On Friday, January 2, 2026, Kevin J. Dusenbury, Coroner, was sworn into office as Potter County Coroner by the Honorable Stephen Minor, for his ninth term in office.
Kevin states in these years he has been very thankful to the voters who have overwhelmingly supported him. He has made many friends in the day to day operation of the office with members of every fire and ambulance department, law enforcement, nurses and physicians, and the lab at UPMC Cole, along with his colleagues at the Erie County Coroner’s Office, and Dr. Todd, the pathologist at the Erie County Coroner’s Office.
The Coroner’s Office also is happy to share that through grants made available to the Coroner’s Offices throughout the Commonwealth, we have, over the years, received over $80,000.00 to use for expenses relevant to our office—at no expense to Potter County residents.
Dusenbury thanks each of the Deputy Coroners who serve with him. Kevin states he has an amazing group of partners who bring a wide range of talents to the office, from law enforcement, fire and EMS backgrounds, but is most especially thankful for the friendships he shares with each of them.
It is his sincere prayer that no family needs our services, but rest assured our office motto remains the same as day one, “qualified, experienced, available and caring, yes very caring.”
With Best Regards, Kevin J. Dusenbury, Potter County Coroner
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Buffalo man is facing drug charges after a traffic stop in the county early this morning. Lamero GOSSOM is accused of Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Deliver it (Felony); Driving Under the Influence; Resisting Arrest; False Identification to Law Enforcement Officer; Small Amount of Marijuana; Possession of a Controlled Substance; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and traffic violations.
Trooper John Jones, Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run, filed the charges after initiating a traffic stop on the vehicle operated by GOSSOM near Miller Street in Bradford. GOSSOM was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $250,000. All accused are innocent until proven guilty.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that one of the people arrested during a drug sweep by the McKean County Drug Task Force in July has pled guilty. Nateka SHUGARS, formerly of Bradford, pled guilty before a judge at the McKean County Courthouse on January 8th.
SHUGARS pled guilty to delivering cocaine on three occasions between March 27, 2024, and July 24, 2025. SHUGARS was under surveillance by the Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force. Sentencing was scheduled for March. Please report suspected drug activity to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a man arrested following a lengthy drug investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force in July has pled guilty. The drug detail resulted in the arrest of several individuals. One of those arrest, Guy SIMMONS, JR., formerly of Bradford, pled guilty before a judge at the McKean County Courthouse on January 8th. SIMMONS pled guilty to conspiracy delivery of methamphetamine.
SIMMONS was under surveillance by the Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force. Sentencing was scheduled for March. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognized the work of the McKean County Drug Task Force Detectives and the collaboration of the City of Bradford administration at the time of the arrest.
Betty L. Evingham “beloved mother and grandmother”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Betty L. Evingham, 94, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Born on Saturday, July 11, 1931 in Bradford, she was a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth Monroe Hosmer. On June 22, 1952 in Rixford, she married Emery J. “Jug” Evingham, who passed away on January 31, 1997.
Betty was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School. She was employed by the former AVX Corporation in Olean, NY and was also employed at the former Howard’s Hardware in Shinglehouse, the former Westons Shoppers City in Westons Mills, NY and later went back to AVX Corporation until her retirement.
Betty had many different names, including Mom, Grandma, Great-grandma, Meme, aunt or friend. She had a personality that made everyone smile. She made everyone she came in contact with feel special and welcomed.
In her younger years, Betty loved to dance, having been a fantastic dancer with her husband. She often commented about how her love of dance began with square dancing in school. She also talked about fun times with her friends.
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a reopening celebration for the Blue and Gold Market (formerly the Marilyn Horne Café) at noon, Jan. 14.
The community is invited to attend the event at the market in Marilyn Horne Hall on Veterans Square in downtown Bradford.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the market, enjoy complimentary samples from the new and expanded menu, and hear welcoming remarks from President Rick Esch.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY RECOGNIZES THE SACRIFICE AND SERVICE OF MCKEAN COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT – LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY (McKean County, Pennsylvania; January 9, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognizes our Officers on this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “January 9th is set aside to honor the sacrifices and recognize the service of our officers.
Our area is not immune to the heroic sacrifice of police officers and we have to look no further than Kane to see the legacy of Patrolman Steven Jerman and we look to Bradford City for the honorable service of Sergeant David Distrola and we can look to Bradford Township to see the extraordinary career and devotion of Lt. Jeff Shade and we can look to the State Police for the highest honor of Trooper Jay Rougeau. Each of these men gave their life while protecting us. And in the same way we hold these Officers with the highest of esteem, we pray for and honor the officers that continue to protect us and deflect harm from us while accepting harm unto themselves.
