Tina L. DUFRESNE, 63, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Kersey, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in her home.
Born December 26, 1962, in Ridgway, she was the daughter of Adam G. and Doris Smith Zuchowski. She was a graduate of St. Marys High School.
Surviving are: a daughter, Sarah (Caleb) Benson of Port Allegany; two grandchildren, Sophia and Kinsley; longtime companion, George Anderson; four sisters, Louann Goodrow, Rose Redmond, Maria Johnson, and Nancy McKinney; four brothers, Adam (Debra) Zuchowski, Raymond Zuchowski, Randy Zuchowski, and Steven Zuchowski; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Brian Zuchowski and Terry Zuchowski. There will be no services.
Memorials may be made to Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Rd., St. Marys, PA 15857.
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.
Susan E. Hughes 66 of Bradford, passed away Tuesday January 13, 2026, at Olean General Hospital.
Born March 18, 1959, in York, she was a daughter of the late Rowland and Martha E. (Burritt) Hughes.
Susan was a graduate of Warren High School. She attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and went on to earn her master’s degree in business.
She was an Administrator at the Bradford Manor, former Treasurer for the Church of the Nazarene, the Secretary for First United Methodist Church, and was employed as a stenographer at the McKean County Courthouse.
Emma Wright, 97, formerly of 468 Lambert Drive, Bradford, passed away January 23, 2026, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born August 21, 1928, in Bradford.
Emma was a graduate of Bradford Area High School.
She married Norman “Mac” Wright who preceded her in death on July 6, 1996.
Emma worked at the YWCA in the Domestic Abuse Department and later in sales for Raymour & Flanigan Furniture Store and volunteered for the Republican Party of McKean County.
Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), an affiliate of Journey Health System (JHS), is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsey Johnston, CPRP, as the new manager of their Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program in Coudersport. This transition marks a significant step forward as the office relocates to its new home at 221 North Main Street in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.
Johnston is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Furthermore, her certification as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) highlights her commitment to the field and her capability to support individuals facing mental health challenges.
Rita Kraus, the Senior Director of Site-Based Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services at DCI exclaimed, “We are thrilled that Lindsey has joined our team to provide high-quality service to our consumers. Her seven years of experience in managing psychiatric rehabilitation services will undoubtedly enhance the care provided to the community.”
The new Coudersport site is more than just an office; it is a sanctuary for adults diagnosed with severe mental illnesses who are working toward achieving independence and personal goals related to living, working, learning and social engagement. DCI’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program serves residents of Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter counties with offices in Coudersport and Ridgway.
Due to the expected weather conditions, frigid temperatures, and for the safety of our volunteers and food pantry neighbors, the Duke Center UMC Food pantry is postponed until Tuesday February 3rd.
Lester C. Neal, “beloved father, grandfather, and brother”
MYRTLE, PA—Lester C. Neal, 87, of Myrtle, passed away in his home with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after a long illness.
Born on Tuesday, December 20, 1938, in Keeneyville, PA, he was a son of Harold M. and Lena May Rice Neal. On June 7, 1958 in Portville, NY, he married Caroline L. McNeil, who passed away on September 18, 2017, having celebrated 59 years of marriage.
Lester was the owner of Myrtle Leasing until his retirement due to ill health. After retiring from his own business, Lester was employed at Portville Truck in the shop. Prior to starting his own business, he worked at Faulkner’s Farm.
Lester enjoyed tinkering and was able to fix anything. Lester and his wife enjoyed eating out, especially at the former Dave’s Diner, Perkins, Red’s, and Trudy’s. He and Caroline very much enjoyed Labor Day weekend, celebrating at their son’s home. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren.
The Bingham Township Supervisors are seeking applications for a part-time Secretary/Treasurer. Experience in bookkeeping with QuickBooks, Computer skills, and Secretarial skills are needed. Duties would include:
Payroll, Quarterly Taxes, Annual W-2’s, Reconciliations, Paying & Recording Invoices, Making Deposits, Balancing Bank Statements, State Reports, DCED Reports, Grant Applications, Attending monthly meetings, Taking & Recording Minutes, providing Financial Records, Assessment Building Permits, Driveway Permits, Road Bonds & Permits, Open Record Requests, and Budgets.
BRADFORD, Pa. — The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold remote classes Monday, Jan. 26, due to inclement weather. All in-person events have been canceled or postponed. Additionally, non-essential campus personnel will work remotely.
Those asked to report are campus police, dining services and staff in facilities and residential life and housing.
Campus personnel will be available by email. Individual contact information for staff and faculty can be found on the Pitt-Bradford website at https://www.upb.pitt.edu/directory.
