Smethport – William D. “Bill” Rees, Sr., 82, of Smethport, passed away Wednesday (February 4, 2026) at Warren Manor, Warren, PA.
He was born February 28, 1943 in Olean, NY, the son of George Vernon and Mary (Moody) Rees. On May 8, 1971, in Eldred, PA, he married Jacqueline A. Bradt, who survives.
Mr. Rees was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1961 and attended Olean Business Institute, obtaining a business degree.
Bill worked for Interstate Amesite for many years before retirement. He went back to work at Erdman Anthony Consuting Engineers of Mechanicsburg, and worked there until he retired again in 2017.
Bill was an avid farmer and gardener. He had also owned “The Betty Blue” in Eldred from it’s beginnings. He coached Little League in Coryville for many years and enjoyed his time fishing and boating at Chautauqua Lake with his family. He was a member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club and the Eldred American Legion.
Extreme Cold Warning issued February 6 at 1:03AM EST until February 8 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo, NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero expected. The coldest wind chills are expected to be late tonight through Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero will cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 25 below zero or colder.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse on February 5th, a Port Allegany man was convicted of assaulting a child.
Garret HOMELL was charged after an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Bradley Walters who led the investigation into the cause of injuries to a 3-year-old child who presented at the emergency room covered in bruises.
Following the investigation, Trooper Walters charged HOMELL with Aggravated Assault of a Victim less than 6 years old, Endangering Welfare of a Child, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. During the trial, the jury heard testimony that the 3-year-old victim was left in the care and custody of HOMELL for the weekend of January 24, 2025, through January 25, 2025.
HOMELL was the sole caregiver of the child that weekend. When the child’s foster mother picked him up, he was covered in bruises. The child was taken to the Bradford Regional Medical Center emergency room for treatment. In the days following, the child was seen for follow up at BRMC, by his primary care physician and, ultimately, at UPMC-Pittsburgh.
The jury heard testimony from the victim’s foster mother, CYS caseworkers, HOMELL’s ex-wife, several members of the Pennsylvania State Police, and numerous medical professionals who saw the child. A doctor who is an expert in the field of child abuse pediatrics testified that her expert opinion is that the cause of the child’s injuries was child abuse.
The jury convicted HOMELL of Aggravated Assault of a Victim Less than 6 (felony of the second degree); Endangering Welfare of Children (felony of the second degree); Simple Assault (misdemeanor of the first degree); and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (misdemeanor of the second degree). The District Attorney’s Office will seek an enhanced penalty as permitted under Pennsylvania law for the child’s age and the nature of his injuries.
For these enhancements, the jury found that HOMELL both attempted to cause bodily injury and did cause bodily injury to increase the penalty for aggravated assault; that HOMELL created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury and the child was under six years of age to increase the penalty for Endangering Welfare of a Child; and that HOMELL both attempted to cause bodily injury and did cause bodily injury and the child was under the age of 12 to increase the penalty for Simple Assault.
The Presiding Judge also found Homell guilty of Harassment (a summary). Second Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “The nature of this case resulted in evidence that was hard to see, including photographs of the injuries to the young child.
Trooper Walters completed a thorough investigation and Second Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne led a successful prosecution in a case with a most vulnerable victim. Child abuse cases are difficult, yet no case is more important than one with a young victim. Their collective efforts and tireless work on the case are evident, and I thank them for working so hard for this child. Sentencing will be announced by subsequent court order. If you suspect child abuse, please call Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.
MANSFIELD, PA – C&N is pleased to highlight Kori Casselberry in her new role as Vice President & Mortgage Loan Originator. Her continued leadership, experience and commitment to community exemplify C&N’s relationship-based approach to banking.
Kori began her career at C&N in 2013 and has over a decade of experience in mortgage lending, underwriting and processing. She has served in several specialized roles, including Loan Origination Manager and Mortgage Loan Underwriting Team Leader. These roles strengthened her ability to anticipate challenges, streamline lending processes, and support both customers and colleagues with thoughtful, solution-focused leadership.
Meda M. SULLINGER, 54, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Oakwood and Van Wert, OH, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in her home.
Born April 11, 1971, in Defiance, OH, she was the daughter of Donald A. and Deloris “Jean” Wallick Weible.
