Gary E. Nickerson: Loving Husband, Father, Papa, and Friend
Gary E. Nickerson, 66, of Friendship, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 at home surrounded by his family.
Born on September 26, 1958, in Cuba, he was a son of Dale E. and Rayveria “Jean” (Abbott) Nickerson. On August 3, 1985, in Schroon Lake, New York, he married his loving wife of 40 years, Ann C. Perryman, who survives.
Saturday, September 20th SW Smith Library is hosting Northern PA author David McElwee for a book presentation and signing!
Call the library to save yourself a seat, but don’t worry; walk-ins are always welcome. Copies of David’s book “My Afterlife” will be available for purchase at the event.
Tickets for a raffle basket are also available online at swsmithlibrary.org with the winner to be drawn at the conclusion of the presentation!
Mary C. Major, 98, of Port Allegany, passed away Tuesday (September 9, 2025) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born June 13, 1927 in Pittsburgh, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Kotchey) Meyers. On June 28, 1948, in Austin, PA, she married Donald H. Major, Sr., who died Sept 28, 2006.
Mary graduated from Austin High School. She had worked during WWII in Pittsburgh at a steel mill for a short period of time, before she located to Port Allegany and worked at the cafeteria at Port Allegany High School. She also had cleaned at the former Canoe Place Inn.
Stephen “Chunk” Kovalyak, 59, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on August 18, 1966, in Ridgway, the son of the late Michael S. and Veronica Cuneo Kovalyak.
He is survived by his fiancé of nearly 26 years, Laura Schlimm, whom Steve’s kids lovingly referred to as their “Favorite almost step-mom”.
Roulette residence especially those living on Trout Brook Rd, this Thursday the 11th they will be tar and chipping Trout Brook Rd beginning at the intersection of RT 6 up to just past the bridge. This is the area that the grinding was done on.
Please be careful when traveling on this road Thursday as there will be work crews there.
Thank you
Township Supervisors
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Port Allegany man charged with causing the death of a Port Allegany woman in February has pled guilty to causing her death. And a McKean County Judge will determine the degree of homicide.
Brian KUCHINKA was charged in February after the family of K-Leigh Hill-Nelson reported her missing after she failed to appear at her job in Smethport. Her body was found disrobed under a bed in a motel room where KUCHINKA was known to stay and he was taken into custody after several hours while State Police tried to secure his capture. Trooper Whitney Boshart, Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run, is the lead investigator.
The case was listed for a jury trial in October. During a pretrial conference with the Judge at the McKean County Courthouse earlier today, KUCHINKA pled guilty to Criminal Homicide and Abuse of a Corpse.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer explained the charge of Homicide: “Criminal Homicide is the criminal charge when an offender causes the death of another person. It is an “umbrella” crime and is made up of Murder 1, Murder 2, Murder 3, Voluntary Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter. The plea was agreeable to the Commonwealth and the victim’s family because it required the offender to accept responsibility for causing the death and accomplished the same thing that a jury trial would.
When a jury trial occurs in a Criminal Homicide case, the jury has to first determine if the offender caused the death within the meaning of the criminal law. If the jury agrees on the charge of Criminal Homicide, it must then go through each of the sub-crimes and determine if the offender committed the Homicide in an intentional/premediated fashion (Murder 1), while committing a specified felony (Murder 2), all the way through each sub-crime of murder and manslaughter. The plea requires the offender to plead guilty to Homicide and Abuse of the Corpse and, now, the Judge will determine what level of Homicide it was the same as a jury would. The trial with the judge will occur in October. After the evidence, the Judge will determine if it is Murder 1, 2, 3 or Voluntary/Involuntary Manslaughter and the offender will be sentenced accordingly.”
A new charitable fund has been established at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation to provide critical support for veterans facing homelessness.
The Southern Tier Soldier Shelter Fund will provide for grants that support services for veterans experiencing homelessness locally and nationally. The fund will provide grants to agencies that serve veterans and provide housing services, mental health services and more.
