Venessa K. Watson, 61, of Smethport, passed away unexpectedly Sunday (July 13, 2025) at her home.
She was born December 7, 1963 in Sacramento, CA, a daughter of Harold F. Miller and Juanita M. (Sturdevant) Bisnett. On December 3, 2005, at Overcomer’s Church of Faith, she married Jonathan A. “Josh” Watson, who survives.
Mrs. Watson was a graduate of Smethport High School Class of 1982 and worked several jobs over the years. She was ultimately a home maker, tending to the needs of her family.
Susan Jane McCracken, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and nurse, 79, of Crosby, passed away Saturday (July 12, 2025) at UPMC-Hamot, Erie.
She was born January 30, 1946 in Kane, PA, a daughter of Paul C. and Evelyn M. (Almony) Larson.
She was the devoted wife of David McCracken, who knew he would marry her the moment he first saw her. Married October 7,1961, together, they shared a lifetime of love and partnership.
Tina Marie Whitford, 61, of 155 Constitution Avenue, Bradford, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at her residence.
Tina was born in Bradford, on December 1, 1963, she was a daughter of the late James and Donna (Chartreau) Whitford.
She was a 1981 graduate from Bradford High School.
Tina was employed at Futures Inc. for 41 years. She worked at M&M’s Pastry Shop in the late 80’s and into the 90’s. She was also employed at the Shurfine Market and has worked a variety of jobs at Futures since 1984. Tina loved her work and built strong relationships with many friends and co-workers throughout the years.
Kathy A. Campbell, 72, of Derrick City, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at Olean General Hospital.
Born July 17, 1952, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Alexander and Harriett A. (Hubert) George. She was a 1970 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
On March 4, 1974, at Sacred Heart Church in Knapp Creek, she married Jay “B.J.” Campbell who survives.
Diane M. Hummel, 80, of Bradford, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on February 27, 1945, in Jamestown, NY, she was a daughter of the late Richard M. and Helen V. (Erickson) Shannon. Diane was a 1963 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
On June 17, 1972, in Bradford, she married John H. Hummel, Jr. who passed away, October 1, 2017.
Patricia Catherine Warfield, 83, of 83 Crookerhouse Lane, Bradford, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Bradford Manor, with her family by her side, after multiple battles with cancer.
Born January 11, 1942, in Niagara Falls, NY, she was a daughter of the late George H. and Marjorie (Harrick) Mann.
Pat was a 1960 graduate of Haverling High School in Bath, NY. After graduation she attended Geneseo College, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Elementary Education.
Joseph “Joe” Duell, 67, of Knotts Island, NC, left us peacefully on January 27, 2025. He was a cherished son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, whose loyalty and thoughtful nature left an impact on all who knew him.
Born on March 21, 1957, in Giessen, Germany, Joe was the son of Helga (Pitz) Duell and Judson R. Duell II, formerly of Coudersport, PA. Joe’s journey brought him from his early beginnings overseas to Coudersport, PA when he was 10 years old. Being part of a military family, he eventually relocated to Dunn, NC and graduated from Dunn High School. Joe then went on to join the Army at the age of 18, where he proudly dedicated his time and energy to serving his country. Following his military career, Joe lived in Williamsport, PA where his strong work ethic was displayed through his commitment to his career and to his family. He was also a member of the Eulalia Masonic Lodge #342.
Summer brings sunshine, travel, outdoor fun — and a higher risk of dehydration. It’s something many people brush off as a minor inconvenience, but dehydration can become a serious medical issue if it’s not addressed quickly. And often, the early signs are subtle.
Whether you’re working outside, playing sports, or simply sitting in the sun, your body loses water through sweat and evaporation. If you don’t replace those fluids regularly, dehydration can sneak up on you sometimes before you even feel thirsty.
Why Staying Hydrated Matters
Water makes up about 60% of the human body and plays a key role in everything from regulating temperature to cushioning joints to helping with digestion and brain function. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t perform these basic functions efficiently. That’s when symptoms start to appear.
