Scott D. STEELE, 62, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Warren, died Wednesday, December 31, 2025 in Sena-Kean, Smethport, PA.
Born April 28, 1963, in Pontiac, MI, he was the son of Calvin Coolidge Steele and Ruth Brinegar Steele. Scott enjoyed traveling and riding motorcycle. He was an animal lover, especially his dog, Penny.
Surviving are: two sons, Thomas (Adrianne) Steele and Kalob Steele, both of Erie; three brothers, Calvin (Kathy) Steele of Holly, MI, John Steele of Sheffield, and Todd (Chris) Steele of Corry; nieces and nephews; and girlfriend, Brenda Outman of Port Allegany.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Megan White; and a sister-in-law, Victoria Steele. A gathering to celebrate Scott’s life will be held on a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Plans for VIRTUAL ONLY Meetingon Tuesday, January 13, 2026
HARRISBURG – A total of 248 disciplinary actions, including 115 education requirements, and $232,250 in administrative penalties, have been taken against 162 underground facility owners, excavators and project owners in the latest enforcement actions by the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC’s) Damage Prevention Committee (DPC). These actions were taken during the DPC’s December 2025 meeting.
The next meeting of the DPC is Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. Members of the public, the media and others are invited to join the meeting virtually by clicking on this Microsoft Teams event link or by calling into the telephone conference by dialing 267-332-8737, and then entering phone conference ID 285 081 05# to listen to the meeting. The meeting agenda will be made available here.
About the DPC
The DPC is a peer-based group of 13 representatives, nominated by their industry or affiliated organizations and appointed by the PUC. Creation of the committee was authorized by Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility Line Protection Law – also known as the “One Call Law.” The focus of the DPC is to reduce the number of “hits” on undergro…
Donald A. Fritz, 85, of 336 West Creek Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born December 19, 1940 in St. Marys, son of the late Herman and Laura Dollinger Fritz. Don was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School. Don was a proud veteran of the US Army National Guard, serving his country from 1959 to 1962.
On April 28, 1962, in Queen of the World Church, Don married the late Carol Herbstritt, who preceded him in death on October 23, 2023. They were blessed to share sixty-one years of marriage.
Don is survived by a daughter, Sharon Williams (Jim) of St. Marys; sons, Alan Fritz (Debbie) of St. Marys and Steve Fritz of St. Marys; six grandchildren: Cory and Kyle (Keri) Williams, Kelsey (Brandon Prechtl), Adam, Aaron, and Brittany Fritz; and two great-grandchildren: Charlie Prechtl and Kenleigh Williams.
In addition to his wife and parents, Don was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Fritz, in 1985.
Charles A. STIVES, 76, of Mills, PA, died Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at his home. Born January 25, 1949, in Bradford, he was the son of Charles Eugene and Loretta Elizabeth Wright Stives.
On October 16, 2019, in Willing, NY, he married Cynthia De Guzman David, who survives. A graduate of Bradford High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University and master’s degree in engineering. He was employed by the New York Port Authority and McFarland-Johnson, Inc in Binghamton, NY.
Surviving besides his wife, Cynthia, are: nine children, Kevin (Dani) Stives, Stephanie Stives Grucza, Matt (Rosemarie) Dynda, Charlene (Dean) Nelson, Barbie (Pat Haskins) Adams, Roberta (Ward) Seeley, Joshua (Princess) David, Justine David, and Jane David; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, including Lilia Grucza; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by seven siblings, Robert L. Stives, William Eugene Stives, Iona Mae Stives, Benjamin A. Stives, Ronald Monroe Stives, James Edward Stives, and Jean Marie Stives Wagner. Friends may call at the Harrison Valley C&MA Church on Wednesday, January 7, 2025 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. A private graveside service will be held in McKean Memorial Park, Lewis Run. Memorials may be made to any animal care sanctuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Larry J. SMITH, 67, of Galeton, PA, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 1, 2026 in UPMC Williamsport. Larry was born May 11, 1958, in Olean, NY.
A 1976 graduate of Galeton Area High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a science concentration from Penn State University. On April 12, 1980, in Germania, Larry married his sweetheart, Denise Van Gorder, to whom he was married for 45 years. Also in 1980, Larry began his career as an educator at Galeton Area School, where he eventually retired as principal in 2015.
Larry was a proud member of his community. He served with the Germania Volunteer Fire Company, Gale Hose Ambulance (Chief 1060), and the Galeton Library board. He will also be remembered for his success as a grant writer for Galeton Area School District and numerous volunteer service organizations. Larry led a full and active life with many impressive achievements, but to him his greatest achievements in life were his two sons.
