Michael R. Ackley, AKA “Digger”, age 71 a lifelong resident of Westfield, PA

Michael R. Ackley, AKA “Digger”, age 71 a lifelong resident of Westfield, passed away on June 30, 2025 at UPMC Wellsboro.
Born March 2, 1954 in Wellsboro, he was the son of G. Roy and June (Roby) Ackley. He graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School, Class of 1972 and attended Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. Mike was a hard worker and entrepreneur; he bought his first piece of equipment at the age of 24 and has owned and operated Ackley Construction for 48 years. He was all about taking chances in life and is well known for his many other businesses, Cathead Farms, Rusty Canon Motel & RV Park, Westfield Auto Center, Ackley Rentals and his partnership in the Old Antlers Inn. Mike was a mentor, who taught many young men & women work ethic, a constant community supporter and volunteered his work.
Oswayo Valley Memorial Library News July 2025
Closures: The library will be closed for the holiday on Friday, July 4th. Regular hours will resume on Saturday, July 5th.
Summer Reading Programs: Our Summer Reading Programs are now in session for July! Registrations are now closed. Program meeting times for those who signed up are as follows: Adults – Tuesdays, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Kids – Wednesdays, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Tweens/Teens – Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Pre-K – Fridays, 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
Diamond Art: Join us at the library on Saturday, July 26th at noon for a Diamond Art Class! The project for this month is a sun catcher. Limited seating is available. Please call or stop in to sign up! 814-697-6691.
Joshua “Josh” S. White, 38, of Russell, PA.

Joshua “Josh” S. White, 38, of Russell, PA., died Tuesday morning, July 1, 2025, at his residence after a brief illness of natural causes.
He was born June 19, 1987, in Warren, PA. He has resided in the Frewsburg and Lakewood, N.Y., area for most of his life. He was a 2005 graduate of Frewsburg High School, where he was instrumental in creating the Frewsburg High School Trap Team. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management and law enforcement from the Lindenwood University of St. Charles, Missouri.
While in college, he was 4-time Collegiate National Trap Shoot Champion, He was employed for 10 years as supervisor with R. Patti Concrete & Excavating of Jamestown, N.Y. He was a member of the Carroll Rod & Gun Club, where he was Captain of their Rod & Gun Trap Team. Most recently he was Pennsylvania State Champion of the Single A Class for shooting trap. He was a 32nd degree mason with the Carroll Lodge 1147 Free & Accepted Mason. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved the outdoors. He is lovingly remembered for being such a great father to his children, he loved them so much!
UPMC OB-GYN: Understanding Perimenopause and Hormone Therapy

Ethan Gable, M.D.
UPMC Magee-Womens
As women enter their late 30s and early 40s, they may begin noticing physical and emotional changes that can feel confusing or even concerning. Irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, and disrupted sleep often lead to the same question: “Is this perimenopause?”
Perimenopause is a natural transition that leads to menopause, and while the symptoms can be disruptive, there are options available to help manage them. One of the most commonly asked-about treatments is hormone therapy. Your OB-GYN can help you navigate this stage of life with personalized care and informed recommendations.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause refers to the time when a woman’s hormones like estrogen and progesterone begin to shift. It ends once you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period, which marks the beginning of menopause.
Constance L. “Connie” Otteni, 78, formally of Birch Valley Road, Kersey, PA

Constance L. “Connie” Otteni, 78, formally of Birch Valley Road, Kersey, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Paoli Hospital.
She was born May 2, 1947, in St. Marys, PA, daughter of the late Robert and Catheryn DeLullo Meyer. She attended Queen of the World Catholic elementary school and then graduated from Elk County Christian High School in 1965.
Thomas L. Snyder, 98, of 911 Plymouth Road, St. Marys, PA.

Thomas L. Snyder, 98, of 911 Plymouth Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 29, 2025, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born April 16, 1927, in Daguscahonda, son of the late Joseph and Caroline Schatz Snyder.
On April 16, 1948, he married Betty Luchs of Ridgway. They were blessed with 52 years of marriage before her passing in 2000.
BRADFORD WOMAN SENTENCED ON RAPE AND OTHER CHARGES

(McKean County, Pennsylvania: July 1, 2025) District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Bradford woman convicted of Rape of an Unconscious Person and other crimes at a jury trial in March was sentenced by a judge during a sentencing hearing held at the McKean County Courthouse yesterday.
Donna SIMONS, 67, was sentenced to a period of incarceration in state prison for 8 1/2 years to 17 years plus 3 years of consecutive probation on charges of Rape of an Unconscious Person, Involuntary Devious Sexual Intercourse of an Unconscious Person, Sexual Assault, Simple Assault (deadly weapon enhancement) and Terroristic Threats (deadly weapon enhancement). The crimes relate to a sex assault committed by SIMONS on a 17-year-old male at a Fourth of July party in Bradford Township in 2024. SIMONS will be required to register as a sex offender for her lifetime.
SIMONS was ordered to provide a DNA sample, have no contact with the victim and other terms. SIMONS is not eligible for any early parole program. Bradford Township Police Officer Jordan McCalla investigated the case.
Maureen and Tom McDonald, who run the Moore’s Run Fish & Game Preserve Spoke At Coudersport Rotary Club Meeting

At Coudersport Rotary Club’s June 16, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill, Rotarian Sharon Fitzgerald introduced her friends, Maureen and Tom McDonald, who run the Moore’s Run Fish & Game Preserve.
Maureen grew up on Big Moore’s Run Road outside of Coudersport and moved away after college. In 2016 Tom and Maureen took over Moores Run Fish and Game Preserve from her parents, which has been in operation for 45 years. Six years ago Maureen and Tom moved back up to Potter County from Columbia County.

