Marcella A. “Sally” Stanisch, 104, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of Virginia Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully after a long, full life on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Elk Haven Nursing Home following a brief illness.
She was born on December 12, 1921 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Paul and Loretta Wehler Bankovich.
On May 22, 1954, in St. Marys Church, she married the late Maximilian “Boobie” Stanisch, who preceded her in death on September 30, 2013. They enjoyed nearly 59 years of love, laughter, and dancing whenever they got the chance.
Sally was a lifelong resident of the area and member of St. Marys Church, where she was active as a volunteer with the bereavement luncheons. She also volunteered for many years at the St. Marys Parochial School. Early on, she worked for a number of years at Pure Carbon. Sally was an avid Bingo player who also enjoyed bowling and playing cards. Most of all, she loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.
Kathleen A. “Kathy” Cunningham, 80, of Reserve Road, St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Penn Highlands Dubois following a brief illness.
She was born on October 28, 1945 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Charles and Jane Mills O’Leary.
She was married to the late Charles “Chuck” Cunningham, who preceded her in death on October 20, 2011.
Kathy was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1963. A faithful employee of more than thirty-five years at Elk County Christian High School, Kathy held several positions and greatly enjoyed the students and faculty alike. Throughout the years, Kathy was a dedicated volunteer and big supporter of Elkland Search and Rescue and the American Red Cross. Known loving to her grandchildren as Nana, Kathy was a funny, strong-willed and fun-loving grandma who loved watching the Steelers. In her free time, she always enjoyed a good Hallmark or LifeTime movie.
Michelle Eschrich, 48, of Lafayette Ave., Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Born March 3, 1978, in Bradford, she was the daughter of Debi (McGarry) Nichols and Charlie Sherrick, who survive.
Michelle was a 1996 graduate of Bradford High School and later attended Bloomsburg University before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh in Bradford.
On April 22, 2017, she married James C. Eschrich, who survives. Their story began on December 16, 2011, when Michelle met Jim, bringing with her a son, Wyatt, who quickly became a central part of the life they were building together. In 2014, they welcomed their daughter, Madelyn, completing their family. Together, they created a life full of love sprinkled with lots of laughter.
She had previously been employed at East Resources in Olean, Dirt Excavating, Belser & Hale, and was currently the Human Resource Manager and Office Manager at PennHills Resources LLC.
The mission of the PA AHT Caucus is to facilitate the passage of AHT legislation; educate fellow elected officials, partnering organizations, and the public on AHT issues; and advocate on behalf of AHT organizations.
“Trafficking a person, especially a child, is a disgusting evil. Unfortunately, it is an evil that’s quickly growing into the number one criminal enterprise in the world; and it’s happening in our very own communities. We need to move quickly to pass the necessary legislation to facilitate the rescue and restoration of victims,” said Dush. “This group of eight tremendous and innovative legislators have formed this caucus with the goal of speeding up passage of impactful legislation through evaluating and making bipartisan and bicameral recommendations to each of the four sets of leadership in the General Assembly and the governor.”
“Every one of us deserves to live safe, healthy and dignified lives,” said Collett. “This new caucus will allow us to build on the progress we’ve made in advancing bipartisan anti-human trafficking legislation, strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders and send a strong message to the people of Pennsylvania: we are not backing down.”
Specific anti-human trafficking legislation unanimously endorsed by the AHT Caucus steering committee includes:
Senate Bill 45 – Supported by the state Office of Attorney General, this legislation would move most prostitution-related offenses, such as patronizing prostitutes and promoting prostitution, to the Human Trafficking section of the state Crimes Code. The bill also expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General’s office to better enable them to fight human trafficking across the commonwealth.
House Bill 910 – This legislation would upgrade the offense of trafficking infants from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.
“Today, we’re taking a step forward — not as Democrats or Republicans — but as public servants united by a common goal,” said Burgos. “Human trafficking is a reality. It’s happening here in Pennsylvania. Statistics from the National Human Trafficking Hotline consistently rank Pennsylvania among the top states for reported cases.”
“Human trafficking is one of the most difficult issues we face because it often stays hidden. That reality calls for a more coordinated response,” said Flynn. “This caucus is focused on improving how we identify cases earlier and making sure victims have support when they come forward. It also means taking a closer look at how our laws are applied and where we can do better. This is ongoing work, and it requires people on both sides of the aisle to stay engaged if we’re going to hold traffickers accountable.”
The PA AHT Caucus also expressed gratitude to the following AHT-focused organizations that are supporting the formation of this Caucus: The Asservo Project, Bloom, Greenlight Operation, Laurel House, Mission Kids, Montgomery County Women’s Center, Taylor Diversion Program, ZOE International and Zonta.
“Pennsylvania ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for human trafficking. This is a sad, disturbing reality our caucus knows we must address,” said Klunk. “That is why we’re working together to raise awareness and advocate for legislative action to combat human trafficking. A single victim of this heinous crime is too many. We are ready to collaborate with stakeholders, victims, and fellow legislators to make a lasting impact for our commonwealth.”
“One of the keys to stopping human trafficking is public education and awareness. I saw the value of this firsthand when a grandmother who attended one of my local human trafficking seminars last year told me many weeks later the information, she gathered there saved her granddaughter’s life,” Owlett said. “I am excited about the opportunity this caucus will present to educate all Pennsylvanians so we can help protect our kids and put these despicable criminals out of ‘business.’”
“Since I’ve been a legislator, I’ve been working to end human trafficking. It’s an unfortunate evil that lurks in our region because of easy access to interstate and international transportation hubs,” said Young. “The heartfelt testimony we have heard confirms the need to train hotel, motel and other lodging employees to be aware of the warning signs and reporting it. We can end human trafficking through education and speaking up for these most vulnerable victims.”
