Galeton Police Department Host National Night Out August 5th


Rhoda T. Weimer
Rhoda T. Weimer, 72, a lifelong resident of Roulette, passed away with her loving husband by her side on Monday, July 28, 2025, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a period of declining health.
Arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Environmental Education Programs
Weekend of August 2nd
Program Title: Tracks & Traces
Date: Saturday, August 2nd
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Environmental Learning Center
Description: Have you ever wondered what a bobcat pawprint looks like? Or what about a bear? Or an otter? Come out to this program and find out, along with learning about other mammal species of Pennsylvania! Short talk followed by an activity to make your own track out of a mold to take home with you!
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Program Title: Wild About Woodpeckers
Date: Saturday, August 2nd
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Campground Amphitheater
Description: Did you know that there are 7 different species of woodpeckers found in PA? Come out to this program and learn something unique about each species! Short talk followed by a movie—feel free to bring snacks and a blanket!
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Additional Information:
Sizerville State Park Calendar of Events Website: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/sizerville_state_park
To register for a program, go to the DCNR Calendar of Events website, search Sizerville State Park, find the program listed, and click on the Register button right under the program date, time, and location. For more information or questions about registering, please contact the Environmental Learning Center at (814) 486-5609.
In case of thunder, lightning, or extreme weather conditions programs may be moved or cancelled.
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park office at (814) 486-5605.
With a minimum of one week notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.
Additional programs and events happening throughout the year can be found on the DCNR Calendar of Events Website. For more information or questions about programs at Sizerville State Park, please contact the Environmental Learning Center at (814) 486-5609.

David Lee Apple, 83, of Austin, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. He was born on February 2, 1942, in Dayton, OH, the son of the late Virginia (Guy) Apple. He is the husband of Isleta M. (Weaks) Apple.

Considering a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)? Penn College has scheduled an Information Session for its upcoming LPN course beginning in September.
When you enroll in the full-time Practical Nursing program, you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling career in just one year. With skilled faculty, hands-on learning labs, 1,546 hours of instruction, and access to Penn College student services, you’ll be confident and ready to take the Practical Nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-PN), and if you want to advance your career, we have pathways to get you there.
To learn more, attend the Information Session scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Penn College/Wellsboro, 22 Walnut Street, or live via Zoom at the Education Council’s office at 5 Water Street. Registration is required. For more information or to register for an Information Session, call Wendy Joachim at (570) 724-7703

In the quiet moments of July 25, 2025, Virginia peacefully departed from this world. Her spirit was embraced by the profound love of her husband, children, and grandchildren who surrounded her, along with the heartfelt prayers and beautiful thoughts of family and friends.

Connie J. Coe, 87, of Ceres, died on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Wellsville, NY. She was born November 13, 1937, in Buffalo, NY the daughter of the late Donald V. and Flora (Kyle) Hoyt. On February 16, 1957, she married Donald E. Coe, who predeceased her in 2021.
Connie was raised in Chaffee, graduating from Sardinia High School in 1955. She was the owner and operator of Connie’s Curling Corner in Sardinia while also raising her three children. In 1980, she and Don moved to Erie, PA, where she was the Banquet Coordinator for the Holiday Inn. She transitioned her employment to Pharmor Pharmacy working as a cashier. In 1995, Don retired, and they moved to Summerfield, FL. After Don’s passing, she moved to Alabama to be near her son Craig and would ‘snowbird’ between Alabama and her daughter Lisa’s home in New York; having stayed in New York the last year. She was a former member of Chaffee Baptist Church and the Chaffee Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. While in Florida, she was on the Orange Blossom Homeowner’s Association Board and the Red Hat Society.

