James T. Foster, 85, of St. Marys, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born April 18, 1940, at the Foster home in St. Marys, son of the late George and Helen Beimel Foster. He was a lifelong resident of the area, was a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1958, and worked for the City of St. Marys, where he retired in 2013.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (October 23) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that High Point Lake, located in Elk Lick and Addison Townships, Somerset County, has been closed to public access and fishing. This closure is effective immediately and will remain in place until the completion of an upcoming dam rehabilitation project.
In the interest of public safety, access to the lakebed, dam, and both the north and south access areas is prohibited. Visitors to the lake should abide by posted signs and barriers restricting access to parking areas.
Serving our Community: Collecting for our Unsheltered Residents
Belmont, NY – At October’s “Coffee with Democrats” (Saturday, October 11, at the Friendship Free Library), the Allegany County Democratic Committee (ACDC) began a month-long project to collect clothing and needful things for the county’s unsheltered population.
This drive continues throughout October, with drop-off points available across the county. To obtain the address of the nearest drop-off location to you, contact ACDC by phone/text/email.
Particularly needed are socks and long underwear (thermal if possible), winter outerwear, hand/food warmers, blankets, and tarps or tents as well as all clothing items for men, women, and children. The Committee is proud to organize these efforts to help support vulnerable people in our communities.
Valerie A. ABBOTT, 67, of Wellsville, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in UR Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born September 28, 1958, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Lioanel L., Jr. and Barbara Ann Burdick Abbott.
A 1976 graduate of Wellsville High School, she was employed by AVX Corporation in Olean for 36 years. Valerie enjoyed spending time with family, the family dogs, reading, and word puzzles.
Joanne Gasper, 94, a resident of Brookdale Senior Living in Pittsburgh and formerly of St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side Tuesday, October 21, 2025 following a lengthy illness.
She was born November 22, 1930, in Emporium, daughter of the late George A. and Kathryn Davin Kinsler. Joanne was a graduate of Emporium High School, Class of 1948, continued her education at the University of Buffalo and earned her Master’s of Education from Penn State University. Joanne spent her working career as an elementary school teacher, where she touched countless young lives. She retired from the St. Marys School District in 1992.
RIDGWAY, Pa (October 21, 2025)– Every October, Employment Support Services (ESS) at Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), recognizes local businesses that support hiring disabled individuals during our National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration. NDEAM focuses on the values and talents that disabled individuals can contribute to the workforce. This year’s event continues to spotlight employers that promote vocational goals through our ongoing #InclusiveEmployers campaign.
On September 8, 2025, Coudersport Rotary Club welcomed Dr. John Boll as our speaker at A&W West End Grill. Dr. John Boll attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and attended a family medicine residency in Williamsport. He practiced full spectrum family medicine (including OB) in eastern Tennessee in an underserved rural community for 10 years. In 2012 he and his family moved back to Williamsport where he joined the UPMC Williamsport Family Medicine Residency faculty.
How many times do we encounter hearing-impaired people and wish that we knew how to communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones.
If you already know some signs but want to learn more to take your knowledge to the next level, here is your opportunity. Intermediate Sign Language will introduce signs (cities, states, countries, holidays, household items, religious terms, etc.), using sign language in conversation, as well as, slang, and a discussion on political correctness as it pertains to signing and the deaf culture.
Intermediate Sign Language, taught by Sheri Greene, will be held on Tuesdays, November 4 – December 9, 2025, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s office at 5 Water Street, Coudersport. The cost for this 6-week course is $160/person. The registration deadline is Friday, October 31st. To register, visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
Smethport – Wade E. “Sam” Bigley, 83, of Smethport, formerly of Eldred, passed away Wednesday (October 22, 2025) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
He was born October 27, 1941 in Bradford, the son of William H. and Ruth (Goodman) Bigley.
Sam attended Turtlepoint and Port Allegany Schools.
Mr. Bigley was a farmer, tending to his crops and livestock for many years.
He loved farming, agriculture and caring for his animals and taking care of his family.
