Coudersport — The Coudersport Rotary Club geared up for the Rotary District Conference and Foundation Dinner, set for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 14th to 16th, at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Alvin C. Bush Campus Center, 200 College Avenue, Williamsport.
Coudersport Rotary members Deb and Brad Rinehart attended the conference and delivered the club’s maple syrup themed basket. Rotarian Mike Rigas brought the basket to Monday’s meeting for members to preview before it headed to Williamsport. The basket was featured in the evening auction at the Foundation Dinner, helping raise funds to support Rotary’s ongoing service projects.
Coudersport Rotary is proud to contribute to the district-wide effort celebrating service, fellowship, and community impact.
(Photo: Honorable Stephen Minor) Photo courtesy of PA Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website
At Coudersport Rotary Club’s November 10, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill, Rotarian Ruth Sallade introduced this week’s speaker, her nephew Judge Steve Minor, also a Coudersport Rotarian, who shared an overview of Potter County’s Treatment Court and ongoing mental health initiatives. Minor, who has served on the bench for 16 years, said he and Judge Leete first explored Treatment Court in 2011 after noticing generations of families cycling through the criminal system, often due to addiction.
Potter County launched its Treatment Court in 2013 and has since graduated 100 participants with a very low rate of reoffending. The program combines counseling, 12-Step recovery, regular check-ins with the judge, and trauma therapy. Minor described the program as a supportive “Court of Mercy,” where participants receive encouragement as they work toward recovery. Monitoring devices such as drug patches may be used until participants demonstrate trustworthiness.
Rotary Club was pleased to host Sarah Wagner and her fiancee, Jesse Faulder, at our October 27, 2025 meeting at A&W West End Grill.
Wagner Hardware, a century-old family business with roots dating back to 1913, has officially reopened its doors following several months of extensive renovations and updates. The grand opening, held May 8, carried special meaning for the family—it fell on the birthday of Wilbur Wagner, great-grandfather of current manager Sarah Wagner.
Wagner Hardware began in Ulysses before relocating to Coudersport and has remained in the Wagner family for generations. The store was previously operated for a time by Jenny and Chris Tilton, but leadership shifted in recent years as Sarah Wagner returned to the region. Wagner moved from California to Potter County two years ago and now co-manages the business with her fiancé, Jesse Faulder.
Henry Hayes, Jr. (‘Pen’) of Cherry Springs, Pennsylvania, passed on to be with the Lord on November 13th, 2025. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his immediate family who loved him dearly.
Henry was a beloved husband, father, and a friend to many who remember him as the “Mountaintop MacGyver.” It was always said, “If Pen can’t fix it, then it can’t be fixed.”
Henry is survived by his wife Janis Hayes of Cherry Springs, PA, his Daughter Patricia Keil and her husband Scott Keil, of Fort Lupton, CO, his son, Hank Hayes, of Enola, PA, and granddaughter Jenna of Elkton, Maryland. Lastly, his beloved dog “Stitch,” which him and Janis had many adventures with.
On a warm July morning, Benjamin Balin, M.D., saw his first patient in Wellsboro as part of the new UPMC Rural Family Medicine Residency. By the end of the month, he had cared for dozens more, from newborns to lifelong Tioga County residents.
Nick Ihnatenko, M.D.
Just an hour west in Coudersport, Nick Ihnatenko, M.D., was doing the same at UPMC Cole. In his first few weeks, he had already seen about 70 patients, an impressive start, said John Boll, D.O., program director, UPMC Rural Family Medicine Residency.
“Nick jumped right in,” said Dr. Boll. “They were short-staffed at the time, so he was immediately able to make a real difference.
”Drs. Balin and Ihnatenko make up the inaugural class of the residency, which launched in 2022 to help address a growing physician shortage in rural areas. Each doctor spent the first year of training at UPMC Williamsport and is now completing the final two years at UPMC Wellsboro and UPMC Cole. The program was created with the goal of training and retaining family physicians in rural Pennsylvania communities.
“About 20% of Americans live in rural areas, but only around 9 or 10% of physicians work there,” said Dr. Boll. “In our region, many rural doctors are nearing retirement age, and the need for new physicians is urgent.”To help fill that gap, the residency takes a “place-based” approach, training doctors directly in the communities they’ll one day serve. “It’s equal in quality to a university setting, but more personal and hands-on,” Dr. Boll said. “It teaches residents to be resourceful, adaptable, and deeply connected to their patients.