On September 15, 2015, in Coudersport, she married Timothy W. Sullinger, who survives. A 1990 graduate of Paulding High School, she served honorably with the U.S. Army. Meda was employed by Eaton Aeroquip in Ohio and Truck-Lite in Coudersport.
Surviving are: her husband and companion of 20 years, Tim Sullinger; a son, Matthew Weible serving with the U.S. Army; three sisters, Michelle (Rob) Oller and Monica (Gary) Lloyd, both of Defiance, OH, and Melissa (Rob) Taylor of Napoleon, OH; six nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; and an infant son, Kurt Weible.
A gathering to celebrate Meda’s life will be held in Ohio on a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Lila J. McLaughlin “beloved mother and grandmother”
CYCLONE, PA—Lila J. McLaughlin, 83, of Cyclone, passed away with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after a lengthy illness.
Born on Saturday, June 27, 1942 in Farmers Valley, she was one of 13 children and the youngest daughter of Frank and Ethel Anderson Williams. In March of 1983, she married Ronald E. McLaughlin, Sr. who preceded her in death.
In her early years she was employed by Sena Kean Manor in Smethport as a nurse’s aide.
Lila enjoyed playing Bingo. Her greatest loves were her family and friends. She loved her many pets throughout the years.
Surviving are her four children, Bradley (Dawn) James of Cyclone, Cory (Laurie) James of Salamanca, NY, Tammy (Mark) Higgins of Coudersport, and Ronald E. (Tina) McLaughlin, Jr. of Cyclone; a stepson, Brian (Christie) McLaughlin of Winchester, VA; a stepdaughter, Shelly Battle of Tennessee; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Norman Williams of Cyclone; a sister, Dorothy Manning of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lila was predeceased by a son, Jeffery James; a daughter, Brenda Renko; a grandson, Heath Renko; a son-in-law, Joseph Renko; seven brothers; and three sisters.
A memorial service will be held on a date, time, and place to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lila’s name may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Lila’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Lila, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Williamsport, Pa., February 5, 2026 – JayAnne Hall, patient care technician, UPMC Williamsport; Sue Minotti, supply specialist, Hospital Operations, UPMC Muncy; Shane Allen, support technician, Surgical Services, UPMC Williamsport; and Astacia Tyler, CNA, Muncy Place, wererecently recognized with the BEE Award for theiroutstanding support of nursing teams.
The BEE Award, meaning Be Extraordinary Every Day, recognizes the care team that supports nursing staff and works closely with them to provide patients with the compassion and care they need.
HEADLINE: Winter Weather Advisory issued February 5 at 12:44PM EST until February 7 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…A combination of widespread snow and localized lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches expected, with locally higher amounts possible across the hilltops south of Buffalo. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow.
* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus Counties.
* WHEN…From 7 AM Friday to 7 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Travel will be difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…An Arctic front will bring widespread snow showers to the region Friday morning, which will then taper off to more localized lake effect snow Friday night through Saturday. Winds strengthening behind this front late Friday evening through Saturday will resulting of blowing and drifting of the fresh snowpack.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Laurence R. Bailey, Jr., age 80 of Galeton passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Guy & Mary Felt Manor in Emporium. Born July 23, 1945 in Olean, NY, he was the son of the late Laurence and Dorothy (Gardner) Bailey, Sr.
Larry proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He married JoAnn C. Carlson on April 24, 1971 in Galeton and they shared 34 years together until her passing in 2005.
He worked for 38 years as an installer for the telephone company, Bell Atlantic and then Verizon. He was a member and served as cantor at the First Baptist Church of Shinglehouse, was a 36 year member and First Responder of the Galeton Hose Ambulance, served on the Galeton School Board and was an active member of both, the Galeton Moose Lodge and the Raymond Richar VFW Post #6611. Larry loved the outdoors; hunting and riding his 4 wheeler.
He is survived by his children, Eric Bailey of Galeton, Kristin and Dan Martuccio of Emporium and Kevin and Tiffany Bailey of Wind Gap, PA; grandchildren, Gabrielle Martuccio of Erie, PA, Nicholas Martuccio of Emporium and Stella Bailey of Wind Gap; sister, Lyn and Jim King of Milton, PA and brother, Tim and Julie Bailey of Olean, NY. Family will receive friends at the Galeton Hose Ambulance, 2 Union St., Galeton on Saturday, February 7th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
A funeral service with military honors will be held immediately following at 12:00 PM with Rev. Clint Pearsall officiating. Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Galeton Hose Ambulance.
Arrangements are in care of the Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.”
Linea M. Taylor, 81, of Ceres, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Born on Tuesday, September 12, 1944, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of Harold A. “Ole” and Helen D. Cornelius Olson. On April 6, 1963, in Obi, NY, she married Garry D. Taylor, who survives.
Linea was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. Linea was formerly employed at the former Jack and Mary’s Restaurant in Rushford, NY. Previously, she had been employed at a knitting mill in Fillmore, NY.
She was a life member of the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse. Linea was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—taking care of her family was one of her greatest joys. She loved to cook and bake. She found joy in painting later in life with friends in Shinglehouse. She loved knitting, crocheting, reading, Western square dancing, and round dancing. Her greatest loves were her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was the best friend anyone could ever want.
The Cole Foundation recently received a donation from Rich Johnson’s family through the Honor Your Caregiver program, along with a message praising Dr. Andrea Heller’s outstanding care.
In memory of Rich Johnson, our family wishes to honor Dr. Andrea Heller for the exceptional palliative care she provided over the past 15 months.
Dr. Heller demonstrated deliberate thoughtfulness in her approach caring for Rich. During each visit, she engaged him on a personal level, discussing any and all issues that affected his quality of life, and she listened to his priorities. She guided and educated our family on the progression of his dementia and other health concerns, ensuring we always considered Rich’s personal wishes and treatment goals. She showed us an abundance of kindness, compassion, and knowledge.
Throughout this challenging time, Dr. Heller became a vital source of truth for our family. She instilled hope and confidence in us, reassuring us that we could meet Rich’s needs while honoring his wishes. She provided clarity and comfort as we navigated various medical options and potential outcomes. Her support brought great comfort to our family, and we will forever be grateful that Dr. Heller, affectionately known by Rich as “The Cute Minister,” was his physician.
Thank you, Dr. Heller, for being part of our dad’s team.
The Family of Rich Johnson
If you would like to make a donat ion to honor a caregiver, visit our website at
Alfred Station, NY, February 4, 2026 – The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women (ACC FFW) announces the opening of its grant application period for 2026 on February 5, 2026. Grant applications will be accepted February 5 through March 20, 2026, with award notifications on or around April 30th, 2026.
These grants are awarded to women in the tri-county region to facilitate sustained economic self-sufficiency. The amount awarded may vary from year-to-year, based on the number of applications and funds available, up to $1,000 per grant. Grants are awarded based on demonstration of financial need and the applicants’ plan for how the grant funds will increase self-sufficiency. Recipients in prior years have used the funds to purchase equipment, to support business start-up expenses, or to advance skills and training.
Extreme Cold Watch issued February 5 at 12:49AM EST until February 8 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerous wind chills colder than 20 below zero possible.
* WHERE…All of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
* IMPACTS…The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…An arctic front will bring cold air and strong winds to the region Saturday morning. Below normal temperatures and blustery winds will result in wind chills dropping well below zero Saturday morning. Wind chills will remain below zero through the rest of the weekend.
INSTRUCTIONS: Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.
Extreme Cold Watch issued February 5 at 1:01AM EST until February 8 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero possible. The coldest wind chills are expected to be late Friday night through Saturday.
* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday morning.
* IMPACTS…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 25 below zero or colder.
Linea M. Taylor, 81, of Ceres, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
The SkillsUSA Pennsylvania District 6 Competitive Events were held on Thursday, January 29th and Friday, January 30, 2026. Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel by providing educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.
