MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: June 30, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Bradford woman convicted at a jury trial of stealing guitars from a blind man has been sentenced to state prison for her crimes.
Samantha HINCHMAN was sentenced by the judge to serve a sentence of not less than 6 months to not more than 24 months to be served in a state prison. HINCHMAN was ordered to pay restitution and undergo additional terms. DA Vettenburg Shaffer reports that two of the stolen guitars were sold to a music store in Jamestown and handed over to police by the owner. A third guitar and case were never recovered.
Anyone with information on the location of that guitar and case is asked to contact the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or City of Bradford Police by calling 911.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford woman arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force during a drug detail that resulted in several arrests last July has been sentenced by the judge to serve a state prison sentence.
Katlyn BUTERBAUGH, formerly of School Street in Bradford, was sentenced on June 25th to serve not less than 12 months to not more than 24 months and 24 months concurrent probation for 3 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance (cocaine and methamphetamine) (felonies).
BUTERBAUGH was ordered to pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force, provide a DNA sample, and other terms. BUTERBAUGH was one of several defendants arrested following an investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force during a multi-defendant investigation last July.
At the time of the arrests, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognized the important work of the Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force and highlighted the partnership of the City of Bradford administrators.
District Attorney Vettenburg-Shaffer: “The work of the McKean County Drug Task Force is often out of the spotlight but I wanted to take the opportunity to express gratitude for their continuous efforts through lengthy investigations and countless tips. The amount of time behind each investigation is tremendous and often unseen by the public.
When the Detectives identified drug activity near a local school, they prioritized those investigations. Through countless months of police work, they were able to build cases which can often be a lengthy process that requires the building of a puzzle to establish probable cause or the bases for a search warrant or criminal charges.
It may be noted that many of the recent arrests were related to alleged crimes committed in Bradford and some with ties to a residence in a school zone in Bradford. I want to acknowledge the collaboration of the City of Bradford for their dedication to drug work. The City routinely assigns their Officers who work on the McKean County Drug Task Force to dedicate their regular police shifts to the McKean County Drug Task Force to focus on drug crimes that impact the City.
This ongoing partnership has benefited the City as well as surrounding areas because drug crimes are not confined to one location but have a rippling effect throughout. Thank you to Mayor Riel, City Administrator Eric Taylor, Chief Michael Ward and City Council.”
Debra A. TaraBori, 75, of Galeton, PA, died Thursday, June 25, 2026 in UPMC Wellsboro. Born September 25, 1950, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of William R. and Joyce Cole VanGorder.
On July 12, 1969, in Galeton, she married Jan G. TaraBori, who survives. She was a 1968 graduate of Galeton Area High School. Debbie devoted her life to her family.
Surviving besides her husband, Jan, are: a son, Aaron (Cindy) TaraBori, Lubbock, TX; two granddaughters, Caitlin TaraBori and Bailey TaraBori; four brothers, George VanGorder, Terry (Donna) VanGorder, Marc VanGorder, and Keith (Evonne) VanGorder, all of Galeton; three sisters, Colleen (Phil) Osgood, Diane (Mark) Olson, and Denise Smith, all of Galeton; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Brian N. TaraBori.
A private graveside service will be held in West Hill Cemetery, Galeton on a later date. Rev. Brent Baker will officiate. Memorials may be made to Goodyear Hose Company, Galeton, PA 16922.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Marilyn L. Selle, 76, of Bradford, PA, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Duncannon, PA following a brief illness.
She was born on August 19, 1949 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Leo and Madelyn Davison Selle.
Marilyn was a 1967 graduate of Elk County Christian High School and went on to earn her degree in Elementary Education and Library Science from Edinboro State College. She dedicated her career to helping young minds grow, serving as a reading specialist with the Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit and as a reading teacher for the Bradford Area School District until her retirement in 2005. Beyond the classroom, Marilyn found joy behind the camera, working for several years as a photographer for The Bradford Era, where she captured countless moments and stories through her lens. She also had a creative spirit and enjoyed painting, reading, and giving back to others through volunteer work. Marilyn’s love of learning, the arts, and service to her community left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Marilyn was also a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church.
