DUI Charges Pending Blood Test Results In Portage Twp.
April 2025
John (Dick) Bair, 82
On April 10, 2025, John (Dick) Bair left these earthly bonds to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by his loving family.
Born September 6, 1942, to John Lincoln and Thelma Hixon Bair, in Bainbridge, PA, Dick was the beloved husband to Carolyn Bair, nee Dews, for 53 years, beloved father to Richard S. (Margo) Bair, Elizabethtown, grandfather to Jake (Laurel) Bair, Hershey, PA, and Jessica (Mike) Farnish, Mt. Joy, PA. He was the proud great grandfather to Eli and Sophia Farnish and Ramsey and Fletcher Bair.
Dick’s lifelong occupation was in major household appliance service. Retiring in Tioga County in 2007, he fulfilled his dream of living in the mountains and living on his Lazy B Ranch. An accomplished horseman, he lived out many decades of owning and training horses. Adding to his great love of the outdoors was hunting.
Herbert A. “Mike” Russell Sr., 89, formerly of Smethport, Pa.
REDMOND, Wash. — Herbert A. “Mike” Russell Sr., formerly of Smethport, Pa., passed away Monday (April 7, 2025) at Evergreen Health System in Kirkland.
He was born Jan. 24, 1936, in Farmers Valley, Pa., a son of Walter and Violet (Hibbard) Russell. On June 6, 2000, he married Virginia (Bayer) Russell, who survives.
Mike attended Smethport schools graduating in the class of 1954 and he was employed by the United States Postal Service in Smethport, from which he retired in 1992 after 25 years of service.
Mike was a veteran of the Armed Forces having completed two enlistments in the U.S. Air Force. Serving first as an airplane mechanic and later as a missile technician.
Robert Raymond Richard Sr, 71, of Coudersport, PA
Robert Raymond Richard Sr, 71, of Coudersport, PA passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at UPMC-Williamsport.
He was born July 21, 1953, in Reading PA, the son of the late Edwin J. and Geraldine D. (Becker) Richard, Sr. He married the former Susan G. Kern on July 6, 1974, and they have celebrated 50+ years of marriage. Robert graduated from Parkland High School, Orefield PA, class of 1970, and earned an electronic degree from Lincoln Technical Institution. He worked as an over the road and Shag Truck Driver. Robert was a Navy veteran and a member and Elder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Coudersport PA. He was a member of the American Legion, Potter Post #192, and a former member, Elder, and Deacon of the Walnutport PA Seventh Day Adventist Church. Robert was the WVLH 106.7 FM Christian Lifestyle Radio Programmer out of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Coudersport, PA. He also managed the Church Attic, a non-profit organization supported by the church offering free clothing and household items.
Detour for Potter County Bridge Replacement Starts Monday
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced a temporary, three-day detour will be put into place on Monday, April 14, through Wednesday, April 16, routing traffic around a bridge spanning Oswayo Creek near the intersection of Derring Hollow Road, approximately 1.5 miles Southeast of Oswayo, in Hebron Township, Potter County. This will facilitate the work to replace the bridge, which will improve the overall condition rating of the bridge from poor to good.
Once in place, the three-day detour will utilize Routes 44, 49, and 449 to route traffic around the project site.
Once the detour is lifted, traffic will be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals as crews work to complete the bridge replacement.
Overall work on this project includes the replacement of the existing bridge with a new structure, reconstruction of the approaching roadway, and related construction. John Nastase Construction of Snow Shoe, PA, is the contractor on this $2 million project. PennDOT anticipates completion in October.
John M. Van Marter, 80
John M. Van Marter gave his final goodbyes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Rio Tinto Nevada on May 3, 1944 to Clause and Ruby (McGlothlin) Van Marter. John was their second born, following his brother Michael just eighteen months older.
John grew up in Spokane Washington and this is where he would raise his family. First would be a set of blonde twins, Cathy (Robbie) Cabe and Sheila (Kevin) Paxson both currently of Smethport, PA. They were then followed by Steve (Rhonda) Van Marter of Albuquerque, NM, Russell of Genesee, ID and Tabby of Deer Park, WA.
Commercial Fire Alarm In Lewis Run
On April 10, at 7:54 am Lewis Run Fire Dept. was dispatched for an automatic commercial fire at 11 Lincoln Drive
James (Jim) Proctor, of Galeton PA
James (Jim) Proctor, of Galeton PA, went to be with the Lord, today, April 5th, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born June 1, 1940 to Charles and Josie Proctor. He was married to Beverly Proctor for 42 years before she preceded him in death in 2019. Jim loved to fish and hunt, watch the birds, feed the squirrels, spend time with his grandkids and he loved his cat, Buddy. He and his late wife, Bev, owned and operated their own company, J&B Carpets for over 25 years. He was in the National Guard from 1960 – 1966.
