July 2026

Watch for a post of the new distribution date…this will be for the Galeton, Wellsboro, Mansfield, Elkland, and Westfield area

Andrew Kulp, Jr. – President/Founder

On July 18th Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to E. Main St. for cardiac emergency

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer announces that a man was sentenced for Burglary.  Anderson TOLBERT, Jr. was sentenced to a county sentence of at least 8 months to 23 ½ months for entering a residence in Bradford without permission. TOLBERT was ordered to have no contact with the victims or their property and other conditions. 

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford woman was sentenced for felony drug crimes during a sentencing hearing held at the Courthouse on July 16th.  

Justina AMES was sentenced by the judge to a period of incarceration in state prison for at least 13 months to up to 26 months and one year of consecutive supervision.   AMES was sentenced for Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1); Possession with Intent to Deliver cocaine (Felony); and Conspiring with others to Deliver cocaine (Felony). 

AMES was charged along with co-defendants after an investigation into drug trafficking by the McKean County Drug Task Force. Detective Seth Shephard filed the charges after his investigation revealed that, between December 30, 2025, and January 20, 2026, AMES conspired with two others to sell cocaine on three occasions, and she possessed additional cocaine that she intended to sell.

Detective Shephard also discovered that AMES conducted a financial transaction with the intent of promoting unlawful activity. AMES was ordered to pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force, pay lab user fees, and other conditions. 

DA Vettenburg-Shaffer noted that the McKean County District Attorney’s Office and McKean County Drug Task Force review the financial transactions associated with drug crimes committed by those who deal drugs and pursue crimes related to the financial transactions along with the underlying drug deliveries when evidence is found to support the financial charge.

The District Attorney explained that the crime of Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds is a Felony 1 offense which is the most serious felony in Pennsylvania and is punishable under a more serious guideline range for a sentence.  DA Vettenburg-Shaffer explained that the goal of targeting the financial crimes along with the underlying drug crimes is to remove the profit motive associated with drug dealing and, along with that, increases potential penalties, holds those who profit from drug crimes accountable, and impedes those who sell drugs by targeting their cash flow.

She explains that the crime of Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds involves conducting a financial transaction with the intent of promoting unlawful activity and the Detectives are pursuing this serious crime in each case where it is supported by the evidence. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer urges the public to report all illegal drug activity to the McKean County Drug Task Force by contacting Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or on McKeanDA.org

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford man was sentenced to state prison for several crimes during a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on July 16th.

Chaz ZAWATSKI was sentenced to a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 78 months of incarceration in state prison on charges of Criminal Trespass (Felony 2); Terroristic Threats (Misdemeanor 1); Driving Under the Influence (Misdemeanor); Retail Theft (summary); and Driving Under the Influence (Misdemeanor 1).  ZAWATSKI was extradited from out of state where he is on parole.

The judge also ordered him to pay fines, court costs, restitution, crime lab fees and other conditions. 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne prosecuted the cases.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer announces the recent arrest of a Buffalo man for drug crimes in McKean County. 

Tyrone MOORE was arrested after an investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force on July 16, 2026.  Detectives charged MOORE with selling Fentanyl and Methamphetamine to an individual outside of a store on West Washington Street in Bradford in exchange for $300.  Detectives charged him with 2 counts of Delivery/Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony); 2 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance; and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility. 

MOORE was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David Engman who set bail at $150,000.  MOORE was remanded to the McKean County Jail and schedule for central court.  If you suspect illegal drug activity, please contact Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org. 

All individuals charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty.

On July 17th Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to West Baker Hollow Rd. for a person hemorrhaging

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer announces the sentencing of a Bradford man for assault on officers.

Jeffrey STACK was sentenced by the judge to a period of incarceration for a minimum of 16 months to a maximum of 79 months in state prison on charges of 2 counts of Aggravated Assault (attempting to cause or causing bodily injury to two City of Bradford Police Officers); Simple Assault and Terroristic Threats for threatening and causing bodily injury to a Corrections’ Officer at the McKean County Jail; and for re-sentence for Driving Under the Influence for which he was on supervision at the time of the commission of the new charges. 

