in rural areas.
For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making Rural Development’s investment data accessible to the public. For more information about USDA Rural Development programs, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov.
OLEAN, NY – Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is proud to announce the winner of the 2026 October Star Award. This month’s recipient is Michele Cleveland, RN, second floor. Cleveland has been with OGH since 1990.
“Michele was my mother’s nurse when she was on comfort care. She was amazing! She made sure my mother was comfortable and communicated compassionately so we knew what was happening and what to expect. My mom passed peacefully and was treated with the utmost respect,” said a patient family member in her nomination. “We will be forever grateful for our experience and for how we were treated by Michele.”
The Star Award is presented monthly to an employee who demonstrates outstanding performance and inspires the same in others. Staff members are nominated for exceptional customer satisfaction, continuous performance improvement, teamwork, communication, ownership and accountability and excellence through coworker or patient nominations.
The following were also nominated for Star Awards: Avery Grusendorf, RN, third floor; Brent Harvey, security; Catherine Olver, primary care; Bryan Reed, inpatient physical therapy; and Rosemary Rodgers, RN, second floor.
Star award recipients receive a chamber of commerce gift certificate, an additional paid day off, a certificate of recognition and the star award parking spot.
Photo Caption: Michele Cleveland, RN, was awarded the 2026 October Star Award recipient.
The McKean County Conservation District held its Annual Best Management Practices (BMP) Tour on October 8, bringing together conservation partners and interested individuals to explore local projects focused on improving water quality, reducing streambank erosion, and protecting aquatic habitats.
The tour featured two projects demonstrating how grant funding, collaboration, and effective conservation practices are making a difference in McKean County.
Saturday, November 7th is this year’s date for the PA Wilds Makers Market, an annual online shopping event that features local artists from the 13-county region. The 24-hour period is the region’s official kick-off for promoting local gifts for the holiday season. Customers can visit Shop.PAWilds.com/Makers-Market to shop directly from the 14 participating artists who are offering special deals, new products and more for the signature event. In addition to the participating artists, shoppers will be able to find products from 40 sellers on the PA Wilds Marketplace all in one place, from the comfort of home. Some promotions being offered by Makers during the event include free shipping on select products, discounts, gift with purchase, bundles, and new product launches. Shoppers can “find their next WILD thing” and feel good knowing their purchase is supporting small businesses and the PA Wilds communities.
This Saturday, Oct. 10 from noon to 1 p.m., youngsters ages 3 to 12 are invited to participate in the free Deane Little Beans program Fun with Cats in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Free snacks will be provided.
Jill Hall of the Tioga County Cat Project is bringing eight healthy kittens, 12 to 14 weeks old, for the children to play with and cuddle. She will provide catnip toys and treats for playtime with the kittens.
Faye Dolores KINLEY, nee Fahringer,91, of Coudersport, PA, died Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in her home.
Faye and Rod Kinley moved to a house built by Rod on a mountain in Hebron Township in 1980, where they lived until they passed.
Faye was the youngest of five children born to Daniel Fahringer and Ida Agnes Snyder Fahringer. Her older siblings, now deceased, include Violet Heiges, Alverta Donnan, Sybella Noel, and Benton Fahringer.
Faye was born at home on November 4, 1934, in a small house along Fahringer Drive in Hellam Township, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of the siblings by 15 years and grew up with nieces and nephews quite close to her age. She attended the Druck Valley church and school and graduated in 1952 from Hellam High School. She had many good memories of walking miles to her one room schoolhouse for eight grades. Her best friend, Shirley Becker Kinley and Faye married two Kinley brothers, so were good friends and in-laws until their passing.
In June 1952, Faye married the older brother, Roderick G. Kinley, who predeceased her on December 14, 2023. They were married over 71 years.
Faye played the piano from a young age until she died. She often played for churches and nursing homes. She liked to read, especially stories to children. She especially loved babies and preschoolers.
Faye was a good cook who cooked from scratch. Her pie crusts were great! She could often be found in her kitchen, preparing, cooking, serving, and cleaning up. She also liked her ice cream—a Fahringer habit for many decades–and graham crackers!
These past years, she was able to spend time on the large, shaded porch that faced west and south of her home on a rural mountain top. From there, she often saw bear and their cubs, deer and fawns, foxes and their kits, raccoons, porcupines, turkeys, coyotes, and once a bobcat.
Faye was known for her unfailing kindness, generosity, and hospitality not only to her family and extended family, but also to neighbors.
Faye had five children: Rebecca Kinley Fraker (Steve), Roderick G. Kinley, Jr., David C Kinley (Sherri), Todd W. Kinley (Sarah), and Jack E. Kinley (Renee). She was the loving grandmother of 13 grandchildren, eight great- grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. She lived long enough to pose in a fiv-generation picture. Her descendants are scattered from Potter County PA to Florida, Michigan, Alabama, and Tennessee.
She was a longtime member of the Coudersport Seventh-day Adventist church.
A memorial service will be scheduled for early next summer.
The Kinley family thanks all of those who helped in Faye’s final weeks.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
This weekend, Wellsville High School will be performing a hilarious play entitled Empowered: How One Girl Scout Nearly Destroyed the World’s Economy. It is the story of 4 Girl Scouts vying to be the best cookie seller and win the grand prize, a unicorn named Sparkles. If you are looking for an evening of light-hearted entertainment, be part of the audiences on Oct 9 & 10 at 7pm in the Wellsville Secondary School Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 for General Admission and $5 for Students & Seniors. Come to the show for an evening of laughs , and feel empowered by theatre!
