Fannie Ruth Thomas Cobb, 98, a longtime resident of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at Grand Brook Memory Care in Fishers, Indiana. Born on January 17, 1927, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of Pearl and John Thomas.
She was united in marriage to Calvin Cobb on March 7, 1953. They shared a loving and devoted partnership until his passing in 2019.
Paul Russell Fero, 73, of Austin, PA, passed away July 3, 2025, at his residence. He was born June 8, 1952, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Paul W. and Mary (Defalca) Fero. Shortly before his birth, Paul’s father passed away. Paul’s mother remarried, and he was raised by her and his step-father Edward Losiewicz. After leaving school, Paul served his country in the US Army during Viet Nam.
Following his service in the Army, Paul worked as a laborer at many different jobs, but his most significant work was serving as a caregiver for his companion Robin Gordon. Paul was an avid Chevy enthusiast, he loved racing, especially NASCAR and drag racing, and even tried his hand at racing on a dirt track.
Judith “Judy” M. Shaffer, 86, of Tiona, PA, died early Friday July 4th, 2025, in the Rouse Home after a period of declining health.
She was born on January 29, 1939, in Mayburg, PA, Forest County, the daughter of the late G. Edward and Gertrude Wilson Miner. Judy was a graduate of Warren Area High School, Class of 1956. Judy was a longtime member of the Tiona Global Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir. Music was a big part of Judy’s life; she loved to sing.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a roadway project scheduled to start soon will close a portion of Route 125 in Coal Township, Northumberland County.
Between Monday, July 14, 2025, and Sunday, July 27, 2025, Route 125 will be closed between Point Breeze Road (Route 3004) and Bear Valley Road, while the contractor installs a culvert under Route 125. Work on the project includes installation of the culvert, paving, and line painting.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a highway resurfacing project impacting Route 1010 (Genesee Mills Road) in Genesee and Bingham townships in Potter County will begin Monday, July 7. This project will improve ride quality and extend the service life of nearly 12 miles of roadway across three roads in Potter and McKean counties.
While the contractor completes this work, the road will be closed between Route 244 and Route 1013 (Bingham Center Road). Traffic will follow a detour using Route 244, Route 449, Route 1018 (Winter Green Road), Route 1011 (Hickox/Ulysses Road), and Bingham Center Road) around the work zone.
PennDOT to Close West Washington Street for Bridge Replacement July 7
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a detour will go into place on Monday, July 7, as work begins to replace a bridge on Route 346 (West Washington Street) spanning Gates Hollow Run in Bradford Township, McKean County. Replacing the bridge will improve ride quality and enhance safety.
Once the bridge closes on Monday, drivers will follow a detour using Corydon Street and Dorothy Lane to navigate around the closure. Additionally, PennDOT notes there will be no parking permitted along West Corydon Street between South Avenue and Bushnell Street while work is completed.
Overall work includes replacement of the existing structure, approach paving, drainage improvements, guiderail installation, application of paving markings, and miscellaneous construction. Bob Cummins Construction of Bradford, PA, is the contractor on this $1.4 million project. PennDOT expects the detour to be in place for approximately three weeks. All work is weather-dependent.
Motorists are advised a bridge preservation project will continue next week in Lycoming County.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised a bridge preservation project will continue next week in Lycoming County. This project provides preservation work on 12 state-owned bridges throughout the county. Work includes bridge deck repair, the application of a waterproof membrane, paving, and line painting.
The week of July 7, 2025, the contractor will be placing temporary traffic control signals and will begin milling on the following bridge.
Route 44
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking dedicated, civic-minded individuals to join in its effort to clean up litter along Pennsylvania’s highways through its Adopt a Highway (AAH) Program. Under the program, individual volunteers or civic organizations enter a two-year agreement to collect litter at least twice a year along stretches of state-owned roadway.
PennDOT provides access to safety training for volunteers along with gloves, safety vests, trash bags, and, if requested, highway warning signs for use during litter pick-ups. It also notifies Pennsylvania State Police of all scheduled events, collects bagged litter from the roadside following pick-up events, and posts roadway signage in recognition of the volunteer efforts.
Participants must be age eight or older, and there must be at least one adult age 18 or older for every eight minors (age 17 or younger). Minors must also have parental permission to participate.
