NEWS

Entrepreneur and cystic fibrosis survivor and advocate Bradley Poole, a 2016 graduate, will receive the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Alumni Award of Distinction during commencement exercises May 3.

Poole was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant. He learned early on that a focus on fitness and endurance could support improved physical and mental health as he dealt with what is currently an incurable, chronic illness. Today he uses that love of exercise to drive a thriving fitness center business while also raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cystic fibrosis research and treatment.

On March 31st Port Allegany Ambulance was dispatched to Volney St. unknown medical

BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford brought together scholarship donors and recipients Friday at its annual Donor Scholarship Luncheon, giving the two groups an opportunity to meet, share a meal, and hear one another’s stories firsthand.

The gathering celebrated a significant impact on students’ lives: so far during the 2025-26 academic year, 388 students have received $718,433 in donor scholarships, with the average award totaling $1,300.

The featured donor speaker was Melissa Walker, mother of Khalil “KJ” Walker, a Pitt-Bradford senior who died in a traffic accident shortly after Christmas in 2016. Walker set up an annual scholarship in her son’s memory in 2020 and addressed the assembled donors about what drove her to do so.

3 Day Estate Sale! Bradford, PA

April 2, 3, 4 – Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm. Thursday start day.

43 Chamberlain Ave. Bradford, PA 16701 – Do not block or park in driveways, do not block the road, please stay to one side.

Tools, furniture, beds, oak kitchen table, oak hutch, John Deere riding mower, woodworking tools & equipment, lots of hardware, vintage toys, pool table, yarn, sewing items, shelving, stands, clothes, canning items, kitchen items, lawn furniture, garden items, gas cans, power tools, clamps, Pyrex, Tupperware, push mower, hardwood, pressure washer, AC, games, decor, holiday items, records, radios, books, magazines, fishing items, hunting items, and much more.

On-site sale, we may not have time to respond to questions. Sale starts Thursday 4/2/26 and runs through Saturday. Please obey traffic laws and respect neighbors.

Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force with assistance by the City of Bradford Police Department executed a search warrant today at a residence on Euclid Avenue and arrested the occupant and charged him with numerous drug crimes. 

Brian PARSONS of 39 Euclid Ave., Bradford, was charged with delivering cocaine throughout February and March.  PARSONS is charged with five (5) counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance/Possession with Intent to Deliver (cocaine) – Felonies; five (5) counts Possession of a Controlled Substance;  and four (4) counts of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility-Felony 3.

PARSONS is accused of delivering cocaine on four occasions in February and March of this year, including, March 30th, during an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the county. 

The complaint alleges that, after PARSONS sold cocaine today while under surveillance of Detectives, Detectives executed a search warrant at his residence, which yielded additional cocaine, a scale with cocaine residue, sandwich baggies consistent with packaging material used to sell cocaine, and a large amount of US currency. 

PARSONS was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David Engman who set bail at $125,000. PARSONS was remanded to the McKean County Jail being unable to post bail.  He will appear for central court on April 9th.  If you suspect illegal drug activity, please report it to the McKean County Drug Task Force by calling Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.

All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty.  

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/mckean/da/136029/post/mckean-county-drug-task-force-arrests-bradford-man-after-executing-search-warrant

On March 31st Roulette Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Ought St. for a woman fallen with a possible hip injury.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome, and Delaware Counties in effect from March 31, at 8:00 a.m. until April 1, at 8:00 p.m. Scattered showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain are possible in your area today and tomorrow. 

During a flood, water levels and rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don’t know how deep the water is. Even when water recedes, the ground may be unstable. 

• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown!
• NEVER drive through barricades. 
• Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle. 
• Stay out of floodwaters! Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris. 

For more safety tips visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/flood

Continue monitoring updates to the forecast via local media or your nearest National Weather Service Office by visiting www.weather.gov and search for your zip code. 

The Potter County Education Council serving Potter and McKean Counties has three openings for part-time Career and Vocational Mentor-Aides to serve within the following school districts: Galeton Area School District, Oswayo Valley School District and Smethport Area School District.