Weather related on I-86 both directions west of NY State Line, entire length within the state of Pennsylvania (Mina) All lanes open . In response to forecasted weather conditions, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has implemented a FULL Commercial Vehicle Restriction.
Wesley A. Welch, 12, of Port Allegany, formerly of Coudersport passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Wesley was a cherished child and a loving and passionate brother.
Born on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, he was the oldest son of Brandon T. Welch and Sarah E. Langworthy.
Wesley, known to his friends as Jesse, was a seventh grader at the Port Allegany Junior-Senior High School. He was a talented musician, his favorite instrument was his guitar followed by his saxophone. His guitar talents were so impressive, he was welcomed by his music teacher into lessons a year earlier than other students. He also enjoyed marching band. He was also a promising young entrepreneur. He enjoyed skateboarding and picking on his little brother. He never missed an opportunity to make anyone laugh. His friends especially meant the world to him.
He is survived in love and life by his father, Brandon T. (Bridget Dowling) Welch of Port Allegany; his mother, Sarah E. (William “Reid”) Langworthy of Coudersport; his adoring siblings, Natalie Welch, Oliver Welch, Alivia Langworthy, and Daxx Langworthy; his paternal grandparents, Alvin and Crystal Welch of Shinglehouse; his maternal grandparents, Fred and Brenda Henning of Coudersport; his paternal great-grandmothers, Susan Lewis of Shinglehouse, Barbara McCallon of Sierra Madre, CA, and Anna Welch of Mississippi; three aunts, Casey Henning of Jamestown, NY, Crystal Henning of Torrance, CA, and Brianna (Travis) Wilson of Coudersport; four uncles, Jeff Henning of Riverside, CA, David (Jessica) Welch, Jeremy Welch, and Michael Welch, all of Shinglehouse; numerous cousins; and many friends.
Wesley was predeceased by an infant sister, Isabella Rose Langworthy; his maternal great-grandparents; and his paternal great-grandfathers.
Family and friends may gather from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Coudersport Alliance Church, 7 Alliance Avenue, Coudersport, where a celebration of life will follow at 7pm with Pastor Josh Dean, officiating.
Wesley’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a memory of Wesley, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
For those dealing with depression or thoughts of suicide, help is available, dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. You are not alone.
Ulysses Township will hold its Regular Monthly Meetings at 7 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in 2026 and will hold its Planning Meetings on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 pm as needed.
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met today at the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters to hear public comment and conduct official business that included the preliminary approval of 2026-27 hunting seasons and bag limits, which are provided in a separate news release. Other highlights from today’s meeting follow.
MENTORED HUNTERS UNDER 7 TO RECEIVE TAGS
All mentored hunters – including those under 7 years old – will get antlered deer and turkey harvest tags with their permits beginning in the 2026-27 license year.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today voted to adopt a measure intended to improve access to the mentored hunting program and expand hunting opportunities within it.
The mentored hunting program allows young and inexperienced hunters to hunt under the guidance and supervision of a mentor if they obtain a permit and follow all program requirements.
Under the previous system, most mentored hunters received antlered deer, fall turkey and spring turkey harvest tags with their permits, but mentored hunters who are younger than 7 when they obtain their permits did not. If a mentored hunter under 7 harvested an antlered deer or turkey, they had to receive the appropriate big-game harvest tag from their mentor, meaning the mentor needed a valid tag to take them hunting.
Saturday afternoon City firefighters were dispatched on Box 1-3 to a Longfellow Avenue residence for a reported house fire. First due units arrived on scene to find a 1 story residential structure with smoke and flames showing. At that time a second alarm was requested by Captain 1-10(C.Mealy) bringing all of duty personnel and Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department to the scene. The fire was heavily involved in the crawl space at the rear of the house and extend to the first floor and attic space. First due units made a quick hit on the fire, extensive overhaul followed. Firefighting efforts were hampered by the extreme cold temperatures. Multiple hydrants were froze along with every other piece of equipment on scene. Squad 1 and Engine 1 both froze up and required light mechanical service before returning to quarters. City Fire was assisted on scene by City of Bradford Police, Derrick City VFD(RIT), City DPW, Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Penelec and Bradford City Water Authority. Chief 1(Butler) had Longfellow command.
Shout out to local mechanic Pete Falconi for coming out and servicing our fire apparatus so we could return to quarters.
Shoutout to Believers Chapel for bringing their RV over to keep the occupant of the home safe and warm (picture in the comments).