In the photograph are, from left, Mary Hamman-Roland of Dakota County, Minn., chair of the NACo Arts and Culture Innovation Council, Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel and Jay Dick, senior director of advocacy and partnerships for the Americans for the Arts.
Commissioner Paul Heimel’s community revitalization approach recognized at National Association of Counties’ 90th anniversary celebration
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 14, 2025) – Commissioner Paul Heimel of Potter County, Pennsylvania, will receive the Public Leadership in the Arts Award at the 2025 National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Annual Conference, recognizing his community-driven approach to addressing rural population decline through strategic arts and culture investment.
The national award, presented by NACo and Americans for the Arts (AFTA), celebrates county elected officials who use the creative economy for community development. Commissioner Heimel’s work offers a replicable model for rural communities nationwide facing similar demographic challenges.
Since 2000, Potter County’s population has declined from 18,000 to under 16,000 – an 11% decrease driven largely by youth outmigration. Rather than accepting this trend, Heimel spearheaded the revival of the Potter County Council on the Arts, building a coalition of schools, organizations, artists, and county leadership.
“Having a vibrant arts and culture environment can be a deal-breaker for a rural county looking to attract and retain young people,” said Commissioner Heimel. “But this doesn’t ‘just happen.’ It takes strategic planning and buy-in from a broad range of stakeholders. Once they recognize the potential return on investment – particularly when it comes to community and economic development – they’re eager to come aboard.”
The community-driven approach has generated significant momentum and widespread support across Potter County. The newly independent Potter County Creative Council (PC3) has secured major funding and launched initiatives including:
Major grant wins: Creative Counties Placemaking Challenge selection and four-year, $100,000 Creative Communities Initiative grant from Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Strategic partnerships: Collaboration with Penn State University community development specialists for strategic planning and partnerships with Pennsylvania Lumber Museum for arts-based activities
Community concerts: Grammy-nominated recording artists with local high school students as opening acts
Youth engagement: Weekly writers’ workshops and mini-grants for youth-focused artisan classes
Heritage connections: Modern approach to arts and culture led by community advocates like Art Metzger, a former school teacher who helped establish Potter County’s original arts council, agricultural partnerships and professional mentorship opportunities for youth
The approach has attracted widespread community support, with residents expressing excitement about preserving and building on their community’s creative character.
BRADFORD, Pa. – In recognition of the fifth anniversary of the death of civil rights leader and longtime member of congress John Lewis, Hanley Library at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host an educational screening and discussion event at noon on Thursday, July 17.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Marilyn Horne Museum Conference Room in Marilyn Horne Hall on Veterans Square in downtown Bradford.
The event will feature selected clips from the documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble.” The film highlights Lewis’s more than 60 years of activism and legislative leadership in the fight for civil rights and social justice.
Following the screening, attendees are invited to take part in an open discussion co-led by Dr. David Fitz, vice president of institutional integration and community engagement, and Jenelle Jensen, librarian with the University Library System.
Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. For more information, contact Jenelle Jensen at (814) 362-7618.
An Open House was held Sunday afternoon at the Turtlepoint Park to celebrate the 90th birthday of Wilda Johnson. Wilda was born in Olean, NY on July 13, 1935. She was married to Paul Johnson, Sr., for 69 years. The couple has four children – Trina Smith, Rod Johnson, Martha Bova and Paul Johnson, Jr., who hosted the party. They have 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Port Allegany United Methodist Church. She is pictured here with her children – Martha, Trina, Rod and Paul, Jr.
COUDERSPORT, PA—Graveside burial services for Ellwood D. Cosgrove, 91, of Coudersport, will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Homer Cemetery, Inez, PA, at 1pm. The Rev. Greg Rapp, pastor of Park United Methodist Church, Coudersport and the Rev. Thomas Shatto of Galeton, will officiate.
