Drug Possession Arrest In Ridgway Borough
April 2025
Frances “Fran” W. ZAPAR, 90, of Wellsville, NY
Frances “Fran” W. ZAPAR, 90, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, March 30, 2025 in the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville. Born April 26, 1934, in Long Island, NY, she was the daughter of Stanley G. and Helen Duda Wojculewski.
On November 10, 1973, in Vineland, NJ, she married Alexander J. Zapar, who survives. A 1952 graduate of Bridgeton High School, Bridgeton, NJ, she attended Cumberland County College. Fran was employed as office manager by Mahi Salam pediatric office in Downingtown for 25 years, retiring in 1999 and moving to their mountain home in Alma. She attended Yorks Corners Mennonite Church.
Patti L. WASHBURN, 61, of Cuba, NY
Patti L. WASHBURN, 61, of Cuba, NY, went to heaven to be with her mother on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.
Born February 20, 1964, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Leslie E. Sr. and Mary Knutowicz Jackson. On August 18, 2012, in Bolivar, she married Joseph Washburn, who survives.
Linda K. WISE, 78, of Greenwood, NY
Linda K. WISE, 78, of Greenwood, NY, loving mother, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.
Born August 10, 1946, in Detroit, MI, she was the daughter of Edward and June Barr Birchall. In 2001, she retired after 25 years with Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster, PA.
Joan Olivia Thorpe, 92, of Warren, PA
Joan Olivia Thorpe, 92, of Warren, PA, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025.
Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Wednesday April 9, 2025, in the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East Street Warren PA. Followed by a Graveside Service in Oakland Cemetery, Mohawk Ave.
Warren, PA at 11:30 with Rev. Elizabeth Thorpe, Officiating. Please visit www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com to view a full obituary.
Jennie L. Milford, 99, of Ridgway
Jennie L. Milford, 99, of Ridgway, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at UMPC Kane following a brief illness.
She was born on July 15, 1925, in Mt. Jewett, the daughter of the late Perry and Clara Swanson Hedlund.
Jennie was a devoted wife to her late husband, Leo E. Milford, whom she married on July 17, 1943. Together, they shared a remarkable 66 years of marriage.
Jennie was a lifelong resident of the area and a devout member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She shared countless adventures with her beloved partner, Leo, and together they explored the world through their love for cruising and traveling across the country. In addition to her love for travel, Jennie found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was watching cardinals at her home or enjoying the thrill of a night out at the casino. Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with her family, creating memories that will be treasured forever.
She is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Peterson and her husband Howard of Ridgway, 2 sons, Edward Milford and his wife Susan and William Milford, all of Ridgway, 10 grandchildren: Shelly, Beth, Amy, Laura, Chip, Dan, Karen, Kristen, Michael, and Jacob, 3 step-grandchildren: Colleen, Sherry, and Robert, and numerous great grandchildren. She is also survived by a special niece, Judy Haight, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by 2 sister, Mildred Ludwig and Viola Anderson, 5 brothers; Axle, Perry, Gilbert, Jerome, and Lawrence Hedlund, and a step granddaughter, Cynthia Weaver
Funeral Services for Jennie L. Milford are being held privately by the family.
Burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 215 Cook Ave, Ridgway, PA 15853.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center St., Ridgway, PA 15853, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jennie L. Milford, please visit our flower store.
Clinton J. BIRDSALL, 75, of Westfield, PA
Clinton J. BIRDSALL, 75, of Westfield, PA, died Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in his home. Born May 11, 1949, in Westfield, he was the son of Edward C. and Orpha R. Miles Birdsall.
On December 22, 1968, in the Westfield, he married Erna Newcomb, who survives. A 1968 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He was employed by CNG / Dominion. Clinton was a member of First Baptist Church, Westfield, PA.
PennDOT – District 3 News
Bridge Replacement Project to Begin on Allen Meadows Road in Granville Township, Bradford County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement project is set to begin on Allen Meadows Road (Route 3017) in Granville Township, Bradford County. The bridge, which spans North Branch Towanda Creek, is located between Route 514 and Pension Road.
