Helen M. Newton, 85, of Emporium, PA, passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, following a brief illness. She was born May 13, 1940, in Ridgway, PA, a daughter of the late Bernard and Catherine Songer Bauer.
Helen graduated from Cameron County High School and devoted many years of service to Caldwell Corporation until her retirement in January 2022 at the remarkable age of 82.
Sheldon J. Roupp, 76, of Liberty, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025, at his home. He was born June 6, 1949, in Blossburg, the son of the late Ernest C. and Ann Louise (Bowers) Roupp. He married the former Ellen Monson on August 28, 1971.
Sheldon graduated from Liberty High School, Class of 1968, was a Navy Veteran, serving during the Vietnam war on the USS Kitty Hawk, he was a drag line operator for Jones& Bragg Mining Co, Tioga, and worked for Ward Manufacturing, Blossburg.
Sheldon was a member of the Bass Club of Tioga, and the Corey Creek Golf Club, Mansfield. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, wintering in Florida, and spending time with grandchildren & great grandchildren who he adored.
Bruno D. Pelleschi, 87, of Bennett Road, St. Marys, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Elk Haven Nursing Home following a brief illness.
He was born on May 2, 1938 in Dagus Mines, PA, a son of the late Dennis and Ermida Agosti Pelleschi.
On June 14, 1958, he married Verna Wehler Pelleschi, who preceded him in death on January 28, 2022. Together they were blessed with more than 63 years of marriage.
Nancy A. Fire, 74, of Bradford, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at her home.
She was born on February 22, 1951 in Bradford; the daughter of the late Frank and Christine Ross Fire.
She was a 1969 graduate of the former Bradford Central Christian High School. She was a graduate of the Clarion University; where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. She had also earned her Master’s degree.
June E. PROUTY, 85, of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, November 22, 2025 in UPMC Williamsport. Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
James Anthony Nicholson, 91, of Plymouth Meeting, PA formerly of Ambler, PA, and Worcester, MA, died peacefully on November 19, 2025, surrounded by family. He was the husband of Lucille (Wilson) Nicholson. James was born in Baldwinville, MA, on February 2, 1934, to the late Patrick and Anne (MacPherson) Nicholson.
They were a family of modest means but an abundance of love, which carried him throughout his life. He attended Saint John’s High School in Worcester, MA, and graduated from Saint Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia in the top of his class with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He began his career as a Chemist with Merck, later transitioning to Rhone-Poulenc Rorer / Sanofi Aventis Pharmaceuticals, working as a Patent Agent in the Legal Department.
Penn College Athletics at a Glance
Last week in review: The early-season fortunes of the basketball teams continued in opposite directions, with the women posting a 2-1 week and the men losing twice. Also, the wrestling team opened its dual match season, going 1-1.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Last week’s hometown highlights: Breana Valentine, of Fairfield, poured in 23 points, and Gigi Parlante, of Williamsport, scored 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as the Wildcats overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Penn State Altoona on Monday and extend their season-opening win streak to five. The victory was Penn College’s first against Altoona after five losses dating to 2021.
Seeking a program record-tying sixth straight win to open the season on Wednesday against Elmira College, and looking to end a 16-game drought dating to 2005 against the Soaring Eagles, Penn College fell just short on a game-ending, buzzer-beating trey. Parlante led the squad with 13 points, and Valentine added 10 points. The one-point loss was the closest final score ever between the two teams.
Faith E. CARY, 86, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Potter Brook Road, Westfield, PA, died Thursday, November 20, 2025, in UPMC Cole. Born January 10, 1939, in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of Howard Ellison and Rowena E. Little Stafford. On November 2, 1957, in Potter Brook, she married Arnold E. Cary, who predeceased her on February 25, 2015.
Faith was a remarkable woman. She loved life and was a life-long learner. Her hobbies included reading, painting, crocheting, sewing, hiking, Bible study classes and ancestry research, among other things. A member of the Susquehannock Trail Club, she enjoyed hiking many of the beautiful Pennsylvania trails with other members. Faith was known for her generosity, giving her time and financial resources. She was a gifted artist, seamstress, knitter and crocheter. She created afghans, quilts, bears, dolls and paintings that she donated to charities for fund raising.
Available Position: Full-time IT Support Technician in the Port Allegany School District
Overview:
Seneca Highlands IU9 is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic IT Support Technician to join our team supporting Port Allegany School District. This position offers an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in technology within an educational environment.
Job Title: IT Support Technician
Location: Port Allegany, PA
Type: Full-time
New clearances upon hire and Pre-employment drug testing will be required for successful employment.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide first-level technical support for devices, networks, apps, and classroom technology.
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues.
Assist in maintaining and updating IT documentation and inventory.
Ensure excellent customer service by being courteous, polite, and service-oriented.
Collaborate with other team members to enhance overall IT support.
Qualifications:
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
A positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Basic troubleshooting skills for devices, networks, and classroom technology, or the ability to learn these skills quickly.
Any questions regarding this position, please email Mr. Ed Bell at: ebell@iu9.org EOE
Gail Anita Harkness SCHROEDER, 81, of Clermont, FL, formerly of Wellsville, NY, died September 7, 2025 in South Lake Hospital, Clermont.
