NEWS

Smethport – Leslie Johnston, 73, of Smethport, passed away Monday (April 20, 2026) at her home in Smethport.

A full obituary will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

On April 20th Wellsboro was dispatched with a boat for a water rescue at 2100 Rt. 414

Dian “Gimp” Tancar, 68, of Main Street, Lewis Run, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family while at home.

Born August 25, 1957, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Thomas J. and Sarah W. (Uplinger) Bauer, Sr. She was a 1976 graduate of Bradford High School.

On May 25, 1985, in St. Bernard Church, she married John Tancar who survives.

Dian held various positions that put her accounting skills to work including Tops Market, Jubilee, and Northwest Savings Bank as a Teller.

She was a former member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, St Bernard Church, and of the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department, where she was a firefighter and EMT.

Dian enjoyed working in her yard, tending to her flowers, and she and John had beautiful vegetable gardens which turned into wonderful canned and frozen goods which lasted throughout the winter season. She also had an uncanny liking for big machines and would be able to take her children to some of the places where her husband was working on heavy equipment. 

Surviving in addition to her husband John, of 41 years, is one daughter, Amber (Joshua) Hixenbaugh of Lewis Run, one son, Joseph (Nikita) Tancar, of Cyclone, and her only grandchild, Leland Hixenbaugh, who she took immense pride in, she is also survived by two sisters, Judy Meeks of Penn Yan NY, and Dawn Bauer of Turtlepoint, one brother John Bauer, of Bradford, a
sister in law Theresa Pekelnicky of Erie, and several nieces and nephews.

Dian was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers Bill, Terry, and Richard Bauer, two brothers in law, Leroy Meeks and Richard Pekelnicky.

At the family’s request, there will be no public services. Dian will be laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery in Marienville.

Donations can be made to the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department or to the McKean County SPCA.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 21) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that the 2026 creel limit for Lake Erie Yellow Perch will remain at 30 per day and the creel limit for Walleye will stay at six per day.

The PFBC Lake Erie Research Unit evaluates the populations of Yellow Perch and Walleye in Lake Erie annually.  If populations reach critically low levels, a management process is followed to reduce harvest and rebuild the numbers of Yellow Perch and Walleye in the Lake. All jurisdictions on Lake Erie adhere to this system.

“Our assessment in 2025 showed that both Yellow Perch and Walleye populations in the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie remain at levels that don’t necessitate regulation changes,” said Mark Haffley, PFBC Lake Erie Unit Leader.  “Based on these findings, the 2026 creel limits are being maintained at the standard limits.”

McKean County is seeking qualified and highly motivated applicants for a full-time Finance Director located in Smethport, Pennsylvania.

Under the direction of the County Commissioners, primary responsibilities of this position include:

Budgetary:

• Prepare annual County budgets.
• Prepare monthly budget report for County departments.
• Prepare budget status report for Commissioners, monthly or as needed.
• Provide budget guidance and compliance.
• Review department budgets for accurate coding.
• Draft fiscal and budget policy.

Fiscal:

• Compile reports needed for annual audit.
• Compile reports needed for grants.
• Track all funding sources and prepare reports.
• Work with Human Service Director, Human Resources, Purchasing Director, and Chief Clerk.
• Provide fiscal oversight for Federal and State funding sources and requirements.

Minimal Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in business.
• Bachelor’s degree in business management or accounting preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in budgeting and general accounting.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to learn County software programs, operations, structure, and law as applicable to the position.
• Ability to implement public administration, and office management practice and procedures.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret fiscal data; be able to project, estimate and forecast fiscal trends.
• Payroll knowledge preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel applications.

Qualified candidates should 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. Applications and additional details are available in the Human Resources Department at the Courthouse. McKean County is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.

The meeting of the Woodland (Five Corners) Cemetery Association originally set for Thursday, April 30 has been rescheduled for Monday, April 27. The meeting will be held at the Crandall Hill Community Building, 13 East Carley Hill Road, Coudersport beginning at 6:30 p.m.

