Claudia Kay (Morris) Sprague, passed away peacefully, with her daughter and daughter-in-law by her side, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, just shy of her 85th birthday.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT:
CERES TOWNSHIP will be adopting a Solar Farm Ordinance. The purpose of the Ordinance is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Ceres Township; provide for the safe, effective, efficient, and orderly operation of solar farms within the Township; protect and preserve historic agricultural and recreational activities within the Township; protect and preserve the Township’s environmental and ecological assets, wetlands, and other ecological and environmentally sensitive areas; protect and preserve the open spaces, viewscapes, and rural aesthetics of the Township; and to provide regulations that balance the often-competing interest of property owners, their neighbors, and the community.
The Ordinance defines a Solar Energy System as any part of a system that collects or stores solar radiation or energy for the purpose of transforming it into any other form or usable energy. Including the collection and transfer of heat created by solar energy to any other medium by any means. This ordinance will require any Solar Farm project (with 50 or more panels) to submit application with fee and escrow to cover any project related cost the Township may incur. These amounts will be set by resolution.
Application will require name, address, and phone number of the applicant, any authorized representative of the applicant, the proposed operator, and real property owners of the land parcel being utilized, project description, life of components, and possible future expansions. Proof of permission from property owner, three views of solar farm, site plan, noise impact study, glare study, environmental and ecological impact, proof of environmental compliance, transportation plan, job creation, tax impact, and decommissioning plan will need to be submitted as well.
Set-back, greenbelt screening, light, noise, glare, fencing, wiring, drainage, will have guidelines. Liability insurance will be required. A public hearing will be held on the solar application prior to any final determination. A complete copy of this ordinance may be reviewed at the Township Building on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays 8am to 4pm or by calling 814-697-6948 for an appointment. The public may view this ordinance until July 1, 2025 @ 6:00 at which time a meeting will be held to adopt the Ordinance. CERES TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
BRADFORD, PA – Open Arms Community Church invites the public to a special outdoor event, Church In Town, on Sunday, June 29 at 10:00 AM in the parking lot of their new location at 71 Congress Street.
This family-friendly event features an outdoor worship service followed by a free community lunch, and is open to everyone—whether you regularly attend church or have never been.
After relocating to their new building, the church has spent the past several months settling in, creating a welcoming space, and reaching out to the community. Now they’re inviting neighbors to visit and experience what Open Arms is all about.
“The mission of Open Arms Community Church is Real People Helping People Become More Like Jesus as a Family,” says Lead Pastor Zoe Hatcher. “To help people be more like Jesus, we need to model what He did—He moved into the neighborhood. (John 1:14, The Message). By bringing our services outside the four walls of the church, we’re showing our community that we love them and want to be with them. That’s how family starts—by building relationships. We want everyone to know they’re welcome to worship with us, even if they’re not yet comfortable stepping inside a church building.”
Pastor Dan Robinson adds, “Some people give church buildings a bad rap, like just because they don’t always attend, they may not be welcome inside the building. By inviting people to our location in the heart of the city, we are creating a welcoming environment where people can come, relax, hear God’s word, and meet a new family who is ready to welcome them with open arms—no pun intended. It’s easy to come to an outdoor event! Show up, say hi, and have a bite to eat!”
Whether you’re curious about church or just looking for a warm meal and friendly faces, Church In Town is a no-pressure opportunity to connect, worship, and belong.
Silas Austin Hyde, two-month-old son of Kaitlyn Smeltzer and Bryon Hyde of Lewis Run, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at home.
Silas was born on April 4, 2025, in Buffalo, NY.
He is survived by his parents, Bryon Hyde and Kaitlyn Smeltzer, of Lewis Run, one brother, Perseus Hyde, his grandparents, Shannon Hyde, and Stephanie McCamey, paternal great grandparents, David (Bobbea) Southard, maternal grandparents, Gary Smeltzer, and Rachel Hutchison, maternal great grandparents, Gerald (Jerry) Hutchison, and Naomi Smeltzer, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission again is seeking input from the public in surveying wild turkeys this summer. The Annual Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey runs July 1 through Aug. 31.
Public participation is important for turkey population management. Survey data allow the agency to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states, as this is a standard methodology used across the country. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends.
Turkey sightings can be reported through the Game Commission’s website at https://pgcforms.pa.gov/TurkeySightingSurvey. This is a new URL from last year. The mobile app no longer is available.
Ira “John” Knight Jr., 74, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at home from complications of ALS.
Born August 2, 1950, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Ira R. and Thelma (Case) Knight. He was a 1969 graduate of Smethport Area High School.
