The winter Indoor Potter County Farmers Market, located at the Riley Gallery, next to the Hotel Crittenden, will be open the first Saturday of each month, from January to May. The next market will be this Saturday, April 4th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
* STARTING IN JANUARY, NEW WINTER MARKET HOURS ARE SATURDAYS FROM 11AM TO 2PM.
* Beginning in January 2026 the Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May. The remaining Saturday date is April 4th. May 2026 the market will again be on the square
A meeting of the North Central Rural Transportation Planning Committee will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting. If you are interested in attending, please visit our website (https://rpo.ncentral.com/), email Amy Kessler at amy@ncentral.com or call 814-773-3162 for the meeting login information.
The public is encouraged to attend.
North Central is committed to compliance with nondiscrimination requirements of civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations and policies applicable to the programs and activities it administers. Accordingly, North Central is dedicated to ensuring that program beneficiaries receive public participation opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or economic status.
Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities and the location is reachable by public transit. North Central will provide auxiliary services for individuals with language, speech, sight, or hearing impediments provided the request for assistance is made five days prior to the meeting. North Central will attempt to satisfy other requests.
Please make your request for auxiliary services to Amy Kessler, director of community development and regional planning, at amy@ncentral.com or call 814-773-3162. If you believe you have been denied participation opportunities, or otherwise discriminated against in relation to the programs or activities administered by North Central, you may file a complaint using the procedures provided in our complaint process document or by contacting Executive Director Jim Chorney.
Please visit our website at http://rpo.ncentral.com for more information on the Transportation Planning Program.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 1) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is this Saturday, April 4! Anglers can begin fishing at 8 a.m.
Throughout the 2026 season, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling. These figures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout; 698,000 Brown Trout; and 128,000 Brook Trout. As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that some products may still be in consumers’ freezers.
Patricia J. Johnson, 94, formerly of Houston Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Penn Highlands DuBois.
She was born on September 1, 1931, a daughter of the late Vern Van Order, Sr., and Ruth Senior Van Order.
On March 31, 1951, she married the late Neil Johnson, who preceded her in death on July 7, 2021. Together they were blessed with more than 70 years of marriage.
Pat was a graduate of Wilcox High School, class of 1949. She was a longtime and faithful member of the St. Marys Methodist Church, where her presence was felt in countless meaningful ways. Whether she was singing in the choir, heading up the Women’s Bible Circle, or cooking delicious foods for the bereavement luncheons, Pat was well known and her hands were always ready to serve others. Beyond her church, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures, such as camping or sitting around the table for a lively game of cards. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She treasured every moment spent together, creating memories filled with laughter and love. In a quiet moment, she loved to watch the cardinals, finding peace and beauty in their gentle presence. Though she was a quiet woman, her life was marked by service, warmth, and unwavering faith-a legacy that will live on in all who knew her.
Pat is survived by five children; Gail (Ralph) Palmer of Mechanicsburg, Marjorie (David) Fitzgerald of Kersey, Jeffery (Linda) Johnson of St. Marys, Rebecca (Scott) Wickett of Ridgway, and Andrew (Sharon) Johnson of DuBois; and by her ten loved grandchildren; Shawn Washinger, Abbye Palmer-Pugnetti, Gregory Fitzgerald, Amy Young, Trisha Fisk, Matthew Johnson, Amanda Benini, Logan Wickett, Ryan Johnson, Nathan Johnson and by four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister; Carol Miller of Jersey Shore, as well as by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Patricia was preceded in death by a grandson; Hunter Wickett, by one brother; Vern Van Order, Jr., and one sister; Phyllis Gausman.
Funeral Services for Patricia J. Johnson will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the St. Marys Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Zilhaver officiating.
Burial will follow in the Parklawn Memorial Gardens in Ridgway.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Methodist Church.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The Potter County Education Council serving Potter and McKean Counties has three openings for part-time Career and Vocational Mentor-Aides to serve within the following school districts: Galeton Area School District, Oswayo Valley School District and Smethport Area School District.