He is survived by his children, Bradley Proctor of Galeton and Mistie Metcalf of Potter Brook; a step-daughter Cheryl (Clyde) McClosky of Jersey Shore, PA; a step-son, Bobby Hillyard of Jersey Shore; five grandchildren, Sheena Metcalf of Potter Brook, Douglas Metcalf of Addison NY, Shanna (JC) Keefer of Williamsport, PA, Kelli (Joshua Aucker) McClosky of Mcelhattan PA, Kristi (Chris Frock) McClosky of Jersey Shore, PA; and nine great grandchildren, Anthony Foster, Rebekkah Metcalf, Hannah Metcalf, Alexis Keefer, Kayden Keefer, Jackson Keefer, Isaac Shirey, Layne Winters, and Wyatt Winters.
In addition to his wife, Beverly Proctor, Jim was predeceased by a step-son, Ronald Hillyard, his son-in-law, Donald (Dude) Metcalf, six sisters, his twin, Jane, June, Midge, Ruth, Pearl, and Juanita, four brothers, Bob, Charles, Bert, and Norman, and a great grandson, Steven Foster.
Arrangements and the cremation are under the care of Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Galeton.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Chance Animal Rescue.
Second Annual Night At The Races Was Held April 5th
The second annual Night at the Races was held Saturday at the Port Allegany Moose Lodge #460 as the Rotary Club welcomed Jason Christopher from Acclaim Productions, LLC.
PITT-BRADFORD RECEIVES FIVE NATIONAL ADVERTISING AWARDS
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has received five awards in the 2024 Collegiate Advertising Awards program, which recognizes U.S. colleges and universities for excellence in communications, marketing, advertising and promotions.
Pitt-Bradford received four Gold Awards and one Bronze Award in this year’s competition, which was judged by a panel of design and education marketing professionals with decades of combined experience who evaluate entries on creativity, layout/design, and overall quality and effectiveness.
Pitt-Bradford received a Gold Award for a sheet of eight stickers that featured school spirit-related images, including a panther paw and a Pitt-Bradford pennant; a 20-page brochure that admissions counselors when traveling share with prospective students; a series of postcards mailed to prospective students; and a new billboard along U.S. Route 219 in Limestone, N.Y.
ATTEND A JAW-DROPPING MAGIC SHOW THIS FRIDAY OR SATURDAY, APRIL 11 OR 12
Ryan Bliss
Kozmo and Ryan Bliss will perform illusion, misdirection and sleight of hand coupled with laughter and surprises in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. These incredible magicians have performed for some of the biggest stars in the world and will amaze audience members.
Tickets are available for the three magic shows. The first is at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, April 11. The second is at 2 p.m. and the third is at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, April 12. The doors will open for the 7:30 p.m. shows at 7:15 p.m. and for the 2 p.m. show at 1:45 p.m.
Kozmo
UPMC Expert: Chronic Stress and Its Impact on Mental Health
UPMC Behavioral Health
Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can take a serious toll on mental health. While short-term stress can help us stay alert and motivated, prolonged stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and even burnout. April is Stress Awareness Month, a great time to recognize how stress affects overall well-being and what you can do to manage it.
How Chronic Stress Affects Mental Health
When stress becomes a daily occurrence, it impacts more than just mood — it can affect the brain and body in ways we don’t always recognize. One of the most common effects is heightened anxiety and irritability. The body’s prolonged “fight or flight” response makes even small stressors feel overwhelming, causing people to react more strongly than usual. Over time, this can lead to emotional exhaustion.
Chronic stress also disrupts sleep. Many people find themselves lying awake at night with racing thoughts, unable to relax. Elevated stress hormones, such as cortisol, interfere with the body’s ability to wind down, leading to restless nights and daytime fatigue. Additionally, stress can contribute to depression by depleting the brain’s natural supply of feel-good chemicals, making it harder to feel motivated or engaged in daily life.
Another often-overlooked consequence is the impact on memory and concentration. High stress levels can interfere with focus, making it difficult to complete tasks or remember important details. This mental fog can make everyday responsibilities feel overwhelming, further increasing stress and frustration.
