WARREN – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is partnering with the Barbara Moscato Memorial Library, located at 27 West 4th Street in Emporium, to offer Art Adventures, an art series for children ages five-and-up and their caregivers. This series, composed entirely of free courses, will begin in April and continue through the summer.
Participants will learn about a famous artist and explore a new art medium each month. Sessions include acrylic painting inspired by Claude Monet, clay sculpting inspired by Michelangelo, polka dot art inspired by Yayoi Kusama, and printmaking inspired by Albrecht Dürer. Attendance is limited, so pre-registration is recommended for each session at https://bit.ly/NPRC-Art-Adventures-Emporium.
These courses offer a great opportunity for parents and guardians to bond with their children and encourage creativity and learning as the summer break approaches. The full course schedule includes:
Monday, April 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM – Acrylic painting based on works by Claude Monet.
Monday, May 4 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM – Creating clay angels based on the works of Michelangelo
Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM – Polka Dot art based on the works of Yayoi Kusama
Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM – Printmaking based on Albrecht Dure
For more information about these classes, please contact Anne McNeal, Community Liaison for Northern Pennsylvania Regional College by email at amcneal@rrcnpa.org.
William P. Robertson (shown) prepares to shoot a Pennsylvania long rifle. He is dressed as a Morgan’s Rifleman.
Author Bill Robertson to Present Free Golden Afternoons Program about The American Revolutionary War This Coming Tuesday, March 10
William P. “Bill” Robertson of Duke Center in McKean County, PA will present information about American Revolutionary War battles from two books he has written during the free Golden Afternoons program at 1 p.m. this coming Tuesday, March 10 in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
This program is free. Anyone who is 65 years of age or older is welcome to attend. Free refreshments will be provided.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) placed a radar-controlled speed display board this week on Route 770 in Bradford Township, McKean County. It is intended to remind drivers to obey the posted speed limit and reduce speeding, a common type of aggressive driving behavior.
This board faces westbound traffic on Route 770 between Route 4005 (High Street) and Creekside Drive in a 45 mile per hour zone. The board utilizes radar to determine the speeds of oncoming traffic and posts them to the lighted section of the sign. The board will remain in place for four to six weeks.
Looking for a reliable female Caregiver to provide care for an elderly woman in her home in the Coudersport-Roulette area, 2-4 hours per day, possibly more. Must have good references.
Patricia Hitchcock, 91, formerly of Lafferty Hollow, most recently of Chapel Ridge, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 am, in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street, with Clifton Troyer, Pastor Bradford Mennonite Church, officiating.
Several years ago, I was a member of the Rotary Club, where I was introduced to the Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? This framework guided my words and actions and continues to shape how I communicate today. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to guide much of our public discourse. While everyone is entitled to an opinion, not every thought needs to be spoken aloud. It is worth remembering that opinions are just that—opinions.
Remember the saying, “If you don’t have anything good to say, keep your mouth shut.” What happened? Did we stop teaching that to our children? Have we somehow skipped the part about being kind and loving, especially to our neighbor? Please understand, I’m not against sharing thoughts and opinions. After all, I do it every day through videos and writing, but I’m trying, and hopefully succeeding, to do so with love and respect for others. I learned a long time ago that you can disagree with someone respectfully and still get along. Somewhere along the line, that seems to have been left behind.
Is there an answer? Can we turn things around? I believe we can, but it doesn’t start with others. It starts with us as individuals. Remember the golden rule: love your neighbor as yourself? That’s not for others to do; it’s for you and me. How? Sometimes the easiest way is simply to ask. In other words, ask, “If I were loving you, what would that look like?” I’ve practiced this with my wife, children, and grandchildren. I’ve even asked my neighbor, “If I were the best neighbor you could ever have, what would that look like?” Sound corny? Maybe it is, but I’m trying to show that they are important to me and that part of respect and honor is being a blessing in their lives. I also see it as mirroring what I would like to see from others. At the end of the day, the only world I can change is the one I live in every day of my life. Each of us is creating a ripple effect in the world around us. The question is, what kind of ripple are you causing? Think about it.
The March 3,2026 regular meeting of Ceres Township Supervisors was called to order with 3 Supervisors, 3 residents, and secretary in attendance.
The minutes of the February 3, 2026 meeting were read and approved.
PennDOT Multimodal grant application was submitted. A letter giving Brenda Moyer authority to sign checks was signed by all supervisors for submission to JVB Bank. Motion was made by Greg and seconded by AJ Plants to change account at JVB to Preferred account with $2,500 minimum balance to be maintained. Submission of grant applications was discussed and decision to submit application for County LVDGR grant and Act 13 grants.
Telephone complaint by resident regarding sewage issue on bordering property was addressed and letter to be sent to resident. Building assessment permit was approved. Accounting software Account Edge will not work for township accounts. Motion was made to pursue alternative software for use. Resolutions were signed for acceptance of the grant, where to purchase and outfit the truck, and in support of PA One Call safe digging month.
Road Master reported work continued plowing, sanding, & stoning roads for winter maintenance. He scheduled a meeting with the county Conservation District for grant application project. Calls for stone pricing were placed. Sluice pipes were cleared of ice.
Cold patching was done on a couple of roads. Repairs on GMC truck were done as well as small truck repairs. He met with A&H Equipment regarding truck outfitting. Coon Crossing and Taylor Brook roads remain bonded. There were no supervisors or public comments.