The same officers you see at community events and off-duty enjoying time with their families are ever-ready to face life and death situations on behalf of us. The certainty that they will face violence yet report for duty is remarkable and nothing short of heroic. We honor all law enforcement officers – McKean County Detectives’ Bureau & K9 Unit, McKean County Drug Task Force, Bradford City Police & K9 Unit, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Otto Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Marshalls, , McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest, McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and the families of our Officers. God bless our Officers and their families. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, thank you”. – Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney
The student of the week nomination is Jaiden Thomas. Jaiden is a senior at Smethport Area High School. For the past three years, at the Seneca Highlands CTC Health Assistance Program, Jaiden has been an exemplary student who prides himself on his stellar academic achievements. In the classroom, he is always willing to assist his fellow students in any subject, especially math and science. He is a valued team member in the lab setting because of his willingness to try anything and to help anyone.
David “Russ” McCracken, 87, of School Street, Rixford, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Bradford Manor.
Born May 22, 1938, in Sayre, he was a son of the late Warren and Frances (Stedge) McCracken. Warren died and Frances remarried Ralph Deitz who raised Russ.
Russ attended Sayre High School. He joined the United States Navy on December 21, 1962, where he received his GED. He served in Korea and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on January 8, 1965.
On August 12, 1961, at the Church of the Epiphany Rectory in Sayre, he married Alice V. (Norton) McCracken who passed away on May 21, 2021.
Russ worked at Ingersol Rand Corporation in Athens, and then as a supervisor at Stowe Manufacturing in Binghamton NY. After he retired, he and his wife moved to Rixford to reside near their daughter. In his retirement he delivered tires for Stoney North, he also truly enjoyed singing and rebuilding small engines and tractors.
Jerry B. Bosworth, 104, formerly of North Street, Limestone, NY, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Bradford Manor.
Born June 14, 1921, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Otis and Isabelle Bosworth. Jerry was a 1940 graduate of Bradford High School.
In 1942, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army. He served as a Private First Class in with the 101st Infantry Regiment of the 26th “Yankee” Division. Serving under General Patton in the European Theater during WWII, Jerry was captured in combat near Metz, France, on November 23, 1944. He was held as a Prisoner of War at Stalag 12A in Germany which was later liberated by Russian forces in 1945. For his honorable service and sacrifice, he was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
Following his military service, Jerry owned and operated Bosworth Signs in Limestone, painting signs until his retirement at age 62. Upon retiring, he followed his true passion, becoming a full-time fisherman.
Surviving is one daughter, Tina M. (Jeff) Hendryx of Bradford; three sons, Jerry (CoiHoa) Bosworth of Ohio, Kenneth (Denise) Bosworth of Florida, and Timothy (Erin) Bosworth of Bradford. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jennie (Brock) Byerley, Kenneth (Sarah) White, Ray (Lindsey) Shively, Michael Bosworth, Emily Bosworth, Kenneth Bosworth II, and Gena Bosworth; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that today’s raid by the McKean County Drug Task Force was the conclusion of a several months’ long investigation into drug trafficking by two accused drug traffickers.
Dawn BUTERBAUGH and David DICKINSON, both of 3 Pike Street in Bradford, were charged by criminal complaint alleging several drug crimes and firearms violations. Detective Kolin Strawcutter and Detective Seth Shephard of the McKean County Drug Task Force filed the charges at the conclusion of the investigation which began with reports of drug sales by BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON out of the residence on Pike Street from November 13, 2025, to January 8, 2026. The defendants are accused of working together to deal in unlawful proceeds by selling cocaine and using the drug proceeds to fund additional drug transactions as well as living expenses.
Dawn BUTERAUGH is charged with 5 counts of Conspiracy Delivery of Cocaine (felonies); Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1); Conspiracy Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); Possession of Firearm with obliterated serial number (Felony 2); Possession of Firearm by a Person Not Permitted to Possess (Felony 2); 5 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor); and Endangering Welfare of a Child (Felony 3).
David DICKINSON is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of Cocaine (felonies); Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1); 5 counts Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); Possession of Firearm with obliterated serial number (Felony 2); Possession of Firearm by a Persons Not Permitted to Possess (Felony 2); and 5 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor).
The complaints filed against the pair allege that, on November 13th, 2025, November 21st, 2025, December 3rd, 2025, January 5th, 2026, and January 8th, 2026, DICKINSON and/or BUTERBAUGH, working together, communicated via communication device with an informant working under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force.