Starting on Monday, April 14, 2025, Allen Meadows Road will be closed between Route 514 and Pension Road, while the contractor, L.C. Whitford Co., Inc., begins mobilizing equipment to remove the existing bridge.
A detour using Allen Meadows Road, Fairview Road (Route 3024), and Bailey Corners Road (Route 3019) will be in place for the duration of the project.
L.C. Whitford Co., Inc., is the prime contractor for this $1.3 million bridge replacement project. Work on this project includes removal of the existing bridge and replacement with a single span concrete box beam bridge, tree and shrub removal, milling, paving, approach work, line painting, and installation of new guide rail. Work on this project is anticipated to be completed in September 2025, weather pending.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delayed travel, and drive with caution.
The Lies We Live By
Pastor B.J. Knefley
I recently spoke with several men about the lies we live by. Surprisingly, many expressed these thoughts with great emotion and struggle. You might be wondering what I mean by “lies we live by,” so let me explain.
The lies we live by tell us we must be perfect in everything we do, that we must fix everything, that we are responsible for the unhappiness of others, that we are stupid, or that we are not good enough. Do you see what I mean? We all have these to varying degrees, and although we may not be consciously aware of them, they influence everything we say and do. Healing from these lies requires considerable inner exploration to identify and address the root causes. Sounds easy? It’s not.
Potter County Farmers Market Saturday, April 5th
The Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May, held in the Riley Gallery, next to the Crittenden, on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (NEW HOURS). The next market will be this Saturday, April 5th. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
* Beginning in January the winter Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May. The Saturday dates are January 4, February 1, March 1, and April 5. In May, the market will again be on the square
* Market times have been established after many trial times over the years. If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly. They are willing to try to accommodate your request.
* If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-598-0649 netrabaker2@gmail.com]
CARING CRAFTS will be attending this week’s Market! We will be bringing a variety of Homemade Travel Pillows! Along with our Plastic Canvas Magnets/Ornaments! Our selection of both is very wide and unique! We have something for everyone! Don’t forget to like us Facebook! If your not able to stop by or would like to place an order please contact Jess at 814 203 2482! Caring Crafts excepts Cash Payments! Hope to see everyone there!
WOOLEYLOT FARMS will be at the market with French fingerlings potatoes, white potatoes, and garlic. Cash is preferred but checks are acceptable.
THORNY BUSH FARM will be at this weeks Farmers Market with yummy goat milk fudge and terrific herbal honey plus some lovely craft items. Cash accepted.
MILL CREEK MARKET will be attending this week with a variety of sustainably grown mushrooms and hydroponic greens. Accepting cash, check, and Venmo for in-person sales. Our farm is registered with the Department of Agriculture and our facility is inspected by the Bureau of Food Safety. For more information find us online at: https://wildscopa.org/members/mill-creek-market Mill Creek Market PA LLC Coudersport, Pennsylvania ~nurturing people and the planet~
JULIE BENNETT is planning to attend this week’s market. We are bringing crochet stuffies. There will be a variety for your Easter baskets. We will also have other crochet items. Also some handmade earrings. And a variety of other items. We accept cash payments. Thank you!
CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the last winter market this Saturday 11 am to 2 pm at the Riley Gallery next to the Crittenden Hotel, Main Street, Coudersport. This is the last Saturday indoor market this season. The market will be outside Friday 12:30 to 4:30. This week I have had requests for artisan breads, english muffins, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, plus. Stop by this Saturday for your special bakery favorites. Please send me your requests each week to enhance your table and satisfy your taste buds. Special requests for market day or during the week are part of what I enjoy doing. netrabaker2@gmail.comCell 814-598-0649
PA Wilds Conservation Shop at Leonard Harrison State Park reopens for 2025 season
Seasonal shop at PA Grand Canyon sells locally made artisan products
WELLSBORO, PA – At the edge of the PA Grand Canyon at Leonard Harrison State Park, the PA Wilds Conservation Shop has reopened for the 2025 season. The shop offers locally made products for travelers who come to the park to admire the breathtaking view.