Allegany Township Board of Supervisors will be holding their Regular Monthly Meetings in Colesburg in 2026 on the first Thursday of the month starting at 4:30. Planning meetings will be held at the same time as needed.
Kathleen Jean Minor, 94, of Coudersport, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, at UPMC – Cole, Coudersport. She was born in Atwood, TN on April 4, 1931, the daughter of the late Cecil and Sophia (Springer) Minor.
Kathleen graduated from Oyster Bay High School, Long Island, NY. She worked for many years as an operator for Bell Telephone in Long Island and later was an ATA bus driver after she moved to Coudersport. She was a lifelong member of the Gospel Tabernacle, Coudersport. Kathleen enjoyed playing the piano and guitar, roller skating, bowling, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved her family, loved the Lord, and was a wonderful sister and aunt.
Kathleen is survived by a brother, Paul (Susan) Minor of Coudersport; sisters: Dorothy Ross of Mechanicsburg; Naomi Frombach of Coudersport; Mary (Bruce) Quimby of Lincoln University, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her brothers: Rev. David Minor, Sr., and James Minor, Sr.
Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 12 noon to 1:00 pm at the Gospel Tabernacle, 420 US-6 West, Coudersport. A celebration of Kathleen’s life will follow at 1 pm at the church, with Pastor John Minor officiating. A private burial will be held in Eulalia Cemetery at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Kathleen’s name to the Haven of Hope Foundation, 420 US-6 West, c/o Gospel Tabernacle, Coudersport, PA 16915. The family has entrusted her arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Snow Emergency
Centers will be closed January 26 and January 27.
Customers with road tests will be contacted to reschedule.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026, through Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to the predicted snow event this weekend.
Customers who have road tests scheduled will be contacted by PennDOT staff to reschedule their road tests, or they may go online to reschedule their road test.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
The Bingham Township Supervisors are seeking applications for a part-time Secretary/Treasurer. Experience in bookkeeping with QuickBooks, Computer skills, and Secretarial skills are needed. Duties would include:
Payroll, Quarterly Taxes, Annual W-2’s, Reconciliations, Paying & Recording Invoices, Making Deposits, Balancing Bank Statements, State Reports, DCED Reports, Grant Applications, Attending monthly meetings, Taking & Recording Minutes, providing Financial Records, Assessment Building Permits, Driveway Permits, Road Bonds & Permits, Open Record Requests, and Budgets.
St. Marys, PA — With the 2026 midterm elections officially underway, the Elk County Democratic Committee is beginning the year with a renewed focus on organizing, outreach, and long-term planning. The Committee will hold its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. at its permanent headquarters, located at 210 Brusselles Street in downtown St. Marys.
Starting in January, the Committee will launch coordinated efforts centered on candidate recruitment, petition signature planning, grassroots fundraising, and the development of a clear, month-by-month strategy aimed at making 2026 a decisive year for Democrats. These efforts will focus not only on Elk County, but also on strengthening Democratic victories across Pennsylvania and the nation.
Committee leaders emphasized that meaningful political change often begins in rural communities—areas that have borne the brunt of harmful national policies in recent years. Rather than waiting for change to come from Washington, the Elk County Democratic Committee is committed to doing what Democrats have always done when democracy is at stake: organizing, mobilizing, and building power from the ground up.
The Committee’s goals for 2026 include reclaiming Democratic majorities in both chambers of Congress, as well as re-electing Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor and strengthening Democratic representation in the General Assembly. Locally, that means defending and expanding the Democratic majority in the Pennsylvania House and working to flip the Pennsylvania Senate, paving the way for the first fully Democratic legislature in more than a generation.
“This is a pivotal moment,” Committee leaders said. “The work ahead is ambitious, but achievable—if people engage and get involved.”
The meeting is open to all interested Democrats and community members. A remote Zoom option is available for all regular meetings. Those wishing to attend virtually are asked to request Zoom credentials at least 24 hours prior to the meeting to ensure availability. Requests will be accommodated up to approximately two hours before the meeting when possible. Zoom requests should be sent via email to elkcountydemocrats@gmail.com.
The Bingham Township Supervisors are seeking applications for a part-time Secretary/Treasurer. Experience in bookkeeping with QuickBooks, Computer skills, and Secretarial skills are needed. Duties would include:
Payroll, Quarterly Taxes, Annual W-2’s, Reconciliations, Paying & Recording Invoices, Making Deposits, Balancing Bank Statements, State Reports, DCED Reports, Grant Applications, Attending monthly meetings, Taking & Recording Minutes, providing Financial Records, Assessment Building Permits, Driveway Permits, Road Bonds & Permits, Open Record Requests, and Budgets.
