Backpack Found In Emporium Borough
June 2025
Arrest Made In Fatal Fire In Olean
Olean City Fire Fighters responded to a report of a structure fire at 137 N. 9th St..Olean Police responded to this location as well to assist. It was determined that a female inside the upper apartment was still inside at the time of the fire. After Firefighters extinguished the fire and entry was made, the resident Carole Landrau age 76 was found inside the apartment deceased.
The Criminal Investigation unit responded to this location and working with Fire Investigators determined this fire to be a result of Arson. A female that had been staying at this apartment was later arrested for starting this fire. 42 year old Diane M. Casciani was charged with Criminally negligent homicide, Arson 2nd. degree and Reckless endangerment 1st degree. A male resident was also injured during the fire who was taken to Olean General where he was treated and released for burns. This investigation is continuing. Casciani was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail to await further Court proceedings
John Michael Hennessy, 74, of Manchester, CT
John Michael Hennessy, 74, of Manchester, CT, passed away after a brief illness on June 14, 2025, with his family at his side. He was born September 29, 1950, the son of the late Jack and Mary Lou Hennessy.
John worked for many years at Combustion Engineering (later GE Power) in Windsor, CT. Above all, he was a devoted family man who cherished moments spent with those he loved. He enjoyed countless trips and celebrations, including memorable family trips to Florida, neighborhood New Year’s Day parties, summer vacations in Wildwood, NJ, and the Hennessy family reunions, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Matthew Ian Lowe
In Loving Memory of Matthew Ian Lowe
Heaven Gained a Legend – April 3, 2025
On April 3rd, 2025, Matt left this world the way he lived in it—suddenly, boldly, and without asking for directions. With a heart that gave out far too soon, he traded in his earthly ride for a heavenly one, undoubtedly a chrome-plated Harley with angel wings and a celestial parking pass.
Matt was a man of many passions: Jesus, motorcycles, music, travel, family, and—yes—the New England Patriots. Whether he was worshipping in church, roaring down the highway, or screaming at the TV on game day (“Come on, Belichick!”), Matt did it all with soul, grit, and a gleam in his eye.
He sang like no one was listening (even when we were), laughed loudly, and loved deeply. His family was his heart, even if he sometimes covered it up with leather jackets and Patriots hoodies. Road trips were sacred, whether to a distant state or just down the road for a coffee and conversation. If you rode with Matt, you knew you were in for a journey—one that always came with a story and maybe a detour or two.
PennDOT McKean County Maintenance Work Schedule for the Week of June 30
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of June 30. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and while crews will be off Friday, July 4, to observe the Fourth of July holiday, the scope of work in McKean County for the rest of the week is as follows:
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Independence Day
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Potter County Farmers Market Friday, June 27th
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors AT OUR NEW LOCATION on the Courthouse grounds, at the corner and across the street from the square, every Friday (weather permitting) from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, June 27th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICES:
* We’re back on our summer schedule of Friday markets, BUT AT OUR NEW LOCATION due to renovations on the square. We’ll be across the street from the square, along the sidewalk to the right of the courthouse entrance, and around the corner on East Street to the driveway.
* The outdoor market is held each Friday from May through October (weather permitting; on very rainy days, we will relocate into the Riley Gallery (if available)). In November, the farmers market goes indoors for the winter market.
* 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]
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP plan on attending the market on Friday weather permitting. We will have a selection of goat milk based products that include soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions, lotion bars and bath bombs. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
BLUE MARBLE FARM will hopefully be at the market with local, organically grown beautiful produce and plants. For produce we will have Romaine Lettuce, Salad Turnips, Kohlrabi, Snow Peas, Garlic Scapes and Radishes. For plants we will have assorted herbs. We accept cash, checks and credit cards. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com, 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com
CARING CRAFTS will be attending this week’s Market! Weather Permitting! We will be bring 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 payment! Hope to see everyone there!
Tracy Jo Wilber-Schoonover, 52, of Port Allegany
Tracy Jo Wilber-Schoonover, 52, of Port Allegany, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at her residence.
Born on December 6, 1972, in Bradford, she was a daughter of Mary C. (Luce) Wilber, who survives.
She was a 1991 graduate of Bradford Area High School and a 1993 graduate from Continental Beauty School.
Tracy was the assistant director of activities at the Bradford Ecumenical Home and worked at Northwest Bank.
Reconstruction Project Continues on Interstate 80 in Montour and Northumberland Counties
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a multi-year construction project continues on Interstate 80 eastbound and westbound between Danville, Montour County and Limestoneville, Northumberland County.
The week of Monday, June 30, 2025
The contractor will continue work on the bridges carrying Interstate 80 over Narehood Road (Route 3003), which is located approximately 3 miles east of Exit 215 (Limestoneville / Route 254) in Liberty Township and Klondike Road (Route 3007), approximately 2 miles west of Exit 224 (Danville / Route 54) in Valley Township.
