NEWS

CARE for Children, through its leadership of the Safe Kids Pennsylvania – McKean County Partnership, has successfully completed its 2025 Kindergarten Bicycle Safety Program, providing over 400 free bicycle helmets and bike safety education to Kindergarten students across McKean County and in Coudersport, PA.

With funding from a Safe Kids Pennsylvania mini-grant, the initiative delivered age-appropriate safety instruction in six local school districts: Bradford, Kane, Smethport, Port Allegany, Otto-Eldred, and Coudersport. Every child who participated received a properly fitted helmet, a helmet ID sticker, and bike safety materials for parents.

“Helmet use is the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities in bicycle crashes,” said Kimberly Engstrom, M.Ed., Child Safety Educator/ Preschool Director at CARE for Children. “According to Safe Kids Worldwide, proper helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by at least 45%, yet less than half of children 14 and under wear one regularly.”

The CARE-led program featured the book Play It Safe by Mercer Mayer to teach the basics of bicycle safety, including helmet use, hand signals, and obeying traffic signs. The effort aimed to increase helmet usage and instill life-long safety habits.

Underclassmen awards were presented to students in grades 7 – 11 during the PAHS Awards Assembly.   The 7th grade Geography Award was presented to Jayden Parish; Student Handbook Cover Design also went to Jayden Parish; the Biology Award went to Mallory Johnson; The Bonnie Scholar Award from St. Bonaventure went to Micah Emerick, Alyssa Tanner, Jarrod Funk and Chloe Knauer; the Science Award given to an 11th grade student from Bausch & Lomb ( a medal and opportunity to compete for a University of Rochester Scholarship) went to Alex Schott; the Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Rochester went to Micah Emerick; and the Alfred Scholar Award went to Nicholas Wilfong.  Pictured (left to right) are Jayden Parish, Micah Emerick, Mallory Johnson and Nicholas Wilfong.  

Thomas Barnes wore many hats throughout his accomplished life.

A 1974 graduate of Portville Central School, Barnes devoted his life to education, community planning and regional development.

He held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He taught at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, Mercyhurst College, Ithaca College, Alfred State College and Alfred University.

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Do you enjoy conflict? I don’t, and I’ve found that most people don’t either. I have met some who seem to thrive on it, but they are the exception. 

Conflict arises from disagreement. We all face it in our families, relationships, workplaces, and daily activities. It doesn’t have to be catastrophic unless we let it escalate, like the road rage incident I heard about on the news recently. A simple moment of conflict resulted in disastrous choices and one person’s death.

Estate Sale / Store Liquidation Sale!

May 31st and June 1st, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm. The sale will run at least one more additional weekend, maybe two more weekends. Those dates and times will be posted at a later date.

Everything must go! Beer signs, pictures, tap handles, more. Electric scooters, appliances, antiques, collectibles, motor bike, tools, electric tools, plumbing & heating items, trim, various wood items, cutlery, old safe, electronics, Harley Davidson items, show cases, stands, and too much more to list. Disclaimer, there could be a few items there pictured or in the previous video that have sold, mainly just a few cases and a couple stands. 

150 Fraley St. Kane, PA, McKean Co.

Making bulk package deals on certain items, all prices are negotiable within reason. This place just needs to be emptied out. We look forward to seeing all of our customers and new ones as well

PennDOT to Reduce Part of Phoenix Road to One Lane Tomorrow

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Potter County Maintenance Division announced it will reduce part of Route 1005 (Phoenix Road) in Pike Township to one lane tomorrow due a slide condition that has worsened during the early spring thaw and recent significant rainfall that has saturated the slope.

E. Anne Meehan, 95, of 10211 Regent Cir, Naples, FL, and formerly of Ridgway, PA, died on Friday, May 23, 2025.

She was born on July 27, 1929 in New Castle, PA, a daughter of the late Edward A. and Ellen C. (Lawler) Lynch.

On May 14, 1955, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Castle, she married Paul C. Meehan, who preceded her in death.

Stephen A. Winiarczyk, 91, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

JoAnn Dudash, 83, of 440 Eben Road, St. Marys, passed away with her family by her side, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born September 2, 1941, in Emeigh, PA, daughter of the late James and Elizabeth Buterbaugh Clark. She spent her childhood helping on a 150 acre dairy farm the family purchased in Westover, PA. 

The PAHS Tiger Lily was distributed Friday during Fun Day activities at PAHS. The yearbook staff is pictured with this year’s edition with the theme Hear the Year.   There are a limited number of yearbooks still available.  Contact Mrs. Reed by calling PAHS at 814-642-2544, ext. 4129 for further information.    

Patricia Ann “Patty” HAMILTON, 63, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Ulysses, died Monday, May 26, 2025 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.  Born November 29, 1961, in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of William K. and Shirley Freeman Hamilton.  

A 1980 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she was a member of the Ulysses Free Methodist Church, Ulysses Area Improvement Association, and Tri-Town Volunteer Firemen’s Auxiliary. 

She is survived by several cousins.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Roberta Lynn Hamilton.  Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Free Methodist Church, P.O. Box 295, Ulysses, PA 16948.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

The Port Allegany School District Annual Service Awards Banquet was held Mary 22 at the Veterans Memorial, Inc.  Musical entertainment was provided by John Meade.  The banquet was catered by Eddie’s on Main.  MC for the evening was elementary teacher Chad Saltsman.  Those honored were Josh Wolf, Kiley Wojewoda, Robert Tarbox, Samantha Perry, Ben Palmer, Tim Morris, Crystal Kio and Holly Childson with five years; Christina Fessenden with 10 years; Sue Speed and Deborah Kio with 15 years; Brad Stewart, Matthew Lawton and Brad Stewart with 20 years; Todd Wheaton and Tabatha Dart with 25 years; Brian VanGorden with 35 years and Frank Roller with 37 years.  Retiring this year are Frank Roller and Brian VanGorden. 

Mary Ann Rigas, M.D.
UPMC Pediatrics

As the school year wraps up, many families are looking forward to a season of sun, fun, and well-earned relaxation. Summer offers a welcome break from early mornings, packed lunches, and homework; however, it’s also a time when routines can shift dramatically. For children, these changes can affect their sleep, nutrition, safety, and even mental health.

With a little planning, families can keep summer carefree and health conscious. Here are a few ways to help your child enjoy a safe, active, and healthy summer from start to finish.

Stick to a Routine

Without the structure of the school day, it’s easy for kids (and parents) to fall into unpredictable sleep and screen habits. Maintaining a consistent routine — even if it’s a relaxed one — can help children feel secure and promote healthy development.

VFW Honors Memorial Day – Galeton VFW Raymond Richar Post 6611 continues to honor Memorial Day with a parade and service at the West Hill Cemetery. The speaker was veteran and Honorable District Justice Chris Kalacinski. He spoke in detail regarding the ultimate sacrifice that service members made from all the battles up to the Iraqi conflict in order to ensure our freedom and liberties continue to be upheld.

The 85th Annual Roulette Alumni Banquet was held Saturday, May 24 at the Roulette Fire Hall.  This year’s banquet honored the 50-year Class of 1975 and the graduating class of 2025.  Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Justin Fillhart.  Pictured are members of the Class of 75  

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of May 26. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and while crews will be off Monday to observe the Memorial Day Holiday, the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows: