USDA Taking Applications for Grants to Build Community-Oriented High-Speed Internet Network for People in Rural Areas
(Washington, D.C., May 13, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites grant applications to build community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas.
USDA Rural Development is making approximately $17 million available under the Community Connect Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not exist.
Community Connect funds may be used for:
The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service.
The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to critical community facilities for two years.
The improvement, expansion, construction or acquisition of a community center that provides public access to high-speed internet (up to 10% of the award amount or $150,000 may be used for this purpose).
Award recipients must agree to provide high-speed internet service at community-serving institutions free of charge for up to two years. These institutions include schools, libraries, fire stations and other public safety sites.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits, for-profit corporations and limited liability companies.
Applications must be submitted electronically no later than June 29, 2026. Additional program information is available on the Community Connect Program website. Interested applicants are encourage to contact their Telecom Program General Field Representative (GFR) and may submit questions using the Community Connect Contact Us Form.
HARRISBURG – State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and State Rep. Clint Owlett (R-68) today announced nearly $1.08 million has been awarded to Westfield Borough for a sidewalk replacement project.
The funding will be used to construct new sidewalks, curbing, ramps and crosswalk access along the southern side of Main Street from Riverside Park to the eastern border of the borough.
“The current sidewalks are in disrepair, which creates a safety hazard for anyone walking in that area,” Owlett said. “Westfield is a wonderfully welcoming community, and I’m pleased to work with Sen. Yaw to support this much-needed improvement to the town.”
“Today’s award will improve pedestrian safety and modernize aging infrastructure in Westfield Borough for years to come,” Yaw said. “I was pleased to work alongside Rep. Owlett in supporting this funding.”
The funding was awarded through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Surface Block Grant Program.
TASA provides funding for projects and activities defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities; infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility; community improvement activities; environmental mitigation; trails that serve a transportation purpose; and safe routes to school.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or Rep. Owlett’s website at www.RepOwlett.com.
In conjunction with Coudersport’s America250 celebrations, the Coudersport Public Library will host “Stitched Stories: A Quilt Show” on Saturday, June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at First United Presbyterian Church of Coudersport.
All are invited. Quilts for judging by an experienced panel of quilters will be on show, in addition to heirloom and historical quilts. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded for First and Second places in all categories, along with Best of Show and People’s Choice prizes. A light lunch will be available by donation.
All are invited. Admission is $5.00. Deadline for entry form submission is Friday, June 5. Space may be limited; entries will be accepted on a first-come basis.
Detailed entry forms for both Judged and Display pieces are available at the Library, Potter County Artisan Center, various quilt and sewing shops and at public libraries throughout the area. They may also be obtained by clicking on the link in the Quilt Show article at Coudersportlibrary.org.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Coudersport Public Library’s general operating fund.
Smethport—-Frank P. Leonard of Falls Church, Virginia passed away on Monday May 11, 2026 at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Frank, with his wife, Mary (Placer) Leonard, owned L & M Printing, Inc. for over 40 years.
Frank is survived by his wife Mary, son Bart, daughter-in-law Amanda, two grandsons Hunter and Anthony Leonard; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Anthony Leonard, and his siblings, Rodell, Richard, Nannie Sue, Bonnie, and Linda.
Visitation will be in Smethport, PA on Monday May 18, 2026, at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport, starting at noon and services beginning at 1PM.
Frank was a life member of American Legion Post 130 in Falls Church, Virginia. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing pool, and going to the horse races.
Wellsboro, Pa., May 12, 2026 – Newborns at The Birthplace of UPMC Wellsboro, a UPMC Magee-Womens facility, buzzed with cuteness, highlighting the joy of welcoming bee-utiful new beginnings and honoring moms this Mother’s Day season.
Babies from across the northcentral region, including Coudersport, received special UPMC Magee-Womens onesies and handcrafted bee hats, crocheted by volunteers as part of the “Sweet as Can Bee” celebration.
The initiative was part of a systemwide Mother’s Day celebration for all UPMC Magee-Womens locations.
To learn more about UPMC Magee-Womens services in northcentral Pennsylvania, go to UPMC.com/WomensHealthNCPA.
Shirley A. HOOVER, 68, of Galeton, PA, died Friday, May 15, 2026 in UPMC Cole. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
James L. Buchanan “beloved husband, father and grandfather”
James L. “Jim” Buchanan, 84, of Shinglehouse, passed away in his home with his loving family by his side on Thursday, May 14, 2026, after a short illness.
Born on Wednesday, May 28, 1941, he was a son of Welcome H. and Bernice Springer Buchanan. On July 10, 1965 in Coudersport, he married Jayne R. Calhoun, who survives. Jim and Jayne honeymooned driving in their classic 1964 red Mustang.