DA Vettenburg-Shaffer reported that STACK was also ordered to pay restitution to the City of Bradford Police for damage caused to a vehicle and police radio during the assaults. The judge recommended that the parole board order that he have no contact with the victims or their families or to be on their property.

On July 17th Kane Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Nortwest Rd. and covert Rd. for a one vehicle rollover crash a dump truck rolled over all occupants self extricated with unknown injuries

On July 17th Port Allegany Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to 1050 Lower Portage Rd. for a dirtbike accident with possible leg injury

Very Unhealthy air quality levels are forecast for today in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone, not only those in sensitive groups. Stay up to date with air quality levels in your area by visiting https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/air-quality-index-forecast-current-observations or https://www.airnow.gov/ and enter your zip code.

There are actions you can take to keep yourself protected when air quality is unhealthy: 

• Spend more time indoors, especially individuals in sensitive groups, like children and teenagers, older adults, people with heart or respiratory problems, pregnant people, and those who exercise or work outdoors. 
• People who must spend time outdoors should consider wearing a mask (N95 or KN95 works best), take frequent breaks, and adjust work or exercise schedules for when air conditions improve.

For more safety tips visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/smoke_from_fire.htm 

View guides to protect your health, including guidance for schools and children, by visiting: https://www.airnow.gov/publications/activity-guides-publications/

NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov

www.Alert.ny.gov

Coudersport, Pa., July 17, 2026 – Through Cole Foundation’s Operation Appreciation campaign, community members have a simple way to thank local veterans for the sacrifices they have made while supporting patient care at UPMC Cole.

“Operation Appreciation gives our community a meaningful way to say thank you to local veterans and their families,” said Andrea Streich, director, Cole Foundation. “Every flag displayed on our campus tells a story, and every donation helps support care for local patients, including veterans. We are grateful to every donor, veteran, family member, staff member, and community partner who helps make these tributes possible.”

BRADFORD, Pa (July 15, 2026)— Journey Health System (JHS) and their affiliates Beacon Light Behavioral Health System (BLBHS), Beacon Light Adult Residential Services (BLARS) and Deerfield Behavioral Health (DBH) hosted an annual employee service awards luncheon on July 15. The staff members being recognized are celebrating nearly 800 total years of service overall.

Guy Signor, JHS President & CEO, welcomed the employees and thanked them for their dedication, commitment and hard work each day toward achieving the organization’s mission.

With 45 years of service, John Golden of BLBHS, was applauded.

BLBHS Executive Director Jennifer Gesing said, “I’d like to thank John for his 45 years of contributions to the BLARS and BLBHS agencies. He is respected for the manner in which he interacts with those we serve and also for thinking outside of the box when it comes to clinical/behavioral program development.”

(Washington, D.C., July 16, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development today announced the certification of the Farmers Innovation Fund as a Rural Business Investment Company, expanding private-sector investment opportunities for innovative agricultural businesses serving rural America.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is putting farmers first and driving investment to rural communities to ensure American agriculture leads the world in innovation,” said Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Joe Gilson. “The Farmers Innovation Fund is a prime example of how this Administration is harnessing private capital and the ingenuity of American producers to build the next generation of agricultural technology right here at home, strengthening rural communities and our nation’s food security in the process.”

To learn more, read the full News Release.

KANE, Pa. – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) was selected as the recipient of the Energizing Community Education Project grant funding through the West Penn Energy Fund. The College received $60,000.00 to support the expansion of the zSpace program over the next 12 months in Kane and beyond. The funds will also be used to explore the development of virtual and augmented reality experiences that include energy efficiency modules, using Six&Kane as the pilot location.

Overall, the educational programs and experiences will be conducted at Six & Kane in Kane, Pennsylvania, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce in Emporium, Pennsylvania, and in partnership with local businesses and school districts throughout the 10-county region NPRC serves.

On July 17th Smethport Fire Department and Port Allegany Ambulance were dispatched to 6055 Rt. 46 for a one vehicle crash car into a pole with possible injuries. UPDATE roadway is ahut down

ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL COMING TO THE FARMER AND ARTISAN MARKET UNTIL THE RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETED, beginning the week of June 15th, the Potter County Farmers Market and Artisan Market will be relocated to the corner of the courthouse lawn. The Market will remain there until the renovation plan is completed. 

