Thomas L. MANNING, 60, of Port Allegany, PA, died Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in his home. Born July 8, 1966, in Blossburg, he was the son of Lewis Ray and Eleanor Lorraine Manley Manning. On October 23, 1993, in Roulette, he married Wendy Rees, who survives.
A 1984 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he served with the Civil Air Patrol. Tom worked as a logger for many years. He was a member of Star Hose Company #1 in Port Allegany and a former member of the Roulette Fire Company. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and riding motorcycles.
Surviving, besides his wife, Wendy, are: two sons, Stephen (Barbara) Manning of Binghamton, NY and Jacob Manning of Port Allegany; two grandsons, Brodie Manning and Bentley Manning; a brother, Terry R. (Debbie) Manning of Gettysburg; a sister, Cheryl K. (Michael) Nasto of Port Allegany; two aunts, Betty Kinsman of Albuquerque, NM and Ann Sisson of Lima, NY; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA on Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 4:00 PM. Rev. Joann Piatko will officiate. Burial will be in Hill Cemetery, Roulette. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Exasperated by life’s many struggles, a young woman said, “Why can’t life be simpler?” I suppose we’ve all wondered the same when we’ve faced yet another trial. We want simple answers, but they don’t come. Sometimes we’re looking for someone to tell us what to do, but no one has a magic formula. What works for one doesn’t work for another. Some say life is simple; we make it complicated. I suppose that’s true, as we worry and project outcomes that become our fears and concerns.
Worry has a lot to do with losing our joy. It creates scenarios about our future that create anxiety in our present. When we can’t control outcomes, we spiral into hopelessness as we feel powerless. We want things to be simpler because we tend to believe simpler is better. But is it?
Life and its experiences shape who we become. Our experiences, both good and bad, can create great things in us. People who have gone through great trials have later shared that the experience helped them grow and that they were thankful for it. This aligns with James 1:2-4, which says, “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
The simple fact is this. Life is not simple, and sometimes it’s just plain hard. In these times, we need to stop and breathe. That’s right, breathe. Why? Breathing helps us step back and reexamine our circumstances; instead of reacting, we can choose to respond. When we react, we often make the wrong choice because it comes from panic and fear. Perhaps life would be simpler if we learned to approach it more simply. Rather than panicking, sit down, take a deep breath, and plan your next move. Think about it.
On September 15th, 2026, at approximately 1800 hours, members of the Olean Police Department Street Crimes Unit arrested 28-year-old Anthony Sledge-Pearson of 1125 W State St., Olean, NY, after an investigation into the sale of Fentanyl that occurred in the City of Olean.
Sledge-Pearson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance – 3rd Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance – 3rd Degree.
Sledge-Pearson was released on an appearance ticket to appear at a later date.
COUDERSPORT – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) is inviting area senior citizens, their family members and caregivers to the annual Senior Citizens Expo in Roulette on Friday, Oct. 9.
The free event will be held at the Roulette Fire Hall, 12 River St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“There are so many programs and services available to support our senior citizens, but it still can be difficult for people to find the help they need,” Causer said. “I encourage area senior citizens and their caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity to find a wealth of information in one convenient location.”
State, county and local exhibitors will be on hand to distribute information and answer questions. Information about health care, insurance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial planning, fraud protection, government services, hunting/fishing, and personal safety will be available. Health screenings will also be offered, and door prize drawings will be held. Lunch will be served at no charge.
Causer noted his offices in Bradford and Coudersport will be closed for the day due to the expo. Residents in need of assistance may contact the Kane office at 814-837-0880 or the Harrisburg office at 717-787-5075.
The Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir sings during their Dickens of a Christmas Concert at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wellsboro on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.
Members of the Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir, with singers in grades 5-8, and Children’s Choir, Too, with singers in grades 2-4, will lead youngsters 3 to 12 years old and their families and friends in singing traditional folk tunes and children’s songs during the free one-hour Deane Little Beans Sing-Along being held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m this Saturday, Sept. 19 in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts, 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
Free snacks will be provided.
Choir Director Thomas Putnam said one of the songs that will be sung is “There Was a Great Big Moose,” a famous, fun call-and-response camp song for children where the leaders sing a line and the youngsters repeat it.
“All of the songs are family-friendly, ” said Director Thomas Putnam. “Some of the songs the youngsters may already know and others may be new to them,” he said. “All of the tunes and words will be easy to teach and just as easy to learn.”