Jim was a graduate of Northern Potter High School, Class of 1961. He attended night school while working full time and along with his wife, raising three children. He received his Journeyman papers for Tool and Die maker in 1968.
Jim was employed by Keystone Tool and Die in Weston Mills, NY, beginning his career as a tool and die maker, retiring as the Quality Control Manager in 2003. While working his full time job, he also built his home.
He was a member of Faith Bible Church in Little Genesee, NY, where he served as a deacon and trustee. He had previously been a member of Hebron Union Church in Coudersport. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved to watch the Hallmark Channel. His greatest love was spending time with his beloved wife and family.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 60 years, Jayne; three children, Jay L. (Lori) Buchanan of Shinglehouse, Jill D. Buchanan of Pittsburgh, and Julie R. (Scott) Matthews of Shinglehouse; three grandchildren, Jeffrey (Emily Long) Buchanan, Dustin (Elizabeth) Buchanan, and Jaymie (Ben) Sutton; two great-grandchildren, Jeffrey D. Buchanan and Rayne Buchanan; several step-grandchildren; a sister, Glenda Blair of Arizona; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Buchanan of Tennessee; many nieces and nephews; and a Goddaughter, Aleehia Rose Faulkner.
In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by two brothers, David Buchanan and William Buchanan.
The family will be present to receive relatives and friends from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Faith Bible Church, 8137 Main Street, Little Genesee, NY, where a celebration of Jim’s life will follow at 4pm with Pastor Jerry Clark of Faith Bible Church, Pastor Robert Hibbard, former pastor of Faith Bible Church, and Pastor Harold Kiel of Bingham Center Bible Church, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name may be made to UPMC Cole Home Health and Hospice, 102-108 S. Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to Faith Bible Church, 8137 Main Street, Little Genesee, NY 14754.
Jim’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Jim, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Robert A. “Bob” BURDICK, 89, of Coudersport, PA, died Monday, May 11, 2026 at his daughter’s home in Michigan surrounded by love and care. Born November 24, 1936, in Bingham Twp., he was the son of Leonard DeForest and Maude E. Williamson Burdick.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory in Ulysses, PA on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 12:00 PM. Pastor Harold Kiel will officiate. Burial will be in Andrews Settlement Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 161, Coudersport, PA 16915 or the Genesee Volunteer Fire Co., 405 Main St., Genesee, PA 16923. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Bob was a man whose quiet strength, gentle spirit, and deep love for family shaped every chapter of his 89 years. He grew up on a farm — a beginning that shaped him for life. The values he learned there stayed with him always; hard work, humility, patience, and a deep appreciation for the simple, honest beauty of the world. It’s no surprise that later in life, he found such joy living on the farm he shared with his wife Phyllis.
Being surrounded by land, animals, and open sky felt like coming home to him. It grounded him, comforted him, and connected him to the roots he cherished.
On September 15, 1979, Bob married Phyllis Burch Conable on her farm on Peet Brook Road, nestled in the quiet hills outside Coudersport. Their marriage brought together not only two people, but two families, and Bob embraced that wholeheartedly.
Together, Bob and Phyllis traveled across the United States, creating memories that became some of the brightest chapters of their life together. One of their most cherished adventures was a cruise to Alaska — a trip they spoke of often, filled with awe, laughter, and the kind of beauty that stays with you forever.
When Phyllis was later diagnosed with dementia, Bob cared for her with a devotion that touched everyone who witnessed it. His love for her was steadfast, tender, and unwavering — the kind of love that brings to mind The Notebook, where commitment endures even as memories fade.
Bob walked beside her through every stage, offering comfort, patience, and a depth of loyalty that defined him. Phyllis predeceased him on June 20, 2014, and today we take comfort in knowing they are reunited.
Bob worked for many years as a supervisor at Worthington/Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, NY, where he was respected for his steady leadership, reliability, and work ethic. But it was at home — with his wife Phyllis — where Bob’s heart truly lived. Bob was a man who showed love through action — not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, steady ways that revealed who he truly was.
He found joy in woodworking, shaping pieces of wood into something useful, something beautiful, something lasting. He loved mowing the side hills on his tractor, a task that brought him peace and satisfaction. And he spent countless hours working on projects in his barn, a place that was part workshop, part sanctuary — where he could tinker, build, repair, and create.
Those simple, hands‑on moments were where Bob’s spirit shone brightest. Bob was also a man ahead of his time — a father of a new era. At a time when men were rarely expected to raise children on their own, he stepped into that role with quiet courage and unwavering dedication. We were blessed by that strength, blessed by his example, and blessed by the love he gave so steadily and so well.