Signs That Stress May Be Impacting You
Democrats to Collect for ACCORD’s Food Pantry in Belmont
When the Allegany County Democratic Committee hosts its monthly “Coffee with Democrats” on Saturday, April 12th in Belmont, they’ll be collecting non-perishable food and personal care items to be donated to the Food Pantry at ACCORD’s ACCESS Center, 84 Schuyler St in Belmont. This is one small way county Democrats “serve our community.”
The event runs from 9:30 am – 11:30 am at Belmont American Legion Post 808, 29 Schuyler St. and is open to all registered Democrats and friends of the committee. Coffee and light snacks will be served. Sign up here to attend.
PennDOT Closing One Lane of Route 770 Thursday Due to Slide
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) McKean County Maintenance Division announced it will close a portion of the westbound lane of Route 770 (Warren Road) heading toward Warren on Thursday, April 10. PennDOT is closing the lane due to a slide condition starting approximately half a mile west of Shep Run Road and continuing westbound for a quarter mile.
PennDOT will place temporary traffic signals at each end of the slide to direct traffic around the area via the eastbound lane. It expects the lane to be closed indefinitely while a project to correct the condition is designed and bid. PennDOT does not have a timetable for when repairs will begin but will issue updates as more information becomes available.
The average number of vehicles that travel this portion of Route 770 per day is 1,336. PennDOT anticipates minimal traffic impacts but encourages drivers to allow extra time for their commute.
Oswayo Valley Jr./Sr. High School Quarter Three Honor Roll Students
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA. Mr. Erich Zaun, Principal, has announced that the following students, grades six through twelve, have been named to the Honor Roll for the third nine-week grading period at the Oswayo Valley Jr./Sr. High School. Students named to the High Honor Roll have maintained an average of 93% or above; while those on the Honor Roll have averaged 87% or above.
HIGH HONOR ROLL
GRADE 12: Maddison Austin, Charlotte Austin-Keech, Aubree Baldwin, Addison Bechelli, Emily Brown, James Burks, Haylie Dowell, Layken Enty, Jadyn Fleischman, Landon Flurschutz, Lauren Hedges, Sophia Komenda, MaKenna Manning, Shayden Mesler, Chloe Metcalf, Rylee Thompson, Brooke Voorhees, Eva West
GRADE 11: Jude Colbey, Lucas Dickerson, Luke Karr, Ridge Mesler, Trevor Miller, Soi Sang Nguyen, Rachel Rathbun, Mia Shaffer
GRADE 10: Ella Bee, Elizabeth Freeman, Sage McCleaft, Aubrey Resig, Dana Williams, Jenna Wylie
GRADE 9: Evalyn Abdo, Amberdale Burks, Jessica Pitts, Ella Resig, Ainsley Tabacheck, Bowen Taylor, Reese Thompson
GRADE 8: Lane West
GRADE 7: Landon Austin, Mackenna Evingham, Tucker Fredenburg
GRADE 6: Emmett Campbell, Emrick Furman, Ayce Geiger
HONOR ROLL
GRADE 12: Brianna Clarke, Owen Mitchell, Aidan Resig, Danielle Williams
GRADE 11: Owen Bryant, KayLynn George, Colin Murray, Lachlan Tabacheck
GRADE 10: Travis Coriaty, Payton Danforth, Faith Herzog, Britany Louser
GRADE 9: Callie Bachand, Colden Bryant, Kaitlynn Costello, Olivia Fetzer, Makiah Jandrew, Alessia Norton, Michael Oharold, Rhylie Stannard, Leelynn Welch, Layla Willow
GRADE 8: Olivia Metcalf, Camdyn Shaffer
GRADE 7: Jonathan Aumiller, Mason Babcock, Conor Clarke, Miriam Hoffman, Maddeline Kiendl, Savanah Shreckengost
GRADE 6: Hailey Payne, Bentley Sisson, Joseph Welch
Owlett to Host Future Entrepreneur Summit for Aspiring Business Leaders
Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is inviting area students and aspiring business leaders to his first ever Future Entrepreneur Summit on Thursday, May 1, from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Penn Wells Hotel.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we want to make sure we are providing the support necessary to help new businesses grow and prepare the next generation of small business leaders in our communities,” Owlett said. “This is a great opportunity to learn from one another as we grow together.”
The summit will feature a panel of experts, including Jordyn Smith, co-owner of Smith and Co.; Dustin Butler, owner of Butler Hill Beef Farm; Sarah Callahan, owner of Flower Girl Florist; and Jason Gehman, CEO of Prism Health.