Youngsters and their families and friends who love to sing are invited to join in the fun. A parent or adult is asked to pre-register (RSVP) the number of children and adults who will be attending online at deanecenter.com by this Friday, Sept. 18 by clicking on “Upcoming Events”, “Deane Little Beans – Sing Along with the Hamilton-Gibson Choir!” and “RSVP.” For more information, call 570-724-6220 or email director@deanecenter.com.
POTTER COUNTY ARTISAN CENTER UP-COMING EVENTS AND CLASSES
Cathy Snyder will be teaching a “Purse Basket Class” on Saturday, September 19 from 9:30-2:00. Students will have a choice of basket style and reed colors. An fabric bag insert will also be available for sale. Price of the class is $55.00. All materials provided. Students are welcome to bring a lunch, snack and drink. Space is limited, so please register by calling the center.
Join us for the Young Artisan Class on Wednesday, September 23, 3:15-4:45. Students will try their hand at painting a donut in acrylic. Price of the class is $25.00. All supplies and treats included.
Laurie Angood will teach a Line and Wash Fall Sampler Watercolor Class for ages 14 and up on Friday, September 25, from 6 – 8 pm. Students have the option of using the pre-designed sample painting or designing their own. Transparent watercolor and ink will be used. Price of the class is $35.00. Appropriate for beginners and experienced artists. Artist quality materials provided.
Master Quilter, Brenda Bonczar, will be teaching a Quilted Pumpkin Wall Hanging class on Monday, October 5, from 10 am-4pm. Price of the class is $45.00 and includes all materials. Bring a lunch and spend the day creating!
The Potter County Artisan Center will be sponsoring the Falling Leaves Outdoor Show at the Potter County Courthouse Square in Coudersport, PA, Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26, 9:00am – 7:00 pm. Come and enjoy the fall magic with food, games, music and a variety of vendors.
The Potter County Artisan Center is seeking Food Vendors for the Falling Leaves Outdoor Show, September 25 and 26. Please contact Carol Jackson, at buckandcarol85@yahoo.com. Applications can also be picked up at the Potter County Artisan Center at 227 N Main St in Coudersport, PA.
Need an activity while visiting the area? Potter County Artisan Co-op can arrange a private group class for you and your friends at your convenience. Just call ahead or message us on Facebook.
To register for these classes or events, please call the Potter County Artisan Co-op on 814-274-8165. The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street. The co-op’s hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00-5:00.
Events and classes are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Creative Industries and the Elk County Council on the Arts, state agencies funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Johnsonburg, Pa.: “Adapt or die” is an adage known by many. The Rolfe Beagle Club in Johnsonburg, PA, is the perfect example of a club that has changed over time to remain pertinent to its members. In 1946, the Rolfe Sportsmen’s Beagle Club was started on Silver Creek Road in Johnsonburg. Soldiers had just come home from the war, families were being started, the economy was good, and soldiers returned to hunting. Many homes had a beagle in the backyard, and woodlots were brushy or filled with young trees because of wood harvest for the war. Habitat was plentiful for rabbits, the king of small game in Pennsylvania.
HARRISBURG – Reps. Clint Owlett (R-68) and Tina Pickett (R-110) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced more than $2.3 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants have been approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support water and wastewater infrastructure, road maintenance, public safety and emergency preparedness projects in Tioga and Bradford counties.
Local Share Account grants are funded through gaming revenues under Act 71 of 2004 and support economic development, community improvements and projects that enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvania residents.
“These investments will help communities address needs that are essential to the safety and well-being of their residents,” said Owlett. “Reliable water and wastewater systems, safe roads, dependable municipal equipment and strong emergency services are things people count on every day. This funding will help our local communities make necessary improvements, replace aging equipment and be better prepared when emergencies arise.”
Guaranteed Insights: Program Updates & Pathways to Faster Commitments
REMINDER: Live training opportunity tomorrow! There’s still time to register.
Don’t miss this live, virtual training opportunity! This training is available at no cost to all USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed lending partners.
This session will cover important hot topics, important program updates, and common issues impacting the timely issuance of Conditional Commitments.
On September 17, click here to watch this live training event in Microsoft Teams!
During this session, we will:
Provide the latest program updates and policy clarifications
Highlight recent trends
Discuss key factors contributing to processing delays
Offer guidance on how to avoid common issues when submitting applications
Your participation and feedback are essential to ensuring we continue to improve service delivery and maintain a smooth loan processing experience for you and your clients.