Operated by the nonprofit PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center), the PA Wilds Conservation Shops are mission-driven gift shops that help improve market access for rural entrepreneurs by sourcing 90 percent of their inventory from rural makers and businesses in the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region.
The PA Wilds Conservation Shop at Leonard Harrison State Park is one of three shop locations operated by the PA Wilds Center. The flagship store at Kinzua Bridge State Park (McKean County) opened in 2016, and it continues to operate during the three-year Skywalk renovations. There is also a shop located in the historic former train depot building along the Knox and Kane Rail Trail in Marienville (Forest County), which opened in 2024.
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources completed renovations at Leonard Harrison State Park’s visitor center in 2024. The PA Wilds Conservation Shop, which began as a seasonal mobile unit at the park, relocated inside the new building in June 2024.
BRMC, OGH announce April Star Award Winners
Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are proud to announce the winners of the April Star Awards. This month’s BRMC and OGH recipients were Carissa Stewart and Christopher John, respectively.
Carissa Stewart, a patient access rep at BRMC, has been with BRMC since 2009 and was honored as the BRMC 2025 April Star Award recipient.
“Carissa is an invaluable member of the team, bringing over a decade of experience to the department. She is known for her compassion and willingness to assist anyone in need, whether it’s a patient, family member or colleague. Her flexibility with hours and shifts helps ensure a smooth and efficient registration process, contributing to a positive experience for both patients and staff,” read her nomination. “Carissa consistently goes the extra mile to provide comfort and reassurance, whether by sharing a kind word, offering a warm blanket, or simply brightening someone’s day with her smile. Her dedication and genuine care make a meaningful impact on the department and the patients BRMC serves.”
Christopher John, a nurse assistant at OGH, was awarded the OGH 2025 April Star Award. John has been valued member of the OGH team since 2023.
John R. “Jughead” Copeland, 87, of Smethport, PA
John R. “Jughead” Copeland, 87, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (April 3, 2025) at his home in Smethport.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Linda A. Safran, 76, of St. Marys, PA
Linda A. Safran, 76, of St. Marys, passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home on Thursday, April 3, 2025, following a brief illness.
She was born on June 26, 1948 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Thomas and Flora Schauer Bauer.
Linda was a faithful member of St. Marys Church, where she was a dedicated volunteer for many years. During her life she tried to help others as much as she could. She felt it was God’s will to help in the needs of others. A few things she did was volunteer at a nursing home where she became a surrogate daughter for a patient, was involved with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, was a Eucharistic Minister, donated her hair numerous times to Locks of Love, and tried to help people with their faith by creating artwork and placing prayers over the art. She earned her bachelors degree in Secondary Education /Mathematics from Lock Haven. She also worked on her Masters Degree in Library Sciences at Clarion University where she also worked and met her husband. In her free time, Linda enjoyed being a mother and raising her daughter to the best of her ability. She loved children and helping them learn. Her other interests included reading, cooking and health, sewing, gardening, and having Bible Study with her friends.
Freshman Aiden Ferguson Leads Bradford Knights to Victory at States
Ferguson defeated all competitors in his high school section except for his final round when he faced a competitor he had always won against in the past. Unfortunately, Aiden was tired and lost his game to Preston Taylor, who finished as the state scholastic champion in the 7-12 section.
Ferguson finished fourth overall. The Bradford Club sent a total of eight participants from the Bradford Knight Owls Chess program to the 2025 Pennsylvania State Chess Championships. The event was held at the Red Lion Inn Harrisburg-Hershey at 4751 Lindle Road in Harrisburg, PA from Friday-Sunday, March 28-30, 2025. Last year, Bradford won by only ½ point; however, this year Bradford dominated from the very beginning.
More than 900 players participated in the combined State Chess Championships on Friday through Sunday.
