McKean County Fair Association Seeks Race Promoter to Lease Track
The Race Must Go On
McKean County Fair Association Seeks Race Promoter to Lease Track
Smethport, Pennsylvania – The annual fair has been a long-standing tradition in McKean County, dating
back to 1905 when a group of individuals banded together, raised funds by selling stock, and
constructed the first buildings on the fairgrounds. In addition to the structures where farmers could
display their produce and animals at the fair, a racetrack was also built during this time. In October of
that year, the first ever race took place on the newly constructed track, drawing in numerous spectators.
While so much has changed over the last 117 years, one thing has remained the same- the racetrack
located at the McKean County Fairgrounds is a popular venue among drivers and spectators alike.
However, in 2022, the track sat empty with no races being held.
“As a group, we are extremely disappointed that we were not able to secure a lease contract this year,”
said Tanya Okerlund, McKean County Fair Association President. She continued, “With the amount of
support that the races receive, we know that the community is disappointed as well.” The last race
season was run by J&K Motorsport Promotions in 2021, who chose not to renew their lease.
The Association acknowledges the need for improvements to the facility and has been actively seeking
grant funds over the last year without success. Christy Burkhouse, Treasurer for the Association noted,
“We are continuing to apply for any qualifying grants that are available to us but are also in the
beginning stages of planning a capital campaign to raise funds. This will obviously take an extended
amount of time and we hate seeing the track sit empty.”
The Association is now searching for a new race promoter to lease the track for the upcoming race
season. All interested parties are encouraged to contact the Association via phone at 814-887-5361,
email at mckeancountyfair@gmail.com or reach out to Okerlund directly at 814-598-2919.
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The McKean County Fair Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the rural community
in which it’s located by bringing people of all ages together to learn and experience agriculture. The association
is governed by a 30-person volunteer-only board of directors. Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of
each month, beginning at 7:30PM at the 911 Call Center in Smethport, PA. Committee and special meetings are
held as needed. All meetings are open to the public and any interested parties are welcome to attend
Mary Ann Middleton, age 74, of Westfield, PA
Mary Ann Middleton, age 74, of Westfield, PA passed peacefully away at her home on Saturday, October 29, 2022.
She was born on January 2, 1948, in Philadelphia, PA, a daughter of Salvatore and Julia (Capana) Bongiorno. Mary Ann was married to Craig Middleton, Sr. with whom she shared 52 years of matrimony.
She worked as school bus driver in New Jersey and was a member of the Eastern Star in Ocean City, NJ. She enjoyed shopping on QVC.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Craig, Sr.; son Craig Middleton, Jr. of Westfield, PA; daughter-in-law, Amy Middleton of Wellsboro, PA; granddaughter, Morgan Middleton of Wellsboro, PA; brothers, Anthony (Rebecca) and Michael Bongiorno of Philadelphia, PA.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Christopher.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com
Robert L. Tunno, 71, of Eldred, formerly of Smethport, PA
Robert L. Tunno, 71, of Eldred, formerly of Smethport, PA passed away Sunday (October 30, 2022) at his residence.
He was born January 10, 1951 in Beaver Falls, PA, the son of Joseph and Sereta (Quillen) Tunno . On July 24, 1982, in Eldred, he married Sandra L. Brown, who survives.
Bob was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School. He was a Union Laborer working under the local Construction Union until he became disabled.
Bob loved hunting and spending time at camp. He was a “real sports nut” and was an avid follower of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Of all things Bob loved, it was spending time with his grandchildren that ranked #1.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by
One son: Robert Brown of Eldred
Two daughters: Lisha Latscha and Bobbi Jean Howard, both of Columbus, OH
Numerous grandchildren, several great grandchildren
Three brothers: Richard, Joseph and Jimmy Tunno
Four sisters: Louise Dunham, Sarah Elia, Sereta Keister and Cheryl Anastasio
And many nieces and nephews
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one son, Ryan Tunno, one brother, Gene and a sister, Yvonne.
At Bob’s request, there will be no visitation or services.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Mary Greek, 99, of Bradford, PA.
Mary Greek, 99, of Bradford, passed away Monday (October 31, 2022) at home.
She was born June 7, 1923 in Coleville, PA, the daughter of Franklin and Lorena (Acre) Canfield. On May 10, 1946, in Smethport, she married Harry Richard Greek, who died December 6, 2005.
Mary attended Smethport schools. She was a housewife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She enjoyed spending time with her family.
She is survived by:
One daughter: Wanda M. Paterniti of Bradford
Two sons: William R. (Lisa) Greek of Lewis Run and F. Dennis (Jan) Greek of Crab Orchard, WVA
Grandchildren: Amy D. Colton, Christine M. Marsden, John A. Marsden, Jr., Tyler E. Hunt, Gavin S. Hunt, Heather D. Johnson, Brandon S. Greek, William J. Greek, Deborah S. Marsden, Stefanie L. Morrison, Joseph T. Schimp, Tyler D. Schimp and Lauren L. Pierce
13 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren
And several nieces and nephews
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by three sisters: Beatrice Johnson, Gladys Wayman and Violet Canfield, as well as two brothers: Floyd and Nolan Canfield.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 10AM to 12 noon at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where funeral services will begin at noon, with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Are You Up To Date? Polio Vaccine!
