NEWS

Richard R. RECIO, 64, of Wellsville, NY, died Monday, March 30, 2026, following a brief illness. 

Born May 16, 1961, in Utica, he was the son of Joaquin “Joe” and Anne Hinz Recio. He was a graduate of Immaculate Conception School (1975), Wellsville High School (1979), Alfred State College (1981), and SUNY Fredonia (1983). Rick enjoyed many rewarding careers, including working at the family Pepsi business, Carpet Town, Adelphia, Elexco, and Land Solutions. 

Surviving are: a daughter, Katherine Recio of Rome; two sons, Daniel Recio and Mitchell Recio, both of Fairport; the mother of his children, Sarah Campbell of Rochester; four sisters, Susan (Scott) Walters, Denise (Robert) Cruttenden, Jeanette (Peter) Haupt, and Colleen (Jeffrey) Jorolemon; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents. 

Rick was known and loved for his wit and sharp sense of humor. Prior to his death, he embarked on a “Rick’s World Tour,” traveling to destinations including New York City, Key West, and his beloved Hilton Head. A “100% Republican,” he adored Fox News and reading the latest on his computer. He had a love for cars (not Pintos), antiques, and architecture. He had a memory like a “steel trap,” fondly recalling family vacation stories and knowing not only the location of the trip but also the make, model, and year of the car that was driven and what he ate for dinner. He had an impeccable taste for interior design and excelled at making a house a home. 

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 April 3rd Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to Bushnell St. and W. Corydon St. for a structure fire callers report heavy black smoke

Leonard “Duane” Bartlebaugh,77, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born September 20, 1948, he was a son of the late Blaine Duane and Evelyn Jane (Grove) Barnes.

On August 20, 1966, he married Barbara J. (Gleason) Bartlebaugh, who survives.

Duane spent his life doing what he loved. He was an outdoorsman through and through, enjoying hunting, fishing, trapping, and working in his garden.

He owned and operated LDB trucking and spent many years driving semi-trucks. Back in the day he could often be found at the race track driving his stock car the “Pink Panther” #29, something he and his family truly enjoyed.

Surviving in addition to his  wife Barbara  of 60 years, who he shared a lifetime of memories with, are his three children, Rick (Teri Michele) Bartlebaugh, Tammy (Pat) O’Neil and Sheila (Calvin) Hiner,  daughter in law Shannon (the late Steven) Bartlebaugh, six grandchildren Amber, Rich, Patrick, Hannah, Zach, Evan, eight great grandchildren and two sisters, Jane Figula and Betty Stady.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Steven, one brother Donald “Herk” Bartlebaugh, and one nephew Joseph Figula.

Duane will be remembered for his  love for his family and friends. He kept moving, working, and did things his way, leaving behind a legacy of determination and resilience.

At Duane’s request there will be no public services held.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to, American Diabetes Association, PO BOX 11454, Alexandria VA 22312, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

On April 3rd Coudersport Ambulance To was dispatched to Sweden Valley Manor for altered mental status

Members of the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) need volunteers for planting and fencing for wildlife on Saturday, April 11, at 9:00 a.m., in McKean County on State Game Lands (SGL) 62. Work should be completed by 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at SGL 62 parking lot on SR 59 in Cyclone, PA.

The meeting point can be found approximately three miles east of the Bradford Airport towards Ormsby. Volunteers are asked to register with Garrett Baker at bakgar42@yahoo.com so enough tools can be available for all volunteers.

All volunteers should wear boots and gloves, and bring safety glasses if you have them. Dress for the weather. This project will take place rain or shine.Volunteers will be planting American persimmon, Holly winterberry, American plum, Chinkapin oak, Sargent crabapple, Black chokeberry, hybrid American chestnut, and American elderberry.

Bradford native and Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 Director of Educational Services, Kelly Compton, has been selected as Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s (NPRC) 2026 Commencement Speaker. The ceremony is slated to be held on Saturday, May 9, at Wilds Sonshine Factory, Inc. in Kane.

Compton is an educational leader, leadership coach, and advocate whose work is shaped by both professional expertise and lived experience. Raised in a lower-income, working-class family in McKean County, she understands firsthand the barriers that can make higher education and opportunity feel out of reach. Those experiences have deeply shaped her lifelong commitment to equity, perseverance, and expanding pathways for others. “The trajectory of my life was changed by teachers,” said Compton. “I was the first in my family to go to college, and if it wasn’t for the love and support of my teachers, I wouldn’t have gotten there. That I work in education now should speak volumes about the impact they had on me as a student in the Bradford Area School District. I am fortunate that I can give back to students and be of service in education both in Bradford and the region at large.”

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.

BRADFORD, Pa. – When Alex Nazemetz of Allegany, N.Y., began working in college admissions in 1986, there were few websites and no search engines.

