J SQUARED Performance, EVERYTHING AUTOMOTIVE!
March 2026
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians To Share Feedback On Winter Services
The statewide online survey is available until April 14
Harrisburg, PA – Safe travel on Pennsylvania roadways is a top priority for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), no matter the season. With spring beginning, PennDOT is seeking the public’s feedback on its services this winter through an online survey.
“I’m incredibly proud of how the PennDOT team met the mission across Pennsylvania this season, working around the clock to keep people and goods moving,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The public’s input through this annual survey helps us review perceptions and knowledge of our operations, while we also look for public information opportunities.”
The Creative Collective of St. Marys Area High School’s Dutch Manufacturing Students, Community Education Center of Elk &Cameron Counties, and Artist John Schlimm is Raising Bullying Awareness in Area Middle and High Schools with 3,000 “Thumbs Down to Bullying” Backpack Tags
(Elk County, PA – March 2026) – The creative collective of St. Marys Area High School’s Dutch Manufacturing (DM) students, Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties (CEC), and international award-winning author, artist, advocate, and educator John Schlimm (JS) has created 3,000 Pop Art “Thumbs Down to Bullying” backpack tags that will be distributed to all middle and high school students in Elk and Cameron Counties this Spring during The “Thumbs Down to Bullying” Tour.
Causer Calls on Shapiro to Invest Federal Rural Health Funding in PA’s Northern Tier
In the midst of ongoing conversations with the Shapiro administration about the brewing health care crisis in the region, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) penned a letter to the governor urging him to ensure vital federal health care funds are directed to the communities that need it most, including those in the 67th Legislative District and across the Northern Tier.
Pennsylvania is set to receive $193 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Funding, an initiative that aims to make rural America healthy through sustainable access to care, workforce development and retention, and care innovation.
“It is absolutely vital that this money be directed to communities like ours, where access to health care is increasingly limited,” Causer said. “With the planned closure of Bradford Regional Medical Center and our communities being in the heart of an eight-county maternity care desert, the need for investment here is about more than just quality of life. It’s about life and death.”
In his letter to Gov. Josh Shapiro, Causer emphasized the potential impact of using federal funds in the region, including maintaining emergency departments, restoring labor-and-delivery services, providing financial stability and preserving local economies.
“Gov. Shapiro, your administration’s support of targeted investment of the Rural Health Transformation Plan funding in areas with limited access to services is a pivotal opportunity to show what rural health equity looks like,” Causer wrote. “By working with rural legislators and community leaders to prioritize these funds for areas with the most significant health care deficits, you can assist in safeguarding the lives and futures of rural Pennsylvanians.”
Additional regulatory guidance about use of the federal health care funding is expected in April.
Ridgway Fire and Ambulance To Montmorenci Rd.
On March 23rd Ridgway Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Montmorenci Rd. near Alpine Rd. for a two vehicle crash with unknown injuries
GAME COMMISSION RELEASES DEER HARVEST ESTIMATES
Pennsylvania hunters harvested about 6% more deer in the 2025-26 hunting seasons than they did the year before, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates.
The statewide 2025-26 deer harvest was estimated at 505,600 deer, 185,310 of them antlered and 320,290 antlerless.
By comparison, the statewide 2024-25 harvest was estimated at 476,880 deer.
The year-over-year increase is equally attributable to rises in the antlered and antlerless deer harvests. Both were about 6% higher than the year before.
It’s notable, however, that 2025-26’s antlered deer harvest was up about 9% over the most-recent three-year average, and the antlerless harvest was about 17% higher.
Volunteers Needed For Habitat Work On Friday, April 3, On SGL 44
Kane, Pa.: Volunteers are needed for planting and fencing for wildlife on Friday, April 3, at 9:00 a.m., in Elk County on State Game Lands (SGL) 44. Work should be completed by 1:00 p.m.
All volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. at SGL 44 parking lot on German Settlement Road and then follow each other to the work site.
German Settlement Road intersects with US 219 about approximately 4 and ½ miles south out of Ridgway, PA, and heads west off of US 219. Drive west on German Settlement Road until you reach the parking lot on SGL 44.
Consumer Reminder: PUC Holding Public Input Hearings For Rate Increase Request By National Fuel Gas
Late-March and early-April in-person and telephonic hearings will gather input from customers and other concerned parties
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded consumers about upcoming in-person and telephonic hearings to gather public input about the nearly $20 million (7.4%) natural gas distribution rate increase request filed by National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel).
National Fuel provides natural gas distribution services to more than 213,000 customers in parts of 14 counties in northwest Pennsylvania.
Dr. Philip Senger Awarded 2026 Golden Stethoscope
Bradford, PA / Olean, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are proud to have presented the first bi-annual 2026 Golden Stethoscope Award to Philip Senger, MD. Dr. Senger is an emergency medicine physician who has served as medical director of emergency departments for BRMC and OGH since 2019.
The Golden Stethoscope Award is a result of nominations from employees and presented semi-annually to a physician who exhibits an exceptional level of professionalism, integrity and teamwork in caring for patients and families, as well as interacting with hospital staff members and fellow physicians. The award is presented to one physician throughout BRMC, OGH and physician practices who meets the standard of providing high quality patient care.
Michelle Eschrich, 48, Of Lafayette Ave., Lewis Run
Michelle Eschrich, 48, of Lafayette Ave., Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital, in Pittsburgh.
Family will receive friends on Friday. March 27, 2026, from 4pm to 6 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue.