Richard J. POTTER, 78, of Westfield, PA, died Friday, January 2, 2026 in Wheaton’s Personal Care Home, Westfield. Born January 16, 1947, in Wellsboro, he was the son of Marcean L. “Pete” and Effie V. Locey Potter.
A 1966 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army National Guard. He was employed by North Penn Gas Co. for 43 years and a partner in Baxter Industries for 38 years. He enjoyed his cows and horses, riding his Harley, fishing trips, camping, going for car rides with his loyal companion, Buddy, and making the cabin his home. Above all, he cherished time with his family.
Surviving are: two children, Rhonda (Tadd) Neal of Westfield and Robert (Christy) Potter of Gainesville, VA; two grandsons, David L. (Monica) Clark of Rome and Derek Neal of Westfield; two great-grandchildren, Decker Clark and Ryker Clark; a brother, Paul (Katie Gee) Potter of Sabinsville; three sisters, Marie (Dean) Locke of Henrietta, NY, Marlene (Randall) King of Westfield, and Carolyn (Daryl) Good of Westfield; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Raymond L. Eidson, 94, of Bradford, formerly of Pleasantville, passed away Sunday December 21, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born on September 27, 1931, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Nova (Chapman) Eidson. He was a 1950 graduate of Bradford High School.
On August 26, 1950, he then entered the United States Army, he served in Germany during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged on June 17, 1952.
On April 14, 1951, he married Donna (Woodley) Eidson who preceded him in death on January 9, 2009. On June 19, 2010, he married Audrey (Knight) Shaffer, who died December 27, 2022.
Upon returning from the service, he worked at Kendall Refinery. Ray then began a banking career of 34 years starting at Bradford National Bank in Bradford and he retired from Integra Bank in Pleasantville. He was elected mayor and working supervisor for Pleasantville Boro for several years.
Ray was a member of the Hilltop Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge 749 F&AM, the Lions Club of Pleasantville, and the Bradford American Legion Post 108. He was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.
Surviving is one daughter, Valerie (Gene) Johnson, of Bradford, one son, David Eidson, of Tempe AZ, four grandchildren, Scott Eidson, Andi Eidson, Tim (April) Johnson, and Philip (Jamie) Johnson, three great grandchildren, Jordan Johnson, Payton Johnson, and Marcus Johnson, three stepsons, Stephen R. (Faith) Shaffer, of Bradford, Ronald (Sue) Shaffer, of Bradford, and Mark (Diane) Shaffer, of Mystic, CT.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, one aunt, Betty Miller, and one stepson, Randy Shaffer.
Family will receive friends on Saturday January 10, 2026, from 11 am to Noon in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue, followed by a Celebration of Ray’s Life with Rev. Max Simms Pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill FuneralHomes Inc.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hilltop Baptist Church Building Fund, or charity of the donor’s choice.
Wanda R. Corcoran “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and Gigi”
Wanda R. Corcoran, 79, of Olean, passed away with her loving family by her side on Friday, January 2, 2026, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, after a short illness.
Born on Friday, November 8, 1946 in Clara, PA, she was a daughter of Anthony and Emma Wakely Petrosewitz. On October 5, 1968 in St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church in Olean, she married Charles A. “Chuck” Corcoran, who survives.
Wanda was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, PA. She was also a graduate of the former Olean Business Institute in Olean.
Wanda was employed at several stores located in the Olean Center Mall. She had also sold advertising for WMNS and WJQZ.
She was a member of St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church in Olean. She loved to decorate her home and her family’s homes. She loved to sew. She also loved animals, especially her cats. She was a supporter of local animal shelters. She always loved coordinating the family beach trip to Sea Isle City, NJ where she loved spending time at the shore. Wanda’s greatest loves were her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 57 years, Chuck; two children, Lisa (Kent) Wichert of Shinglehouse, PA; Mark (Katelynn) Corcoran of Portville; nine grandchildren, Ryan (Margie) Wichert, Chelsea (Andrew) Bean, Lindsey (Adam) Jandrew, Jake Wichert, Jillian (Jake) Geiling, Noah Wichert, Ashley Corcoran, Carter Corcoran, and Fynnleigh Corcoran; six great-grandchildren, Abra Wichert, Archer Bean, Brooks Bean, Beau Jandrew, Emmie Jandrew, and Jack Jandrew; a great-grandchild to be born in July; a sister, Toni Kay Williams of Clara, PA; a nephew, Chris (Stephanie) Williams; and several cousins.
In addition to her parents, Wanda was predeceased by an infant sister, Jane Petrosewitz.
Private funeral services will be held in the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA. The Rev. Thomas Brown, pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Shinglehouse, PA, will officiate. Burial will be in Clara Cemetery, Clara, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wanda’s name may be made to the SPCA in Cattaraugus County, 2944 NY 16, Olean, NY 14760.