If you have specific questions or topics you would like addressed during the event, please email them in advance to sfhgld.lenderpartner@usda.gov.
HARRISBURG – More than $1.45 million in state grants have been awarded for a variety of projects in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) announced today.
“From water and stormwater infrastructure to building improvements and updated equipment, these grants support vital improvements in our communities to better meet the needs of residents,” Causer said. “I was pleased to advocate for these important local initiatives and bring this funding to our region, and I commend our local officials for making these projects happen.”
“I strongly support the more than $1.4 million in LSA grants announced today to make our rural communities more accessible, family friendly and vibrant for years to come,” said Dush. “From preserving historical landmarks, strengthening flood prevention, upgrading local infrastructure and delivering safe and reliable drinking water, I am always pleased to work together with Representative Causer to bring home this highly competitive funding for the people we serve.”
The following grants were awarded through the statewide Local Share Account program, which is funded through state gaming revenues:
Austin Borough – $76,000 to build a new salt shed in the borough.
Bradford Regional Airport Authority – $96,428 to rehabilitate a building at the airport.
Bradford Township – $84,777 to purchase a Chevrolet Tahoe to be used as a police patrol vehicle in the township.
Ceres Township – $74,100 to purchase a new pickup truck for road maintenance.
Coudersport Borough – $428,000 to improve stormwater management and prevent flooding in the vicinity of Locust Street, Vine Street and South West Street.
Driftwood Borough – $247,000 to install a water tank, extend piping and replace fire hydrants to ensure water flow to residents in the event of a fire in the borough.
Genesee Township Water Authority – $30,955 to purchase rapid response water line repair equipment.
Hamlin Township – $160,000 to upgrade a wastewater treatment plant.
McKean County – $220,000 to replace the failing roof, gutters and downspouts at the McKean County Historical Society and Old Jail Museum.
Mt. Jewett Borough – $35,032 to purchase a tractor with upfits to keep the steep slopes around the borough’s sewer system lagoon area free of grass, weeds and snow.
All grants were given final approval Tuesday at a meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
Lillianne Reed is the Student of the Week for the week of September 14th, 2026. She is participating in the morning session of the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Lillianne is a senior enrolled at Port Allegany High School. Upon graduation, Lillianne plans to go to college for Early Childhood Education to earn her Bachelor’s degree.
Lillianne is currently working to gain her CDA, a national credentialing program sponsored by the Council for Professional Recognition. She plans on taking the CDA (Child Development Associate) at the end of this academic year. She is volunteering in a clinical setting in the preschool classroom at Port Allegany Elementary to gain her required hours for her CDA. Lillianne has been involved with the student committee at the Career and Technical Center. She took PSY 111 last year as part of a dual enrollment program with Penn College of Technology to earn three college credits. She was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in the 2025-2026 school year. She serves as a student representative for the early childhood program on the Occupational Advisory Council.
She is active at her home school in Student Council, Yearbook, Varsity Club, Concert Band, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and The Play.
We look forward to her efforts paying off as she strives to attain her Child Development Associate credential. Lillianne was chosen because her instructor, Mrs. Kim Mooney, finds her to be helpful and competent. Lillianne is kind and has much to offer children she works with each year!
The Allegany County Landfill Transfer Station, located at 6006 County Road 48, Town of Angelica, will resume normal operations on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. To those affected by the temporary closure on September 15, 2026, thank you for your patience.
On August 3, 2026, at approximately 10:48 a.m., officers responded to a welfare check at room 327 of the Best Western hotel. Upon arrival, it was reported that the parents had left the hotel without their two children, ages 1 year and 7 months, and 4 months.
Upon entering the room, officers found the 1-year-old male child nude and wandering around the room and bathroom, while the 4-month-old female infant was laying on a bed with no adult supervision. The children were left unattended for approximately 40 minutes.
After reviewing street cameras, it was determined that the parents had left the hotel at around 10:27 a.m. and returned at approximately 11:07 a.m. The parents were subsequently charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
A warrant for the arrest of Dakota Wallace was issued. On 9/8/2026 the City of Tonowanda apprehended Wallace on the warrant. On 9/11/2026 Wallace was extradited from Erie County in Buffalo, NY. Wallace was then brought to Judge Luther’s office and arraigned on the charges and was unable to post $20,000 bail. Wallace was then taken to Mckean County Jail.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 9/9/2026 – Houston, Texas, Centric Compounding is voluntarily recalling 6 lots of Glutathione 200mg/mL, Myer’s Cocktail, and Tri-Immune Boost injectable vials to the consumer level. The products have been found to be compounded with a Glutathione API containing elevated endotoxin levels.