These part-time positions are available beginning the 2026-2027 school year (approximately 25 hours per week).   It is anticipated that this will be a recurring position each school year (approximately 40 weeks each year). A job description may be reviewed at the Education Council Office at 5 Water Street in Coudersport, PA (814-274-4877) or by visiting our website www.pottercountyedcouncil.org.

• Minimum high school diploma. Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Appropriate work experience with older children (Grades 3-12).
• Knowledge or work experience in business or industry.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications desired.
• Must have a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and safe driving history.

Interested applicants should send the following to the Potter County Education Council at 5 Water Street, PO Box 5, Coudersport, PA 16915 or via email to Dr. Michele Moore  mmoore@pcedcouncil.org:

• Resumé with cover letter
• Three current (less than one-year old) letters of professional reference
• Appropriate clearances including PA Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance, PA Act 34 Criminal Record Check, a current PA FBI Clearance (Education Versions)
• A negative TB test result

The cover letter should be addressed to Dr. Michele Moore, Executive Director. You may be asked to complete an employment application upon review of your initial application materials. E.O.E.

On March 28th at approximately 10:00 a.m. The Olean Police Departments Criminal Unit assisted Cattaraugus County Probation regarding a report of a juvenile on probation that may have been in possession of firearms. As a term of the Juveniles probation, a search was conducted by Probation Officers of the Juveniles bedroom and as a result, a handgun, a rifle, over a pound of Psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana and ammunition were seized and turned over to the Street Crimes Unit who charged the Juvenile with the fYesterday at approximately 10:00 a.m.

The Olean Police Departments Criminal Unit assisted Cattaraugus County Probation regarding a report of a juvenile on probation that may have been in possession of firearms. As a term of the Juveniles probation, a search was conducted by Probation Officers of the Juveniles bedroom and as a result, a handgun, a rifle, over a pound of Psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana and ammunition were seized and turned over to the Street

Crimes Unit who charged the Juvenile with the following.
Criminal possession of a controlled substance 2nd degree (A-2 Felony)
Criminal possession of a weapon loaded firearm 2nd degree ( C Felony)
Unlawful possession of a ammo feeding device 4 counts ( Violation)
The arrested juvenile was turned over to Probation.

CARE to Host Free Screenings for Babies and Toddlers on April 13. McKean County Early Intervention will provide milestone checks and resources for families with children from birth to three at CARE for Children. CARE for Children and McKean County Early Intervention will host free developmental screenings for children from birth to age three on Monday, April 13, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, located at 723 East Main Street in Bradford. Attendees should use the Russell Boulevard parking lot and entrance.

The event is being held in recognition of the Week of the Young Child, an annual initiative that highlights the importance of early learning and development. By offering free screenings, CARE for Children and the Early Intervention program aim to support families in understanding their child’s development during these critical early years.

Smethport – Wayne A. Ladlee, Sr., 62, of Rew, passed away Saturday (March 28, 2026) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

He was born June 10, 1963 in Bradford, the son of William, Sr. and Doris (Hackett) Ladlee. On December 16, 2001, in the Philippines, he married Editha Ganal, who survives.

Wayne was a graduate of Smethport Area High School and worked at Keystone Powdered Metals of Lewis Run, PA.

He enjoyed building things from scratch and doing woodworking projects.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

Two sons: Wayne Ladlee, Jr. of Rochester, NY and Kyle Ladlee of Smethport

Stepson: Hanz Ganal

One granddaughter: Willa Abbey

Two brothers: William M. Ladlee, Jr. of Smethport and Todd Ladlee, Sr. of Mt. Jewett

Nephews: Ross Ladlee, Todd Ladlee, Jr., William Ladlee, III and Joshua Ladlee

Nieces: Laquietta Ladlee and Nickie Ladlee

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by a sister, Kim E. Ladlee.

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

A Flood Watch has been issued for Oneida, Herkimer, Hamilton, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Erie, Genessee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties from March 31, at 8:00 a.m.until April 1, at 8:00 p.m.

During a flood, water levels and rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don’t know how deep the water is. Even when water recedes, the ground may be unstable. 

• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown!
• NEVER drive through barricades. 
• Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle. 
• Stay out of floodwaters! Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris. 

For more safety tips visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/flood

Monday closed 

Tuesday 11 to 6 

Wednesday 11 to 6

Thursday 11 to 6

Friday 11 to 6. 