The pair is accused of working together to commit the crimes over a period of time from November 13, 2025, and January 8, 2026. On some of the occasions, a minor child over whom BUTERBAUGH owes a duty of care was present in the house at the time of the drug transactions. Following a drug transaction on January 8th that was under surveillance of the Detectives, BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON attempted to drive away from the residence. A team of the McKean County Drug Task Force Detectives, McKean County Drug Task Force Officers, City of Bradford Police Officers and Bradford Township Police Officers forced a traffic stop and took
BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON into custody while other Detectives maintained surveillance and security of the residence and executed a search warrant at the location. Upon execution of the search warrant, Detectives located a loaded .32 caliber handgun hidden under a pillow in the bedroom where the drugs were sold. The gun’s serial number was scratched off and unable to be read.
Both BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON are prohibited from possessing a firearm. DICKINSON and BUTERBAUGH were arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David Engman who set bail at $200,000 on each of them. Both are scheduled for central court next week.
If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call McKean County Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org. All accused are innocent until proven guilty.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognizes our Officers on this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “January 9th is set aside to honor the sacrifices and recognize the service of our officers.
Our area is not immune to the heroic sacrifice of police officers and we have to look no further than Kane to see the legacy of Patrolman Steven Jerman and we look to Bradford City for the honorable service of Sergeant David Distrola and we can look to Bradford Township to see the extraordinary career and devotion of Lt. Jeff Shade and we can look to the State Police for the highest honor of Trooper Jay Rougeau.
Each of these men gave their life while protecting us. And in the same way we hold these Officers with the highest of esteem, we pray for and honor the officers that continue to protect us and deflect harm from us while accepting harm unto themselves. The same officers you see at community events and off-duty enjoying time with their families are ever-ready to face life and death situations on behalf of us.
The certainty that they will face violence yet report for duty is remarkable and nothing short of heroic. We honor all law enforcement officers – McKean County Detectives’ Bureau & K9 Unit, McKean County Drug Task Force, Bradford City Police & K9 Unit, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Otto Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Marshalls, , McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest, McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and the families of our Officers. God bless our Officers and their families. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, thank you”. – Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney
* WHEN…From 7 AM this morning to 10 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Strong downsloping south winds are expected this morning and into the afternoon hours. There may be an abrupt cutoff between the strong south winds over far southern Oneida County versus much lighter east winds funneling down the Mohawk Valley at times. As the front approaches, westerly winds will increase across the advisory area late this afternoon and early this evening.
INSTRUCTIONS: Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
HEADLINE: High Wind Warning issued January 9 at 12:45AM EST until January 9 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…South to southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph through this morning. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph late morning through the early evening.
* WHERE…Chautauqua and Southern Erie Counties. Strongest gusts through the morning will be downslope regions of the Chautauqua Ridge to the Lake Erie shoreline. Strongest gusts late morning and through the evening hours will be region-wide.
* WHEN…Until 10 PM EST this evening. Peak gusts likely between 3 pm and 7 pm.
* IMPACTS…Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Wind gusts this morning will be perpendicular to the New York State Thruway, making for challenging travel for high-profile vehicles.
INSTRUCTIONS: Avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.
MCKEAN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE ARREST PAIR IN RAID – DRUG AND GUN VIOLATIONS (MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: January 8, 2026):
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that today’s raid by the McKean County Drug Task Force was the conclusion of a several months’ long investigation into drug trafficking by two accused drug traffickers.
Dawn BUTERBAUGH and David DICKINSON, both of 3 Pike Street in Bradford, were charged by criminal complaint alleging several drug crimes and firearms violations. Detective Kolin Strawcutter and Detective Seth Shephard of the McKean County Drug Task Force filed the charges at the conclusion of the investigation which began with reports of drug sales by BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON out of the residence on Pike Street from November 13, 2025, to January 8, 2026.
*Wind Advisory issued January 8 at 1:19PM EST until January 9 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
* WHAT…Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Chautauqua and Southern Erie Counties. The strongest wind gusts on the northern slope of the Chautauqua Ridge along the LakeErie shore, including the New York State Thruway.
* WHEN…From 11 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
John J. Morgan, 84, of Horner Road, Wilcox, passed away Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026. In a rare and special full circle moment, John was born on the same family property where he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on April 11, 1941, in Wilcox, PA, to the late John and Martha Morgan. A lifelong resident of Wilcox, he was a 1960 graduate of Johnsonburg High School. John proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
On August 13, 1966, John married the love of his life, Bernice Wantuck, at St. Anne’s Church in Wilcox. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith and community.
John spent 39 years working for Windstream, where he was well known and respected by coworkers and friends. Outside of work, he was an active member of the Marine Corps League Bob Swanson Det. 1102, Wilcox Sportsmen’s Club, and the Wilcox American Legion.
John enjoyed traveling and spent many happy years exploring the country with his wife. Together, they visited all 50 states – a goal he was especially proud of accomplishing.