Risk Statement: There is reasonable probability that injectable products with elevated endotoxin levels could cause significant medical events including fevers, hypotension, inflammatory reactions, anaphylactic shock and death. Centric Compounding has received 9 reports of fever, chills, chest pain, nausea/vomiting, headache, and/or malaise.
— Whole Foods Market of Austin, TX is recalling Fromagerie Coop de Mean Cabricharme cheese because the product contains egg lysozyme, an egg white protein, which is not declared on the product label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
The cheese was sold in the Specialty cheese department at 18 Whole Foods Market stores in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
Recalled product was cut and plastic wrapped by the pound with Whole Foods Market scale labels and would be identified as follows:
Type of Label
Product Description
PLU
States
Best By Dates
Whole Foods Market Scale Label
Formagerie Coop de Mean Cabricharme Raw Milk – Aged 60 days
57953
California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island
All dates up to And including 10/7/2026
Belgian Cabricharme
54670
California, Arizona
All affected product has been removed from store shelves. The mislabeling issue was discovered by a store team member. No illnesses have been reported to date.
BRADFORD, Pa. — Dr. Hadi Noori has received a three-year, $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a new manufacturing process using something you probably have in your kitchen.
Noori, an assistant professor of engineering at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford who specializes in materials science, has developed a process to bond different kinds of metal by directing microwaves at the metals to create a “dusty plasma” around their surfaces that allows them to bond.
(Washington, D.C., September 14, 2026) — U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith today announced $175 million available in the new Affordable Rural Cooperative Program (ARC) to boost rural nuclear power and strengthen the reliability of America’s electric power transmission.
“The directive from President Trump is clear: we must invest in stronger, broader, more reliable power to keep America at the forefront of growth and progress,” said Smith. “With this new program, USDA is helping our nation’s electric cooperatives expand American power generation with more efficient technologies. This investment ensures rural communities continue to benefit from affordable, resilient energy for decades to come.”
Williamsport, Pa., September 14, 2026 – Three UPMC hospitals in north central Pennsylvania have been recognized by the Gift of Life Donor Program through the 2026 Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge for their efforts to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. UPMC Williamsport earned a Titanium designation, while UPMC Muncy and UPMC Wellsboro earned Platinum designations.
“These recognitions reflect the meaningful work our teams do to honor donors, support families, and help more people understand the lifesaving impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation,” said Heidi Weeder, RN-BSN, co-chairman, Organ and Tissue Donation, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Every conversation about donation can make a difference for patients and families waiting for their life-saving gift.”
The annual challenge encourages Pennsylvania hospitals to increase donation awareness within their hospitals and communities. Participating hospitals are recognized for activities completed during National Donate Life Month, including employee education, community outreach, donor registration campaigns, and public communications.
According to HAP, hospitals earned titanium, platinum, gold, silver, or bronze recognition based on their efforts to support donation awareness. This year’s challenge was held in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the two organ procurement organizations serving Pennsylvania, the Center for Organ Recovery & Education and Gift of Life Donor Program.
To learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit UPMC.com/DonateLife.
BRADFORD, Pa. — The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and SheBe Marketing are partnering to bring local women together for SheBe Community Coffee: Women Building Business & Community on Tuesday, September 29 at 8:30 am at the Chamber office – 62 Main Street, Bradford.
The informal morning gathering is being created as an opportunity for women entrepreneurs, small business owners, professionals, organizational leaders and mentors to connect, share experiences and talk about what women need to build and grow businesses in rural communities.
The 60- to 75-minute gathering will include everyday challenges women face in business and marketing, opportunities to learn from other women’s experiences, and areas where additional resources or stronger connections could make running and growing a business a little easier.
“One takeaway from the Women in Business Expo is that women in our community want opportunities to connect with other women who understand the realities of running a business. Our audience really connected with Shelley’s talk on women and entrepreneurship,” stated Heidi Scrivo, President of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. “
The event is also about listening. What participants share during the morning will help SheBe Marketing and the Chamber better understand what local women are looking for and may help shape future SheBe Community opportunities, including practical workshops, shared learning and additional opportunities to connect.
