Elk County Coroner Michelle A. Muccio-Krise is releasing the following information in regards to a fatal house fire that occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 in Benezette Township, Elk County, PA at approximately 6:30 PM.
Following the report of a structure fire at 158 Hawk Dr., Benezette, PA, the remains of a 65-year-old Caucasian female were located in the home. This individual was pronounced dead at the scene by Elk County Coroner Michelle A. Muccio-Krise and an autopsy has been scheduled. The identity of the woman will be released following notification of family members. Further information will be forthcoming.
Beverly JoAnn Troberg, 98, of 645 Sherry Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Margo S. Thessen, of Bradford, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.
She was born in Bradford, the daughter of the late William and Barbara Crandall Thessen.
She was a graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
She was a member of the Faith Baptist Church, Bradford and she belonged to the Salamanca Library’s Book Club. She loved sewing and spending time working in her flower garden.
Doris Gail (Patton) Wagner, 82, of Holiday, passed away peacefully at home on October 20, 2025, surrounded by family. Doris was born on April 9, 1943, in Dallas, TX to James Lee and Berta Rae (Donnell) Patton. She graduated from Barrington College in Barrington, RI, and on June 4, 1966, she married Roger G. Wagner, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage and raised three sons. While Roger served in the military, graduated from seminary, and served in the ministry Doris was able to raise their family, contribute to his ministry, and when necessary, work outside the home to help with college tuition of their sons. She was active in churches across Pennsylvania and Ohio, was an avid reader and gardener, enjoyed Scrabble and other word games, was compassionate and caring in her work with the Salvation Army, faithful to the goals of P. E. O. Chapter D of Mansfield, and above all an integral and devoted member of her family who cared for her parents, children, grandchildren, siblings and especially her husband.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (October 22) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will hold its quarterly business meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m., at its Harrisburg headquarters, located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110. The meeting is open to the public.
The complete schedule, agenda, and instructions for joining a webinar to view this meeting remotely are available on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).
Life often throws us curveballs. Our good intentions can sometimes turn into big mistakes. Our plans go awry through no fault of our own, and we rarely see the trouble coming until it’s too late. Sometimes it feels like we find ourselves flat on our backs, looking up and wondering what’s going to happen next. We might even wonder what we did wrong to cause this new calamity, only to later realize that it is just life.
I’ve often said that life happens while we’re making other plans. Murphy’s law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, often at the worst possible moment. These events set us up for anxiety, second-guessing, and fear of what’s coming next. Yet, we get through these challenges and find ourselves on the other side, feeling like we can breathe again — at least until the next catastrophe hits out of nowhere.
Please refrain from unnecessary water usage such as washing vehicles and watering gardens until further notice. Our spring is scarcely low due to lack of rain this season.
Our goal is to reserve water for absolute emergencies
We will keep everyone posted and we thank you for your cooperation.
For questions and concerns please call the office at 814-848-7551 or come to our next meeting Tuesday November 4th at 6:30pm.
Potter County Artisan Center Hosts Autumnal Open House
Coudersport, PA — The Potter County Artisan Center invites the public to celebrate the season at its Autumnal Open House on Saturday, October 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Guests can enjoy an afternoon of live music by local musician Dan Butler, along with cider, donuts, and other fall refreshments. Artisan Center member Catherine Snyder, a skilled basket weaver, will present a live weaving demonstration, showcasing her craftsmanship and traditional techniques. Artisan Center members Bill Roberston, author of Pennsylvania Strange, Fear is Forever and Ghosts Revisited and Jim Baumgrantz, author of Pa Wilds Murders, Volume I and II will be available to discuss and sign their books.
Members of Driftwood are: (from left) Claire Byrne, Joey Arcuri, Joe Kollar (front, center) Dan Forsyth and Sam Fishman.
At 7:30 p.m. on two different nights, Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8, the five-member band Driftwood of Binghamton, New York will perform their electrifying style of Americana folk rock with a nod to 1960s R&B, 1970s country rock, contemporary pop, folk and traditional Appalachian music in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. There will be room for dancing at each concert.
The Nov. 7 show is the third of six concerts being presented by the Wellsboro Community Concert Association for WCCA subscribers during the 2025-2026 season. Theater seating is still available and also open to the public.
Shown are the four main vocalists in the tribute band, Always ABBA.