Due to cold temperatures and showers predicted during the day on Friday we are canceling this week’s Farmers Market for October 24th.
We look forward to seeing you next week on Halloween for our final day with an outside market.
We move inside at the Riley Gallery on Main Street on Saturdays 11 to 2. Look for some of our vendors participating in the SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Thank you for supporting us this summer through a difficult growing season.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that work will continue next week on the installation of a Truck Rollover Warning System at the Route 15 / Interstate 180 / Route 220 interchange in the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the contractor, Bruce and Merrilees, will be preforming calibration testing for the Truck Rollover Warning System. Work will be performed between Foy Avenue / High Street interchange (Exit 137) and Route 15 / Interstate 180 / Route 220 interchange. Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
Third grade students from FSG Elementary, Johnsonburg Area Elementary, Fox Township Elementary, St. Marys Catholic Elementary, and St. Leo’s Elementary schools recently took part in the Into the Woods program — a hands-on educational event focused on forestry, conservation, and environmental stewardship. The event was hosted by Ridgway FSG Elementary School through a collaboration between the Community Education Center (CEC) and the Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group (AHUG).
It is with great pride that Megan Ellis is recognized as Student of the Week for the week of October 20th, 2025. Megan’s outstanding performance in class,academic excellence, and strong work ethic have earned her this nomination.
Megan is a first year student in the Homeland Security program. Throughout the week, Megan has demonstrated exceptional achievement in maintaining top grades, while also excelling in all practical exercises. Megan’s consistent effort, attention to detail, and positive attitude make her a role model for her peers.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your commitment to learning and personal growth reflects the values we strive to uphold at the Seneca Highlands CTC.
Hugh R. LANGELIER, 77, of Hornell, NY, formerly of Malone, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 in Dansville. Born November 20, 1947, in Malone, Hugh was raised in the close-knit community of Moira. He was the eldest son of Norman and Margaret Sullivan Langelier.
A 1966 graduate of Brushton-Moira Central School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education/Social Studies from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1971. He later earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from St. Lawrence University as well as his NYS School District Administrator certification. Hugh dedicated his professional life to education. Over the course of his career, he served in various roles throughout both Northern NY and the Southern Tier, including as a social studies teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of schools. He retired as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction from Steuben-Allegany BOCES in 2004, well-respected for his administrative leadership.
Bert B. GREENMAN, 90, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Alma, died Friday, October 17, 2025 in Elderwood at Hornell. Born May 8, 1935, in Wellsville, he was the son of Lewis F. and Dorothy I. Stocking Greenman.
A U.S. Army Veteran, he served honorably from 1951 – 1954 at Fort McClellan, AL. In 1970, in the Christian Temple in Wellsville, he married Virginia Armstrong, who predeceased him in 1996.
Bert was employed as a machinist by Air Preheater in Wellsville. He was a member of Frank B. Church VFW Post #2530 and Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702. Bert loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, cars, NASCAR, dancing, and spending time with his family and friends.
David M. ZIELINSKI, 60, of Eldred, PA, formerly of Shinglehouse, died at UPMC Cole on Sunday, October 19, 2025 following a long illness. He was born on January 14, 1965, in Orlando, FL.
With a creative mind and an exceptional gift for mechanics, David found fulfillment in working on cars and lawnmowers throughout his life. He also enjoyed camping, watching NASCAR races, and listening to classic rock music.
Raymond Charles MINICH, 72, of Bradford, PA, passed away Monday, October 20, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a brief illness. Born August 18,1953, in Lackawanna, NY, he was the son of Herbert V. Minich and Rosalie Freeman Bennett.
Surviving are: his daughter, Abby Maria Minich (Michael) Medina of Limestone, NY; three grandsons, Liam Medina, Beau Medina, and Shep Medina; a granddaughter, Isla Medina; two brothers; Christopher Minich of Layfayette and Michael Minich of Port Allegany; two sisters, Joann Crants of Port Allegany and Mary Minich of Erie; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that pipe replacements will take place this week and next on Alexander Road (Route 2011) in Liberty Township, Tioga County.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and Wednesday, October 29, 2025, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crew will replace three cross pipes on Alexander Road during daylight hours.