Forty years later, as associate vice president of enrollment management and director of admissions at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, he still likes to have his staff “pound the pavement,” visiting college fairs and high schools in person to create a more personal connection.

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t taken advantage of technology to communicate more easily with prospective students, but his heart has always been in talking face-to-face with young people and their families.

It’s a philosophy that has guided 26 years of service — and it’s one he’ll carry into retirement on Friday. Nazemetz came to Pitt-Bradford as director of admissions in 1999 after 13 years at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University. Pitt-Bradford is measurably better for his tenure.

Auditions for “Big Fish,” Hamilton-Gibson’s 2026 summer musical, will be held this month. Performances are scheduled for July 9, 10, 11, and 12 and those who audition need to be available for all performance dates. The musical will be directed by Thomas Putnam, HG’s artistic director.

Step into a world of imagination, adventure, and unforgettable storytelling in “Big Fish,” the musical, based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and film adaptation by John August. Follow Will Bloom’s efforts to separate fact from myth in his dying father’s stories. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the motion picture by John August, “Big Fish” has music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Like many musicals, this is a love story. But here the story is about the love between a father and son.

Pennsylvania students are encouraged to apply to be Young Ambassadors through June 10.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally-conscious 10^th through 12^th grade students to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.

The program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across the private sector, state government, local media, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and build leadership and problem-solving skills.

The Allegany County Town Highway Superintendents Association (ACTHSA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards. While the Association typically awards two scholarships each year, it is especially proud to expand the program for 2026—thanks to increased community support and participation—by awarding four scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each to local students pursuing careers in the trades.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

• Heather Padden, Belfast Central – attending BOCES Belmont CDL Program
• David Bower, Fillmore Central – attending Alfred State College
• Matthew Goho, Alfred-Almond Central – attending Alfred State College
• Mason Edwards, Wellsville Central – attending Alfred State College

These scholarships are awarded annually to support students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their education and a future in trade-related fields that are vital to our local communities and infrastructure.

“The future of our workforce depends on young individuals who are willing to step into the trades and carry on the essential work that keeps our communities running,” said Bill Bigelow, President. “We are proud to support these students as they take the next step in their careers.”

The Association would also like to thank the community for its continued support. It is through this support that programs like this scholarship are possible, allowing us to invest in the future of our local workforce.

The ACTHSA remains committed to investing in the next generation of skilled workers and encouraging students to pursue rewarding careers in highway, construction, and related fields.

For more information about the scholarship program, please visit www.acthsa.net/scholarship.

            BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – During the month of April, Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are offering a variety of classes and support groups designed to provide health education, encouragement and community connection.

            A newly formed Bereavement Support Group, in partnership with HomeCare & Hospice, is launching Thursday, April 2 at OGH. The support group will meet at 6 p.m. in the OGH education center and convene on the first Thursday of each month. The community-based group is free and open to anyone experiencing loss. For more information, please call (716) 372-2106.

The winter Indoor Potter County Farmers Market, located at the Riley Gallery, next to the Hotel Crittenden, will be open the first Saturday of each month, from January to May.  The next market will be this Saturday, April 4th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

*  STARTING IN JANUARY,  NEW WINTER MARKET HOURS ARE SATURDAYS FROM 11AM TO 2PM. 

*  Beginning in January 2026 the Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May. The remaining Saturday date is April 4th.  May 2026 the market will again be on the square

A meeting of the North Central Rural Transportation Planning Committee will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting. If you are interested in attending, please visit our website (https://rpo.ncentral.com/), email Amy Kessler at amy@ncentral.com or call 814-773-3162 for the meeting login information.

The public is encouraged to attend.

North Central is committed to compliance with nondiscrimination requirements of civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations and policies applicable to the programs and activities it administers. Accordingly, North Central is dedicated to ensuring that program beneficiaries receive public participation opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or economic status.

Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities and the location is reachable by public transit. North Central will provide auxiliary services for individuals with language, speech, sight, or hearing impediments provided the request for assistance is made five days prior to the meeting. North Central will attempt to satisfy other requests.  

Please make your request for auxiliary services to Amy Kessler, director of community development and regional planning, at amy@ncentral.com or call 814-773-3162. If you believe you have been denied participation opportunities, or otherwise discriminated against in relation to the programs or activities administered by North Central, you may file a complaint using the procedures provided in our complaint process document or by contacting Executive Director Jim Chorney.

Please visit our website at http://rpo.ncentral.com for more information on the Transportation Planning Program.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 1) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is this Saturday, April 4!  Anglers can begin fishing at 8 a.m.​​

Throughout the 2026 season, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling.  These figures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout; 698,000 Brown Trout; and 128,000 Brook Trout.  As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that some products may still be in consumers’ freezers.