The 2025 Championship was sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Chess Federation and organized by Tom Martinak. Coach Bob Ferguson said, “I’m very proud of all our students! They have worked hard.” The students’ next competition is at Friendship Central School on April 26.
Linda V. Burks, 74, of Shinglehouse, PA
Linda V. Burks “beloved wife mother, grandmother, and sister”
Linda V. Burks, 74, of Shinglehouse, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, after a long illness.
Born on Thursday, December 14, 1950 in Anchorage, Alaska, she was a daughter of Alden M. and Elizabeth J. Summerell Vandenboom. On May 31, 1969 in Orlando, Florida, she married Pat Burks, who survives.
I-80 Eastbound in Clearfield County to Close for Three Hours Sunday
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced it will close Interstate 80 eastbound near exit 97/DuBois-Brockway in Clearfield County at 10:00 PM on Sunday, April 6, and reopen it on Monday, April 7 at 1:00 AM.
This portion of I-80 is within the limits of an ongoing Interstate preservation project between mile markers 97 and 120. PennDOT closed the right (travel) lane on March 28 and shifted traffic onto the left (passing) lane and shoulder. The increased traffic along the shoulder has caused settlement damage that PennDOT must repair to ensure public safety.
While the bridge is closed, PennDOT will direct traffic off the interstate at exit 97. Drivers will follow Route 219 southbound for approximately 250 feet before turning left onto a crossover lane to merge back onto I-80. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control at the ramp and the crossover lane.
Brayden Cosper Seneca Highlands CTC Student Of The Week
Seneca Highlands CTC is proud to announce Brayden Cosper as the student of the week for the week of March 31, 2025. Brayden, a senior from Smethport, is in the engineering technology program. He has consistently displayed leadership during his three years in the areas of safety, quality of work, and attendance. Having extensive CAD (computer aided drafting) experience, Brayden easily scored advanced on the practical portion of the NOCTI exam. He scored advanced on the written portion of the NOCTI as well. He is a member of the NTHS at Seneca Highlands. At Smethport, he is a member of the Trap team and NHS. Brayden plans to attend Penn College in the fall, majoring in Manufacturing Engineering.
Richard W. Schutz, Sr., 82, of 428 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA
Richard W. Schutz, Sr., 82, of 428 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, passed away with his family by his side Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Leonard M. Fermenic, age 87, of Wellsboro, PA
Leonard M. Fermenic, age 87, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
He was born on October 12, 1937 in Blossburg, PA, a son of the late Michael and Mary (Lynough) Fermenic and was the husband of the late Valerie (DeMusz) Fermenic. Leonard served in the US Army, was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Wellsboro, PA and had worked for many years at Mergenthaler, Wellsboro, PA.
PA Lumber Museum Birch Still Hike At Lyman Run State Park April 5th
April 5, 2pm–Birch Still Hike: From muscle rubs to soda, birch oil was vital to historic Potter County. Join volunteers from the PA Lumber Museum at Lyman Run State Park as they hike to the foundation of a birch still and learn about its history along the way. The hike will be about 0.75 miles off-trail, over muddy, slightly hilly ground. Please wear appropriate footwear. All ages welcome, meet at the Schott Pavilion in the Daggett Day Use Area at Lyman Run State Park. Questions? Call Susan at Lyman Run State Park at 814-435-5010 ext. 2 or email lymanrunsp@pa.gov
April Community Classes & Support Groups hosted at BRMC & OGH
Throughout the month of April, Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are offering a variety of classes and support groups designed to provide health education, encouragement and community connection.
Whether you are managing a health condition, navigating a loss or caring for a loved one, programs offer valuable guidance and are open to the public.
If you are scheduled for total joint replacement surgery, join our Total Joint Care Class. This class provides an overview of your procedure, the recovery process, and the rehabilitation you will need. It is led by an experienced member of our outpatient rehabilitation team. This month, the class will be held on Wednesday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the OGH Education Center on the first floor. To register, please call (716) 375-7481.