On July 28, 2025, at approximately 1605 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a reported physical domestic incident in progress at 53 Belleview Avenue. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male and female arguing on Jackson Avenue near Belleview.
After making contact, the female victim reported that the male, identified as Justin A. Griffin, had assaulted her just prior to the officers’ arrival and had been continuously assaulting her for the past 4-5 days, causing multiple painful injuries to her body. The victim was visibly injured, and officers detained Griffin.
Griffin was found to have injuries on his knuckles consistent with fighting and was aggressive throughout the detainment process. The victim’s injuries were photographed on scene, revealing numerous bruises to her arms, legs, torso, face, and neck. She reported that Griffin had choked her, restricting her airway and causing pain to her throat. The victim also had multiple deep bite wounds to her neck, back, and torso, some of which appeared to be a few days old and others that were fresh, including one on her hand. The victim advised all of these injuries were intentionally caused by Griffin over the past week during domestic arguments when he would hit, strike, punch, bite, or otherwise subject her to severe physical contact.
The victim was transported to BRMC ER for a full forensic medical exam and treatment for her injuries. Griffin was taken to BCPD for booking and arraignment, which was conducted by Magistrate Todd. He was subsequently remanded to McKean County Jail with bail set at $15,000. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter.
The City of Bradford Police Department takes domestic violence incidents very seriously and will not tolerate such behavior. Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This incident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, and we urge anyone who may be a victim of such abuse to seek help and support.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For more information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.

Robert C. Keck
Robert C. “Bob” Keck, 92, a lifelong resident of Austin, passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, July 27, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a brief illness.
Born on June 15, 1933 in Austin, he was the son of Charles E. and Marjorie V. Evans Keck. On October 22, 1951 in Coudersport, he married Avis A. Williams, who survives.
Robert graduated from Austin Area School. He had worked at GTE Sylvania, W. W. Kimmons Construction Company, and Emporium Specialties Company Inc. After 30 years of service, he retired from Emporium Specialties in 1995.

The Port Allegany High School Class of 1970 gathered at Eddie’s on Main to celebrate their 55th class reunion. Special guest of the class was former PAHS English teacher, William Gribben. Pictured (front row, left to right) Dennis Moses, Kat Brown Stewart, Mr. Gribben, Ruth Anderson Caulkins, Cherie Baumgarner Kilburn, Joncine Stauffer Willis; (row 2) Kathy Amell, Mary Gummo Rhinhart, Pamela Howard Hughes, Kimball Healy Nelson, Denise Myer Cameron, Lanny Nunn, Linda Kelly Hardes; (back row) David Causer, James Goochee, Mark Gustafson, Edward Watkins, Gerald Niver, Deborah Kio Campbell, Robert Stromberg, Mark Rackish and Helen Christensen Saunders. gathered at Eddie’s on Main to celebrate their 55th class reunion. Special guest of the class was former PAHS English teacher, William Gribben. Pictured (front row, left to right) Dennis Moses, Kat Brown Stewart, Mr. Gribben, Ruth Anderson Caulkins, Cherie Baumgarner Kilburn, Joncine Stauffer Willis; (row 2) Kathy Amell, Mary Gummo Rhinhart, Pamela Howard Hughes, Kimball Healy Nelson, Denise Myer Cameron, Lanny Nunn, Linda Kelly Hardes; (back row) David Causer, James Goochee, Mark Gustafson, Edward Watkins, Gerald Niver, Deborah Kio Campbell, Robert Stromberg, Mark Rackish and Helen Christensen Saunders.