Belmont, N.Y. – New York State has recently seen an increase in Polio cases in people that are unvaccinated
or those that have not completed the series. The Allegany County Department of Health can help to make sure
you and your family are up-to-date on your Polio Vaccines. Help us keep Allegany County healthy!
Polio is a serious and life-threatening disease. Polio is very contagious, and a person can spread the virus even if
they are not sick or experiencing symptoms. The Poliovirus enters the body through the mouth, usually from
hands contaminated with the stool of an infected person. Respiratory and oral-to-oral transmission through saliva
may also occur.
Go to www.alleganyco.gov/departments/health to read the article on Polio in New York State from August 2022
and to find links to Polio information from the New York State Department of Health
Click here to view our upcoming immunization clinics: www.alleganyco.gov/departments/health and
contact our office at (585) 268-9250 to schedule your appointment or talk with your healthcare provider
today about the importance of polio vaccines!
The Rev. Howard R. Burnham, 81, of Hebron Center, PA.
Rev. Howard R. Burnham
“beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and Pastor”
The Rev. Howard R. Burnham, 81, of Hebron Center, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 30, 2022, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, following a period of illness.
Born on Tuesday, June 3, 1941 in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of John and Rebecca Scutt Burnham. On July 13, 1967 in Eddyville, N.Y., he married Alice E. Waite, who predeceased him on October 9, 2020.
Rev. Burnham was a graduate of Cattaraugus Central School in Cattaraugus, N.Y. He then attended Bethany Fellowship Missionary Training Institute in Minnesota. In the early 1960’s Rev. Burnham was ordained as a minister in Eddyville, N.Y. He began his pastorate at a church on Bear Hollow in Great Valley, N.Y. He then came to serve at Hebron Union Church in Hebron Center where he was the pastor for 40 years. He was instrumental in the formation of the Hebron Center Christian School where he served as principal for many years. During that time he was also the shop teacher and had also taught shop at Potter County Christian School in Roulette. His wife, Alice, served faithfully by his side.
Rev. Burnham loved woodworking, walking, mowing his lawn, gardening, and hunting with his sons-in-law. His greatest love was serving the Lord, his parishioners, and people far and wide who were in need of his help in any way. He rejoiced in spending time with his loving family.
Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Karin E. (Bradley) Karr of Coudersport, Konnie R. Minard of Olean, N.Y., and Karla A. (Timothy) Karr of Coudersport; six grandchildren, Kristine (Nash) Wetherby, Nicole Karr, Alexa (Nicklas) Corwin, Brock (Natasha Leslie) Minard, Ashley (Nate) Buchholz, and Amanda (Arthur) Dickerson; four great-granchildren, Chevy Buchholz, Titan Buchholz, Bison Buchholz, and Elwood Dickerson; two sisters, Shirley Brown of Ohio and Betty (Robert) Learn of Little Valley, N.Y..; three brothers, Merton (Debbie) Burnham of Florida, Robert (Rae) Burnham of Shinglehouse, and Tim (Michelle) Burnham of Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews.
Rev. Burnham was predeceased by his parents and his wife.
Family and friends may call from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, November 2,2022, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse and from 10am to 12 noon on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Hebron Union Church, 1149 SR 44 North, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at noon with Pastor Hank St. Amour and Mr. Rob Leete, officiating. Burial will be in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hebron Union Church, 1149 SR 44 North, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 651, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Rev. Burnham’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Rev. Burnham, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.comm or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Maribeth Brown 81, Of Smethport, PA.
Maribeth Brown 81, passed away Sunday Oct 30 at Lakeview Care Center Smethport, PA. She was born on April 6th 1941.
Maribeth was the eldest daughter of Carl R. and Mary Edna Hays Lloyd. She was a member of the PAHS class of 1959, and regularly hosted her class reunion party.
On June 11, 1961 she married Paul C. Brown who predeceased her in 2012, and together they had 2 children Penny (Jeffrey) Miller, Hinsdale, NY and Timothy (Karla) Brown Port Allegany.
Maribeth had the County Yarn Shoppe and she worked at the Former Montgomery Ward store, and Phiels Pharmacy.
She is survived by her children, and sisters Edna Lloyd Baker, and Collene (David) Schaffer both of Port Allegany
Two brothers, Kevin Lloyd of Buffalo and Brian Lloyd of Biloxi, MI.
10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, a special aunt Ellen Hays, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased in death by brothers Joel Lloyd, Gregory Lloyd and Terry Lloyd as well as a sister in law Patricia Lloyd and a brother in law Thomas Ryanand one nephew Adam K. Lloyd
Following her wishes there will be no visitation.Burial at a later date will be in Fairview Cemetery .