”Residents begin their first year at UPMC Williamsport, gaining experience in inpatient care, obstetrics, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. In their second and third years, they move to one of UPMC’s critical access hospitals, UPMC Wellsboro or UPMC Cole, to immerse themselves fully in rural practice. “When you move out here, you’re not just a resident, you’re part of the care team,” said Dr. Balin. “You see the direct impact of your decisions on patients you might also run into at the grocery store or gas station. It’s meaningful.
”That sense of community is something Dr. Ihnatenko, a Philadelphia-area native, has quickly come to love. “People have been so warm and supportive,” he said. “They’re excited about the program and what it means for their community. It’s rewarding to know you’re helping fill a real need.
”Outside of work, he has been enjoying the small-town lifestyle, hiking the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, attending high school football games, and chatting with neighbors at community events. “I said to my wife, ‘You can’t get this anywhere else,’” Dr. Ihnatenko said.
Residents say they’ve felt supported not just by patients but by local businesses and hospital staff, too. “The communities have just adopted them 100%,” said Dr. Boll. “Everyone understands how important this is.
”Next year, the program will expand to include two residents at each site, meaning more patients cared for and more physicians learning the heart of rural medicine where it matters most. For Dr. Balin and Dr. Ihnatenko, that heart is already clear.
“This experience has reaffirmed everything I love about medicine,” said Dr. Balin. “You’re not just treating patients, you’re becoming part of a community.
”And for Dr. Boll, that’s the program’s greatest success. “We’re training physicians who will stay, who will build their lives here, and serve their neighbors,” he said. “That’s the future of rural health care and it’s happening right here in north central Pennsylvania.”
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford was named one of the Best for Vets: Colleges by Military Times, the premier dedicated independent news source for active-duty military, their families and retirees.
Pitt-Bradford was among 14 Pennsylvania colleges and 33 across the Mid-Atlantic region to earn the recognition.
To figure out its list, Military Times looks at success metrics, military-specific resources and the level of financial aid schools offer. It also considered admissions and registration policies.
The Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) of McKean County awarded grants to five nonprofit organizations at their annual business meeting. Congratulations to our fall 2025 grantees. In photo: Carol Duffy and Linda Myers, WGC Steering Committee members; Tiffany Boschert, MCCF Executive Director; Mark Lonzi, Destinations-Bradford; Debbie Wensel, Kane Area Food Pantry; Ronda Skoken, Mattresses Across McKean County; Peggy Luck, CASA of McKean County; Shelly Alcorn, YWCA Bradford; Ange Erway and Cherie Nasto
The Women’s Giving Circle of McKean County (WGC), a project of the McKean County Community Foundation, granted a total of $9,000 to five nonprofit organizations at their annual business meeting held on November 13th at The Bradford Club. Along with the grant presentations, voting, and awarding of grants, the women enjoyed hearty appetizers, basket raffles, and a fun evening socializing with friends old and new.
Our Hearts are heavy as we mark one year without the man we love and miss so deeply, James Jones, beloved husband and father. Not a day goes by that you aren’t thought of and greatly missed.
The legacy you left behind lives on in all of us and will remain for eternity.
Sister Sally (Sarah) A. Villa, SSJ, age 81, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on November 17, 2025, in the 38th year of her religious life. She was born in Rochester, New York, on July 19, 1944, the daughter of the late Donald A. and Marion Kraft Gillette.
She graduated from Livonia High School in Rochester in 1961 and received her nursing education at Craig Colony Hospital School of Nursing, Sonyea, New York, and earned an AAS nursing degree from Alfred State College, in Alfred, New York, in 1976.
Susan Peterson Cooper, 63, of Warren, PA., died at her residence, Sunday afternoon, November 16, 2025, after an extended illness. She is the wife of Robert “Bob” J. Cooper. A private celebration of her life will be held at the convenience of the family. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
The Northern Potter School District is seeking day-to-day substitute teachers. Pay rate is $17.25/hour. PA Teaching Certificate required. Persons holding a Bachelor’s Degree may qualify for an emergency teaching certificate. For additional information on PDE’s substitute teacher requirements, please visit the following page:
Day-to-day substitutes are also needed for teachers’ aides, janitors, and cafeteria workers. Teacher’s aide pay rate is $9.50/hour and janitor/cafeteria worker pay rate is $10/hour.
Please note that substitutes are called in on an as-needed basis.
To apply for a substitute position, please stop by the administrative office for an employment packet at 745 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948. Any questions can be answered by calling 814-848-7506. E.O.E.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Helen Virginia Caffo Carlson, who left us peacefully on November 14, 2025 at the age of 83. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, she lived a full life of love, kindness and dedication to her family and community.