She is survived by two brothers; John (June) Selle of Duncannon, PA, William (Robin) Selle, of Shermans Dale, PA and by numerous nieces and nephews including John “JJ” Selle, Sarah Selle, Renee (Robert) Travers, Jennifer Haehnlen and by five great nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Marilyn L. Selle will be celebrated on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM at the St. Marys Church, 315 Church St., St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas Curry, OSB, officiating.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Public Library.
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 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced work to replace a box culvert spanning a Tributary of North Creek along Route 346 in Norwich Township, McKean County, is set to begin on Thursday, July 2. Replacing the box culvert will improve the structure’s overall condition and extend its service life.
While the box culvert is being replaced, the bridge will be narrowed to one lane with a self-regulated stop. PennDOT expects work to finish near the end of September, weather permitting.
The $567,852 project is a joint effort between PennDOT McKean County maintenance forces and Twin-Tier Constructors Inc., of Pittsburgh, PA. PennDOT crews will complete the site excavation and backfill while the contractor places the box.
On June 26th, 2026 at approximately 0100 hours, members of the Olean Police Department responded to a fight in progress call in the 300 block of N 15th St. Officers located two victims who each sustained life-threatening laceration wounds to their arm from being stabbed. Officers provided lifesaving care and both victims were transported to the Olean General Hospital for further treatment.
The Criminal Investigation Unit investigated this case and arrested Patrick Sisti of 303 N 15th St for Assault 1st (two counts), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Sisti was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail after arraignment. Members of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Olean Police Department.
On May 6, 2026, at approximately 2045 hours, a report was filed at 85 State Street, City of Bradford, McKean County. According to the victim, she and a witness observed a 40-year-old male, Jason McCracken, in the garage without permission from the property owner or the victim.
The victim and property owner reported that a hand cart, valued at approximately $50, was stolen from the garage by McCracken.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Margaret Kay “Peg” Burdick, 84, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (June 27, 2026) at home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born March 19, 1942 in Olean, NY, the daughter of Thomas and Nellie (McElwee) O’Brien Mangold. On November 24, 1962, in Smethport, PA, she married Richard L. Burdick, who died August 18, 1993.
Peg was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1960 and had worked for the Pentagon and ultimately for Smethport Area High School as secretary before her retirement.
Peg was a very active member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish. She was a dedicated member of it’s women’s club. She was also very active with the Smethport Food Bank. She was also an avid reader.
She is survived by:
One daughter: Kathleen (Marc) Burdick-Lisi of Knightdale, NC
Two sons: Richard “Perry” (Jacqueline) Burdick of Smethport and Mark (Lisa) Burdick of Mt. Jewett, PA
Grandchildren: Brandi Burdick, Jon-Marc Burdick, Taylor Rittberg, Drew Burdick, Quinn Burdick, Katie Burdick, Blayke Geer, Tyler Burdick, Rachel Ethridge, and Jordan Lisi
Great grandchildren: Evan, Delanie, Zain, Zeke, Collins, Brady, Isla, Kohen, Dawson, Bennett, Bodie, Jaime and Emmett
One brother: Michael O’Brien of Smethport
And several nieces and nephews
In addition to her parents and husband, Peg was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Vincent Lisi, along with three siblings, Kathleen O’Brien, Mary O’Brien DeBross and David O’Brien.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 4-7PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Wednesday, July 1, at 11AM in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, with the Rev. Joseph Dougherty, pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. Rosary will be said at 6:45PM at visitation on Tuesday evening.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Elizabeth Church or the Smethport Food Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Linda L. GRAVES, 79, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, June 26, 2026 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born December 7, 1946, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of George L. and Loretta B. Allen Bennett. On June 12, 1982, in Ulysses, she married Edward P. Graves, who predeceased her in 1986.
