Dr. Anita J. Herbert, 87, formerly of Derrick Road, a resident at Chapel Ridge, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
We the family of Dick Russell Sr would like to express a heartfelt Thank You to each and everyone of you for the amazing support you showed our family in our time of loss. We appreciated it so much.
Esther A. Williams, 57, of Coudersport, PA, passed away at the UPMC Williamsport Hospital on March 17, 2025.
Born August 16, 1967, to the late Harry and Nellie (Gleason) Smith, Esther was a 1986 graduate of the Dundee Central School. In the fall of that year, she married the love of her life, Eric Williams. Esther loved her life as a homemaker as it gave her time to crochet and enjoy moments with her children. She was a loving wife and would always take time to help anyone in need.
Jose Orsini, MD, was awarded the BRMC/OGH Golden Stethoscope Award. Dr. Orsini is an intensivist at OGH
Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are proud to have presented the first bi-annual 2025 Golden Stethoscope Award to Jose Orsini, MD. Dr. Orsini, an intensivist ¾ specializing in critical care, is a physician in the intensive care unit (ICU), who started at OGH in 2023.
The Golden Stethoscope Award is a result of nominations from employees and presented semi-annually to a physician who exhibits an exceptional level of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork in caring for patients and families, as well as interacting with hospital staff members and fellow physicians.
The award is presented to one physician throughout BRMC, OGH, and physician practices who meets the high standard of providing high quality patient care.
Want to help wildlife? Members of the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) need volunteers for planting and fencing for wildlife on Saturday, 4/19, at 9:00 a.m., in McKean County. Work should be completed by 1:00 p.m. The volunteer work site is on lands open for public recreation use, locally called Bunker Hill, near Clermont, McKean County. All volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. at Clermont Park, which is on North Street in Clermont; North Street is across from the Clermont Volunteer Fire Department Station 14. Volunteers will follow each other to the work site.
The community of Clermont can be accessed by driving from Wilcox on US 219 northeast on LR 2001 called the Wilcox-Clermont Road, or from US 6 west of Smethport by driving south on SR 146 called the Clermont Road.
All volunteers should register with Jed Hamberger at jedhamberger@gmail.com so we can arrange enough tools for volunteers. All volunteers should wear boots, gloves, and bring safety glasses if you have them. Dress for the weather. This project will take place rain or shine.
The NTL Basketball Allstars are pictured (front row, left to right) Charlotte Austin-Keech, Oswayo Valley; Baylee Francis, Otto-Eldred; Carrie Drummond, Otto-Eldred; Lillian Steele, Northern Potter; Emilee Ruter, Coudersport; (back row) Clark Cummings, Oswayo Valley, Coach of the Year; Ella Moses, Port Allegany; Emma Haynes, Northern Potter; Makenna Manning, Oswayo Valley; Elsie Bresslin, Cameron County; and Olivia Fink, Coudersport. Port Allegany’s Ella Moses was selected as the NTL MVP.
On March 19th, 2025, at approximately 0102 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a domestic dispute in progress at 57 Belleview Avenue. Upon arrival, officers separated the parties involved and conducted an investigation. It was determined that a juvenile female was shoved by the defendant, Christopher M. Vasquez, who also attempted to break doors to get to others. During the incident, Vasquez made threatening statements, including he was going to “drop the victim on her head and snap her neck.” This statement alarmed the victim. Based on the statements taken, Vasquez was taken into custody and arraigned by Magistrate Engman. He was remanded to McKean County Jail with bail set at $10,000 cash. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter.
The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our community. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out to local resources for support.
Presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
On March 20, 2025, at approximately 2127 hrs, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a call regarding an intoxicated male acting aggressively in the area of 30 West Corydon Street. Upon arrival, officers encountered Paul Runyan who was found to be impaired due to alcohol or controlled substances. Runyan was taken into custody for public drunkenness. During the arrest, officers discovered the individual to be in possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
The individual was arraigned by Magistrate David Engman and remanded to McKean County Jail on $2,500 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department remains committed to maintaining public safety and addressing quality-of-life issues in our community. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For more information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.
Presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ARREST DETAILS City of Bradford Police Department Press Release
On March 19, 2025, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a report from an adult female victim who alleged that her ex-boyfriend, Patrick Nannen, was observed by neighbors trespassing on her property located at 12 Rochester Street. There is an active Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) in place, which prohibits the individual from entering the property and having any contact with the victim. City officers located Nannen and he admitted to trespassing on the property and violating the PFA. The individual was taken into custody and arraigned by Magistrate Engman, who remanded him to McKean County Jail on $10,000 bail. Hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of this nature seriously and will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our community. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please know that there are resources available to help. For more information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department. 814-887-4911
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) recently met with three registered nurses who are completing their bachelor’s degrees in nursing at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. As the students prepare to graduate on May 4, they shared their capstone projects with Causer, focusing on the need for improved access to emergency medical services, mental health services, and labor and delivery services. Pictured, from left, are Causer; RNs Olivia Reese, Ashlyn Avenali and Mia VanScoter; and Dr. Jean Truman, director of Nursing.
Anita L. McDowell, 87, of Crosby, passed away Thursday (March 20, 2025) at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
She was born December 28, 1937 in Farmers Valley, the daughter of Walter and Violet (Hibbard) Russell. On January 29, 1955, in Farmers Valley, she married James R. McDowell, who died February 22, 2024.
Anita attended Smethport schools and was employed at the former Smethport Diner as a cook for a period of time and then for Backus Company of Smethport, retiring in 2000 after 36 years of employment.
Anita loved family get-togethers where she could cook for the holidays, host summer picnics, and celebrate birthdays. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She loved attending as many sporting events, concerts, and school activities as possible. She became a “Grandma” to all the kids that she touched with her smile, kindness, and support. Anita was known for knitting the most beautiful baby sweaters and toddler zip-ups with pictures on the back. She also donated many mittens and hats. You could always find her in her chair knitting while watching her favorite game shows, rooting for her Pittsburgh Pirates and beloved Buffalo Bills. Anita and Jimmy attended several NASCAR races in Dover, DE and Charlotte, NC. They also traveled to Wheeling, WV to see country music entertainers and embarked on a family cruise to the Caribbean in 2009. Anita also traveled with her sisters to San Francisco and New England. She had a full life, loved being with people, and will be missed by many.
Our world abounds with misinformation. I’m unsure how we’ve arrived at this place, but we have. Perhaps it’s nothing new, but we find it in every venue. Personally, I don’t know what or who to trust anymore. Distortions, half-truths, deception, and even out-and-out lies seem to be a normal part of life.
Whatever happened to simple, objective information? Must it be slanted with one’s own individual bias? Because I tend to read several different news sources, I try to arrive at a conclusion based on a preponderance of evidence, but even then, I’m not totally sure of what to believe. Sometimes, I wonder if we’re more interested in what will sell than what is true. Personal agenda is much alive today, but I guess that isn’t new.
Misinformation is as old as Adam and Eve. If you’re familiar with that story, you know that Satan tricked Eve with misinformation. He twisted what God had said to confuse and otherwise trick Eve into disobeying God’s command. That’s all we must do: bend the truth just a bit to get someone off course. In navigation, a simple change of direction by one degree will cause one to miss their destination by miles. Yet misinformation and half-truths abound.
Do you suppose some do it because they believe themselves right? Is it about power and control? Or is it possible that some believe what they are doing and saying? I certainly have met people who have told the lies so often that they believe them themselves. Even with tangible proof, they continue to stand on falsehood. I believe that the problem is found in the fallen nature of man. Simply put, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Since Adam and Eve, we have passed on a nature that is in every man and woman. Lying, cheating, and dishonesty are at the heart of every person; you must choose not to. You must choose a path of honor and integrity. Think about it.
Pictured are the NTL Basketball Allstars (front row, left to right) Landon Farren, Cameron County; Ryan Shaffer, Cameron County; Manning Splain, Otto-Eldred; Shene Thomas, Otto-Eldred; Brayden Stuckey, Austin; Scott Easton, Coudersport, Coach of the Year. (back row) Nick Wilfong, Port Allegany; Isac Amell, Port Allegany; Jarrod Funk, Port Allegany; Lawson Wetzel, Coudersport; and Mason Roessner, Coudersport. Cameron County’s Ryan Shaffer was selected as MVP.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the contractor for a bridge replacement project impacting a Route 4025 (Brizzee Hollow Road) bridge spanning Brizzie Hollow Run near Oswayo will begin Monday, March 24. Replacing it will remove a 17-ton weight limitation for single vehicles and a 24-ton limitation for combination vehicles while improving the overall condition rating from poor to good.
