SMETHPORT MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORN
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Smethport man who was confronted by a predator watch group has pled guilty to possessing child pornography. During a plea hearing held at the McKean County Courthouse on November 6th, Frederick RASZMANN pled guilty to Sexual Abuse of Children (commonly referred to as Child Pornography), a felony of the second degree.
RASZMANN admitted to possessing child pornography on his cell phone that was discovered through the investigation by Smethport Borough Police Officer Kevin Seipp as the facts were read into the record by the 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah DuFresne.
Through messages, RASZMANN communicated with a predator watch group, who then went to RASZMANN’S residence and subsequently called the police and provided them with the messages that led to the search of his phone. Specifically, RASZMANN admitted that he possessed 119 images and 5 videos of child pornography. As required by Pennsylvania law, RASZMANN was ordered to undergo an evaluation by the Sexual Offender Board who has 90 days to complete the evaluation. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 5th. 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah A. DuFresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Smethport Borough Police Officer Kevin Seipp led the investigation.
Thomas M. Conte, Sr., 78, Of Wellsboro
Thomas M. Conte, Sr., 78, of Wellsboro, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre. He was born on September 14, 1947, in Wellsboro, son of the late Peter and Catherine (Dickenson) Conte. He married the former Linda M. Johns on September 9, 1967, and celebrated over 58 years together.
Tom graduated from Wellsboro High School, Class of 1965, was a Navy veteran, and worked as a millwright for Corning Glass, GTE, and Osram Sylvania. Tom was of Roman Catholic faith and was a member of the Ossea Masonic Lodge, 317, Wellsboro. He enjoyed HAM radio, martial arts, hunting, fishing, telling stories, helping others, spending time with family and friends, and had an amazing sense of humor.
RJ Corman Railroad Closing New Washington Street on Tuesday
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced RJ Corman Railroad will close Route 3016 (Town Road) in Newburg Borough on Tuesday, November 18, to replace a railroad crossing. Replacing the crossing will improve rail infrastructure, ride quality, and enhance safety for motorists.
Shoulder Cutting Begins Next Week on I-180 in Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a roadway maintenance project begins next week on Interstate 180 between Basin Street (Exit 26) in the City of Williamsport and the Lycoming / Northumberland County line in Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming County.
A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crew will be shoulder cutting between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the following locations:
Carmen A. Alicea, Hinsdale
January 12, 1974 — November 5, 2025
Hinsdale- Carmen Alicea “Beloved Wife & Mother”
Carmen Alicea, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the Olean General Hospital.
Carmen was born January 12, 1974 in Brooklyn and was the daughter of Elias and Aida Retamar Alicea.
Paving on Route 26 Near Forest Avenue Set for Tomorrow
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that the contractor for its High-Speed Interchange project between Interstates 80 and 99 will pave on Route 26 near Forest Avenue tomorrow. This work is part of a project to enhance traffic safety by providing a direct connection between the two Interstates, making it unnecessary to travel along Route 26 to access them, which will relieve traffic congestion and realign service for local traffic.
Roadwork Planed Next Week on I-80 WB in Columbia County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised of a lane restriction next week on Interstate 80 westbound in Mifflin Township, Columbia County, for roadwork.
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM through Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 4:00 AM, the contractor, Roadsafe, will be resealing inroad sensors on Interstate 80 westbound near mile marker 245, located approximately a half mile west of the Luzerne / Columbia County line. Motorists can expect the right (driving) lane to be restricted.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution through the work zone.
Kenneth R. KOEHLER, 82, of Andover, NY
Kenneth R. KOEHLER, 82, of Andover, NY, died Tuesday, November 11, 2025 in his home with his family by his side. Born August 1, 1943, in Nyack, he was the son of Herman A. and Marie E. Mills Koehler. On January 29, 1966, in Andover, he married the former Karen L. Rosintoski, who survives.
A 1962 graduate of Greenwood Central School, he attended welding school in Williamsport, PA. He was a nuclear certified welder. Ken worked on high steel and water towers, then he was employed by Air Preheater in Wellsville from 1964 – 1980 as a production welder. A lifelong farmer, he owned and operated Koehler Farms with his family, raising award winning cattle. Ken loved to farm, hunt, especially with black powder rifles, read, and had a passion for Oliver tractors. He also loved his dogs, raising pure bred German Shepards for over 40 years with his wife.
Helen (Dartt) Davis Putnam, 104, of Wellsboro
Helen Dartt Davis Putnam
March 17, 1921 – November 12, 2025; age 104
Helen (Dartt) Davis Putnam, 104, of Wellsboro passed away peacefully at Leighton Place in Williamsport on November 12, 2025. Helen was born on March 17, 1921, in Wellsboro to the late Myron and Christine Dartt.
Helen was a lifelong resident of Wellsboro. She graduated from Wellsboro High School in 1939. She married William (Bill) F. Davis in 1946 at the First Presbyterian Church of Wellsboro. They were married for almost 30 years until his death in 1976. She then married George Putnam in 1993 and enjoyed 9 years of marriage until his death in 2002. She was also preceded in death by her younger siblings Dorothy Stevens, Ruth Horton, Richard Dartt, and Phyllis Sims.