Born March 1, 1944, she was the daughter of Clyde and Clara Burgess Sherwood. On September 12, 1998, in Wellsville, she married Michael Shroeder, who predeceased her in 2023.
A LIGHT FOR ALL NATIONS!
Left to Right: Steve Limeburner, John Sherer, Darlene Leedham, Mary Lou Embury, Ron Hallett, Carol Smith, Alice Buchanan, Josiah Post, Julie Grossman, Steve Sevinsky, Bonnie Wright, Lisa Post, Gretchen Songster, Carol Empson, Shirley Ogden, Megan Ambrose, Betty Wallace, Paula Cochran, Kathleen Wilson, Terri Meachan, Joy Bach, Chris Pepper, Jody Landes, Marilyn Jestes, Don Caskey, Stephen Daly, Barbara Busch, David Hauber, and Warren Cederholm. Absent: Donell Ayers, Marcia Austin, Jerry Bailey, Hannah Howe, Miriam Howe, Dale Post, Cindy Smith, and Tim Wright.
North Country Voices will present a Christmas Choral Concert, A Light for All Nations! on Sunday December 7 at 3:00 pm at the Coudersport Alliance Church on Route 49 and on Sunday December 14 at 3:00 pm at the Pine Creek Valley Global Methodist Church in Galeton.
Luella E. KEAR, 96, of Whitesville, NY, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 18, 2025 in her home. Born September 28, 1929, in Whitesville, she was the daughter of Edward Michael and Martha Elizabeth “Mattie” Buchholz Flynn. On December 11, 1949, in Whitesville, she married Allan C. Kear, who predeceased her on October 26, 1999.
She was employed by Mapes Woodworking in Whitesville, Whitesville Central School, and Wellsville Elementary School. Luella was a member of 50-year member of the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Independence Gospel Fellowship Church, Red Hat Society, Wellsville Moose Club, and in August 2022, she was crowned Queen of Whitesville as the oldest living woman during the town’s bicentennial celebration.
The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on communications. The day was spent at the Elk County 911 Center in Ridgway. Participants practiced public speaking and interpersonal communication skills. The class heard from author, artist, educator and advocate John Schlimm. He shared several examples of creative communications and advocacy. He talked about his experience with Gen-Z and projects he has been involved with such as Dutch Manufacturing & Cameron/Elk Suicide Prevention Task Force. St. Marys Insurance Agency sponsored lunch which was catered by Joeys Bakery.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the man who pled guilty earlier this month after his arrest by the McKean County Drug Task Force in March has been sentenced. Clarence BARKER appeared before the judge during a sentencing hearing at the courthouse today and was sentenced for Delivering Cocaine two times and for taking a controlled substance into the jail (Contraband). BARKER was sentenced to state prison for a minimum of at least 2 years to a maximum of not more than 4 years as well as additional terms.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that an inmate at the McKean County Jail has been sentenced to state prison.
Kyle NORTUM pled guilty to Possession of an Offensive Weapon after he was found to be in possession of a red plastic shank and damaging a window at the jail. While incarcerated, NORTUM was charged three more times for spitting on Corrections Officers.
NORTUM pled guilty to 3 counts of Aggravated Harassment by Prisoner (Felony 3). District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “Corrections’ Officers, along with Police, are at risk every time they report for a shift. Whether it be from an arrestee bringing contraband into the jail or assaultive behavior by inmates, they are always at risk of danger, disease or even death.
A look at a few cases from today’s sentencing hearings shows the abundance of cases that capture crimes against these Officers.” During a sentencing hearing today at the courthouse, the judge sentenced NORTUM to a period of incarceration of 12 months to 24 months plus 12 months of consecutive probation and other terms.
On November 13, 2025, at approximately 0859 hours, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a “keep the peace” call at 245 South Avenue to assist the City of Bradford Department of Property Maintenance. During the incident, Francis Miller, the homeowner, became irate over vehicles being towed from his property.
He drove his car onto the sidewalk in an attempt to block Property Maintenance and tow services from performing their duties. A female accomplice also pulled a truck next to Miller’s car, further obstructing the tow companies on scene. Miller’s behavior became increasingly erratic, and despite multiple orders to move his vehicle, he refused to comply.
He accelerated abruptly, causing officers to take caution, and eventually exited the car, leaving it partially in the roadway and partially on the sidewalk. When officers advised Miller that he could not block the roadway, he re-entered his vehicle and accelerated in reverse, striking a City of Bradford Police Officer with his motor vehicle. The officer sustained injuries to his leg and knee. Officers promptly removed Miller from the vehicle and took him into custody.
He was subsequently arraigned by Magistrate Richard Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail on $50,000 cash bail. The City of Bradford Police Department would like to remind the public that obstructing official duties and putting the safety of others at risk will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members and will take necessary actions to maintain public order. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Francis E. “Pappy” Cummings, 100, of Port Allegany, passed away Friday (November 21, 2025) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
He was born May 20, 1925 in Port Allegany, the son of Lee and Clara (Peterson) Cummings. On October 14, 1950, in Port Allegany, PA, he married Rosemarie Pritt, who passed away on November 1, 2017. They were married 67 years.
He was a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and a proud survivor from engaging the enemy on Iwo Jima, serving from 1943 to 1946 as an Armored Amphibian Tractor Crewman.