Born on December 5, 1941, in Port Allegany, PA, “Ginny” was the eldest child of Albert “Bert” and Ruth Caffo. The eldest of three children, Ginny attended Port Allegany High School where she was a class officer and clarinet player. She continued her education at The Pennsylvania State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1963. Her years at Penn State were filled with cheering at football games, swimming with the “Naiads” synchronized swimming club and sharing adventures with her dear roommate, Sandy Stake.
Samuel George Deeter, 79, passed peacefully, on November 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on September 24, 1946, in Meadville, he was the son of Martin George Deeter and Ethel Elizabeth (Rhoades) Deeter.
In October 1985, he married Sherlyn “Sherry” (Sayers) Deeter and resided in Bradford, for many years. Sam’s kindness, humor, courage, and unwavering commitment to the Lord and his family touched everyone he encountered.
James A. “Jim” MILLS, 83, of Westfield, PA, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 at his farm doing what he loved, outside on his tractor with his faithful dog, Ladd, by his side. Born October 10, 1942, in Westfield, he was the son of Adrian M. and Elsie Mae Simmons Mills. Jim grew up in Mills, PA, where he worked on the family farm and raised a lot of cane. A 1960 graduate of Northern Potter High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960 – 1964.
Merlin A. BELTON, 89, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Hamburg, died Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born October 24, 1936, in Hamburg, he was the son of James and Carrie Ketner Belton. On October 27, 1956, in West Hamburg, he married Shirley A. Shollenberger, who predeceased him on March 22, 2022. He owned and operated a Mort’s Floor Cleaning Service.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the City of Bradford Police have filed additional charges against the former school bus driver previously charged.
Sean WILLIAMS, currently incarcerated after being unable to post $500,000 bail, has been charged with additional counts of Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography), Corruption of Minors, Unlawful Contact with a Minor and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Officer Anthony Lama and Chief Michael Ward are handling the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 to be connected to an Officer. Anyone who suspects child abuse is asked to call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
Last week in review: The cross-country teams closed out their season, the women’s basketball team won two games and at 4-0 continued its best start since the 1998-99 team started a program-best 6-0, the wrestling team had one individual champion at an invitational, and a dozen Wildcats received United East Conference postseason recognition, including 10 in soccer with two Rookie of the Year honorees.
CROSS-COUNTRY
Last week’s hometown highlights: Competing in the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship at Big Spring High School on Saturday:
For the men in an 8K race, Holden Furey, of Williamsport, placed 150th among 218 with a time of 29:57 to lead the Wildcats. Also, Chase Ebeling, of Bellefonte, was 159th in 30:16, Mitchell Campbell, of Riegelsville, was 165th in 30:32, Jacob Parker, of Weatherly, was 176th in 31:12, Ben Heym, of West Chester, was 186th in 31:51, Ethan Knapp, of Franklin, was 188th in 31:55 and Aaron Guerrisky, of South Williamsport, was 189th in 31:58.
Lea A. Ehrensberger, 85, of Bucktail Road, St. Mary’s, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Elk Haven Nursing Home surrounded by the love of her family. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
“The US Constitution is one of the most referenced documents when discussing our country. Yet, there are many misunderstandings about the document which is the blueprint of the operation of our government.
In order to shed light on the Constitution, the League of Women Voters of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties will present “We The People” on Thursday, November 20,2025.
Lea A. Ehrensberger, 85, of Bucktail Road, St. Marys, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 with her loving family by her side following a lengthy illness.
She was born on March 3, 1940 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Bernard and Edna Leithner Salter.
On October 1, 1960, she married the late David W. Ehrensberger, who preceded her in death on December 20, 2020. Together they were blessed with more than 60 years of marriage.
Memorial services for Kevin Y. Fuller will be held on Saturday November 22, 2025, from 1to 4 pm in the Veterans Memorial Home (VFW) 4743 Rt. 155, Port Allegany, PA. Burial will be in Grimes Cemetery
Military honors will be accorded by the Port Allegany Honor Guard
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, PA.
The 2026 Budget Proposal for West Branch Township, Potter County, Pennsylvania has been prepared and will be available for inspection by appointment only. The budget will be adopted at the regular meeting of the Township Board of Supervisors which will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:00pm at the township municipal office located at 533 Germania Road, Galeton, PA 16922. Please contact the Secretary at 814-435-7898 to schedule an appointment. Requests can also be submitted via email at westbranchtwp@gmail.com or by visiting our website at www.westbranchtwp.com.
Helen Virginia “Ginny” CARLSON, nee Caffo, 83, of Turtlepoint, PA, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 14, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 22, 2025 in Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 205 E Arnold Avenue, Port Allegany, PA. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
