To Fill A Backpack 31 Days of Christmas, Day 15 Winner Is Katrina Vanocker


Leroy H. “Scottie” SCOTT, 94, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, December 14, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born November 24, 1931, in the Town of Amity, he was the son of William R. and Vivian J. Smith Scott. On May 25, 1957, in Angelica, he married Mary Stedman, who survives.
A Korean War Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1952 – 1954. He served in combat in Korea and with the Military Police in Japan. He was employed by Scoville Brown Grocery Store, L.C. Whitford Company, and Kevin LaForge Excavating, Inc. Roy was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville and the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702 in Wellsville. He enjoyed spending time on his land and watching wildlife as a source of relaxation, taking comfort in the quiet time it provided.

Brenda Douglass-Thorne, 90, of Lecanto Fl, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at her daughter’s residence who was by her side when she passed.
Born May 5, 1935, in Sunderland, England, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret (Clough) Cowen.
She was a 1952 graduate of Saint Bennetts Catholic School in Sunderland England.
On June 7, 1954, in Sunderland UK she married William Edward Douglass who preceded her in death. She and her husband moved to the United States in 1966 and settled in Wilmington NC where she worked as a dental hygienist. In 1971 she moved to Bradford, where she was employed at JC Penny Department Store.
On February 11, 1980, she married G. Derek Thorne, and they resided in Lecanto Fl. He preceded her in death on July 4, 2025. She enjoyed many things throughout her life but always enjoyed a good game of Domino’s. She loved to travel and enjoyed the many cruises they took. She was a member of the British American Club in Lecanto FL.

William “Pat” Doran, 67, of 135 Wilson Road, St. Marys, passed away with his family by his side, Friday, December 12, 2025 at Select Specialty Hospital in McKeesport.
He was born July 16, 1958 in Brookville, son of the late Richard Doran and Arlene Taylor Doran, who survives. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1976.
Pat worked at various jobs over the years in retail and the service industry. On October 8, 1977, in Queen of the World Church, he married Patricia Meyer, who survives. They were blessed to share forty-eight years of marriage.

Sharon Rook, 69, of Biddle St. passed away Friday (dec 12) in the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born March 2, 1956 in Ridgway, she is the daughter of the late Carl and Rosemond (Schilk) Wilson. She married Michael Rook, who survives, in Kane on April 6, 1974.
Sharon had worked at Kane Hardwood for thirty years, retiring in 2018.
In addition to her husband she is survived by two daughters, Laurie Rook and Cathy (Mike Shrubb) Rook; five grandchildren, Zane (Brianna) Hodgdon, Sarah (Harley) Hodgdon, Zach (Adia) Hodgdon, Evan Smith and Alexandra (Jake) Hodgdon; six great-grandchildren, Brynlee, Maisie, Beauden, Ellie, Lennox and Skylar; three brothers, Carl (Betty) Wilson, Mark (Mary) Wilson and Doug Wilson; four sisters, Karen Wilson, Virginia Wilson, Julie Wilson, and Beverly (Dan) Rook; and many nieces and nephews.

HEADLINE: Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert, 34 years old white/male wearing dark coat grey sweatshirt and green pants
DESCRIPTION: At the request of the Fairport Village Police Department, a New York State Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert has been issued relating to the disappearance of IAN SAMSON; age 34; from FAIRPORT, NY at 09:03 pm on December 14, 2025.
INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the link for further details. www.criminaljustice.ny.gov
Issued By: NYS-DCJS-MPC

Wayne A. Miller, 73, of Driftwood, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, (December 12, 2025) at UPMC-Cole in Coudersport, PA. He was born on July 7, 1952, in Renovo, PA, a son of the late John “Cub” and Martha McIsaac Miller.
Wayne was a graduate of Cameron County High School, where he enjoyed wrestling during his high school years. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. After returning home from military service, Wayne spent many years working as a logger, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and love of the outdoors.
In his free time, Wayne found great enjoyment riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and spending time outdoors. He especially loved golfing, hunting, and fishing, activities that brought him both peace and happiness throughout his life. Wayne was a devoted friend and cherished his friendships.
Wayne is survived by his longtime companion, Sally (McCoole) Purdy; his children: Ashley Mason (Steve), Kenny Miller (Karen), Amber Miller, and Tiffany Cook (Doug), all of Emporium; ten grandchildren; his brother, John Miller (Peggy) of Kersey; and his sister, Michele Myers of Emporium.
He was preceeded in death by his parents
In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, there will be no visitation, and services will be private.
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

POSITION VACANCY
The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for a General Cafeteria Worker – 5 hr./day effective immediately.
Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, application, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168) and resumé to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by December 17, 2025.
POSITION VACANCIES
The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for the following positions:
HS Math Teacher (remainder of the school year)
Long Term Substitute Teacher for Kindergarten
Interested applicants should send a complete application package including a letter of interest, application, PA certificate, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168), resumé, and transcripts to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by December 17, 2025.

McKean County is seeking a qualified and highly motivated applicant to perform the duties of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the County Jail. Based on candidate preference, this position can either be full or part-time.
Primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
Requirements for Candidates:
Qualified candidates can apply by completing a McKean County job application and submitting a resume to Michele Jubon, Director of Human Resources, McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749, via email to mmjubon@mckeancountypa.gov, or by applying online at indeed.com. Applications are available in the Human Resources Department at the Courthouse or online at www.mckeancountypa.gov. McKean County is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.

Potter County continues an extended “America250” celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spearheading the observance are the Potter County Historical Society (PCHS), represented by David Castano; and Allegewi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, represented by Ilene Altenhein. Commissioner Paul Heimel is county liaison with the America250PA organization. Those interested in becoming involved should contact PCHS (814-274-4410) or DAR/Allegewi Chapter (814-274-9798). Here’s a summary of upcoming events and ongoing activities:

Ryan R. Taylor, 39, of California and formerly of St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 6, 2025.
He was born November 3, 1986, in St. Marys, son of Leroy and Anna Salerno Taylor. In his youth, Ryan was always in motion-rollerblading with fearless joy, learning new songs to play on the guitar, and surrounding himself with friendships that he cherished. He graduated from Elk County Catholic High School in 2005 and earned his degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He carried the same warmth, curiosity, and openness into adulthood and moved to California.

Thomas M. “Fred” Mahaney, 76, of 631 Evergreen Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side Saturday, December 13, 2025 at his residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Thomas M. Erich, age 92 of 167 Hemlock Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully, following a lengthy illness, on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk, with his family at his side.
He was born September 1, 1933, in St. Marys, PA son of the late Aloysius and Clara Fox Erich. He was born and raised on the Erich Dairy Farm on North St. Marys Road, the youngest of nine children.
During his teen years he worked as a sales associate at Jack Gross Men’s Store which allowed him to be–as claimed decades later– the sharpest looking guy in town. Tom attended St. Mary’s Parochial and Central Catholic High School, graduating in the Class of 1952, which he served as president. Shortly after, he began working at Stackpole Carbon Company.
In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served as an aviation electrician on the world’s first aircraft supercarrier, the USS Forrestal. He took great pride in his service in the Navy and was often heard sharing stories from his deployments especially his tours in the Mediterranean. Following four years of military service, he returned to Stackpole Carbon where he built a three decade career in various laboratory roles. At the same time, he ran Tom’s Appliance Service, earning a reputation throughout the region for his skill, honesty, and generosity in helping families keep their homes running.
He continued taking appliance service calls into his mid-80’s and continued to lend his talents wherever they were needed On October 1, 1960, in Queen of the World Church, Tom married the love of his life, Eileen M. Olson. They spent the entirety of their 65 years of marriage together on Hemlock Road where they raised seven children and built a home filled with laughter, faith, love and devotion. Their relationship was marked by a deep respect for one another, steady companionship, and a joy in finding humor even in everyday life.
Salamanca – On December 11, 2025, Jesse Martin, of Little Valley, was arrested for Criminal Contempt following a domestic incident on 12/10/2025. He was arraigned in the Town of Little Valley Court and released on his own recognizance.
Olean – On December 12, 2025 at 1:06 am, Tisha K. Hein, 20, of Olean NY, was taken into custody. Hein was located at 711 on W. State St. and was found to have an active felony bench warrant out for her arrest from a prior drug arrest. Hein was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail where she was held without bail pending further court proceedings.

Penn College Athletics at a Glance
Last week in review: In another light week due to Fall Semester finals, only the men’s wrestling and basketball teams saw action.
WRESTLING
Last week’s hometown highlights: The Wildcats got a technical fall from Harris Keares, of York, at 125 pounds, and pins by Dan Clark, of North Potomac, Maryland, at 165, and Gavin Gomes, of Denville, New Jersey, along with seven Penn State Altoona forfeits, in Thursday’s Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference opener. The 59-0 score matched their largest margin of victory during the NCAA era (since 2014) that came against Hiram College during the 2023-24 season.
SCHEDULE/RECORD
Overall: 2-1
AMCC: 1-0
Thursday, Dec. 11 — host Penn State Altoona (AMCC makeup), W, 59-0
Saturday, Dec. 20 — Messiah University Chocolate Duals vs. Arcadia University, 10 a.m.; vs. Randolph College, noon; vs. Centenary University, 2 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Last week’s hometown highlights: Landon Reeder, of Montoursville, scored 13 points, while Peyton Murphy, of Gallipolis, Ohio, and Jay Henry, of Warminster, both tallied 12 in Saturday’s loss at Alfred University.

Summit Township board of Supervisors is having a Special Meeting on December 16, 2025 at 6pm at the Summit Township building to review the CVFD fire contract and make a decision on the secretary position.
Chest pain, Liberty Township, Route 155
46 year old male

The United Way of the Bradford Area is officially turning 100 years old on December 15th, and we want the whole community to join the celebration!
We’re collecting birthday cards, fun gifts, and shout-out messages to help us mark a century of doing good together. Want to celebrate in your own creative way?
Go for it — we’d love to see it!
And don’t forget — our annual campaign runs through December 31st, so there’s no better time to show your support and keep the momentum going into our next 100 years.
Let’s make this birthday unforgettable!
Possible Overdose, Smethport
51 Hamlin St Rte 26
Port Allegany – 101 North Main street
Natural gas odor at the Sheetz throughout the store.