Shelley Jack, founder of SheBe Marketing, is a business strategist and speaker with more than 25 years of experience helping businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations strengthen their brands and create lasting impact.
No presentation. No prep. Just coffee, useful conversation and community.
SheBe Community Coffee is open to women entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, organizational leaders, mentors and experienced or retired women leaders throughout the region.
The event will be held Tuesday, September 29, starting at 8:30 at the chamber office (62 Main Street). You don’t have to be a chamber member to participate. RSVP is encouraged: email Heidi@bradfordchamber.com.
On September 13, 2026, at approximately 1:59 a.m., officers with the City of Bradford Police Department were dispatched to the area of 12 Mechanic Street for a reported hit-and-run crash.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, a silver Jeep allegedly struck an occupied Mazda CX-9 and left the scene before officers arrived. Witnesses reported that the Jeep then traveled at a high rate of speed through the residential neighborhood and failed to stop for a red traffic signal at the intersection of Mechanic Street and West Washington Street. The operator was subsequently identified as Parker Michael Gorrell.
At approximately 3:52 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 63 South Kendall Avenue after McKean County 911 received multiple reports of a man in the roadway with a firearm. Officers from the City of Bradford, Foster Township and Bradford Township police departments responded.
Upon arrival, officers found Gorrell standing in the roadway with his arms raised. A Mossberg 20-gauge shotgun was located in the west lane of traffic.
According to witness statements contained in the affidavit, Gorrell’s Jeep had become disabled in the east lane of South Kendall Avenue. Witnesses reported that an altercation occurred after Gorrell exited the vehicle and approached a group of people who were walking home from a local establishment. Gorrell allegedly returned to his vehicle, retrieved the shotgun and approached the group while cycling the action of the firearm, causing the witnesses to fear that they would be shot.
Officers also reported locating a partially consumed open alcoholic beverage inside the Jeep. The affidavit alleges that Gorrell was under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
Gorrell was taken into custody and transported to the City of Bradford Police Department for processing. A criminal complaint was filed on September 13, 2026, charging him with:
Terroristic threats
Recklessly endangering another person
Simple assault by physical menace
Harassment
Disorderly conduct
Accidents involving damage to an attended vehicle or property
Restrictions on alcoholic beverages
Public drunkenness
Reckless driving
Careless driving
Obedience to traffic-control devices
Abandoning a vehicle on a highway
Obstruction of highways
Driving upon a sidewalk
Failure to stop, provide information and render aid
Magistrate David Engman arraigned Gorrell and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $250,000 straight cash bail. Preliminary Hearings are set in the matter.
The charges are allegations. Gorrell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
HARRISBURG – As part of its mission to foster connectivity, this week, Sept.13 through Sept. 19, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is supporting a national effort recognizing Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, a campaign to help income-eligible Pennsylvanians stay connected through the Lifeline Program.
“This week is an important reminder that there is support for digital connectivity and telephone access,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “In today’s increasingly interconnected world, telecommunications services provide a vital lifeline to emergency services, friends and family. The Lifeline Program brings crucial financial assistance to income-eligible Pennsylvanians so those most in need can stay connected.”
Lifeline Program Benefits
Lifeline is a federal program that provides a $5.25 per household, per month discount on your qualifying landline or wireless standalone voice service or a $9.25 per household, per month discount on your qualifying wireless or landline internet service or qualifying bundled telephone/internet service product from a landline or wireless provider. The discount appears in the form of a reduction to the bill you pay your se…
Coryville – Max Eugene Milliron, 82, of Coryville, passed away Saturday (September 12, 2026) surrounded by his loved ones at Pines Healthcare & Rehab Center, Olean, NY.
He was born March 28, 1944 in Olean, the son of Richard and Bertha (Cochran) Milliron. On July 29, 1967, in the Eldred Methodist Church, he married Linda S. Howell, who survives.
Max was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School, a graduate of Penn State University, as well as Rochester Institute of Technology. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 – 1971.
Mr. Milliron was a computer programmer employed at Dexter-Hysol, now known as Henkel Loctite Company of Olean, NY before retiring.