Students throughout the central region of Pennsylvania traveled to the Pennsylvania College of Technology to compete in a variety of competitions. The results are in and the following students placed in their competitions:
Aiden Collins
Autumn Ford
Jaiden Thomas
Jett Finch
Lillian Major
Melony Benson
Trinity Menteer
Riely Coopersmith
Zachary Pitts
1st- Reily Coopersmith, Port Allegany School District ~ Restaurant Services 1st- Jett Finch, Austin Area School District ~ Job Interview 1st- Jaiden Thomas, Smethport Area School District ~ Health Portfolio 2nd- Mackenzie Mack, Northern Potter School District ~ Culinary Arts 3rd- Aiden Collins, Smethport Area School District ~ Information Technology We would also like to recognize all of this year’s competitors: Melony Benson, Otto-Eldred School District ~ EMS Melina Burford, Port Allegany School District ~ Basic Health Care Skylar Burrows, Austin Area School District ~ Nurse Assisting Autumn Ford, Oswayo Valley School District ~ Medical Assistant Trinity Menteer, Kane Area School District ~ Criminal Justice Cyrerra Neely, Port Allegany School District ~ Medical Terminology Zachary Pitts, Oswayo Valley School District ~ Welding Lillian Major, Cameron County School District ~ Early Childhood
We are very proud of all our students who took extra time to prepare and compete!! The state competition this year will be held in Hershey, Pennsylvania on April 8-10, 2026. State Gold Medalists from this event in April will advance to the National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Kenneth G. SAULEY, 79, of Hector Township, Sabinsville, PA, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in Sheila’s Personal Care Home, Mansfield.
Born December 21, 1946, in Hershey, he was the son of George M. and Verna M. Holtzman Sauley. He was married to Barbara L. Stine, who predeceased him on October 7, 2017.
Ken was a PA State Trooper for 25 years, retiring in 1994. Beginning in 1998, he served as Potter County Deputy Sheriff and then Potter County Sheriff.
Surviving are: a son, Michael A. Sauley of Galeton; two granddaughters; and a sister, Sandra K. Goodman of Berkeley Springs, WV.
Gordon G. Tucker “beloved husband, son, and brother”
Gordon G. Tucker, 75, of Turtlepoint, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in UPMC Williamsport, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, November 26, 1950 in Roulette, he was a son of Paul “Boots” and Shirley Weimer Tucker. On July 28, 2001 in Roulette, on the patio of the family farm he grew up on, he married Tammy A. Hopkins, who survives.
Gordon was a graduate of Port Allegany High School, Class of 1968. He attended Mansfield University, Williamsport Community College and Indiana State University of Pennsylvania.
Gordon and his cousin, Jimmy Tucker were loggers. He also sold insurance, was the manager of the former MacFrugal’s Discount Department Stores in Phoenix, Arizona and Salt Lake City, Utah. His last position before retiring was working as an IT Specialist for the former Teleperformance in Columbus, Ohio.
Gordon was a SciFi enthusiast. He had a wicked sense of humor, sometimes he was just funny and other times a little diabolical. He loved animals, but his greatest love was his wife and family.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 24 years; are his mother of Roulette; two brothers, Stanley (Micki) Tucker of Roulette and Leslie “Chip” (Kathy) Tucker of Ashburn Farms, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
Gordon was predeceased by his father.
Family and friends may gather from 12 noon to 1pm on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Riverside United Methodist Church, River Street, Roulette, where funeral services will follow at 1pm with the Rev. Greg Rapp, pastor of Park United Methodist Church, Coudersport and Pastor Jim Cannistraci, of Riverside United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.
Gordon’s wife 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 fond memory of Gordon, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
The Winter Potter County Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday February 7th at the Riley Gallery has been canceled due to the very cold predicted temperatures.
Please contact your favorite vendors for any baking or items you want. They would be happy to connect with you. Winter will end.
[NOTICES:
* STARTING IN JANUARY, NEW WINTER MARKET HOURS ARE SATURDAYS FROM 11AM TO 2PM.
* Beginning in January 2026 the Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May. The remaining Saturday dates are March 7th, and April 4th. May 2026 the market will again be on the square
* Market times have been established after many trial times over the years. If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly. They are willing to try to accommodate your request.
* If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-598-0649 netrabaker2@gmail.com]
On February 2, 2026 at 10:25 am, after an investigation performed by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau, an arrest has been made on an arrest warrant out of the City of Olean. Darryl V. Myers was arrested and transported to the Olean City PD pending further arraignment.
This Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., the public is invited to a free screening of the 93-minute documentary “Without Arrows: 13 Years in the Life of a Lakota Family” being shown in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
Following the Thursday night screening, audience members are welcome to participate in a question and answer session with Delwin Fiddler, Jr., the subject off this film.
The Independent Lens PBS documentary chronicles 13 years (2011–2023) of Fiddler’s life. As a young man, he left his home on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota to escape a trauma that splintered his family.