Surviving are: two children, Wilson (Nora) Burdick of Friendswood, TX and Robin (Robert) Shipman of Harrison, MI; three stepchildren, Jerald (Vicki) Conable of Santa Maria, CA, Kevin (Christina) Conable of Amherst, NY, and Judy Conable (Tim Yonker) of Piffard, NY; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great‑grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Leonard “Butch” Burdick, Jr. of Genesee; three sisters, Shirley Anzivine of Olean, NY, Linda (David) Chamberlain of Genesee, and Erma (Dennis) Matteson of Genesee; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by three sisters, Patricia B. Solis, Helen VanEtten, and Pauline “Polly” Morley.
Bob’s life was full — full of family, full of stories, full of quiet moments that meant more than he ever claimed credit for. He touched lives through steady kindness, loyalty, and love. Those who knew him will carry his memory forward in the way they treat others, the way they work, the way they care for their families, and the way they appreciate the simple blessings of life.
Bob’s life was full — full of family, full of stories, full of quiet moments that meant more than he ever claimed credit for. He touched lives through steady kindness, loyalty, and love. Those who knew him will carry his memory forward in the way they treat others, the way they work, the way they care for their families, and the way they appreciate the simple blessings of life.
As we say goodbye, we remember Bob not with sorrow alone, but with gratitude — for the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the quiet, steady presence he offered to so many. He will be deeply missed, and he will never be forgotten.
Emporium, PA — The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, in partnership with Sizerville State Park, invites the community to attend “Bees, Butterflies & Beyond!” on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the library located at 27 West 4th Street. This engaging and educational program is open to all ages.
Led by Alyson Rotello, Environmental Education Specialist from Sizerville State Park, the program will introduce participants to some of Pennsylvania’s most important pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats. Attendees will learn about the essential role these species play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting plant life.
In addition to the educational presentation, the program will feature a hands-on “make and take” bumblebee craft, as well as a themed story time designed to engage younger participants and families.
“We are excited to partner with Sizerville State Park to bring this fun and informative program to our community,” said library staff. “It’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about the natural world around them.”
The event will be held at the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, located at 27 W. 4th Street in Emporium. Registration is encouraged, and attendees may scan the QR code on promotional materials to reserve a spot, or by clicking the registration link at www.barbaramoscatobrownlibrary.org/library-programs/.
For more information, please contact the library at 814-486-8011.
On May 15th Austin Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to 623 Rt 155 in Portage Twp. For a one vehicle rollover crash with entrapment and unknown injuries. Port Allegany Ambulance was also dispatched.Update power lines are down and the road is closed to commercial traffic
The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that a portion of State Route 275, just North of Reed Street, in the Town of Bolivar, Allegany County, will be reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic. Work will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. beginning Monday, May 18, to accommodate a culvert replacement project. Traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic signals. The work is anticipated to be completed by the end of November.
Tionesta, Pa.: The rain poured all morning but just before 1:00 p.m. the sun decided to shine. A dozen volunteers met with employees of the Army Corps of Engineers at Tionesta Lake last Saturday to do some planting for wildlife habitat improvement in a savannah along the Tionesta River. The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) Upland Bird Hunt Chapter sponsored the planting.
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Market will also be held on Saturday, if vendors are available, from 11 am to 3 pm. The next market weekend will be this Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICES:
* NEW SCHEDULE FOR 2026. The outdoor market is held EACH FRIDAY. Market will also be held on SATURDAY IF VENDORS ARE AVAILABLE. Market will be held from May through December (weather permitting).
* 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, 814-544-7313 netrabaker2@gmail.com]
Smethport – Harry E. Rounsville, 79, of Smethport, passed away on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) at his home in Smethport.
He was born October 26, 1946 in Bradford, PA, the son of Willard and Nellie (Snyder) Rounsville. After graduation, he joined the Army and served from 1964 to 1984. On October 3, 1969, he married Sandra K. Pierce. After their divorce, he married Carrie (Isaman, Catalano, Sheffer) on March 20, 1990, who survives.
After the Army, he worked for Valu Home Center for ten years, then Quaker Mill Works in Orchard Park, NY. After moving back to PA, he worked for Smethport Specialty in Smethport, then for Superior Well Services in Bradford from where he retired.
Harry liked fishing and running his tractor and skid-steer. He served as vice-president of BCYC. He was also a foster parent from 2007 to 2012. During this time, he opened his home to many children of which some stayed a day and some years.
Surviving, besides his wife, Carrie, are:
Seven children: Willard Rounsville, Sandra Schermerhorn, Brian Rounsville, Jeremiah Rounsville, Desirae Rounsville, Drake Rounsville, and Kaiden Rounsville