Full Depth Reclamation Planned on Bear Hollow Road in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised All Saints Road (T-462), Bear Hollow Road (T-800), and a portion of Happy Valley Road (T-302) will be closed in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County, for a full depth reclamation project.
Starting on Monday, July 14, 2025, Ralpho Township, will begin work on a full depth reclamation on Bear Hollow Road. Motorists can expect the following closures for the duration of the project. The project is anticipated to be completed in August 2025, weather permitting.
BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – During the month of July, 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.
The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Workshop helps individuals take charge of their diabetes with expert guidance and support. The comprehensive program at OGH covers key aspects of diabetes self-care, including meal planning, medication management and lifestyle strategies. The workshop will take place in the OGH Education Center on the first floor. The dates and times are as follows:
HARRISBURG, Pa. –The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that the parking lot and boat ramp at Upper Woods Pond in Lebanon Township, Wayne County, will be temporarily closed from July 21-24, 2025.
During this time, improvements will be made to the access road and boat ramp.
While work is being completed at Upper Woods Pond, anglers and boaters can continue to find local fishing and boating access at Lower Woods Pond nearby.
The PFBC thanks the public for their patience and understanding as these improvements are completed.
Coudersport Rotary Club’s newest member, Jared Empson receives his dinner badge at our June 2, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill.
Jared, a native of Coudersport, PA, is an IT Systems Engineer and has been very involved in local theater everywhere he has lived over the years.
Welcome to our newest member!
Weekend in the Wilds drew thousands to events and businesses over the weekend. The 2-days of festivities began Friday and concluded Saturday evening with a new venue for the fireworks. The event organized by the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce coordinates activities for each day and works with businesses and non-profits to provide a weekend filled with events.
Two bands featuring young musicians kicked off the event Friday evening. The crowd enjoyed the music and purchased sweet treats from a local vendor. Saturday brought out a slew of Big Foot Hunters hoping to capture the elusive feet! Mountaineer Search & Rescue officials say this year everyone with a license received a t-shirt and the successful hunters took home prizes donated by Cameron County businesses. The sidewalks and streets heated up as the temperature rose. The thermometer reached nearly 90 during the vendor event which drew more than 50 to set up booths. Many headed to Smokers Insane Terrain Offroad Park for the smash and crash car mud race. That event continued until 7pm. Food trucks and open fields for pick up games of football, horseshoes and other activities kept the crowd busy until fireworks blasted off around 9:30.
Darlene M. Donohue “beloved mother, grandmother, and companion”
Darlene M. Donohue, 68, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Friendship, NY, was called to be with the Lord, unexpectedly in her home on Friday, July 4, 2025.
Born on Saturday, March 16, 1957 in Lackawanna, NY, she was a daughter of Gerald and Virginia Fuller Rauber. On March 22, 1975 in Lockport, NY, she married David E. Donohue, who passed away on January 2, 2009. She was the companion of Robert Wylie for many years.
George J. Pascarella, 86, of Bradford, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
He was born on September 27, 1938 in Bradford, a son of the late Carmen and Elvira “Georgie” Alviti Pascarella.
He was a 1956 graduate of the former St. Bernard School.
On February 28, 1963 in the St. Bernard Catholic Church, he married Patricia Fox who survives.
The Potter County Planning Department is hitting the road as part of the Revitalize Potter County initiative—and we want to hear from you! We’re co-planning for future community and economic development projects across the county, and your ideas will help shape what comes next.
As part of this effort, we’re hosting Community Feedback Meetings in eight towns, starting with Genesee (July 7), Roulette (July 8), and Germania (July 9), all 6-8pm. These meetings are designed to be hands-on, energizing, and full of great conversation—plus we’re bringing dinner.
This is your chance to share what you love about your community, what needs attention, and what you’d like to see built, supported, or improved. Everyone is welcome—bring your kids, your neighbors, and your best ideas.
RSVP here so we can plan for food and send you a reminder: https://forms.gle/z5z3pmwq24hd9ziX9
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will once again host a series of Senior Citizens Expos to provide area seniors and their family members and caregivers convenient access to a wide range of information in one convenient location.
“This is a great opportunity for our senior citizens and their caregivers to connect with service providers here in the area,” Causer said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of what the expos have to offer.”
The events will be held as follows:
· Bradford: Friday, Aug. 1, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Campus Drive, Bradford.
· Kane: Friday, Sept. 12, at the Kane Community Center, 46 Fraley St., Kane.