These part-time positions are available beginning the 2026-2027 school year (approximately 25 hours per week). It is anticipated that this will be a recurring position each school year (approximately 40 weeks each year). A job description may be reviewed at the Education Council Office at 5 Water Street in Coudersport, PA (814-274-4877) or by visiting our website www.pottercountyedcouncil.org.
Minimum high school diploma. Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Appropriate work experience with older children (Grades 3-12).
Knowledge or work experience in business or industry.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications desired.
Must have a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and safe driving history.
Interested applicants should send the following to the Potter County Education Council at 5 Water Street, PO Box 5, Coudersport, PA 16915 or via email to Dr. Michele Moore mmoore@pcedcouncil.org:
Resumé with cover letter
Three current (less than one-year old) letters of professional reference
Appropriate clearances including PA Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance, PA Act 34 Criminal Record Check, a current PA FBI Clearance (Education Versions)
A negative TB test result
The cover letter should be addressed to Dr. Michele Moore, Executive Director. You may be asked to complete an employment application upon review of your initial application materials. E.O.E.
Effective this June, drivers convicted under Paul Miller’s Law will pay a fine.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are reminding Pennsylvanians to put down the phone while driving or they will be forced to pay a fine starting June 5, 2026. In 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music.
Beginning June 5, 2026, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. Pennsylvania also enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, drivers who violate Paul Miller’s Law or the texting-while-driving ban may also be convicted of Homicide by Vehicle or Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, and given increased sentences.
Members of the District Attorney’s Office, Adult Probation, Maintenance Dept., and McKean County Law Enforcement Leaders “Wore Blue” to show support for child abuse victims and child abuse prevention efforts. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you suspect child abuse, report it to Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and call 911.
The Black Forest Falcons Trap Team competed in a home meet on Tuesday evening against the Otto Eldred Bird Dawgs. The Falcons secured a strong victory with a final score of 192 to 165.
Leading the team were the following top 8 shooters:
1. Kelby Striech – 25
2. Avery Torrey – 25
3. Ethan Hamilton – 25
4. Taylor Knowles – 24
5. Carson Cooney – 24
6. Hunter Hanes – 23
7. Chase Hamilton – 23
8. Carson Heimel – 23
Liam Hunt 23
The Black Forest Falcons will host Smethport in their next meet on April 9th at 4:00 PM.
Thank you for your continued support of our student-athletes.
In case you haven’t noticed, life can be tough. The plans we make don’t always turn out the way we expect. Our hopes and dreams sometimes fall short despite our best efforts. We wonder why we can’t seem to move forward when it looks like everyone else is living the dream. Even though we can’t see into their lives, they seem to have it all together. Maybe you’ve even complained about the unfairness of the world. Perhaps we’ve even wondered why we can’t get ahead.
So, what is the problem? Is it me or us? Is it something we’ve done or haven’t done, or just luck? Why do bad things happen to good people? I am one of the good people, aren’t I? Why does it feel like a cloud of doom is always hanging over us? If there were a raffle for a broken leg, I’d probably win.
I’m at my lowest point in life, and I don’t know which way to go. Is that how you feel? Are you in a place where it seems like you’re going nowhere? Did you know many people think they’re moving forward but are actually stuck in the same spot you’re in? Yes, you might believe you’re heading in the right direction when you’re only staying afloat because you’ve already hit rock bottom. You just don’t realize that it’s truly rock bottom.
The Apostle Paul was a champion for his faith. As a Jew and a teacher of the law, he was dedicated to stopping the followers of Jesus. Seeing himself as aligned with God and as someone chosen to serve as His instrument, he aimed to find and destroy those he believed were corrupting Judaism. But Paul soon found himself lying flat on his back. Blind and helpless on the ground, he could only look up. Although he couldn’t see, he could hear, and what he heard made him ask, “What do you want me to do, Lord?” Instead of complaining, he looked for direction. Maybe that’s part of our problem. Instead of asking for help, we complain and whine about life when we could surrender to the one who can bring meaning into our suffering. Think about it.