The bills for February were reviewed and approved. The next regular meeting of Ceres Township Supervisors will be held on April 7,2026 at the Ceres Township Building at 6:00 p.m.
February 2026 will go down in the record books as a cold and unsettled weather month. Thus far, the winter of 2026 has been very cold, and in some areas to the east and north, major snowfalls. We missed the blizzards, but we did have a cold month. We had some below zero morning readings and several in the single digits. Strong winds added to the cold. On the 19th, we had a severe thunderstorm with heavy hail, which covered the roads and sidewalks. That was followed by very icy conditions. It was not a pleasant month. It stayed below freezing for about three weeks.
Rain and melted snow for 2026 was 4.46″ last year; the amount was 3.35″. In 2025, we received 5″ of snow, and this year the total snowfall was 3″. We had 23 days with 1″ of snow on the ground, with the greatest depth of 9″ on the 9th.
Here we are starting the month of March. I would be remiss if I did not repeat the old saying, ” March weather is like a Model T Ford, just enough spring to make your butt ache.” My daughter Alyson is helping with the weather reports.
Baileyton, TN – Richard “Dick” Alan Linn, 84, of Baileyton, TN went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 2nd, 2026. Richard passed with loved ones by his side after a brief illness.
Richard born September 29th, 1941, was the son of James Nathan and Sara Gertrude (Null) Linn of Washington, Pa.
A 1963 graduate of Waynesburg College (PA), his occupational endeavors focused on serving others. He served as assistant manager and youth counselor for YMCA’s in Washington, PA and Carlisle, PA. Richard went on to be Superintendent of Pennsylvania State Parks, including Black Moshannon, Currwensville, Sizerville, Sinnemahoning, Gifford Pinchot, Denton Hill, Lyman Run, Prouty, Patterson, and Cherry Springs. He served 21 years in city government as Borough Manager of Port Allegany, PA, Village Administrator in Cooperstown, NY, and City Manager at Neptune Beach, FL. Upon retiring from the public sector, Richard and his wife Patricia purchased and operated an RV park & campground in Baileyton, TN, returning him to the camping style of life he grew up with in the Boy Scouts, YMCA, and state parks, as well as a personal enjoyment carried on with his family.
Looking for a reliable female Caregiver to provide care for an elderly woman in her home in the Coudersport-Roulette area, 2-4 hours per day, possibly more. Must have good references.
John D. Freer of Austin, PA passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours on Sunday, February 22nd 2026. John was born to Marie Herrick and Jack David Brown in Olean, NY on September 24th 1935. After his mother remarried he was raised by his mother Marie and his adoptive father Paul Freer, along with his siblings Ivan, Alice, and Niel Freer.
John graduated from Roulette High School in 1953; later attending Penn State University before leaving to enlist in the United States Navy. A proud veteran he served in the US Navy from 1954-1958 aboard the USS Cassin Young, a preserved Fletcher-class destroyer from World War II that is now a museum in Boston.
After returning home from his time in the service he began work in the local area before starting what would become a long and dedicated career with UNG/National Fuel, from which he would eventually retire in 1993. During his career he was active in his community as a member of the Jaycees (the United States Junior Chamber) as well as serving on the Austin Borough Council.
He met his late wife Sandy by chance at a local dance; a meeting they both described as fate. On July 22nd, 1960 they married in Austin, PA. Together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage filled with camping, boating, enjoying the outdoors, and watching their family grow. A lover of animals, especially dogs, he and Sandy opened their home to numerous pets through rescue organizations over the years, including his most recent dog and loyal companion, Max.
Known as “Papa” in his family John was a true sailor at heart, often spending hours on the water at Kinzua Lake- fishing, swimming, and enjoying time aboard their own pontoon boat with Sandy and their loved ones.
Anyone who knew John knew that he was a true craftsman often spending hours in his garage fixing, building, or happily tinkering with his tools. He was rarely without a tune, known for whistling throughout the day- a simple joy that became one of the many small things his family will forever remember. In his quieter moments he enjoyed watching sports on TV, playing darts, reading, and tackling even the most challenging crossword puzzles he could find.
John took great pride in his role as a family man; giving each of his grandchildren their own affectionate nicknames and often calling them first thing in the morning on their birthdays so that he could be the first person to speak to them that day. Known for his love of sweets it wasn’t uncommon to find dishes of candy (especially peanut butter cups) around his house; his youngest grandson especially remembers how Papa would carefully split a chocolate bar and share the pieces with him. Small gestures that meant the world.
To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement.
In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his beloved wife Sandy as well as his great-granddaughter Pamela Crants.
John is survived by his two sons Robert Freer and Alton “Buddy” (Marea) Freer along with five grandchildren: Eryn (Eric) Fiebig, Heather (Michael) Postlewait, Casey (Klaus) Puck, Amanda Wehler, and Hunter (Kelsee) Freer.
He was also a cherished great-grandfather and great-great grandfather to Aedrik, Axeton, and Ander Fiebig, Willie Postlewait, Claudia Puck, Madison and Abel Langfitt, Olivia Wehler, Kade Freer, Sutton and Micha Crants, and William Ryan Postlewait.
He is also remembered by his siblings Ivan (Joan) Freer, Alice (John) Henneberry, and Niel (Nancy) Freer and their families.
At the request of John there will be no public visitation or funeral. A private family memorial will be held at the family’s convenience.
Memorial donations may be made in John & Sandy’s name to the Austin Fire Department, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720 or to Teachers Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
John entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of John, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