Memorials may be made to the cherity of the donor’s choice
Online condolence may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Everett W. Dalrymple, 90, of Gettysburg, formerly of Coneville, PA.
Everett W. Dalrymple
“loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather”
Everett W. Dalrymple, 90, of Gettysburg, formerly of Coneville, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 30, 2022.
Born on Monday, March 14, 1932, in Morristown, NJ, he was the son of Carl E. and Gladys J. Evans Dalrymple. On November 26, 1955, in Wharton, NJ, he married Maria L. Peterson, who passed away on April 27, 2020.
Everett graduated from the University of Maine in 1954. He served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. He tested explosives as a Science Technician for the US Government at Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway, NJ for 33 years, retiring on October 3, 1990.
While residing in Coneville, Everett attended Coudersport Alliance Church for 25 years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Rathbone Cemetery in Coneville from 2000 to 2015. He was an avid collector of milk bottles and cast iron doorstops.
He is survived by his daughter Sharon (James) Geleta; three granddaughters, Jamie (Joshua) Garretson, Katie DeOms, and Kacie (Brian) Spearman; and two great granddaughters, Lily Spearman and Riley Garretson; four nieces; and a nephew.
In addition to his parents, wife and sister, Everett was predeceased by his son, Stephen W. Dalrymple.
Family and friends may call from 10am to 11am on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the Coudersport Alliance Church, 7 Alliance Avenue, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 11am with his pastor and friend, Kevin Cornish, officiating. Burial will follow in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the church.
Everett entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard
Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Everett, please visit
www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Robert Andrew Otto, 51, of Philadelphia, PA.
Robert Andrew Otto, 51, of Philadelphia, passed away suddenly on October 24, 2022.
He was the beloved son of the late Frank and Nancy (White) Otto.
He attended M J Ryan Elementary School and graduated from Garnet Valley High School.
He enjoyed spending time with his pets and his nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed music, nature and watching the Phillies.
He was a devoted brother of Sandra March, Theodore (the late Susan) Otto, and Frederick (Brenda) Otto, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his niece, Jennifer (Otto) First.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation, Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 11 AM at the Rogers Funeral Home, Inc., 1426-30 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 followed by his Funeral service at Noon. Interment will be at the convenience of his family.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the McKean County SPCA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Reminder of Mandatory Water Restrictions in Roulette
Roulette Township
PUBLIC NOTICE: due to the fact that our well has now dropped to 25 feet it is necessary for the township supervisors to implement the second stage of the drought contingency plan. The second stage consists of mandatory restrictions on all non-essential water usage, notifying DEP, and our local EMA office. Please use your water sparingly. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.
Teenager Dead, 2 Other Occupants Critical After Saturday Night Crash in Machias
10/29/2022 Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident
Mon Oct 31 2022 10:13:11 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Machias- The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating a motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of a 17 year old female on October 29, 2022 at 10:34 pm. on Roszyk Hill near N. Sisson Road in the Town of Machias. The vehicle had seven teenage occupants. The accident involved one vehicle that allegedly lost control at a sharp intersection, left the roadway, and struck a tree.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, two other occupants are listed in critical condition and the remaining occupants received minor injuries. There are no further details as the investigation is ongoing.
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Julia Horton passed away tragically and unexpectedly late last night/early this morning way too early in life leaving a big hole in the many hearts of those who loved her. Please join us in helping her parents, Joshua and Katie Horton, raise money to pay for her funeral costs. All donations will go directly to Josh and Katie. Any amount you are willing and able to give will be a blessing to them.
A Go Fund Me has been established to help with funeral expenses. https://gofund.me/21d0b1c9
Fire Alarm at Wellsboro High School
At 11:00 AM on Monday, Wellsboro Fire Dept. has been dispatched for a fire alarm at Wellsboro High School. Responder on scene reports smoke in the structure near the loading dock. Fire may possibly be on the roof.
Source was determined to be equipment in a janitor’s locker. Scene turned over to maintenance. Fire units returning to station.
Great Valley Woman Jailed For Theft At Bradford Walmart
Foster Township Police Department
·On 10/30/22 at approximately 1900 hours officers were dispatched to Walmart for a female in a vehicle leaving after stealing merchandise. An officer noticed a vehicle pull into a driveway matching the description of the vehicle leaving Walmart and made contact with the operator. Originally the female provided an ID card which was not hers. The female insisted that she was providing correct information even after being notified that she was being investigated for a crime. Officers then ordered the female out of the car, which she refused to comply.
Officers were able to eventually remove the female from the vehicle and place her in custody.
Once transported to the station the female provided her real name and ID, Courtney Lee Bradley of Great Valley, NY.
Search warrants were obtained and conducted on Bradley’s vehicle and numerous items were seized.
Bradley was arraigned and remanded to McKean County Jail on $25,000 cash bail.