Intersection Improvement Project Continues along the Route 54 Corridor in Montour County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a multi-year intersection improvement project continues along the Route 54 corridor near the Route 642 west (Liberty Valley Road) and Route 642 east (Jerseytown Road) intersection in Valley and Mahoning townships, Montour County.
The Week of Monday, June 30, 2025
The contractor will continue work in the shoulder area on both eastbound and westbound Route 54. Work will be performed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday.
Wallis Run Road Bridge Replacement Project Continues in Gamble Township, Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement project continues on Wallis Run Road (Route 1003) in Gamble Township, Lycoming County.
The week of Monday, June 30, 2025, the contractor, Nestlerode Contracting Company, Inc., will begin reconstruction of the roadway Roaring Run Creek.
Traffic Impacts
- Wallis Run Road remains closed between Murray Run Road and Logue Hill, while the contractor replaces the bridge over Roaring Run Creek.
- A detour using Southard Road (Route 1004), Calvert Road, Beech Valley Road/Field Station Road (Route 1004), Rose Valley Road (Route 1001/1008), and Kellyburg Road (Route 1006) is in place.
Motorists should drive with caution in the area and follow the signed detour.
Nestlerode Contracting Company, Inc., is the prime contractor on this $640,000 bridge replacement project. Work on this project includes removal of the existing structure and replacement with a new box culvert, approach roadway reconstruction, guiderail installation, paving, line painting, and other miscellaneous construction. This project is anticipated to be completed in the fall 2025.
Pavement Marking Project Continues on I-80 and I-180 in North Central Pennsylvania
Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel Interstates 80 and 180 in north central Pennsylvania are advised a pavement marking project continues next week.
Week of Sunday, June 29, 2025
- The contractor, Kriger Construction, Inc., will continue removing raised pavement markings along Interstate 80 in Columbia County. This work will be performed during daylight hours Monday through Thursday.
- The contractor will also continue installation of recessed pavement markings along Interstate 180 in Northumberland County next week. Work will be performed at night Sunday through Thursday.
Motorists will experience single lane conditions where work is being performed.
Project locations include the Interstates 80 and 180 include Columbia, Lycoming, and Montour counties. This project is expected to be completed in July 2025, weather permitting.
Kriger Construction, Inc. is the prime contractor on this $1,400,000 improvement project.
Two-Year Highway Improvement Project Continues on I-180 in Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a two-year highway improvement project continues on Interstate 180 in the City of Williamsport, Loyalsock Township, Fairfield Township, and Montoursville Borough, Lycoming County.
The week of Sunday, June 29, 2025
Interstate-180
- The contractor will continue milling the westbound lanes between the bridge spanning the Loyalsock Creek in Loyalsock Township and Exit 25 (Faxon).
- (NEW) On Tuesday, July 1, the contractor will begin paving the westbound lanes between the Loyalsock Creek and Exit 25 (Faxon) in Loyalsock Township.
- Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed.
Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM, weather permitting. No work will be performed on this project between Thursday, July 3 and Sunday, July 6.
Glenn O. Hawbaker is the prime contractor for this two-year, $14 million, highway improvement project on Interstate 180 between Brushy Ridge Road (Route 2026) in Fairfield Township and the Route 15 interchange in the City of Williamsport. Work on the project includes the mill and resurface of 11 miles of I-180 between Basin Street (Route 2062) and Warrensville Road (Route 2022), this work includes the Faxon (Exit 25) and Route 15 (Exit 29) interchanges, base repairs, high friction surface treatment, tree removal, drainage upgrades, guide rail and signal upgrades. Additional work includes updated highway lighting, bridge preservation work, and pavement markings. Work on the project is anticipated to be completed in the fall 2026 and includes a winter shutdown.
Bridge Replacement Project to Begin on Cummings Creek Road in Farmington Township, Tioga County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement project is set to begin next week on Cummings Creek Road (Route 4027) in Farmington Township, Tioga County.
Starting on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Cummings Creek Road will be closed between Route 249 and Route 49, while a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) bridge crew begins removal of the existing bridge at the intersection with Elkhorn Road (Route 4024). Work on the project includes removal of the existing bridge, installation of a new box culvert, roadway reconstruction, guide rail, paving, and line painting.
Route 220 Resurfacing Project Continues in Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a roadway resurfacing project continues on Route 220 in Lycoming County.
The week of Monday, June 30, 2025, the contractor, Suit-Kote Corporation will continue application of a micro-surface treatment on Route 220 between the City of Williamsport and Linden. Micro-surface will also be applied on Route 220 northbound between Pine Creek and Route 287. Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions during daylight hours where work is being performed.
Louis Chiappelli, III, 67
Louis Chiappelli, III, 67, of St. Marys, passed away with his family by his side
Monday, June 23, 2025 at UPMC Montefiore in Pittsburgh. Funeral arrangements
are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services,
Inc.
WOMAN CONVICTED OF FIRING SHOT WHILE POLICE ON PROPERTY
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the woman charged with firing a weapon in the vicinity of two Troopers in May, 2024 was convicted after a two day jury trial held last week at the McKean County Courthouse. Sharon VANDRISH was convicted of 2 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Deadly Weapon Enhancement) and 2 counts of Terroristic Threats (Deadly Weapon Enhancement).