We are reaching out to the community for your support in a rewarding initiative to improve accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. The Kane Regional Ramp Ministry as a cooperative ministry of many churches in 7 counties of Pennsylvania has been building ramps for (12 years). We never charge anything for materials or labor in building ramps for those in need and once a ramp is no longer needed we can reclaim the ramp and reuse the materials.
Our goal is to build handicap ramps for residents who need safe and convenient access to their homes in these counties. However, because we have such a high demand for ramps each year, and most of our volunteers are retired older folks who while willing to volunteer time and resources, travel time is a major factor, and therefore our reach into Potter and McKean Counties is somewhat limited. With volunteer ramp crews working out of the Youngsville/Warren and Emporium areas, we are spread very thin and need your help.
Many individuals in our community face daily obstacles due to limited mobility. Sometimes disabilities are temporary and sometimes permanent, but accessibility is necessary either way. By volunteering your time and skills, you can make a meaningful difference in their lives and help foster independence and dignity.
Volunteer opportunities and why you matter.
We are seeking individuals who want to help make a difference in our communities to be part of our ramp crews and possibly help us to start additional crews in Potter and McKean Counties. No prior experience required; guidance and tools are provided.
Ramp projects for 2026 will be scheduled once the weather allows us to do ramp builds throughout this coming spring, summer and fall as needed.
How you can get involved:
Please contact us at 814-837-6115 or email info@kaneregionalramps.org to sign up or learn more go to www.kaneregionalramps.org . Together, we can make accessibility available to our brothers and sisters in need. If you aren’t able to help on a crew, you can also help by making donations to the Kane Regional Ramp Ministry, 18 2nd. Street, Youngsville, PA 16371 or online at www.kaneregionalramps.org/give .
Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve and make a lasting impact!
Jeffery Dane “Melvie” Galloway “beloved soulmate, son, father and grandfather”
ELDRED, PA—Jeffery Dane “Melvie” Galloway, 64, a longtime resident of Eldred, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, December 3, 1961 in Bradford, he was a son of James L. and Charlotte Johnston Galloway.
Melvie attended Otto Eldred High School. As a young boy, Melvie was a paperboy delivering both the Bradford Era and the Grit. While he was still in school, he was employed by the former Snow’s Garage in Duke Center. After attaining his GED, he worked for a Coca Cola distributorship in Bradford. He later was employed for over 20 years by Zippo in Bradford, retiring due to ill health.
He loved to race his number 30 stock car at Bradford Speedway and Smethport Speedway. He enjoyed going to his camp, taking his boat out, and fishing. He was an avid NASCAR, dirt track racing and Buffalo Bills fan. He also enjoyed hanging out with his close friends, of which there are too many to list. He also loved listening to Classic rock and enjoyed listening to old Country music.
Surviving are his beloved soulmate, Janine M. Plummer McClain of Eldred, with whom he shared many years of companionship and love; his parents, James and Charlotte Galloway of Duke Center; two sons, Dane J. (Brandy Mesler) Galloway of Shinglehouse and Jared W. (Crystal Haupt) McClain of Eldred; a daughter, Brittany R. (Kyle Canfield) McClain-Canfield of Portville, NY; two grandchildren, RaeAnna Canfield; a grandson, Henley Canfield; a brother, James “Stretch” (Danice) Galloway of Rock City, NY; three sisters, Jeannie (Mike) Farner of Kentucky, Jill (John) Gulnac of Bradford and Jan Burt of Smethport; and many nephews.
A celebration of Melvie’s life will be held on a date, place and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Melvie’s name may be made to Davita Bradford Dialysis, 665 E. Main Street, Bradford, PA 16701 or to TLC (EMS) Ambulance, 20 Grant Street, Duke Center, PA 16729.
Melvie’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Melvie, please visit www.virgilhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
The Zonta Club Bradford will award its first scholarships in 2026 through an endowed fund established at the McKean County Community Foundation. From left – Sharon Peet, Zonta Club Bradford scholarship committee member; Karen Buchheit, Zonta scholarship committee co-chair; Tiffany Boschert, McKean County Community Foundation Executive Director; Carma Horner, Zonta treasurer; Linda Gault, Zonta scholarship committee co-chair; and Carol Shannon, Zonta scholarship committee member.Zonta Club Bradford-Ruth B.
Fisher Scholarship to be awarded through MCCF The Zonta Club Bradford has established its scholarship as an endowed fund – the Zonta Club Bradford-Ruth B. Fisher Scholarship Fund – at the McKean County Community Foundation. The Zonta Club scholarship, along with more than 60 additional McKean County scholarship funds held at the Foundation, will be open for applications from January 15 through February 25, 2026. All scholarship applications are submitted through an online portal that can be accessed at the Foundation’s website at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org.