In addition to traditional grantmaking, the fund may also provide grants through housing service nonprofits to pay landlords to temporarily house homeless veterans. In such cases, referrals will be made by the Olean VA or the Cattaraugus County Veterans Services Agency to connect veterans directly to housing opportunities.
Homelessness continues to disproportionately affect those who have served in the U.S. military. While national progress has been made in reducing veteran homelessness, thousands of veterans remain without stable housing. In Cattaraugus County and the surrounding region, local service providers and agencies continue to see veterans in crisis, underscoring the need for targeted funding and resources.
“Veterans who served our country should never face the uncertainty of not having a roof over their heads,” said Kirk Windus, CRCF executive director. “This fund will help meet both immediate needs, like temporary shelter, as well as longer-term solutions that give veterans a path to stability.”
The fund will strengthen the work of agencies providing housing, mental health care and wraparound services, helping create a community where veterans have the chance to find safety and stability.
Donations can be made to the Southern Tier Soldier Shelter Fund at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203, or online at cattfoundation.org.
PennDOT is now accepting student submissions on how AI can improve work zone safety for this year’s Innovation Challenge.
Submissions will be accepted until January 30, 2026.
Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invite high school students throughout the state to participate in this year’s PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers. The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model.
For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop a concept for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and road users. The concept must outline how PennDOT can use smarter systems to prevent accidents and protect those who are working to build a better Pennsylvania. The concept should also take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications, as well as public outreach.
Lloyd C. PROUTY, 83, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, September 5, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born December 7, 1941, in Pike Twp., he was the son of Clarence C. and Bessie L. Knickerbocker Prouty. On February 1, 1963, in Wellsville, NY, he married the former Mary L. Tubbs, who predeceased him on October 18, 2023.
He was employed by Larimer & Norton in Galeton for over 45 years. Lloyd was a member of the West Pike Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting and woodworking.
Michael Timothy BALDWIN, “aka” Michael T., wrote his last story on Friday, September 5, 2025, as he closed the book on an illustrious career as WJQZ Radio Station Owner and On-Air Radio Personality, Wellsville Ambulance Corps Captain, EMT/Paramedic, Allegany County Emergency Crisis Manager, Wellsville Town Supervisor and the Owner/Editor of Wellsville Regional News Network. He was always such an overachiever…
Michael was born to William “Mike” Baldwin and Patricia Ann Ludden Baldwin on February 13, 1962, a birthday shared with his maternal grandmother. Since his father’s birthday was February 17th, Michael was often the subject of many family holiday dinners, “you couldn’t wait four more days?”
The September 2, 2025 meeting of Township Supervisors was called to order at 6:00 p.m. with 3 Supervisors, 6 Residents, and secretary in attendance.
Business: 1998 Massey Ferguson 281 Tractor with 50” Boom mower that can be seen at the Ceres Township location has been advertised for bid with bids to be opened at the October 7, 2025 meeting. Paradise Energy was sent a request for removal of a row of solar panels prior to a permit being issued. A few residents continue to voice opposition to the solar field. The Bell Run Solar Field permit continues to be undetermined. Letter was sent regarding lumber along Powerhouse road. Three Township representatives plan to attend the Fall Conference of Township Officials on October 2, 2025. Resolution supporting the PA commission for US Semiquincentennial (America250PA) which is to inspire future leaders and celebrate all Pennsylvanian’s contributions to the nation over the last 250 years.
HEADLINE: Frost Advisory issued September 8 at 12:52PM EDT until September 9 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Temperatures in the mid and upper 30s will result in frost
formation.
* WHERE…Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.
* WHEN…From 2 AM to 8 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left
unprotected.
INSTRUCTIONS: Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY
The 2025 North Central Region District VIII PA 4-H Horse show was held September 5th & 6th at the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall, PA.