The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the courthouse lawn, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.  Market will also be held on Saturday, if vendors are available, from 11 am to 3 pm. The next market weekend will be this Friday, July 17th and Saturday, July 18th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

[NOTICES: 

*  NEW SCHEDULE FOR 2026. The outdoor market is held EACH FRIDAY. Market will also be held on SATURDAY IF VENDORS ARE AVAILABLE. Market will be held from May through December (weather permitting).

 *  Market times have been established after many trial times over the years.  If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly.  They are willing to try to accommodate your request.

 *  If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions, please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-598-0649 netrabaker2@gmail.com]

FRIDAY VENDORS – July 17th – 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

WOLFPACK QUEEN ODDITIES will be there Friday.  We will be bringing; Jewelry, Beaded bookmarks, Beaded keychains, beaded Wristlets, beaded pens, popsockets, Barrettes, Pins/Brooches, and Magnets .  We accept cash & cash app .  You can find us on Whatnot@wolfpackqueen, on Facebook under Peggy Egolf.

VALLEY HONEY will be at the market on Friday only this week. We will have various sizes of honey, whipped honey, honey sticks, honey gift bags and beeswax for sale. We accept cash payment. Hope to see everyone there! 

LAZY BOUGH NURSERY will be there this Friday with the following: Trees: Black Walnut, Butternut, American Chestnut, Red Oak, White Oak. Shrubs: American Pussy Willow, Mt. Aso Willow, Black Willow, Silky Dogwood. Perennials: Orange Tiger Lily, Purple and White Blazing Star. Natives: Cardinal Flower, Joe Pye Weed Plugs, Common Milkweed Plugs, Butterfly Milkweed Plugs, Blue Vervain Plugs, Yarrow Plugs.

SATURDAY VENDORS – July 18th – 11 am to 3 pm

No Saturday vendors this week

Richar Insurance & Tags is seeking a friendly, dependable, and motivated individual to join our team. We are a locally owned insurance agency and a Full Agent PennDOT Messenger Service, providing a wide variety of services to our community. This full-time position offers a diverse workday with opportunities to learn insurance, PennDOT title and registration work, and notary services. If you enjoy working with people, have strong computer skills, and take pride in providing excellent customer service, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers in person and over the phone
• Process PennDOT title transfers, registrations, and messenger service transactions
• Prepare and review documents for accuracy
• Perform general office and computer duties
• Assist with insurance customer service and policy processing
• Maintain a professional, courteous, and organized work environment

Qualifications

• Strong computer and keyboarding skills
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced office
• Pennsylvania Notary Public preferred, or willingness to obtain a commission
• Insurance experience or a Pennsylvania Property & Casualty license is a plus, but not required
• Willingness to learn and become licensed in Property & Casualty insurance
• Dependable, professional, and a team player

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid vacation and paid holidays
• No evenings or weekends
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for professional growth and licensing
• A stable, family-owned business serving the community for many years

No experience with insurance or PennDOT services? That’s okay. We are willing to train the right person who has a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a desire to build a long-term career.

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and any relevant qualifications or certifications for consideration.

Lesley K. Post

Richar Insurance

29 Germania St,                        richar.lesley@verizon.net

Galeton PA 16922Richar Insurance & Tags – Galeton, PA is Seeking a Customer Service Representative

POSITION VACANCY

The Coudersport Area School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Elementary School Teacher 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 30, 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 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 30, 2026 or until the position is filled.

BRADFORD – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) today announced more than $1.8 million in state grants have been awarded to projects supporting healthcare and public safety in the region.

Universal Primary Care (UPC) was awarded $1.25 million for an expansion project in Bradford, while the City of Bradford Police Department was awarded $600,000 to renovate an existing building to create a new police station.

“Given the major healthcare challenges we are facing locally, UPC’s desire to grow here and enhance access to primary care, women’s/maternal healthcare, dental care and more in our community is truly a godsend,” Causer said “Our police department is equally important, and this new station will help them continue their mission and enhance their connections to the community. Investing in these two projects will provide significant benefit to area residents, and I was happy to advocate for funding for both of them.”