Big Moore’s Run is a Class A Trout stream which flows to the First Fork of the Sinnemahoning River. The Preserve is a dual business of ecotourism and fish farming. Aquaculture is regulated by the PA Dept of Agriculture.
90% of the trout they raise are sold and delivered to streams and private individuals from late March to early April. The hatchery delivers fish to 9 counties. 80% of the fish are bought by 20% of their customers. 75% of customers are clubs and lodges. The other 25% are small derbies and people who come to get fish to stock their ponds.
They are a true hatchery, They start with adult brood fish, who lay eggs, which hatch into sac fry, which lie on the bottom, absorbing nutrients from an exterior yolk. These then develop a mouth and swim up into suspension. The McDonalds feed these a “milkshake” of ground up beef liver. Between February and April you can arrange to come and see the life cycle of the fish.
To grow from small fish to large ones, the fish need food, protection from predators, good genetics and age. Selective breeding yields the best fish. 25” trout are at least 7 years old, and not every fish can grow to this.
Commercial fishing trawlers waste a lot of fish. From their “waste fish” a paste is made which is 45% protein and high in fat. It is converted into different size pellets for different size fish.
Predators include birds of prey, mink, raccoon, bobcat, river otter and trespassers. Bears steal fish food. Elk may wallow in holding ponds, causing the fish to panic and smother.
They have one full-time employee, Danny Schoonover, who maintains the stream as well as supervising production.
Moore’s Run Fish & Game Preserve maintains 2 miles of stream for catch and release fly-fishing. Those fishing the stream must pinch the barb off their hooks to prevent injuries to fish and to people. They do need a fishing license.
The preserve offers guiding services although most customers are technically strong flyfishers.
People love the beauty of Potter County. They come to the Preserve for privacy and exclusivity. They have the stream to themselves and have the opportunity to catch big fish, which have been able to grow there under favorable conditions in pristine water. Many customers fly in or drive many hours, coming from as far as California and Texas. They patronize local B & B’s, motels, and restaurants, so there is trickle-down revenue to the community.
This is the 17th year Moores Run Fish and Game Preserve have hosted the Healing Waters program for Veterans. They also welcome local high school and conservation school programs.
Thank you Maureen and Tom McDonald for speaking before Coudersport Rotary Club.
Joann R. BIROSH, 79, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Roulette, PA

Joann R. BIROSH, 79, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Roulette, died Thursday, June 26, 2025 in her daughter’s home in Shinglehouse. Born June 29, 1945, in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter of Leonard F. and Minnie M. Sherwood Jankowski. On September 11, 1965, in Roulette, she married Kenneth G. Birosh, who predeceased her on August 25, 2018.
A 1964 graduate of Southside High School in Elmira, NY, she was employed by St. Gobain Container Co. in Port Allegany. Joann was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle in Coudersport. She loved to crochet and excelled in flower arranging.
Mark E. Kline, 85, of 39 Jerome Avenue, Bradford, PA.

Mark E. Kline, 85, of 39 Jerome Avenue, Bradford, passed away, Friday, June 27, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born September 8, 1939, in Bradford, he was the son of Ruth Kline. He was a 1959 graduate from Bradford High School.
On June 11, 1960, Mark married Joyce E. (Shipman) Kline, at the Abundant Life Assembly of God.
Mark was employed at Pittsburgh Allied Van Lines and Erie Allied Van Lines. He also was employed at E.W. Bissett for 30 years and was employed by NBS Trucking as a truck driver before retiring.
Master Watershed Steward Summer Program

Do you know someone who wants to become a Master Watershed Steward, but doesn’t have the time to meet in person? Penn State Extension is introducing an online training course for those who may fit this description. The course consists of pre-recordings, quizzes, and optional extras for those who cannot attend the weekly spring training.
What is the Master Watershed Steward Program? Travis Wingard, the Master Watershed Steward coordinator for PA Wilds, describes the program in detail.
“The Master Watershed Steward (MWS) program brings local volunteers, state-wide resources, and world-class science together to help protect and restore what makes the PA Wilds so special- clean water, healthy forests, and conservation-empowered rural communities.” Wingard states.
Revitalize Potter County upcoming community meetings
The Potter County Planning Department is hitting the road as part of the Revitalize Potter County initiative—and we want to hear from you! We’re co-planning for future community and economic development projects across the county, and your ideas will help shape what comes next.
As part of this effort, we’re hosting Community Feedback Meetings in eight towns, starting with Genesee (July 7), Roulette (July 8), and Germania (July 9), all 6-8pm. These meetings are designed to be hands-on, energizing, and full of great conversation—plus we’re bringing dinner.
This is your chance to share what you love about your community, what needs attention, and what you’d like to see built, supported, or improved. Everyone is welcome—bring your kids, your neighbors, and your best ideas.
RSVP here so we can plan for food and send you a reminder: https://forms.gle/z5z3pmwq24hd9ziX9