Four recent Portville Central School graduates were awarded the Dr. Donald A. Wormer Family Scholarship through the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.
Adriana Ensell received $1,500, while Brielle Fidurko and Owen Faulkner received $1,200. Zoey Hoak was awarded $600.
Dana Earl Hess, 49, of Galeton, PA, formerly of Westfield, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.
Born February 6, 1976 in Wellsboro, PA, he was a son of Elwyn “Barney” and Tina (English) Hess, who both survive. Dana was a 1994 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School and then attended the Pittsburgh Institute for Mortuary Science where he received his degree for funeral directing. On June 5, 1999 in Westfield, he married his Dear, the former Jean “Jeannie” Amann, who survives. High school sweethearts, they more than enjoyed, they built a beautiful life together for 26 years. After graduating from mortuary school, Dana worked at Vickery Funeral Home in Troy, PA, Weber Funeral Home in Allentown, PA and then finally, he and Jeannie purchased Hess Funeral Home in Galeton in 2007 and have been operating it together since.
In 2020, Dana and Jeannie also purchased what is now Murphy’s Pizza in Galeton in hopes of keeping himself busy and giving them a place to have fun and meet people in better circumstances than as the funeral director. He loved delivering pizza with a huge smile on his face. Murphy’s also gave them an opportunity to give back to the community. He frequently donated pizza to many organizations and churches in the area. Even taking 30 pizzas to Westfield after the flood, just to hand them out to people. He found great joy in providing pizzas to the area churches for their Vacation Bible Schools.
Dana’s great passion was helping people. He strove every day to try to make someone else’s day better, however he could. He loved the Galeton community and always tried to be reputable, respectable, compassionate, loving, and caring to all those he served through the funeral home and those that he saw in the community every day. He was only in a suit when he had to be. He worked to be a member of Galeton, not just the funeral director. Dana was an Eagle Scout and a member of Clymer Baptist Church in Sabinsville, where he and Jeannie started dating at a youth group function 35 years ago as teenagers. He loved Irish Setters and all of Galeton saw him and his buddy, Alex, walking every day. Alex was 14 years old and stayed with Dana until the end. He was then let go to be with Dana and his girl Gracie.
A more contagious smile and laugh will be hard to find. A bright light has gone out on earth, but he is with his Savior in Heaven waiting for his Dear and his many family members and friends.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Jeannie Hess of Galeton and his parents, Barney and Tina Hess of Westfield, are a brother, Gregory (Laurie) Wood, Knoxville; a sister, Jeannine (Chris) Louca, Westfield; a brother, Miroslav (Vera Trnkova) Trnka, Czech Republic; a sister, Marinka (Antii-Markus Rantatorikka) Wuorenmaa, Finland; two nephews, Allan (Kassie Burch) Wood, Knoxville and Andrew Louca, Westfield; two nieces, Evelyn Louca, Westfield and Courtney (Johnny) Daum, Elmira, NY; a great niece, Willo Wood, Knoxville; three brothers-in-law, Francis, Scott and Freddie Amann; a sister-in-law- Pam “Sue” Whitmire; an adopted surrogate mother-in-law, Jessie Cole; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A private service for family only will be held at the Clymer Baptist Church in Sabinsville, with Pastor Kyle Horton officiating. Friends and the community may call on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 11:00am-1:00pm at his parents’ family farm at 52 Mill Creek Lane, Westfield.
Funeral Services will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Sherry Elliott and Daniel Brelo officiating. Interment will be made in the Sabinsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Goodyear Hose Company, the Gale Hose Ambulance Association or to Clymer Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Hess Funeral & Cremation Service, Kenyon Funeral, Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home and the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home.
STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE DEVELOPING THIS AFTERNOON…
Numerous showers and thunderstorms, some strong to possibly severe in intensity, will be developing quickly across the Northern Mountains of Pennsylvania as we head into the mid afternoon hours. This part of the state is between a cold front drifting south from Western New York and near a boundary of slightly
cooler air that moved north from early morning showers and storms near Dubois and State College.
Expect scattered strong thunderstorms through 5 pm containing
Wind gusts up to 50 MPH.
* Hail up to penny size.
* Brief very heavy rainfall.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
The storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from your National Weather Service.
Gerald Vaughn, 77, of Eldred, passed away Thursday (June 19, 2025) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
He was born July 9, 1947 in Olean, the son of Edward G. and Marie (Baker) Vaughn. On September 4, 1971 in Smethport he married Alice J. Burdick, who survives.
