David Rudy Thiele, 67, of Rio Rancho, NM, formerly of Lewis Run, PA
David Rudy Thiele, 67, of Rio Rancho, NM, formerly of Lewis Run, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, after a lengthy illness surrounded by family.
Born November 6, 1957, in Bradford, he was a son of the late George and Betty (Sankner) Thiele. Dave was a 1975 graduate of Bradford Area High School and was an accomplished football player. He was chosen to participate in the Big 30 game in 1975.
On February 12, 1980, in Olean, NY, he married his loving wife Mary Ann (Pavlovich) Thiele, who survives.
Ruth Fitzpatrick SOLLEY, 98, of Wellsville, NY
Ruth Fitzpatrick SOLLEY, 98, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Zephyrhills, FL, Girard, OH, and Whitesville, NY, died Monday, May 5, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital after a short illness.
Born September 15, 1926, in Independence, she was the daughter of George and Mary Allen Fitzpatrick. On August 9, 1988, she married Elwood Lemar Solley, who predeceased her on October 21, 2021.
PennDOT Announces Roadway Reconstruction, Improvements in Potter County
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that Greylock Production, LLC., of Charleston, WV, has been approved for an Upgrade Partnership to improve nearly three and a half miles of Route 1003 (Loucks Mills Road) between Galeton and Ulysses boroughs in Potter County. The project includes full-depth roadway reconstruction, drainage improvements, and guide rail upgrades between West Pike and Loucks Mills. The improvements will result in the removal of a 10-ton weight limit posting from the roadway. PennDOT expects work to begin in the fall of 2025 and will issue an update on traffic impacts before construction begins.
“A safe, efficient transportation system is vital to the private sector industries that drive our economy and to the residents of Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT District 2 Executive Thomas Prestash. “This partnership further demonstrates the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring that rural areas have the same access to transportation as those in more urban areas.”
Under the terms of the partnership, PennDOT and Greylock will each contribute 50 percent of the project cost. The project is currently in the design phase and has an estimated contract value of $2.9 million.
“We are very pleased to partner with PennDOT to improve this road,” said Greylock Chief Operating Officer Ryan Deaderick. “Addressing ride quality issues that have arisen in recent years enhances our operations locally while also improving the quality of life for our friends and neighbors in Potter County.”
GOP Candidates for Olean Mayor Will Debate on June 11
The two candidates running in the June 24 Republican primary for mayor will take part in a debate at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11.
Incumbent Mayor William J. Aiello and challenger Amy B. Sherburne will square off in Cutco Theater on the Cattaraugus County Campus of Jamestown Community College.
The League of Women Voters of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties is sponsoring the debate in partnership with TAPinto Greater Olean. Richard Lee, co-editor of TAPinto Greater Olean, will serve as moderator.
During the June 11 debate, questions will not be taken from the audience, but members of the public are invited to submit questions for the candidates in advance of the debate. Questions should be emailed to cattarauguslwv@gmail.com by 7 p.m. June 4.
Individuals who have questions or need additional information should email LWVCAC President Margie McIntosh at cattarauguslwv@gmail.com
David C. “Dave” Johnston, 69, of Oswayo, PA
David C. Johnston “beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend”
David C. “Dave” Johnston, 69, of Oswayo, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from injuries sustained in a tragic accident.
Born on Sunday, July 17, 1955 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Elvin “Buck” and Patricia Brizzee Johnston. On November 22, 1977 in Coudersport, he married Deanna L. Van Pelt, who survives.
Dave was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. In his early years, he worked in local oil and gas fields. For most of his working career, he along with his business partner and friend, Larry Coole, owned and operated D.A.L. Flagstone where eventually he and his son Dan worked together mining Pennsylvania Bluestone for 28 years.
Help For Those Affected By Rite Aid Closing
Potter County Human Services (PCHS) is working closely with the Potter County Board of Commissioners, county departments, and others to assist individuals impacted by the planned closing of pharmacy services at the Rite Aid store in Coudersport, effective Wednesday, May 21. PCHS caseworkers are available to help clients of the agency’s Children & Youth, Aging, Mental Health, Coordinated Services, Drug & Alcohol and Intellectual Disabilities programs. This includes assistance in understanding the options available and transferring of prescription services to another pharmacy of choice. Updated information, including details on mail order and/or home delivery services, is being posted on the PCHS website (click here) and is also available at a toll-free phone number, 1-800-800-2560.
PREREGISTER BY FRIDAY, MAY 30 FOR LAUREL FESTIVAL 10K & TWO-MILE FUN RUN/WALK
Those who preregister for the Laurel Festival 10K Foot Race by Friday, May 30 and pay the $25 entry fee will receive a free event T-shirt courtesy of First Citizens Community Bank on race day, Saturday, June 21 and be entered in the June 21 “Early Bird Drawing” with a chance to win $25 in Wellsboro Chamber Dollars to spend at any of the 42 participating area businesses.
The Laurel Festival 10K Foot Race will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, followed by the two-mile Fun Run/Walk at 9:05 a.m.
Registration, check-in and packet pickup will be at Packer Park on Queen Street in Wellsboro from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on race day. The entry fee for the 10K is $25 and for the Fun Run is $5. Race day registrants pay in cash or by check.
CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER INVITED TO PREREGISTER THEIR FAVORITE PETS for LAUREL FESTIVAL PET PARADE BY FRIDAY, JUNE 6
Children, 12 and under are invited to preregister their favorite pet for the 2025 Laurel Festival Pet Parade by noon on Friday, June 6 to winfun prizesonJune 15.
Or decorate their bikes and join in the fun. Individuals and groups are welcome.
The Laurel Festival Pet Parade, sponsored by Dr. Kristine Shaw of the Grand Canyon Veterinary Hospital at 23 Water Street In Wellsboro, is being held on Sunday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. It’s free.
A favorite pet can be a cat, dog, guinea pig, turtle, goat, lamb, horse, cow or whatever each youngster has.
The Port Allegany CMA Church Ignite Youth Group Car Wash
The Port Allegany CMA Church Ignite Youth Group will be holding the annual car wash at 414 E. Mill Street in Port Allegany on SAturday, May 17th from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Car washes are by donation. Lunch will also be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the youth group and their upcoming events. You are invited to stop by and support this great group of teens. Pictured: Parker Rudolph, Sierra Wiley, Thomas Beeson, Christian Zirckel and Aiden Berkefelt. This event is being held as part of the Port Allegany Town Wide Yard Sales, a community service project of the Rotary Club.
Turtlepoint Farmers Market
The first Turtlepoint Farmers Market is in the books. The Farmers Markets will be held the 2nd Saturday of each month, May through October. Organizers are requesting that vendors sell good that are grown, made and/or created by the seller. The events will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. For further information, check out their Facebook page.
Susan L. Topor, 79, of Belfast, New York
Susan L. Topor, 79, of Belfast, New York, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Wellsville Manor Care Center after a lengthy illness.
Born on May 19, 1945, in Olean, she was a son of Paul Seth and Beulah Castle. She is survived by her longtime companion of 39 years Larry W. Young, Jr.
She attended school in Olean.
Susan absolutely adored her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them. After her children were grown, she spent countless hours volunteering for several local organizations.
PennDOT McKean County Maintenance Work Schedule for the Week of May 12
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of May 12. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:
Manual Patching
McKean County Residents Mobilize Against Massive Wind Project — Petition Gains Momentum
McKean County Residents Mobilize Against Massive Wind Project — Petition Gains Momentum
McKean County, PA — A growing number of residents across McKean County are speaking out against Swift Current Energy’s proposed 600-megawatt Black Cherry Wind project, which includes wind turbines and battery storage installations spanning Hamlin, Keating, Norwich, Liberty, and Sergeant Townships.
The project, now active in the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) interconnection queue under ID C24-298, would involve the construction of over 100 turbines, each standing 500–700 feet tall. Critics say the turbines would create noise pollution across the valleys, flashing lights at night, deforestation of scenic ridgelines, and increased risk to local wildlife and water sources.
“There’s been no township-wide vote, no community input, and no clear local benefit,” said one of the organizers. “The electricity is expected to go to New York, not our homes, but we’re left with the environmental and quality-of-life costs.”
Concerns include:
– Environmental degradation in the Allegheny National Forest
– Risk to endangered species such as the wood turtle
– Potential oil leaks into sensitive streams like Blacksmith Run
– Decline in property values, peace, and rural character
– Lack of transparency and public engagement
The group launched a Change.org petition, which has already gathered hundreds of signatures. The petition urges township supervisors to deny permits and calls for federal environmental investigation.
Petition link: https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-black-cherry-wind-project-in-mckean-county-pa
Organizers welcome residents from neighboring counties to join the conversation and stay informed. “This isn’t just about energy. It’s about protecting what makes this area special,” they said.
-Mckean County Against Black Cherry Wind Project
MAX BLAIR OPENS 2025 FLYNN’S TIRE/GUNTER’S HONEY TOURING SERIES SEASON WITH HIS 1ST “BILL LAW MEMORIAL” WIN WORTH $4,000; STATELINE SPEEDWAY RECORD 49 HOVIS RUSH LATE MODELS PARTICIPATED
(Busti, NY)…After five consecutive rainouts to open the season, the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Dirt Late Model Flynn’s Tire/Gunter’s Honey Touring Series was finally able to kick-off 2025 on a beautiful Saturday evening at Stateline Speedway. It was the first event under the new ownership of Bill Catania as a huge crowd watched an all-time Stateline record high 49 Chevrolet Performance Late Models from six states plus Ontario, Canada race in the eighth annual “Bill Law Memorial”!
Duck Race in Galeton
The Galeton 4th of July Parade Booster Club held their annual duck race. Ducks floated down the West Branch side of Pine Creek. Shown in photo in Berger Lake is Stacy McInroy corralling the ducks to be saved for next year’s event. Monetary winners were Cora Shadle, Macie Casher, and Troy Heckman. Proceeds of the race is used to help offset the costs of bands at the Galeton Independence Day parade held the first Saturday in July. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
Dorothy K. (Krause) Smith, 94, of Wellsboro, PA
Dorothy K. (Krause) Smith, 94, of Wellsboro, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, in her home surrounded by family.
She was born December 16, 1930, to Harry D. and Florence (Briston) Krause in Wellsboro. Dorothy graduated from Wellsboro High School in the class of 1949. On August 19, 1950, she married Carl L. Smith and together they enjoyed 74 years of marriage. She and her husband Carl owned and operated the family dairy farm, Smith Piano and Organs, Radio Shack, and Smith’s RVs.