David C. Kronenwetter, 83, of 1239 Million Dollar Highway, Kersey, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born September 13, 1941 in St. Marys, son of the late Roy and Salome “Lovey” Lion Kronenwetter. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1959. From his youth, David had a deep interest in electricity, leading to jobs with both Church & Murdock and Speers, later opening his own electrical contracting business, “Dave’s Repair”On November 9, 1968 in Sacred Heart Church, Dave married Rose Ann Sherry, who survives. They were blessed to share fifty-six years of marriage.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports the results of an arrest detail involving 4 people in the county over the last five days which was the conclusion of a lengthy investigation into drug activity in the area. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer notes that drug investigations are ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
On Friday, July 25th, Task Force Detectives arrested Nateka SHUGARS, High Street, Bradford. SHUGARS was charged with 2 counts of Delivery (Cocaine) (Felony); 2 counts of Possession (misdemeanors); and 2 counts of Criminal Use of a Communication Device (Felony 3). SHUGARS was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $250,000. SHUGARS is scheduled for central court on July 31st.
One day earlier, the Task Force Detectives charged another local woman with drug sales. Katlyn BUTERBAUGH, of School Street, Bradford, was charged with 3 counts of Delivery of methamphetamine (Felony); 3 counts of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); and 3 counts of Possession (Misdemeanor). BUTERBAUGH is charged with delivering methamphetamine over the course of several months. Court records note that a search warrant was executed at this residence following her arrest on Thursday. BUTERBAUGH was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $200,000. BUTERBAUGH is scheduled for central court on July 31st.
Other persons arrested during this week’s arrest detail were Brian FITZPATRICK, of High Street, Bradford, and Guy SIMMONS, of West Corydon Street. FITZPATRICK was charged with Delivery (crack cocaine) (Felony); Possession (misdemeanor); and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility .
FITZPATRICK was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $75,000. Guy SIMMONS, of West Corydon Street, Bradford, was charged with Delivery (methamphetamine) (Felony); Conspiracy to Deliver (methamphetamine) (Felony); Possession (misdemeanor) and Paraphernalia (misdemeanor). SIMMONS was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $150,000.

Forest “Woody” McMeans, 80, of Sheffield, PA., was found peacefully sitting on his couch, Sunday, July 27, 2025, at his residence. Woody was born May 11, 1945, in Warren, PA. He was the son of Edison and Elizabeth Horrell McMeans. He lived most of his adult life in Sheffield, PA. Woody was owner/operator of Woody’s Sporting Goods Store and worked as a tool and diemaker with Osram/Sylvania for over 20 years, retiring from there.

Pastor B.J. Knefley
The other morning, I got up to take the dog out. Quickly slipping on a pair of shorts, I managed to get her outside before she had an accident. While waiting for her to do her business, I suddenly realized my shorts were inside out. So much for getting dressed in the dark.
Life can be that way at times. We’re in a dark place, and we decide that we think it’s the right one, only to find out that we got it backwards. But it’s life, and life goes that way at times. There will always be bumps in the road. It’s not the bumps that cause the problems; it’s our reaction to them.

Francis “Butch” B. Geitner, 92, of 243 Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Friday, July 25, 2025 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born December 6, 1932 in St. Marys, son of the late Fred and Ann Manges Geitner, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1952, and spent the majority of his working career at Stackpole Carbon.

Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that the culvert on Route 125 in Coal Township, Northumberland County, is open to traffic.
Between Monday, July 14, 2025, and Monday, July 28, 2025, Route 125 was closed between Point Breeze Road (Route 3004) and Bear Valley Road, while the contractor installed a culvert under Route 125. Work on the project included installation of the culvert, paving, guide rail, and line painting.


The 9th Annual BTC (Break the Chains) Festival has been deemed a big success by organizers of the event. The two-day festival concluded with a morning worship service on the square Sunday morning. The event was full of music, information, prayers, vendors, free activities for the kids, food trucks and more.
Pictured: Some of the BTC crew after a long, hot and rewarding day – Macie Delahoy, Trudi Bowser, Lynn Keck and Amanda Miles-Rudolph and volunteers from the Kids Corner on the gazebo. Dave Miles served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The 47th Annual Allegheny Mountain Engine and Implement Association , always held the fourth weekend in July, was held July 25-27 at the AMEIA grounds located at Route 155 South in Port Allegany.
The AMEIA was formed to preserve the past for future generations to enjoy. Five areas of interest include oil field apparatus, agriculture implements, lumber industry equipment, road building equipment and domestic ites. The event included various activities including Tractor Parades, Kiddie Tractor Pulls, White Elephant Auction and concluded with a Car Show on Sunday.