Wanda’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Wanda, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
The Coudersport Area School District is seeking a highly qualified and collaborative leader to serve as the Business Manager. This individual will serve as the Chief Financial Officer for the District, overseeing a budget that supports approximately 675 K-12 students. The successful candidate will ensure fiscal integrity while supporting the educational mission of the Coudersport Area School District.
Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance; 3-5 years of experience in business management, preferably in school or municipal finance; and proficiency in financial software, Microsoft Word, and Excel. Applications will be accepted until January 28, 2026.
More information on the position can be found at https://www.coudyschools.net/page/employment. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, official transcripts, and all required clearances to: Alanna R. Huck, Acting Superintendent, Coudersport Area SchoolDistrict, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.
The previously advertised reorganization meeting for Pleasant Valley Township has been moved to 3:30pm on January 5, 2026 at the Pleasant Valley Township building at 1956 Sartwell Creek Rd, Port Allegany, Pa 16743
Penn State Extension offers Free Winter Seed Sowing Workshop
Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Potter County will offer a FREE Winter Seed Sowing workshop on Saturday, January 17th from 11 am to 1 pm. All are welcome at the event taking place in the Penn State Extension conference room located on the back side of the Gunzburger Building, 1 North Main Street, Room #216, Coudersport, PA.
Participants need to bring a milk jug or plastic food container. Soil and seeds will be provided. Come learn how cold weather can be used for stratification of seeds to break dormancy and prompt germination of your favorite plants in spring.
To register, call the Penn State Extension office at 814-274-8540 x 100 or email srg22@psu.edu.
Mark A. “Mega Marko” Shonts, 65, of 411 Woodard Road, Cyclone, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Olean General Hospital surrounded by his family.
Born on June 23, 1960, in Canandaigua, he is the son of Frank and Nancy (Benjamin) Shonts who survive.
Mark was a 1978 graduate of Smethport High School. While attending school he helped run his dad’s business- Shonts’ Oil Industry. After graduating he was employed by PennDOT for a year. Shortly after, he chose to attend college to achieve certifications to be a Class B Mechanic for Fairway Ford. Mark was employed at Fairway Ford as a Class B Mechanic for 24 years. Retiring from his position in 2008. He was a member of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. He was also a Member of the FFA throughout high school.
On September 15, 1995, at the Hilltop Baptist Church, he married Ronda L. (Adams) Shonts, who survives.
Surviving is his parents, Frank and Nancy Shonts, of Bradford, his wife Ronda of 30 years, four children, Krystal Adams, of Killbuck, NY, Samuel Shonts, of Ormsby, Mathew (Amy) Jaquith, of Ripley, NY, and Courtney (Trevor) Butler, of Cyclone, one sister, Christina (the late Duane) Scott, of Bumpass, VA, one brother, Douglas (Tammy) Shonts, of Cyclone, 13 grandchildren (Harlee, McKenzie, Zackry, Lindee, Lillie, Charles, Myles, Aiden, Cheyanne, Garrison, Annabelle, Benson, Freya) , and several nieces and nephews. Mark loved his four-legged fur baby, Dingo.
He was a truly devoted Dad and Grandpa. He always wanted his family together, happy, and healthy. He spent his time doing anything possible to show he loved them. Simply being in his presence meant you felt his warmth and love. The best times spent were with his family and devoted friends.
Family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm, at the Hilltop Baptist Church, followed by funeral services at 1 pm with Rev. Max Simms Pastor officiating.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the family for funeral expenses and etc., during these difficult times. Any leftover money will be donated to a charity of the family’s choice, something he would have loved to support
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Betty B. McFadden, 93, a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, of 55 Leonard Avenue, Bradford, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born July 24, 1932, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Perl and Pearl (Ripple) Barber.
Betty graduated from Bradford High School in 1950 and earned a degree in 1952 in Secretarial Studies from Keystone Junior College in Factoryville.
On May 26, 1956, in the Hill Memorial United Methodist she married the loved of her life, who was born on the same day in the same hospital, only 6 hours apart from her, F. Reed McFadden, who preceded her in death on November 8, 2005.
Betty was employed at various doctors in Bradford, later Riley Accountants, and retired in 1994 as a secretary in the nursing department from the University of Pittsburgh.
Betty was a lifetime member of Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, where she played the piano for more than 30 years. She was a devoted baseball fan at an early age attending the Bradford Pony League games with her father. She was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates “GO BUCS” and the Buffalo Bills, “GO BILLS”. She never played baseball but kept score for her church softball team in the 70’s and 80’s. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Winners will be posted daily on Solomon’s Words, Prizes sent to you the same way you paid. ex: Venmo, Paypal, Check.