A 1964 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she was employed by Fassett House Hotel in Wellsville, NY, Ames in Wellsville, and Ulysses Borough as secretary/treasurer. She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Ulysses.
Surviving are: a daughter, Shelley (Kevin) Wiltrout of Chesapeake, VA; and two granddaughters, Megan (Mikhail) Gordin of Bellevue, WA and Kellie Wiltrout of Chesapeake.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son, Rob S. Heysham; and a special aunt, Polly Bennitt.
Private funeral and committal services will be held at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 247, Ulysses, PA 16948. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
The Coudersport Area School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of School Nurse effective with the 2026-2027 school year.
Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, PA certificate, PA Standard Teaching Application, Act 24, 31, 34, 151, and 168 clearances, references (3 current, professional), resumé, and transcripts to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by July 9, 2026 or until the position is filled.
POSITION VACANCY
The Coudersport Area School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of HS Math Teacher effective at the end of September 2026. Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, PA certificate, PA Standard Teaching Application, Act 24, 31, 34, 151, and 168 clearances, references (3 current, professional), resumé, and transcripts to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by July 9, 2026 or until the position is filled.
SUPERINTENDENT – COUDERSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT (POTTER COUNTY)
Position Available July 1, 2026 Enrollment 670 (PreK – 12) Annual Budget: 17 Million
Requirements: PA Letter of Eligibility, strong executive skills, knowledge of current educational trends in curriculum and finance, positive communication skills in relating well with students, staff, parents, and community. Salary based upon training and experience. Interested applicants should request an application from Kathy Potter at 814-274-9480 or kpotter@coudyschools.net. Please send letter of interest, completed application, resume, PA Letter of Eligibility, current clearances, transcripts, PDE Form 6004, and five (5) current letters of reference to the: Office of the Superintendent, Coudersport Area School District, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by July 13, 2026.
Beth Ann Lewis, 61, of Smethport, passed away Friday (June 26, 2026) at UPMC-Hamot, Erie.
She was born October 5, 1964 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Acre) Grinolds. In 1988, in the United Methodist Church of Smethport, she married Paul J. Lewis, who survives.
Beth went to Smethport High School and she had worked at Kwik Fill of Smethport for many years. Everyone enjoyed visiting her at the pumps.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved to play Bingo on Thursday nights at the Crosby Fire Hall with her son.
In addition to her husband, Paul, she is survived by:
Three sons: Jason L Grinolds, Paul S. Lewis and Cody A. (Taylar) Lewis, all of Smethport
Four grandchildren: Maddox and Myles Lewis, and Bentley and Brayden Lewis, whose mother is Anna Prather
Two sisters: Maria L. (Leon) Snyder of Smethport and Gloria G. (Troy Appleby) Grinolds of Conesus, NY
And many nieces and nephews
Beth was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Kandy Burrows.
There will be no visitation or services at this time. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date and time.
Potter County America250 Committee is sponsoring a fitting observance of the nation’s founding, to be held at the county seat on Friday, July 3. It complements festivals in Galeton, Austin, Roulette and other area communities over the holiday weekend.
A rededication of the David Zeisberger memorial at the courthouse square will be held at 11 am by the Allegewi Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.Zeisberger, a Moravian missionary, passed through what is now Potter County in October 1767 while traveling to establish missions among Delaware (Lenape) Indians farther west. Historical accounts describe him as the first known European to cross the county’s vast wilderness.
That will be followed by a reading from the Declaration of Independence and a live performance by musician Dan Butler at the gazebo.At 2 pm, the public is welcome to attend the premier showing of local composer and music arranger Larry Herbstritt’s “Patriots in our Family Tree” at the Coudersport Theatre. It’s a musical tribute that seeks to connect modern-day residents of Potter County with the ordinary men and women whose sacrifices helped to create the nation. Admission is free.
Combining live and recorded music, narration, historical images and local family history, the work explores the American Revolution through the eyes of common patriots rather than famous historical figures.An epilogue features connections between Revolutionary War veterans and many local families.