All lot owners and interested persons are invited to attend.

In addition to election of officers, Issues to be discussed include seasonal and long term maintenance, lot sales, and considerations for changes to operating procedures.

For more information, please contact Arthur Metzger, President, at 814-274-8004.

Last week in review: In one of the best combined weeks in program history, six Wildcat teams tasted victory, with the men’s and women’s tennis teams going each posting two wins and qualifying third for the United East Conference playoffs, the men’s lacrosse and women’s softball teams both going 2-0, the golf team finishing first in a six-team field, and the archery squad claiming two gold, two silver, a bronze and six All-Region honorees at the USA Archery East Region Outdoor Championships.

On the horizon: The postseason for everyone! Tennis teams will host first-round UEC action on Saturday, while the golf team seeks its fourth consecutive conference championship on Saturday and Sunday. The lacrosse team wraps up its regular season on Wednesday, and the softball team, whose regular season winds down on Saturday, will see postseason action on Wednesday, April 29, while archers await the outdoor nationals in mid-May.

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA. Mr. Erich Zaun, Principal, has announced that the following students, grades six
through twelve, have been named to the Honor Roll for the third nine-week grading period at the
Oswayo Valley Jr./Sr. High School. Students named to the High Honor Roll have maintained an average
of 93% or above, while those on the Honor Roll have averaged 87% or above.

HIGH HONOR ROLL

GRADE 12: Jude Colbey, Lucas Dickerson, Luke Karr, Trevor Miller, John Mix, Rachel Rathbun, Mia
Shaffer, Wynter Turek
GRADE 11: Ella Bee, Travis Coriaty, Elizabeth Freeman, Sage McCleaft, Aubrey Resig, Dana Williams,
Jenna Wylie
GRADE 10: Evalyn Abdo, Amberdale Burks, Olivia Fetzer, Makiah Jandrew, Ella Resig, Bowen Taylor,
Reese Thompson
GRADE 9: Olivia Metcalf, Camdyn Shaffer, Lane West
GRADE 7: Amethyst Allen, Ayce Geiger, Hailey Payne, Lela Thompson
GRADE 6: Troy Allen, Brackson Bachand, Ariyanna Knowlton, Sara Taylor, Willow Vincent

HONOR ROLL

GRADE 12: KayLynn George, Ridge Mesler, Soi Sang Nguyen, Kole Parrish, Zachary Pitts, Lachlan
Tabacheck
GRADE 11: Payton Danforth, Faith Herzog
GRADE 10: Callie Bachand, Kaitlynn Costello, Alessia Norton, Jessica Pitts, Rhylie Stannard, Ainsley
Tabacheck, Layla Willow
GRADE 9: Remington Bachand, Simon Dickerson, Joshua Hoffman, Rachael Long, Alec Resig, Noah
Robison, Loghyn Willow
GRADE 8: Jonathan Aumiller, Landon Austin, Mason Babcock, Jacob Bachand, Eric Barnhart, Conor
Clarke, Mackenna Evingham, Jolene Fisher, Tucker Fredenburg, Miriam Hoffman, Malachi Shaffer,
Sharlotte Tucker
GRADE 7: Harley Black, Emma Bryant, Emrick Furman, Evelynne Knowlton, Bentley Sisson, Alexis Taylor,
Joseph Welch
GRADE 6: Eva Colbey, Charlie Costello, Rilynn Drake, Brantley Jandrew, Adalynn Klein, Daniel Nudd, Levi
Spiegel, Raegan Thompson, Connor Walker

CARE for Children Rainbow Corner Preschool celebrated its young learners during the Week of the Young Child this week with a fun beach theme.

The week was highlighted by themed days that reinforced the curriculum and Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, including science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Using hands-on, collaborative activities, staff also encouraged movement and healthy lifestyles.

Two special evenings were devoted to family STEAM nights that focused on beach-themed activities. The week ended with a visit from magician Dave Jeffers, who performed for students before stations were set up with a beach party theme to further engage the young learners.