· Roulette: Friday, Oct. 10, at the Roulette Fire Hall, 12 River St., Roulette.
Each event is free to attend and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided and door prize drawings will be held at each event.
Causer is encouraging businesses, agencies and organizations that offer services to senior citizens to take part in the expo to connect with potential clients. Exhibitors share information about health care, insurance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial planning, fraud protection, government services, hunting/fishing, personal safety and more. Health screenings will also be offered.
For more information about the senior expos, or to register as an exhibitor, contact Causer’s Bradford office at 814-362-4400. Information is also available at RepCauser.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepCauser.
District Attorney Stephane Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has affirmed the conviction of a Kane man convicted of Incest, Rape and other crimes. Brian GAUSMAN was convicted after a jury trial in 2023 of Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Assault, 2 counts of Incest and 2 counts of Indecent Assault.
GAUSMAN was later determined to meet the criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator and he was sentenced to a period of incarceration in state prison for 18 years – 36 years plus 3 years of consecutive probation. The Superior Court upheld the conviction and sentence. and denied the appeal. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Officer Michael Henry of Kane Borough Police Department investigated the case. If you suspect child abuse call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.
Original Post after sentencing:
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a highway resurfacing project impacting Route 1010 (Genesee Mills Road) in Genesee and Bingham townships in Potter County will begin Monday, July 7. This project will improve ride quality and extend the service life of nearly 12 miles of roadway across three roads in Potter and McKean counties.
The Potter County Planning Department is hitting the road as part of the Revitalize Potter County initiative—and we want to hear from you! We’re co-planning for future community and economic development projects across the county, and your ideas will help shape what comes next.
As part of this effort, we’re hosting Community Feedback Meetings in eight towns, starting with Genesee (July 7), Roulette (July 8), and Germania (July 9), all 6-8pm. These meetings are designed to be hands-on, energizing, and full of great conversation—plus we’re bringing dinner.
This is your chance to share what you love about your community, what needs attention, and what you’d like to see built, supported, or improved. Everyone is welcome—bring your kids, your neighbors, and your best ideas.
RSVP here so we can plan for food and send you a reminder: https://forms.gle/z5z3pmwq24hd9ziX9
This is the tentative schedule for backpack distribution this year. We may be adding more pickup locations but the distribution locations, dates and times should not change.
If you are not able to make it to pick up your backpacks, please have a friend or family member pick them up. We will only be at the distribution locations one time.
To Fill A Backpack
Andy Kulp
Pennsylvania CareerLinks in Potter and McKean Counties in collaboration with the Port Allegany Borough and Port Allegany Moose Club #460 hosted the second annual Career and Resource Fair on the square in Port Allegany. The event drew over 65 employers and resources. The empolyers had multiple job opportunities.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of July 7. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:
Manual Patching
Most permanent pothole patching is completed in the spring/summer when temperatures stay consistently above freezing. If maintenance crews were not repairing potholes, the road surface would break up further and require more expensive corrective measures.
Pipe Replacing & Cleaning
Pipe replacement and cleaning are essential in maintaining water flow around state roadways. Controlling water flow is one of the most important aspects of maintaining pavements. Uncontrolled water flow will damage both the pavement surface and the area under the pavement, which causes deterioration across the length of the pipe.
Dana C. ERNST, 60, of Culpeper, VA, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, died Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Culpeper Medical Center.
Born January 30, 1965, in Norristown, PA, she was the daughter of Fred Wilson and Claire Marie McBurney Ernst, Jr. On July 3, 2004, in Culpeper, she married James Sawyer, who survives. A graduate of Port Allegany High School, she earned a degree in agriculture from Penn State University. She was employed by USDA and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Dana was a member of Virginia Draft Horse and Mule Association and Virginia Forage and Grassland Council.
Surviving besides her husband, Jim, are: her mother, Claire Ernst of Port Allegany; two brothers, Fred (Ginger) Ernst, III of Port Allegany and David Clifford (Myra) Ernst of Littleport, Cambridgeshire, UK; nieces and nephews; and two step-children, Zachary Sawyer and Elleanor Sawyer.
She was predeceased by her father.
A gathering to celebrate Dana’s life will be held Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 1:00 – 6:00 PM at the Katie Ernst Whittle residence, 510 Coleman Mills Road, Port Allegany, PA 16743. The family is being assisted by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