Lucille Rutkowski-Hood showing her AQHA mare, “Huntin For Paradise” qualified for the the PA State 4-H Horse Show held October 23-26 in Harrisburg by winning the championship in Western Pleasure Horses(8-13) and Western Horsemanship(8-13). Lucille also placed 5th place in Western Grooming and Showmanship and 4th place Miniature Horse Driving(8-13) with her AMHR mare, “Star Lakes My Oh My”.
Harriet Rutkowski-Hood showing her AQHA mare, “My American Princess” and her AMHR gelding, “Stone Ridge Dust Me With Diamonds” qualified by winning the championship in Western Grooming and Showmanship(8-11), 2nd in Western Pleasure Ponies and 3rd in Western Horsemanship(8-13), the championships in Miniature Horse Trail (8-11), Miniature Horse Driving(8-13) and 2nd in Miniature Horse Jumping(8-13).
Lucille and Harriet are daughters of Michelle Rutkowski and Hank Hood. Granddaughters of Gary and Sissy Rutkowski and Kathy Rutkowski of Rimersburg. Grand nieces of Deborah Rutkowski of Genesee and members of Famous Wabbits 4-H Club.
ROULETTE, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Rhoda T. Weimer, 72, of Roulette, at 1pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025. at the Riverside United Methodist Church, 39 River Street, Roulette.
Rhoda passed away on July 28, 2025.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
Rhoda’s husband entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
Last week in review: Pennsylvania College of Technology’s fall sports teams went a combined 4-4-1, with the men’s soccer team winning both of its matches.
MEN’S SOCCER
Last week’s hometown highlights: In Tuesday’s win at Pitt-Greensburg, freshmen stepped up with Will Watson of Collegeville scoring the lone goal and goalkeeper Justin Crismale of Glen Gardner, New Jersey, making three stops and recording his second shutout. On Saturday, in a win at Keuka College, Silas Miller of Mechanicsburg scored unassisted in the 81st minute, and Crismale recorded shutout No. 3 in the goal.
Schedule/Records
Overall: 3-1
Kevin J. BAER, 53, of Port Allegany, PA, died Sunday, September 7, 2025 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, 77 Willow Street, Switzer Chapel, Port Allegany, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
3 Day Estate Sale! Huge Sale!
September 11 to 13 – Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm
811 South Ave, Bradford, PA 16701 (along Route 219, use caution).
Lawn tractor, 4-wheeler, bedroom furniture, living-room furniture, Kendall items, collectible oil items, power-tools, woodworking tools, hand-tools, Pyrex, Corning items, outdoor items, shelves, Rubbermaid cabinets, lawn cart, lawn trailer, lawn roller, vintage toys, tool boxes, kayak, kitchen table & chairs, Kitchen-aid mixer, dressers, shelves, holiday decor, glassware, TV, desk, bows, arrows, CDs, garden items, and so much more. Clean home and so many great items!  
All sales final and no returns. Park in a safe place and watch traffic. Do not block driveways. We look forward to seeing everyone for another great sale. 
Benjamin J. Zappa of Ridgway, PA died at 12:30 pm on Friday September 5, 2025, at age 85 following a long, debilitating, battle with multiple strokes and musculature weakness. Ben was born on January 13, 1940, in Sharon Pa.
He was the son, and only child, of Edward E. Zappa and Jennie Cantelupe Zappa. Ben married the love of his life Cheryl Sweeney on July 20, 1968. Ben lost his wife Cheryl to cancer on July 22, 2007, after 39 years of marriage.
Benedict “Ben” B. Brendel, 79, of Ridgway, passed into his eternal rest in Heaven on September 5, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a battle with a rare form of blood cancer.
He was born on February 15, 1946, in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late George and Eileen (Hoffman) Brendel.
On September 9, 1967, Ben married the love of his life, Sandra (Vidmar) Brendel, at St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church. Over their 57 years of marriage, they shared an everlasting love while building a beautiful family and life together.