Corp. John Schall filed the criminal charges against VANDRISH for the conduct on May 9, 2024. After a series of incidents where the Pennsylvania State Police were dispatched by a home security company to a property on Route 59 where VANDRISH was located – one that the Troopers would later testify involved her threatening to shoot them for trespassing – State Police went to the residence again on May 9, 2024. The incidents escalated and frequently involved a home security alarm activation resulting in their dispatch or vehicle alarm after they arrived to threats to the responding officers.
Burglary Arrest In Bradford
The City of Bradford Police Department has announced the arrest of Michael J. Keller, who was taken into custody on Monday, June 17, 2025, in connection with a string of recent burglaries at the First Presbyterian Church in Bradford.
Keller is alleged to have unlawfully entered the church on three separate occasions—June 13th, 15th, and 16th—using a set of stolen keys. In response to the repeated incidents, Bradford police initiated a targeted investigation, including the deployment of multiple cellular trail cameras inside the church on the afternoon of June 16th.
Video and still images from the surveillance footage captured Keller at 2309 hours bypassing two secured doors, gaining access to the church office, and removing two checkbooks before exiting the premises. On June 17th, officers apprehended Keller without incident.
He was subsequently arraigned by District Judge Todd and remanded to the McKean County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.
The City of Bradford Police Department commends the officers involved for their swift and thorough response in this case and continues to work closely with the First Presbyterian Church to ensure its security.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Enoch Walked With God
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
The writer of Genesis 5:24 states that “Enoch walked with God.” Think about that for a moment. What does it mean that he walked with God? Have you ever walked with anyone? I’ve walked with some who walked too slow, and I’ve also walked with those who were virtually running. (One of my daughters walks this way.) So what would it mean to walk with God?
WELLSBORO FOCUSED BOOK ON “WYNKEN, BLYNKEN & NOD” TO BE RELEASED THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 27
From My Shelf Books and Gifts at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro is publishing a Wellsboro focused version of the poem “Wynken, Blynklen, & Nod.”
The town is known for the statue of Wynken, Blynken and Nod that is the centerpiece of The Green, a park in the heart of downtown Wellsboro.
Friday is the Day!!!
Find your FIRST Career ~ Find a NEW Career
- EMPLOYERS with job openings multiple counties.
- Resources for everyone. Gift basket giveaways.
- Chicken BBQ available at the Port Allegany Moose Club 460.
- On the square in Port Allegany. In the event of torrential rain find us in the Port Allegany Moose Club 460.
Potter & McKean CareerLink Staff
James E. “Animal” Benninger, 76
James E. “Animal” Benninger, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born on February 9, 1949 in St. Marys, a son of the late Winfred and Mary Fritz Benninger.
On April 2, 1993, at Johnsonburg, PA, he married Roberta “Jean” Walker Benninger, who survives.
Major Heat Risk for Chautauqua County Tomorrow, June 27
Temperatures in Chautauqua County tomorrow, June 27, will feel like 92 degrees. Visit https://bit.ly/44Np2s3 for information about how to prepare and stay safe during high heat. Keep children and pets in air conditioning if possible. IF OUTSIDE: wear light-colored loose clothing and a hat. NEVER leave children or pets in a car.
If you have signs of heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately. Signs of a heat stroke are:
- Extremely high body temperatures
- Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat.
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness.
NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov
Dolores “Dollie” Wilber of Smethport, PA
Dolores “Dollie” Wilber of Smethport, PA passed away on June 22, 2025 at Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
Born July 14, 1936, in Portville, NY, the daughter of Edith Franklin Confer and William Goldsmith. The Granddaughter of Vernal and Martha Proper, who raised her. On January 21, 1966, at the First Church of God in Eldred, PA she married William Wilber who passed away September 23, 2011.
Donald P. Frye, 83, of Smethport, PA
Donald P. Frye, 83, of Smethport, passed away Monday (June 23, 2025) at his home.
He was born March 18, 1942 in Danville, PA, the son of Paul and Mae (Becker) Frye. On June 13, 1962, in Elkton, MD, he married MaryKay Read, who died April 18, 2023.
Don was a ramp service handler, employed by Eastern Airlines for many years.
Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers Announces over $182,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Pennsylvania and New York Students
The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT) is proud to announce the awarding of over $182,000 in scholarships to 104 deserving students across Pennsylvania and New York for the 2025 academic year.
These scholarships support students in Bradford, Potter, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Tioga County in New York.
This year’s recipients include students from a wide range of backgrounds, all demonstrating excellence in areas such as academics, leadership, community service, athletics, music, and other outstanding achievements.The 2025 Potter County scholarship recipients were recently recognized as part of this annual initiative. Scholarships are made possible through 86 dedicated scholarship funds currently administered by CFTT. These funds were established by generous individual donors, families, and corporations, many in honor or memory of a loved one.