BRADFORD, Pa. – Mitch Vleminckx, head athletic trainer at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, was honored with the President’s Award for Staff Excellence during Honors Convocation held April 10.

                The President’s Award for Staff Excellence was set up to recognize staff members who have shown exemplary performance and made outstanding contributions to campus. The award includes a framed certificate and $1,500 to be used to enhance professional development.

Olean, NY – Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is pleased with the progress of the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center renovation and technology upgrade. The project remains on track to resume radiation therapy services in May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of local cancer care.

This week, the radiation medicine center’s new state-of-the-art linear accelerator, the Varian TrueBeam 4.1 system, officially arrived on site and is currently being installed. This advanced technology will enable more precise, efficient and personalized radiation treatments for patients across the region. Installation and commissioning are progressing as planned in coordination with regulatory partners to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.

On April 19th Kane Fire Department was dispatched to Greeves St. Central Towers for a commercial fire alarm

Smethport – Wendy K. Bradshaw, 55, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (April 16, 2026) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

She was born July 16, 1970 in Kane, the daughter of Richard A. and Penny A. (Carlson) Walker, Sr. On  September 9, 2006, in Clermont, PA, she married Mark S. Bradshaw, who survives.

Wendy was a graduate of Smethport High School Class of 1988 and worked in several locations before becoming unable to work due to health issues.

She was a member of the American Legion, John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, and

enjoyed baking, hunting, fishing, camping, and being outdoors. She loved spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren.

On April 19th St. Marys Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Brusselles St. And Sweeny St. For a motor vehicle accident vehicle into a pole

In addition to great music from national touring artist Greg Piccolo and Heavy Juice, there are other reasons not to miss the Wellsboro Community Concert Association’s last concert of the 2025-2026 season. It will be at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday April 25 in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.  

Piccolo is nominated for a prestigious 2026 Blues Music Award by The Blues Foundation in the “Instrumentalist-Horn” category. He is known for his work with his own band Greg Piccolo and Heavy Juice, which he started in 1994,and for coming to national prominence as a tenor saxophonist, lead vocalist, songwriter and bandleader from roughly 1971-1994 as a key member of Roomful of Blues, an American jump blues and swing revival big band based in Westerly, Rhode Island where Piccolo was born and raised. The 47th Annual Blues Music Award will be held in Memphis, Tennessee on May 7th, shortly after Piccolo’s Wellsboro performance. 

Dear Friend,

The Parades reflect all aspects of Potter County, from antique cars to High School Marching Bands!  I’m sure you would agree that a “great” parade is one that is colorful and comes to life through the imagination of our own residents. 

          Participating in the 2026 Parades are a cost-effective means by which our local businesses, service clubs, schools, and families can promote themselves, while also contributing to the sense of belonging for which rural counties like Potter are known. 

          So, come join us at one of the Coudersport’s most attended events of the year, the Maple Festival & the 250^th Year Celebration by returning your Parade Registration form or forms, as soon as possible,call (814) 414-8104, or (814) 440-4286, or mail to above address.

Maple Festival Parade is Saturday, line up 2:15 PM.  We will be meeting at Allegany Ave. and Main St. at 2:15 PM, 250^th Celebration Parade at 10:15 AM.  See the Parade Coordinators.  The Parades will then proceed down Main St. to Fourth St.  There will be a podium along the Parade route.  We will need a write-up for your group.  Prizes for 250^th Year floats.

Hope to hear from you soon!
Festival Parades Committee
Coudersport Rotary Club

Ruth Sallade Co-Coordinators Greg Brink
rsallade@zitomedia.net moops03.gb@gmail.com

ALMOND, NY — Since 2021, the Allegany County Democratic Committee has cleaned up a section of State Rt. 21 in Almond, NY, as part of the NYS Department of Transportation’s “Adopt-a-Highway” program.  This project is just one of the many ways local Democrats serve our community.