Saturday 10 to 4 

70 percent off. 

$1.25 cards on  Thursday.

On March 30th Genesee Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Gold Rd. for a one vehicle accident with possible injuries

On March 30th Port Allegany Ambulance was dispatched to Reilly Hollow for a traumatic injury.

On March 29th Harrison Valley Fire Department and Genesee with a tanker were dispatched for a barn fire on Marsh Creek Rd.

On March 29th Port Allegany Ambulance was dispatched to Cole Lane for a cardiac emergency.

On March 29th Ridgway Fire Department was dispatched to 5498 GRANT RD, RIDGWAY, PA for a wildfire

Last week in review: Stepping into United East Conference play for the first time this season, the men’s lacrosse team gave perennial champion St. Mary’s (Md.) College all it could handle, while the softball team got off to a 2-0 start. Also, three Wildcats received UE recognition for their outstanding performances the week before.

MEN’S LACROSSE

Last week’s hometown highlights: Through the first three-and-a-half periods on Saturday, Penn College never trailed until St. Mary’s pulled ahead with 7:37 left in the fourth quarter and went on to win by three in the closest match ever between the two. Perennial champ St. Mary’s now is 8-0 lifetime against the Wildcats, with the previous closest outcome a five-goal difference in 2022. Owen Kupsey, of Chadds Ford; Elliot Dotson, of Wilmington, Delaware; and Aidan McFalls, of Gilbertsville, each scored two goals for the Wildcats. Elliot Dotson added two assists, and his brother, AJ Dotson, had three assists. St. Mary’s led in shots on goal, 34-18. Penn College goalie Ryan Twist, of Great Meadows, New Jersey, had 21 saves.

Ashley K. Plants 

“beloved daughter, mother, sister, and granddaughter”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Ashley K. Plants, 30, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Born on Wednesday, October 25, 1995 in Coudersport, she was a daughter of David P. and Paula J. Johnston Plants.

Ashley received her GED from Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. While living in Pittsburgh she was employed by GetGo.

Ashley attended the former Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Shinglehouse and also had attended Crosstown Alliance Church in Wellsville, NY. She loved to collect rocks, photography, antiquing, and history. She was a music fanatic. Her greatest love was caring for her children.

On March 29th Millerton Fire Department was dispatched to 79 3rd St. in Jackson Twp. For a atv accident with a head injury.

            BRADFORD, Pa. – BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold its 16th Empty Bowls and Baskets Dinner on Thursday, April 2.

            The event, which raises awareness and money and awareness about hunger in the Bradford area, will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. A requested donation of $10 for the public and $5 for Pitt-Bradford students and children will be accepted at the door.

            The tasting will include an array of homemade soups, bread and baked goods along with beverages. Diners may take home a handcrafted basket, ceramic bowl or other homemade item as a reminder that someone else’s bowl might be empty.

            The event is a community-wide effort. Pitt-Bradford students, faculty and staff wove baskets, local school students made artwork, and local artisans and students contributed bowls.

            A silent auction and bake sale will also raise money. Proceeds from the event will help the Friendship Table and Destinations in Bradford as well as the Panther Pantry, which is a resource for Pitt-Bradford students experiencing food insecurity.

            Over its first 15 years, the Empty Bowls and Baskets event has raised more than $24,800 to fight hunger.

The Empty Bowls Dinner began in 1990 when a Michigan high school art teacher and his students sponsored the first dinner served in handmade bowls to help the cause. By the following year, the originators had developed the concept into Empty Bowls, a project to provide support for food banks, soup kitchens and other organizations that fight hunger. Since then, Empty Bowls events have been held throughout the world and have raised millions of dollars to combat hunger.

Janice L. “Jan” StrombergPort Allegany – Janice Stromberg, 81, of Port Allegany, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Saturday (March 28, 2026).

Arrangements are under the direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

BRADFORD, Pa. – For the 16^th consecutive year, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has received recognition for its support of active military and veteran students.

                Viqtory Media has named Pitt-Bradford a gold-level school for the 2026-27 academic year for embracing military students and their families and dedicating resources to ensure their success.

                The Military Friendly® Schools list has come to set the standard for higher education institutions to give the best opportunities to veterans and their spouses. This prestigious list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.