We are proud to recognize Ethan Edwards as Student of the Week for his great work and representation of the Homeland Security program at Seneca Highlands CTC. Ethan is a junior at Smethport Jr./Sr. High School and a 2nd-year student in the Homeland Security program. Ethan completes any task that is asked of him and is always willing to try new things. When problems arise, Ethan is not afraid to work through them. He’s not afraid to ask questions if/when he is unsure of something. Ethan demonstrates leadership qualities in the program. Congratulations on earning this award! Keep working hard and doing your best—we are proud of you, Ethan!
The Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Association hosted a conversation with state EMS leaders this week to discuss the many challenges facing emergency medical services in rural areas, such as rising costs, regulatory burdens, staffing shortages and increased demand for services. Pictured from left are Anthony Martin, director of the state’s Bureau of EMS within the Department of Health; Shinglehouse EMS Captain Amber Salada; Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter); and EMS West Executive Director Brian Shaw.
Photo by John Eaton Yolie Canales (left) and Sarah Leister (right) display some of the petunia plugs that Golden Afternoons participants will plant on April 14 and take home to grow.
Plant a petunia to grow at home with gardening tips provided by Yolie Canales during the free Golden Afternoons program at 1 p.m Tuesday, April 14, in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. There will be free refreshments, too.
Men and women ages 65 and older who want to participate are asked to RSVP before 3 p.m. next Friday, April 10 to ensure enough petunia plugs and other needed supplies will be provided. To RSVP, visit deanecenter.com/, email director@deanecenter.com, or call 570-724-6220.
For this program, there will be at least eight different varieties of petunias donated by Sarah Leister of Leister’s Farm Market located at 4886 PA-287 near Wellsboro.
A single petunia plug, when properly cared for and matured, can produce dozens to over 100 flowers at a time, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
One of the donated petunia varieties is the popular Danziger Amore Queen of Hearts. It is known for its striking large blooms that feature a distinct red and yellow heart-shaped pattern. This is an early-flowering, mounded, and vigorous annual that thrives in full sun, making it ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and, landscapes.
Another is Headliner Lipstick. Its stunning, pink, fragrant blooms are drought, frost, and heat tolerant, do not require deadheading, attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and are perfect for medium-sized baskets.
Six of the petunias are Proven Winners Supertunia hybrids, including Royal Magenta; Mini Vista Plum Veined and Indigo; and Vista Snowdrift, Bubblegum, and Paradise. They each do well in full to partial sun and grow from 4-12, 6-12, or 12-24 inches, depending on which variety is chosen.
“We always have a lot of fun,” said Canales. “People can select the petunia plug they want to plant.”.
For each participant, Canales will pre-fill a 4.5-inch deep, square, black plastic planter with moisturized soil and fertilizer. She will talk about the water and fertilizer needs of a petunia plug as it grows and when to replant the flowers in a garden, outdoor pot, or hanging basket.
For 15 years, Canales and her husband ran Tioga Nursery, growing plants and flowers as a business in greenhouses on their Charleston Township property on Route 6, just outside of Wellsboro
Bradford, PA — The United Way of the Bradford Area is currently accepting applications for the second quarter of Quarterly Impact funding for 2026. Deadline to apply is May 1, 2026, award announcement on May 20, 2026 and fund distribution set for June 1, 2026 to award recipients.
Eligible non-profit agencies may submit a request for up to $1,500 for Quarterly Impact funds. Awards will be given to programs or initiatives with the potential to make an immediate impact on the local community while being essential to the agencies mission.
Priority will be given to those who have not received prior funding, who have supplied all necessary documentation, and request funding for programmatic costs.Quarterly Impact applications may be received by visiting United Way’s website at uwbanews.com, the United Way office, or by request at sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org.
Along with the application, it is being requested of applicants that a detailed budget of planned expenditure be included. All applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of United Way Board members, with recommendations being presented to the full board for final approval. For more information regarding the application process, please contact the United Way.
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Office of Admissions will offer two Saturday visits April 4 and April 18.
Saturday visits include a small group tour, brunch and a chance to meet with an admissions counselor. They will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Weekday visits are also available at 10 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays when the university is open and include lunch. Registration is requested for all admissions events.
For those unable to visit camps in person, a new virtual tour offers 360-degree views of 50 locations on campus, including engineering labs, art space and hands-on training classrooms as well as outdoor spaces, athletic facilities and residence halls.
