To Fill A Backpack 31 Days of Christmas, Day 14 Winner Is Sandy Fry


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.
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) today announced $24,200 in state grants have been awarded to three area organizations by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).
The Cameron County Historical Society and McKean County Historical Society each were awarded $9,000, while the Eldred World War II Museum was awarded $6,200, all through the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program.
“Our historical societies play a valuable role in preserving and teaching about local history, and the Eldred World War II Museum is an outstanding asset to our region, preserving the history of World War II and highlighting the role the community of Eldred played in supporting the war,” Causer said. “I was glad to support this important investment in these organizations.”
The Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program provides general operating support to Pennsylvania museums and historical societies not directly supported by other state programs. Grants are awarded on a formula based on a percentage of the organization’s annual operating budget. Funding was awarded to 177 organizations in 59 of the state’s 67 counties.

Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Suwanee, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 62,550 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen.

Eligible individuals and families can now apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) to receive cash grants to help pay for heating bills.

HARRISBURG – A $9,000 grant has been awarded to the Tioga County Historical Society, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) announced today.
The grant was awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) through its Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program.
“Tioga County has a rich history, and we are blessed by the folks at the Tioga County Historical Society who work so hard to both preserve and share that history,” Owlett said. “I’m pleased to see them receive this grant so they can continue their mission in our county and communities.”

Mary L. Wiesner, 86, of Mark Street, St. Marys, PA passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk, surrounded by the love of her family following a brief illness.
She was born on October 29, 1939 in Hollywood, PA, daughter of the late Jake and Rose Schepp Kostecki.
On October 6, 1962, at St. Stanislaus Church in Tyler, PA, Mary married the late Guy G. Wiesner, who preceded her in death on October 10, 2017 after 55 years of marriage.

Mary L. Wiesner, 86, of Mark Street, St. Marys, PA passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green funeral home.

Albert J. Pichler, 87, of 207 Fairview Road, Kersey, passed away peacefully Friday, December 12, 2025 at Pinecrest Nursing Home.
He was born March 19, 1938 in St. Marys, son of the late Albert J. and Mary Anzinger Pichler, Sr. Al was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Kersey High School, and a proud veteran of the United States Army.
On October 27, 1962, in Sacred Heart Church, Al married the late Marlene Schatz, who preceded him in death on April 6, 2018.
Al is survived by his daughter, Sharon Pichler of St. Marys; his son, Karl Pichler of Kersey; his granddaughter, Emily Slaughenhaupt and her fiancé, Bryan Rose; a great-grandson, Karson Rose; his sisters, Nancy Challingsworth and Betty Swanson, both of Kersey; a sister-in-law, Ellen Pichler; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William Pichler.