Human trafficking is real-time, organized crime — exploiting and enslaving millions of women and children and illegally generating more than $150 billion worldwide every year.
“Human trafficking has no place in Pennsylvania. We have made real strides, but there is still so much work to be done,” said Phillips-Hill. “I hope our colleagues will continue to join us in this bipartisan fight to protect victims, hold traffickers accountable and strengthen our laws.”
“Being aware of the statistics and horrors of human trafficking is useless without taking serious legislative action,” Dush said. “As a retired law enforcement officer and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to play an instrumental role in securing more than $2 million over the last two budget cycles to establish and expand the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Section. With today’s official launch of the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, I am greatly looking forward to working together collaboratively and shepherding even more high-priority anti-human trafficking initiatives across the finish line.”
Through force, fraud and coercion, human traffickers push their victims into demeaning forms of abuse, including domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Audrey A. EATON, 87, of Genesee, PA, died Friday, March 20, 2026 in Wellsville Manor Care Center, Wellsville, NY.
Born July 5, 1938, in Bingham Twp., she was the daughter of Charles B. and Mary Easton Nelson.
On May 25, 1955, in Genesee, she married Richard W. Eaton, who predeceased her on August 12, 2017.
A 1955 graduate of Genesee High School, she was employed by Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. Audrey was a member of the Genesee Methodist and Genesee Firemen’s Auxiliary.
Surviving are: four children, Lorraine DeVriendt of Peoria AZ and Port Hueneme CA, Sheryl (Doug) Hall of Lexington, SC, Arnold (Cheryl) Eaton of Wellsville, and Steve (Beth) Eaton of Allentown; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Kathryn “Kay” Seeley of Troupsburg, NY; a brother, Donald Nelson of Whitesville, NY; nieces and nephews..
PA House Republicans to Unveil “Freedom Through Affordability” Initiative to Cut Costs for Pennsylvania Families
WHAT: As Pennsylvanians are being priced out of everyday life, Pennsylvania House Republicans will hold a press conference on Wednesday, March 25, to launch its “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative—a targeted effort to lower costs and push back against policies driving up the cost of living across the Commonwealth.
WHO: Reps. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata),
Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks), Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland), Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Westmoreland) and Joe Hogan (R-Bucks).
WHEN: Wednesday, March 25, at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Capitol Media Center, Room 1, East Wing, State Capitol, Harrisburg.
LIVESTREAM: Barring any technical difficulties, the hearing will be streamed online at www.policycommittee.com.
Cherry Springs State Park is hosting a History Hike this Saturday, March 28, from 1 PM to 2 PM. Meet your guide at the kiosk by the restrooms on the Night Sky Public Viewing Area, on the north side of Route 44.
All ages. Walk will be about a mile over slightly hilly grassy and graveled ground. No registration needed. Sorry, no dogs, please.
The remains of lumber history are all around us! Discover the rich history behind Cherry Springs State Park, growing from a small stop on a winding mountain throughway to a region hosting multiple Civilian Conservation Corps Camps.
Counting down to America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, DCNR has partnered with America250PA to celebrate the role of Pennsylvania’s public outdoor spaces and their impact on the Commonwealth. Questions? Email lymanrunsp@pa.gov or call 814-435-1037 ext. 6.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a ground beef product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.
Dush, Co-Chairs to Launch Bipartisan, Bicameral Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus
WHAT: State Senate and House lawmakers will host a state Capitol news conference announcing the formation and legislative priorities of the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Caucus.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline consistently ranks the Keystone State among the top 10 states in the nation for human trafficking. Several AHT-focused organizations will also attend the press conference to show their support.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, at 10:15 a.m.
WHERE: Capitol Media Center, 1 East Wing, PA Capitol Complex, Harrisburg
Also streaming on the co-chair websites, linked above.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Chairman Dush, the co-chairs and other PA AHT Caucus members will be available for in-person media inquiries immediately following Tuesday’s news conference.
Kimberly S. CLARK, 68, of Scio, NY, died Sunday, March 22, 2026, peacefully in her home surrounded by family after a long illness.
Born March 12, 1958, in Olean, she was the daughter of Ernest R. Clark and June Rogers. A graduate of Friendship High School, she was employed by Wegmans in Hornell for many years.
She was married to Clayton A. Teator, III, who predeceased her on December 22, 2017. Kim was a member of Genesis Bible Church in Scio. She was an avid bingo player and loved her family, church, baking, and the Buffalo Bills. Go Bills!
Surviving are: children, Kevin Jr. (Dawn) Scott of Angelica, Shane Scott of Wellsville, “Chip” (Chrissy) Hugar of Orchard Park, Kristina Hugar of Ithaca, Shawn Hugar of Scio, and Rayshawn Thering of Scio; 12 grandchildren, Trenton Scott, Dylan Weinreber, Pacey Scott, Hendrick Scott, Lennox Scott, Emerson Scott, Tristan Hugar, Sabrina Small, Evie Lou Hugar, Aaron Hugar, Ethan Hugar, and Elijah Thering; fur grandbaby, Jasmine; six siblings, Ann Lequerica, Kelly Clark, Gerry Clark, Gene Rogers, Sandy Rogers, and Nancy (Harold) Brown; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Lila Forcicer; and two brothers, Donald Clark and Ernest Clark.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing staff for the love and care they gave Kim while she was there.
A gathering to celebrate Kim’s life will be announced. Memorials may be made to Genesis Bible Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
A shelter in place order has been issue for Franklin Ave area in the City of Dunkirk due to police activity. Stay inside your house with doors locked until further notification
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.”
Some of the 3,000 Backpack Tags created by Dutch Manufacturing
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Philip Senger, MD, was awarded the first 2026 Golden Stethoscope Award.
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.