The To Fill A Backpack program is having a “12 Days Of Cash” raffle to benefit our 2026/2027 distribution. Now reaching out to 9 different counties which will add approximately 500 to 600 additional children in need, we will need all the help we can get.
If you are interested, feel free to send your payment through one of the online payment options (Please see info in red) and be sure to note the Pay Code shown in the notes with your payment. Please mark your payment accordingly so that we do not get charged fees if possible. Feel free to send a check to the following address:
TFABP Attn: 12 Days
85 Burleson Av
Roulette, PA 16746
Or feel free to give us a call at (814) 544-5802 for more information
Last week in review: After early-week nonconference losses, the Wildcat basketball teams returned to action on Saturday in their first of 12 regular-season-ending United East Conference games.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Last week’s hometown highlights: Octavio Alexander, of Dallas, Texas, scored 11 points, and Josh Shepherd, of Breinigsville, tallied 10 in Monday’s loss to Eastern Connecticut State in the first round of the Eastern Holiday Invitational.
In Tuesday’s consolation game of the Eastern Holiday Invitational against No. 23 Wesleyan University, for the second consecutive game, Alexander scored 11 points, and Shepherd added 10 points in the loss.
On Saturday at Notre Dame (Md.) University, Alexander poured in 24 points as the team experienced its second six-game losing streak of the season.
Roger D. Streit, 79, of Niver Rd. in Kane, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (Dec. 30) in the Warren Manor where he was temporarily residing after a recent illness. Roger was born Oct. 31, 1946 in Kane, he was the son of the late Joseph E. and Lois A. (Kenny) Streit. On February 7th, 1970, in Kane,
he married the woman who became his lifelong sweetheart, Vicki Dalton, who preceded him in death in 2020 shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Roger was a 1964 graduate of Kane Area HS. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for four years and received training as an aircraft mechanic working on many of the Air Force’s large “C-” fleet of jets and being part of several missions throughout Vietnam and the Philippines. During his time in the Air Force, he achieved the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1968 and then served an additional two years in the Air Force Reserves.
Following discharge from the Air Force, he worked at the local A&P grocery store and then later accepted a position with the USPS where he served his community of Kane as a letter carrier for 27 years before accepting an early retirement offer. During his time as a letter carrier, he made numerous friends and always had a large following of kids along his route, which he affectionately called “his little helpers”. Roger was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending time out in the woods and participating in several outdoor sports such as fishing, trapping, and the one sport he loved most… hunting deer and turkey.
The previously advertised reorganization meeting for Pleasant Valley Township has been moved to 3:30pm on January 5, 2026 at the Pleasant Valley Township building at 1956 Sartwell Creek Rd, Port Allegany, Pa 16743
Patricia Hilyer, 67, of Park Ave., passed away Thursday (Dec. 25) at her residence. Born July 30, 1958 in Kane, she is the daughter of Leo and Sadie (Richardson) Hanley. She was preceded in death by her long time companion, Keith Menteer, with whom she had spent over thirty years together.
The pride of her life was her grandson Zach and her loving granddaughter Aubria. Patricia is no longer in pain and is with the angels, Keith and other family members in heaven.
In addition to her two grandchildren, she is survived by one son, Harry (Tara) Hilyer of Kane; one daughter, Julie Hilyer of Kane; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary (Elmer) Hulings of Highland and Cecelia Port of Ludlow; a brother James (Jennie) Hanley of Ludlow; several nieces and nephews; her caregiver Taylor Dunkle and her three beloved cats.
She was preceded in death by her companion Keith, her parents; one son John Hilyer; one brother Leo Hanley Jr.; her aunt Louise “Weezie” Lillian Fosburg; and her beloved dogs, Lily and Milo.
Marilyn Wallace, 90, formerly of Kane, passed away Tuesday (December 30, 2025) in Libertyville, IL. Born July 16, 1935, in Kane, she was a daughter of the Late Roderick and Anna Dodson Galvin. On November 17, 1956, at St. Callistus Church in Kane, she married Anthony “Tony” Wallace who preceded her in death.
Marilyn was a graduate of Kane High School and the St. Vincent School of Nursing in Erie. She was a registered nurse for many years at the Kane Community Hospital. She was an active member of St. Callistus Catholic Church and was a member of the Registered Nurse Association. She also was a past Board member of the Kane Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Surviving Marilyn are a daughter Melanie (George) Riedl of Libertyville, IL; two sons, Michael (Robin) Wallace of Norfolk, VA and Martin (Brenda) Wallace of Camden, SC; five grandchildren Rachel Wallace, Meghan (Ian) Frost, Nathan (Michaela) Wallace, Luke Riedl and Matt (Gina) Riedl; a brother, Robert (Karen) Galvin of Fairfield, CA; two great-grandchildren, Everett Frost and Roman Riedl and several nieces and nephews.