During work, Alexander Road will be closed to traffic, however school buses will be accommodated. A detour will be in place using Bloss Mountain Road (Route 2005), Route 414 and Hassen Road.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution.
Another opportunity awaits Pennsylvania hunters. The state’s fall turkey season, which is held in 20 of 22 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), kicks off Saturday, Nov. 1.
“Fall turkey season is a special time for Pennsylvania hunters,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “It’s an opportunity to be out during one of the most beautiful times of the year, matching wits with one of Pennsylvania’s most-challenging game birds. And for those willing to put in the effort, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The fall season is closed in WMUs 5C and 5D. For the remaining WMUs, the season lengths are as follows: WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D – Nov. 1-Nov. 15; WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C and 4E – Nov. 1-Nov. 8; WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, and 3C – Nov. 1-Nov. 15 and Nov. 26-28; WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E – Nov. 1-Nov. 21 and Nov. 26-28; and WMU 5A and 5B – Nov. 1-Nov. 4. Hunters are advised that the three-day Thanksgiving season again will run Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only in applicable WMUs.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) submitted a Section 404 permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAEC) for the State College Area Connector project. This application is part of the project process and does not propose any changes to the recommended preferred alternative or change any information previously provided to the public.
A Section 404 Permit is a federal permit required when a discharge, fill materials, or impact to a stream, wetland, or other body of water is proposed. It includes information identifying the potential impacts to the streams, wetlands, and other bodies of water within the project area. The permitting process also includes issuing an invitation to the public, state and federal agencies, and other interested parties to comment on the project.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that lane restrictions begin next week on Route 11 in both directions in Penn and Union townships, Snyder County, for shoulder maintenance.
Between Monday, October 27, 2025, and Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the Route 11 left (passing) lane will be restricted in both directions between Route 35 in Penn Township and Main Street in Port Trevorton, Union Township, while a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crew paves the shoulder in the area of the barrier.
PA Grand Canyon shop’s last open day for season is October 31
WELLSBORO, PA – The PA Wilds Conservation Shop at the edge of the PA Grand Canyon at Leonard Harrison State Park will temporarily close for the winter season, with its last day open for 2025 being Friday, October 31. The shop, which offers locally made products for travelers who come to the park to admire the breathtaking view, is anticipated to reopen in April 2026.
The weather conditions at Leonard Harrison State Park, located in Tioga County near the northern border of Pennsylvania, can become dangerous during winter conditions. While the park itself is open year-round, the visitor center that houses the PA Wilds Conservation Shop is managed by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and is open seasonally.
Operated by the nonprofit PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center), the PA Wilds Conservation Shops are mission-driven gift shops that help improve market access for rural entrepreneurs by sourcing 90 percent of their inventory from rural makers and businesses in the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region.
OLEAN, N.Y., October 22 – Community members and local organizations are invited to attend an informative discussion on Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, at Jamestown Community College’s Cutco Theater.
The event will provide attendees with a better understanding of what a COAD is, the role these organizations play during emergencies and how they collaborate to strengthen community resilience before, during and after disasters.
Participants will be educated on:
AGENDA – October 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – Legislator Debra A. Root
INVOCATION – Legislator Gretchen Hanchett
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Clayton “Clate” Edward Watson, 85, of Bradenton, Florida—formerly of Coudersport, Pennsylvania—passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes on October 19, 2025.
Born at home in Prouty, Pennsylvania, on August 11, 1940, Clate was the son of the late Evon and Marion Hamilton Watson. He grew up on the family farm in the Prouty-Borie area, where he learned the values of hard work and resilience that would define his life.
Clate was the devoted and kindhearted husband of Shirley Ann Ayers. They were married on January 1, 1959, and shared a beautiful life together for nearly seven decades. He was a loving patriarch who believed the only thing he could take to heaven was his children—leaving behind a legacy of love that will carry through to the next generations. After more than 50 years in Sweden Valley, Clate and Shirley retired to Bradenton, Florida, to be closer to family.