MISS MONTOURSVILLE IS CROWNED THE 2025 PENNSYLVANIA STATE LAUREL QUEEN
MISS COMMODORE PERRY IS FIRST RUNNER-UP AND MISS CONGENIALITY AND MISS MILLVILLE IS SECOND RUNNER-UP FROM 10 SEMIFINALISTS
“I couldn’t be more surprised,” said Miss Alice Ravert, the newly crowned 2025 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen, daughter of Susan and John Ravert of Montoursville, Lycoming County.
Work Continues Next Week on Continental Boulevard near Danville, Montour County

Night Work Continues Next Week on Continental Boulevard near Danville, Montour County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement and roadway resurfacing project continues next week with night work on Continental Boulevard (Route 54) in Derry and Valley townships, Montour County.
Route 54 Resurfacing
- Starting on Sunday, June 29, 2025, the contractor HRI, Inc., will begin milling the existing roadway on Continental Boulevard (Route 54) between Route 642 in Valley Township and Route 254 in Derry Township near the village of Mausdale.
- Placement of new pavement is scheduled to begin later in the week.
- Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed.
- Work will be performed Sundays through Thursdays, between the hours of 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, weather permitting.
Bridge Replacement
- Mill Road and Hillside Drive remain closed while the contractor continues work on the bridge replacement at the intersection of Continental Boulevard (Route 54) and Stecker Mill Road (Route 3006).
- A detour using Narehood Road (Route 3003), Broadway Road (Route 254), and Continental Boulevard (Route 54) is in place.
- The contractor is placing backfill around the new culvert in preparation to reconstruct the roadway.
- The speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.
There will be no work performed on this project between Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM through Monday, July 7, 2025, at 7:00 AM.
HRI, Inc. is the prime contractor for this $5.5 million bridge replacement and roadway resurfacing project. Work includes replacement of the existing bridge that carries Route 54 over Stony Brook with a box culvert and minor roadway repairs near the bridge. Additional work includes the mill and resurface of 5.6 miles of Route 54 between Route 254 in Derry Township and Valley Road (Route 3008) in Valley Township and 0.6 mile of Route 54 between Valley Road and the Roadside Rest Area in Valley Township. Work on this project is anticipated to be completed in December 2025.
Beverly K. Grady, 86, of Warren, PA.

Beverly K. Grady, 86, of Warren, PA., died Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, at Kinzua Healthcare, Warren, PA., after an illness of the past 4 years. She was born January 9, 1939, in Kane, PA. Beverly was the daughter of Edward R. and Dorothy A. Sandberg Koza, Jr.
She has resided in Warren, PA., since 1958. Beverly was a graduate of Kane High School. She was employed with the law offices of Mervine, Calderwood and Hammond, as a stenographer, working for 50 years. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was the church landscape gardener. She loved gardening.
Eva J. Wilson Meisel, 72, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Emporium and Betula, PA

Eva J. Wilson Meisel, 72, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Emporium and Betula, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday (June 27, 2025) at Transitions Healthcare in Washington, PA with her loving family and dear friends continually by her side, after a long and truly courageous battle with multiple system atrophy.
Born January 6, 1953, in Driftwood, PA, Eva was the daughter of the late Mila Wilson. She graduated from Cameron County High School with the Class of 1970. On December 22, 2001, in Ireland a place as vibrant and spirited as she was she married the love of her life, the late William “Bill” Meisel.
Route 220 Resurfacing and Embankment Stabilization Project Continues in Lycoming County

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a roadway resurfacing and embankment stabilization project continues on Route 220 in Picture Rocks Borough and Shrewsberry Township, Lycoming County.
The week of Monday, June 30, 2025, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., will continue making slope and roadway repairs. Work will be performed during daylight hours.
Traffic Impacts
- Temporary traffic signals have been placed on Route 220 between Deer Lake Road (Route 2083) and Barto Hollow Road.
- The temporary traffic signals are currently in flash mode.
- (NEW) The week of Monday, June 30, the temporary traffic signals will be placed in full operation mode.
- Motorists can expect long-term single lane conditions through the fall 2025.
- A 10-foot width restriction is currently in place.
PennDOT, Safety Partners Highlight Fourth of July Impaired Driving Campaign

Montoursville, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Highway Safety Network, and the Bloomsburg Police Department met today at Bloomsburg Town Park in Bloomsburg, Columbia County to remind park goers the importance of having a sober driver ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.


