Starting Monday, the contractor will begin installing erosion and sedimentation control measures and setting up traffic control signage within the work zone. PennDOT does not expect this work to impact traffic as it will take place off the roadway.
Starting Monday, April 14, the contractor will close the bridge and implement a detour using Route 244 (Main Street/Oswayo Road) and Route 4023 (Eleven Mile Road). This detour will remain in place for the duration of the project.
Overall work on the project consists of demolishing the existing bridge, building its replacement, paving, guide rail installation, and miscellaneous construction. Twin Tiers Constructors, LLC. of Buffalo, NY, is the contractor on this $1.2 million project. PennDOT anticipates them completing the project in late August. All work is weather-dependent.
WARREN – For nearly a year, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) has been taking part in a research-based, grant-funded project featuring 14 rural institutions of higher education across the United States called the Rural College Design and Data Academy. The organization conducting the project, called Education Design Lab, is based out of Washington D.C. and in 12 years has worked with over 1,200 colleges and organizations and over 1,000 employers to help in education programs and pathways development that better serve students for the future. These institutions, including NPRC, are learning and applying human-centered design processes to create offerings and pilots that address the unique needs of rural communities
Education Design Lab and NPRC have been working side-by-side to unveil a group of initiatives focusing on how to better serve community members and students in our shared locations in Emporium and Kane. The goal of the venture is to create equitable and career-driven pathways to economic agility for rural learners. Ultimately, NPRC is hopeful to bring more relevant programming, community collaboration, and overall opportunities into these new spaces to advance the College’s mission of providing affordable and accessible education in NPRC’s 10-county service area.
As the days grow longer, many of us take the opportunity to refresh our homes with a good spring cleaning. Just like clearing out clutter and dust, spring is the perfect time to reassess our wellness routines and make positive changes that can last all year. The following tips are essential to refresh your health and setting yourself up for a season of wellness.
Refresh Your Diet
A new season means that many fruits and vegetables will be at their prime for your advantage. Visit local farmers’ markets or pay attention to special grocery store selections to incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into your meals. Leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health.
Get Moving Outdoors
Celebrate the longer daylight hours and warmer weather by getting active outside. Whether it’s a walk after dinner, gardening, or a weekend hike, find enjoyable ways to move your body. Exercise not only helps with weight management but also reduces stress and boosts your mood.
20 Years of Learning about Deer and Hunters in the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative
Thursday, April 3 is the last day to register for the April 10 Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum on Deer and Hunters in the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative. John Dzemyan, Leader of the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC), will highlight results of the past 20 years. This Forum will be of value to anybody interested in management of forested landscapes. Social hour starts at 4:30 p.m. with dinner at 5:30 p.m.
John Dzemyan is a well-known naturalist and woodsman in North Central Pennsylvania, and is beloved for his interesting presentations on natural events. John currently serves as the Coordinator for the KQDC, is an avid deer hunter, and a former Game Warden, Laborer, and Lands Manager with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. John worked in Cameron, Elk, and McKean Counties for over 40 years. John first joined the KQDC Leadership team over 20 years ago. His insights to deer management will entertain attendees and enhance the information learned over the last 20-plus years on the KQDC.
A Kids’ Beginner Sewing Class and Mystery Project with Brenda Bonczar and Lisa Bretz. Friday, March 28 from 3-5pm. Price of the class is $30 and includes all materials.
Early Spring Beginner Watercolor Class, taught by painter, Laurie Angood, will be held on Friday, March 28, from 6:00-8:00pm. Price of the class is $35.00 and includes supplies, materials and a gift bag of painting materials.
Natural Fiber Weaving Workshop with Elaine Baney will be held on April 5 from 10-2pm. The price of the class is $30.00. All supplies included.
Cathy Snyder will be offering a Lil’ Hiker or Mushroomer Basket Workshop on April 5 from 9am to 1:30pm. The price of the class is $70. Students are encouraged to bring water and a snack.
An Easter Gourd Painting Class with Danett Wightman on Saturday, April 12 from 1-4 pm. Price of the class is $22. All supplies are included. Join us on March 19, from 1-3 for a presentation by authors, Bill Robertson and James Baumgratz. Enjoy an afternoon discussion about their most recent publications. The authors will sign copies of their books, for sale at the Artisan Co-op, after the presentation.
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 winter hours are Monday through Friday 12 to 4:00 pm and Saturday 9-5pm.
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.