Several members of the Canoe Place Historical Society are pictured with one of the banners they hung on the gazebo on the Town Square. They are (front) Sherry Main, Dotty Anderson; (back) Jon Stehle and Joel Anderson. Missing from the photo is Mike Main. The buntings are available for purchase from the Historical Society. The committee thought it would be a good way to celebrate the Semiquincentennial in 2026. Profits realized will be used for fixing up the group’s building located on Main Street where the museum will be (the former Jean’s Casual Shop building). at 10 North Main Street. Sizes available are 6’x3′ for $18 and 3’x5′ for $10. The buntings can be purchased at Mike’s Mercantile. The Canoe Place Historical Society will meet Tuesday, July 15 at 5:30 at the Port Allegany Senior Center, 216 North Main Street. The public is invited to attend.
Michael F. Bunk: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather
Michael F. Bunk, 72, 35 Spring Street, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025 at home after a brief illness.
Born on August 24, 1952, in Cuba, he was a son of William J. and Sara A. Simpson Bunk. On June 15, 1985, in Cuba, he married the former Marilyn Simmons who survives.
Mike was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1972.
After high school he began working for Clarks Brothers, Dresser Rand, and Siemens retiring as the Distribution Clerk after 42 years of employment.
Jeffrey C. Pratt: Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Son
Jeffrey C. Pratt, 70, of 9545 County Road 7, Cuba, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Salamanca Rehabilitation and Nursing, after a lengthy illness.
Born on June 29, 1955, in Marysville, California, he was a son of Joseph L. and Patricia Stevens Pratt. On June 29, 1994, at the Cuba First Presbyterian Church, he married the former Elizabeth A. “Buffy” Callen who survives.
Jeff was a graduate of Randolph Central School Class of 1973. He served his country in the United States NAVY from 1973-77. After serving he was employed by BOCES as an Electronic Technician for most of his career. As a retirement job he started North Shore Dock Works on Cuba Lake.
Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is hosting a Scam Awareness Seminar for Seniors during Senior Day at the Tioga County Fair on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds’ main building, 2258 Charleston Road, Wellsboro.
The event is co-hosted with First Citizens National Bank, C&N Bank, the PA Department of Banking and Securities, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
“Just when you think the scammers can’t get any worse, they sink to new lows, usually preying on our senior citizens with the goal of stealing their savings and possibly their identities,” Owlett said. “This event aims to help people learn to protect themselves by outlining the tactics commonly used by scammers, what to look for and how to avoid them.”
Seniors who wish to participate in the seminar are reminded admission to the fair is free for people age 62 and older until 5 p.m. that day (Aug. 5).
Registration is required and may be made online at www.RepOwlett.com or by phone at 570-724-1390 (Wellsboro office) or 570-297-3045 (Troy office).
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of July 14. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:
Mechanized Patching
Route 646 between Route 4003 (Bingham Road in Keating Township and Route 346 in Foster Township. Monday, July 14, through Friday, July 18. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours.
Mechanized patching is used to patch limited roadway areas that have extensive potholes, large areas of cracked pavement, and depressions. If mechanized patching was not performed, the damaged road surface would further deteriorate, resulting in PennDOT needing to completely rebuild the road or perform more costly corrective measures.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in Potter County the week of July 14. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in Potter County for the coming week is as follows:
Mechanized Patching
Route 1011 (West Bingham Road/Hickox-Ulysses Road) between Route 49 in Ulysses Borough and Route 1010 (Genesee Mills Road) in Genesee Township. Monday, July 14, through Friday, July 18. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours.
Mechanized patching is used to patch limited roadway areas that have extensive potholes, large areas of cracked pavement, and depressions. If mechanized patching was not performed, the damaged road surface would further deteriorate, resulting in PennDOT needing to completely rebuild the road or perform more costly corrective measures.
Richard “Dick” Cool, 92, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Born to Marion and Kathleen Foley Cool in 1932 during the great depression, Dick was a lifelong worker and storyteller. A member of Operating Engineers Local #66 for 70 years, he traveled widely, operating heavy machinery and building roads, pipelines, and friendships along the way.
He married his high school sweetheart, Bev, and together they shared a lifetime of adventure—raising a family, serving their community, and exploring nearly every state by motorhome.