The Deane Center for the Performing Arts is presenting Always ABBA, a high-quality tribute band that will be celebrating the original music of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA, this Friday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
The doors will open for the concert at 7 p.m. If available, tickets will be sold in the Deane Center lobby beginning at 7 p.m. this Friday.
Always ABBA brings ABBA’s music to life on stage. Performing will be Michelle Truman as Agnetha Fältskog, lead vocalist; Karen Coughlin as Anni-Frid Lyngstad, lead vocalist; Chris Julke as Björn Ulvaeus on guitar, vocalist; and Mike Walmsley as Benny Andersson at the piano, vocalist; Ed Mortenson on drums, vocals; and Joel Lightman on keyboard (synthesizer), vocals.
Port Allegany – Albert Richard Pavoni, Jr., 85, of Port Allegany, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away Monday (October 20, 2025) at his residence in Port Allegany.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
To the person who took what didn’t belong to them at the Millport Fairgrounds:
On the evening of Thursday, October 9th, between 9:00 PM and 7:30 AM the next morning, we brought supplies to the Millport Fairgrounds to prepare for a wedding reception scheduled for the 11th. At that time, several cases of water, soda, and other beverages were left there, along with various items meant to prepare the bathrooms for the event.
What’s most upsetting isn’t the monetary value of what was taken — it’s the principle. The family that was celebrating a wedding was also grieving a tremendous loss that same week. They had just said goodbye to a loved one, and the funeral gathering was also held at the fairgrounds.
So, whoever you are — ask yourself: Did you steal from a grieving family? From a wedding celebration? Either way, the act was not just theft, but a betrayal of basic decency.
In a small community like ours, we want to believe we can trust our neighbors. It’s deeply disheartening that someone would take advantage of that trust — especially during such a meaningful and emotional time for a family.
To the person responsible: You know who you are. And you should be ashamed. Think about how you would feel if someone stole from you in a moment of grief or celebration.
This isn’t just about items. It’s about right and wrong.
CERES TOWNSHIP, McKean County, will be proposing adoption of Ordinance #35, Authority for PennDOT to act on Ceres Township’s behalf for T437 Delmar Bridge Removal Project, at the November 4, 2025 Supervisor Board Meeting. The ordinance will give permission for Anthony Plants, Supervisor Chairman, to sign on behalf of the Township and agreement for the Commonwealth’s performance of the bridge removal project.
It will give permission for The Secretary of Transportation to perform acquisition of all necessary rights-of -way for the bridge project and apply for PUC applications and any other required applications, and for all pre-construction phases of the project to be managed, directed, and performed by PennDOT. 100% of all costs under the agreement will be funded with Commonwealth of PA funding.
The full ordinance can be reviewed at the Ceres Township Building, 12 Barbertown Road, Eldred, Pa on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am to 4:00 pm. or by appointment. For appointment phone 814-697-6948.
Walter D. “Walt” Starkweather, age 85, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was born on December 20, 1939 in Horseheads, NY a son of the late Fred and Florence (Hall) Starkweather, was married to Debra “Debbie” (Wetherbee) Starkweather and was the last sibling of 12 children.
Walt was retired from the PA DOT after 38 ½ years of service and enjoyed hunting, taking care of his lawn, helping others and especially spending time with his family and friends.
If you feel pressure, tightness, or pain in your chest, especially if it spreads to your arm, neck, or jaw, it is time to call for help. These can be warning signs of a heart attack or another serious heart or lung issue. Shortness of breath that comes suddenly, even without chest pain, should also be evaluated right away. Do not brush it off as just a trick of the season; it could be your body’s way of sounding the alarm.
Mason J. Neureiter, 20, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Monday, October 20, 2025, as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born on April 26, 2005, in St. Marys, the son of Steven and Shannon Wright Neureiter, who survive of Ridgway.
Mason was a graduate of Ridgway High School, class of 2023, and he worked as a dispatcher for Elk County Emergency Services, where he was known for his reliability and dedication. He was a devoted third generation member of the Ridgway Fire Department, always willing to lend a helping hand to his community. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Mason cherished the moments spent hunting and fishing. He also had a passion for music and took pride in being a member of the RHS Marching Band and The Grey Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. In quiet moments, he could be found immersed in video games, showcasing his larger-than-life personality and love for friendly competition. Mason had a special talent for solving the Rubik’s Cube, a true testament to his patience and analytical mind.