He was a member of the Eldred American Legion and a former school board member for the Otto-Eldred school district
In addition to his wife, Linda S. Milliron of Coryville, he is survived by:
Two daughters: Johanna L. (Matthew) Nieboer of Rochester, NY and Beth A. (Steve) Kach of Churchville, PA
Five grandchildren: Grace (Noah) McClarin, Jack (Laura) Nieboer, Sam Nieboer, Nathan Kach and Julia Kach
Sister Carolyn Russell of Eldred and sister Karen Jeannerette of Duke Center, PA
And many nieces and nephews
In addition to his parents, Max was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Donald Milliron and one sister Kay Amster.
Max was a man defined by quiet strength, dedication to family, and a deep, lifelong love for the great outdoors. A true outdoorsman, he felt most at home in the woods and trails near his home. Max believed life was best lived enjoying time with family, caring for his land, or working in his vegetable garden. He was generous with all his resources but found particular joy in coming alongside to add his own effort to lighten a burden of a friend or neighbor. Being a man who knew the value of hard work, he approached everyday with grit and pride in a job well done. Putting his heart and strength into each day, Max quietly showed us all how to love what is valued most.
A celebration of Max’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19th. Calling hours will be from 11AM to 12 noon in Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where services will begin at 12 noon with the Rev. Jack Gregg, pastor of the Regular Baptist Church of Smethport, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Smethport Area Honor Guard. Burial will be private at Moody Hollow Cemetery, Coryville.
Guests planning to celebrate Max’s life with his family on the 19th are encouraged to wear casual, comfortable attire perhaps even a flannel or some camo in his honor.
Freda Pauline BICE, 94, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, September 11, 2026 in her home surrounded by her family. Born March 21, 1932, in Adrian, NY, she was the daughter of Floyd and Bernice Randolph Towner. On November 19, 1949, in Mansfield, OH, she married David Andrew Bice, who predeceased her on April 24, 1997.
Freda’s family meant the world to her. She loved having her house filled with loved ones. Freda was known for her warm and sweet disposition. She loved to go with family and take off on a day long adventure for lunch and shopping.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by an infant son, William Theodore Bice; a son-in-law, Gary Ragan; and two grandchildren, Rachael Bice Davis and Christopher Bice. She is survived by six children, 12 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; daughter, Deborah Ragan of Newark, DE, granddaughter, Candace (Thomas) Watson, great-grandchildren, Jaedyn, Ajah, and Thomas; daughter, Sandra (James) Hoopes of Ulysses, granddaughter, Christina Stager, great-granddaughter, Camila Stager, grandson, Preston (Chelsea) Hoopes, granddaughter-in-law, Michelle Hoopes, great-grandchildren, Alyssa (Austin) Davis, Madison, Kaden, Ariana, and Ace, great-great-grandchildren, Tucker, Rayla, and MaKayla, grandson, Patrick (Megan) Hoopes, great-grandchildren, Axton and Leighton; daughter, Terry (Jeff) Thomas of Rising Sun, MD, grandson, Michael (Cristina) Thomas, great-grandchildren, Caleb and Victoria, granddaughter, Susie (Dave) Bow, great-grandchildren, David and Keira, grandson, Kyle (Ashley) Thomas; son, David W. Bice of Landenberg, granddaughter, Tami (Scotty) Gagnon, great-grandchildren, Bella, Mia, Piper, and Emme, granddaughter, Stephanie (Corey) Bice, great-grandchildren, Edie and Willow; son, Scott (Nancy) Bice of Ulysses, granddaughter, Kayla (Bryan Simar) Kalasnik, great-grandchildren, Kinley and Rippin, grandson-in-law, Jared Davis, great-grandchildren, Lainey, Letty, and Judd, grandson, Cody (Abigail) Bice, great-grandchildren, Adeline, Jayce, Violet, Liam, and baby boy Bice; son, James (Tammy) Bice of Ulysses, great-grandchildren, Elijah, Amara, and Kayden, and grandson, Payden Bice; and dear friends, Ginny and Wayne Burrous of Ulysses.
Friends may call at The First Baptist Church of Ulysses, 603 South Main Street, Ulysses, PA on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, with a Memorial Service following at 4:00 PM. Rev. Samuel D. Seaman, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814 or online at www.cff.org/donate or to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620 or online at www.rmhcrochester.org. The family would like to extend thanks to Judy Tubbs, CRNP and staff of UPMC Wellsboro and Ashley Cowburn of UPMC Hospice for their wonderful care of Freda.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Wendy P. Holland, 59, of Shinglehouse, passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, Funeral Director/Owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