Mr. Vaughn was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
For the sixth year in a row, From My Shelf Books & Gifts at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro, the local bookstore owned by author Kevin Coolidge, is hosting a Totally Ninja Raccoons scavenger hunt at 25 Wellsboro area businesses.
This year’s hunt has a twist. Instead of searching for the three Totally Ninja Raccoon brothers, youth and adults are asked to help the raccoon brothers find Bigfoot at participating businesses.
* WHAT…Heat index values up to 100.
* WHERE…A portion of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat related illnesses.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A combination of increasing cloud cover and scattered thunderstorms will keep temperatures lower on Wednesday, prompting an earlier expiration of the Heat Advisory.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and stay in an air-conditioned room.
Check up on relatives and neighbors, and provide pets with adequate water and shelter from the sun.
Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
In addition to the daytime heat, overnight low temperatures will also be very warm and oppressively muggy.
For more information from the National Weather Service visit
weather.gov/StateCollege
Belmont, NY – The Allegany County Democratic Committee partnered recently with Rise Up Wellsville for a NO KINGS Rally in Wellsville. An estimated 300 individuals gathered peacefully for music and conversation, a “Honk and Wave”, and to participate in a live reading of the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution.
Belmont, NY – The Allegany County Democratic Committee partnered recently with Rise Up Wellsville for a NO KINGS Rally in Wellsville. An estimated 300 individuals gathered peacefully for music and conversation, a “Honk and Wave”, and to participate in a live reading of the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution.
In addition, attendees generously brought non-perishable food and personal care item — more than 30 bags full — which have been donated to the Rushford Community Food pantry to restock its shelves for local families in need. This is one of the ways the Democratic Committee lives its motto: “Serving our Community.”
On June 9, 2025, Rotarian Brad Rinehart introduced as his guest, Doug Tusker, who owns the Austin Family Campground at Nelson Run, his son, Mason, who is Operations Manager and daughter, Britta, who is Program Director.
Doug described himself as “recovering” from 30 years in international business administration, inventory and plant operations management.
Mason is in charge of grounds maintenance, and orders supplies for the store.
The Elk County Council on the Arts is ogre-the-moon to announce their Summer Theater Camp production of Shrek the Musical JR! Get ready for a swamp load of family friendly fun! This delightful musical comedy follows the adventures of Shrek, a lovable, yet prickly, ogre, along with his sidekick Donkey, who set out on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from certain doom. But along the way, Shrek discovers that the biggest challenge he faces isn’t a fire-breathing dragon or a dangerous quest, it’s learning to believe in himself and open his heart to others.
Brian M. Frost: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend.
Brian M. Frost, 62, of 9196 East Main Road, Cuba, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at home surrounded by his family after a year-long, but courageous battle with cancer.
Born on August 25, 1962, in Cuba, he was the son of Edward and Katherine A. Linderman Frost. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Gregory Frost in 2007.
Brian came into a single mother’s life who had 4 children, when they were broken and unsure of trusting anyone. He taught me and them that love could be unconditional, and that hands were for hugs. He showed them he would stand by their side whether it was the best or worse of times. He asked our children for permission to marry me, before proposing. He knew that this would impact their lives. On September 28, 1996, in Olean, he married the former Debbie Crowley who survives.
This is an important message from NY Alert
HEADLINE: NYS Missing Child Alert Alert for AMISIS BYAOMBE on June 23, 2025 at 01:07 am has been cancelled.
DESCRIPTION: The New York State Missing Child Alert on behalf of the Buffalo City Police Department for AMISIS BYAOMBE is now cancelled as of 09:45 am on June 23, 2025.
INSTRUCTIONS: Thank you for your subscription to NYS Missing Child Alert.
Issued By: NYS-DCJS-MPC
Troop 413 of Duke Center of Troop 512 from Eldred closed their 2024-2025 scouting season with a flag ceremony and Court of Honor where the scouts were recognized for their achievements throughout the season. The ceremony was followed by a picnic for the scouts and their families. Pictured, front row, left to right are Lillian Valentine, Willow Valentine, Tessla Mealy, Langston Reed, Nicholas Oldenburg; (back row) Committee Chairman Earl Strait, Emily Walb, Hattie Mealy, Assistant Scoutmaster Abbie Strait, Scoutmaster Nicholas Valentine, Mason Rees and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Erik Gray.
HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…Heat index values up to 100. * WHERE…A portion of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…In addition to the daytime heat, overnight low temperatures will also be very warm and muggy. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and stay in an air-conditioned room. Check up on relatives and neighbors, and provide pets with adequate water and shelter from the sun. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