Sharon L. Shreve “loving mother, grandmother, and Gigi”
ELDRED, PA—Sharon L. Shreve, 84, a longtime resident of Eldred, passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, October 19, 2025, after a lengthy illness.
Born on Thursday, September 18, 1941 in Wellsville, NY, she was a daughter of Dan and Clara Sutton Kuhn.
Sharon was a graduate of Northern Potter High School in Ulysses, PA.
She enjoyed crocheting, reading, watching television and playing solitaire. Sharon loved to spend time with her family.
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Willard L. “Will” Hafler, 90, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Coudersport and Hellertown, PA, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Bradford Manor, Bradford after a short illness.
Born on Friday, February 1, 1935 in Bethlehem, PA, he was a son of Winfield E. and Bertha A. Becker Hafler.
Will was a graduate of Palisades High School in Ferndale, PA. He was a US Air Force veteran having served during the Korean War.
Richard W. Gaus “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Richard W. “Rick” Gaus, 66, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Belmont, NY, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Born on Monday, May 4, 1959 in Wellsville, NY, he was a son of Richard H. and Sarah R. Smith Gaus. On November 6,1981 in Eldred, he married Dorothy E. Stannard, who survives.
Rick was a graduate of Belmont High School. He served honorably in the US Army from 1981 to 1989, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he served in the US Army Reserves.
Smethport–Elvida Mae Stapulis, 98, of Crosby, PA passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at her daughter’s residence in New Wilmington. She was born on August 1, 1927, in Crosby, PA to the late Milford and Helen (Bond) Lathrop. Elvida married David F. Stapulis on August 29, 1959, and he preceded her in death on December 7, 2008.
Elvida was a lifetime member of the Norwich Twp. Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary, social member of the John Berg Post #976 Crosby American Legion, and a member of the North Central PA Polka Boosters Club. She worked at GTE Sylvania as a machine operator for 30 years.
Survivors include daughter, Cynthia (Douglas Yoder) Stapulis; dearest niece, Judith Abbey; nephews, Robert (Audrey) Berne and Daniel Lathrop; and several great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by sister, Hattie Berne and brother, Gilbert Lathrop.
Family will receive friends on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Home, 2 Bank St. Smethport, PA from 11:00am until time of service at 1:00pm with Rev. Max Simms officiating. Interment will follow at Norwich Cemetery, Colegrove.
Memorial contributions may be made to Norwich Twp. Vol. Fire Dept or North Central PA Polka Boosters Club, McKean County SPCA.
Edward Paul Lamont, 84, of Emporium, PA, passed away on October 20th at his daughter’s home in Wellsboro PA after a long illness. Born December 5, 1940, in Spangler, PA, and raised in Bakerton, PA, Ed was the son of the late Thomas and Frances Hecker Lamont. Growing up in Bakerton he was nicknamed “Mohawk,” later shortened to “Mo,” a name that stayed with him throughout his life. He married the love of his life, Marsha Ellen Polites, on June 22, 1963, at Sacred Heart Church in Bakerton, PA, and they spent 60 wonderful years together until her passing in 2024.
Paul T. Jovenitti, 75, a resident of Glen Hazel, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at his residence following a lengthy illness.
He was born March 6, 1950, in St. Marys, son of the late Floyd and Marie “Ceil” Bianco Jovenitti. He was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School and earned his degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Paul worked in Boston, MA for ISO and retired in 2005. He returned to St. Marys in 2005 to be with his family and later on he resided in Wilcox.
The Shapiro Administration held its annual Teen Driver Safety Forum during National Teen Driver Safety Week.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration shared the importance of driver safety with young drivers at high schools across the Commonwealth during the annual Teen Driver Safety Forum
Today’s forum was held at Northeastern High School in Manchester and featured a panel of representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), and local safety advocates. The panel answered questions from an in-person and online audience of students on topics ranging from safe driving tips to how to get a driver’s license.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that it will remove temporary barriers at the site of a bridge rehabilitation project impacting two bridges spanning McElhatten Creek along Route 220 in Wayne Township, Clinton County, on Thursday, October 23. This work will improve the ride quality of the bridges, extend their service life, and improve their condition ratings.