The date for the ACDC spring clean-up is Monday, April 20th, and the public is invited to participate.  Volunteers will meet at 9:30 am at the I-86 eastbound on-ramp for an hour of community service.  Safety gear is provided. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing, including boots and gloves. 

State Rt. 21 in Almond was specifically selected by the Committee because of its importance as a gateway to our county. This stretch of highway is heavily used by I-86 travelers on their way to the Alfred campuses or to recreational opportunities elsewhere in the area.

Angelica, NY – When the Allegany County Democrats gather for their next “Coffee with Democrats” on Saturday, April 25th, in Rushford, they’ll be collecting non-perishable food and personal care items to be donated to Rushford Community Food Pantry. “This is the third year that county Democrats have organized pantry collections,” says County Chair Karen Ash. “Coffee with Democrats is held in different towns across the county. Wherever we meet, we donate to the pantry in that town. Serving our community in this way is a simple yet meaningful
expression of our organization’s and our party’s values.”

The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at a private residence and is open to all registered Democrats and friends of Democrats. Coffee and light snacks will be served. Sign up here to attend, and we’ll provide the address.

If you can’t attend but would like to drop off donations, contact us at info@acdcny.org

Port Allegany – Don E. Skinner, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Wednesday (April 15, 2026) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 19, 1953, in Blossburg, Tioga County, PA, the son of Horton and Lena (Moore) Skinner. On October 14, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, he married Julie Pekarski, who survives.

Mr. Skinner was a Balance Operator, employed by Dresser-Rand in Olean for 45 years. He was a member of the NRA.

He is survived by his wife Julie, one son, Daniel (Nicole) Skinner of Roulette, and one daughter, Lesa Gibble of Coudersport.

Five grandchildren: Ashley (Levi) Redmond, Bryce and Eric Skinner, and Alexis and Zack Beck.

Three Brothers: Lester (Joan) Skinner of Roulette, Jan (Carla) Skinner of Oviedo, FL, and Horton (Molly) Skinner, Jr.of Titusville, FL. Many nieces and nephews

Don was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Dorothy Beck and Linda Duttry, and a brother, LeRoy Skinner.

Following Don’s wishes, there will be no visitation; a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter, 6400 Sheridan Drive, Suite 320

Amherst, NY 14221 or www.alz.org/wny

Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

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

Today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and community partners broke ground on the long-awaited dam rehabilitation project that will restore White Oak Pond in Clinton Township, Wayne County.  Construction on the $5.5 million-dollar project will begin in the coming weeks and will include the construction of a new earthen dam, concrete spillway, upgraded boat launch, and an ADA accessible fishing pier.  The project is expected to be completed in late summer or fall of 2027. 

While a reduced pool of water remains because of recent rain and snowmelt, White Oak Pond was completely drained in 2015 due to structural issues and leakage coming from the more than 200-year-old stone-built dam. 

Following construction, White Oak Pond will be refilled to full pool, and the fishery will be restored through a multi-year restocking plan that will include native warm water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and minnows such as Golden Shiners.  Heavy vegetation that has grown throughout the lakebed will eventually be submerged under water and provide a boost of nutrients to the growing fishery, helping it thrive through a phenomenon known as “new lake effect.”  Until the fishery becomes self-sustaining to include fish of harvestable size, the lake will be managed under Catch-and-Release fishing regulations.

In addition to dam infrastructure improvements, a new culvert will be constructed directly downstream of the dam beneath State Route 4004 (White Oak Drive), funded by PennDOT.

Cost: Dam (PFBC): $4.7 million.  Culvert (PennDOT): $800,000   Total Cost: $5.5 million

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GBT8M5tjZ3OXnE26eoDlekv49HttSWN/view?usp=sharing

YouTube: https://youtu.be/q_Oe9EZr2eA

CARE for Children will host Focusing on Transition—Preparing Your Student for Life After Graduation on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Bradford Area Public Library. This free event is designed to empower families of students with disabilities to prepare for education, employment, and life after graduation.

On April 18th Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to 94 Barbour St. for an automatic fire alarm Bradford Twp. Fire Department is on standby