Online condolences may be expressed to family at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
UPDATE FROM NY ALERT: CLEARED:
CLEARED:Downed pole and Downed wires on NY 417 both directions Town of Genesee; Town of Bolivar Line (Bolivar) All lanes closed SR 417 closed in both directions, between Streeter Brooke Rd. and Salt Rising Rd.
Visit 511NY.org for more information
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Downed pole and Downed wires on NY 417 both directions Town of Genesee; Town of Bolivar Line (Bolivar) All lanes closed SR 417 closed in both directions, between Streeter Brooke Rd. and Salt Rising Rd.
Visit 511NY.org for more information
Johnsonburg Fire Department To Water St. Ext.
On March 23rd Johnsonburg Fire Department was dispatched to 1316 Water St. Ext. for a structure fire
Drug Possession Arrest In Bradford
On March 13th, 2026, at approximately 1532 hours, City of Bradford Police officers located an individual, Dennis W. Fox, on Main Street and took him into custody for an active arrest warrant.
During the arrest, officers discovered the individual to be in possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia. The individual was transported to the City of Bradford Police Department and then to the Magistrate’s Office in relation to the warrant.
These new drug-related offenses have been charged and filed against him at Magistrate Luther’s. A later court date will be set to address these charges. The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe and will continue to work diligently to address illegal drug activity. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
GLENN O HAWBAKER IS HIRING: MULTIPLE OPENINGS AVAILABLE
Glenn O Hawbaker Is Hiring:
Foreman
Laborers
Equipment Operators
Tri Axle Driver
Paving Operator
Screed Operator
Apply Online at www.gohcareers.com
EOE
Galeton Pharmacy Is PERMANANTLY CLOSED. Giftware Sales Are STILL Going On.
This week, STORE WIDE 60% off!!
Bonus deal: All cards $1.50 on Thursday!!
Our hours will be:
Monday: 11-4
Tuesday: 11-6
Wednesday: 1-6
Thursday: 11-6
Friday: 11-6
Saturday: 10-4
Retail Theft Arrest In Bradford
On March 1st, 2026, at approximately 1354 hours, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a report of retail theft at Country Fair, located on West Washington Street.
According to the store manager, an adult female entered the establishment and removed two large coffees without paying for the items. Following a thorough investigation, including witness statements and video review, the suspect was identified as a female Sandra Jo McCullen.
Charges have been filed against the individual at Magistrate Luther’s Office, and a pending court date will be set in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to protecting the community and holding individuals accountable for their actions. We appreciate the cooperation of the store management and witnesses in bringing this incident to a successful resolution.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Criminal Mischief Arrest In Bradford
ARREST Incident Summary: Intentional Property Damage at 33 Leland Avenue On March 17th, 2026, at approximately 1624 hours, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a report of a neighbor shooting a house window with a BB gun at 33 Leland Avenue, lower apartment.
Upon arrival, officers met with the victim, who showed them the damaged window and reported witnessing the BB gun being pointed from a window and then shooting at their window, causing the damage. Officers made contact with the suspect, Mearlyn Atkinson, who admitted to owning the CO2 pistol and firing 5-9 shots at the window.
The suspect’s actions were deemed intentional, stemming from a prior disagreement between the two parties. Fortunately, no one was in the room where the window was broken. The estimated damage is valued at $450.00.
Charges have been filed accordingly at Magistrate Luther’s Office, and a court hearing date will be pending. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of intentional property damage seriously and encourages anyone with information or concerns to contact us.
Penn College Athletics At A Glance
Last week in review: The women’s softball and men’s lacrosse teams each had double-win weeks, with the softball team extending its win streak to eight games and the lacrosse team knocking off an undefeated team that it had never beaten before. Also, the women’s tennis team opened its spring season with a shutout win, and a men’s golfer placed second in his first spring outing.
On the horizon: The United East Conference and the Atlantic East Conference have finalized a letter of intent to explore a strategic conference partnership in the coming months, it was announced on Wednesday. Upon reaching a definitive agreement, implementation would begin during the 2026-27 academic year with full activation anticipated by Fall 2027.
William Joseph Pierotti, 83 Of Bradford, PA
With earthly sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of William Joseph Pierotti, 83, who entered heaven into the arms of Jesus on March 19, 2026, at Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.
Bill was born on April 30, 1942, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, to Ona (Coder) and Paul Peter Pierotti. As a young man, Bill moved to Michigan to work with his brother -in-law, where it was love at first sight when he saw Judy Wehner walk by the shop. On December 24, 1960, he married the love of his life in Saginaw, Michigan—a union that would span 65 devoted years of love, partnership, and faith.
He was a beloved husband, dedicated father, devoted papa, loyal brother, caring uncle, and to so many in the community, simply “Uncle Bill.” He never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation, a warm spirit, and a genuine love for people—especially children, who were naturally drawn to his kindness and playful heart and his ability to make a game out of anything.
Lois E. Pessia, 88, of Bradford, PA
Lois E. Pessia, 88, of Bradford, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Bradford Manor.
She was born on May 13, 1937 in Limestone, NY; a daughter of the late Francis and Rose Hamilton Grubb.
She was a 1955 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
On January 10, 1959 in the former St. Francis Catholic Church; she married Thomas Pessia, Jr. who preceded her in death on February 15, 2016.
She was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church. She enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, supporting her husband’s Bradford Lion’s Club membership and playing bingo. She especially loved spending time with her family.
She was employed for many years by W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery until her retirement.