Helen L. ORVIS, nee Coats, of Wellsville, NY
Helen L. ORVIS, nee Coats, of Wellsville, NY, passed away November 10, 2025. Born August 28, 1951, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Floyd and Clara Mae Vancuren Coats and was one of four siblings.
Helen was the loving wife of Raymond L. Orvis and was married on July 11, 1970. Raymond predeceased her on December 31, 2011. Surviving are: her sisters, Katherine Bowman of Oklahoma and Shirley (Dean) Skinner of South Carolina; a brother, James S. (Barbara) Coats of New Mexico; two daughters, Camille (Jeff) of Corona, CA and Anastasia of Rochester; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Jesse, and Ryan; and many cousins.
Galeton Chamber Makes Donations
Galeton Chamber Makes Donations – At the Galeton Area Chamber of Commerce’s regular November meeting, another donation to a local organization was made from the proceeds from the King of the Wing event which was held in May.
In the photo are Andy Macensky (L) – chairman of the Galeton Fireworks Committee, receiving the check for $1,000 from Steve Benna (R) – Chairman of the King of the Wing event. The 2026 King of the Wing is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026 – mark your calendar to attend the event and get some great wings! Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
STAGE FRIGHT & NINE GUEST MUSICIANS TO RECREATE THE BAND’S 1976 FAREWELL CONCERT ON FRIDAY, NOV. 28 AT THE DEANE CENTER
At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, Stage Fright will be joined by nine guest musicians to recreate The Last Waltz, the famous farewell concert given by the Canadian-American roots rock group The Band on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1976, 49 years ago.
This BYOB concert will be in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
FRIDAY, NOV. 14 DISCIPLE OF THE GARDEN TO PERFORM
This Friday, November 14th, Disciple of the Garden to perform the Grunge And Rock Songs of Chris Cornell, Soundgarden and Audioslave.
At 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 14 in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro, the five-member tribute band Disciple of The Garden will perform the 1990s grunge, hard rock hits, and select deep cuts made famous by Christopher John Boyle, better known by his stage name Chris Cornell, and two of the bands he founded and fronted, Soundgarden in 1984 and Audioslave in 2001.
With his unparalleled voice, poignant lyrics, and groundbreaking contributions to rock music, Cornell is a lasting legend. Last Saturday, Nov. 8, Soundgarden was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with the induction honoring both the band and its late frontman, Chris Cornell who passed away eight and a half years ago on May 18, 2017 at the age of 52.
UPMC and Community Partners Provide Warm Meals to Veterans
COUDERSPORT, Pa., Nov. 12, 2025 – UPMC Cole with the support of community partners, coordinated a free veteran’s recognition meal distribution on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Coudersport.
“Food insecurity is a real challenge in rural communities like ours,” said Kari Kurtz, director, Community Relations, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Hosting this veterans meal distribution is part of our ongoing commitment to support health and wellness beyond clinical care. Our veterans deserve more than a single event on Veterans Day; they deserve consistent care and gratitude. This is just one way we can say thank you and ensure they have what they need.”
Timothy J. “Timmy” Hetrick, 19, St. Marys, PA
Timothy J. “Timmy” Hetrick, 19, beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Indiana, PA.
He was born on December 28, 2005 in St. Marys, PA, a son of James C. and Stephanie A. Hetrick, who survive of St. Marys.
Timmy was a 2024 graduate of Elk County Catholic High School and was looking forward to becoming an apprentice and working alongside his dad at Dave Kronenwetter Electric. Timmy was just beginning to carve his own path and was known for his sweet disposition, sensitivity, and an unwavering ability to think of others first. He worked at Wildwoods Bar and Grill throughout high school, a job he enjoyed and made many friends. With much hard work and dedication, Timmy proudly received his Eagle Scout award.
Andrew Lee Deming, 89 of Blossburg
Andrew Lee Deming, 89 of Blossburg passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 11, 2025. He was born in Coudersport on 11/24/1935 to Elizabeth Hewitt Campbell and Howard Deming. Andy grew up in Tioga, being mainly raised by his paternal grandparents along with his brother John. He had the best childhood memories from fishing at their camp in Letonia to driving across country to Arizona. Andy and John were adventurous boys and quite a handful but Gramma Kate and Grampa Ernie Deming were up for the challenge.
Andy had a God-given artistic talent as well as being a contractor, building all his family’s homes and many for others as well.
Upon graduating from Williamson High School he joined the Air Force where he worked as Military Police, stationed in (RAF) West Drayton, England.
After proudly serving his country he moved to Tucson, AZ and joined the police force. Eventually, he moved back home to Blossburg where he worked as the Chief of Police. He was later employed as a superintendent for Mele Construction out of Dunmore, Pa.
Erik W. Hagan, of Barry Street, Olean
February 15, 1986 — November 10, 2025
Olean- Erik W. “Sweet Pea” Hagan
Erik W. Hagan of Barry Street, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025 at his home.
Erik was born February 15, 1986 in West Palm Beach, FL and was the son of Marion Barth.
Erik was a 2004 graduate of Hinsdale Centra School. He worked a number of jobs including as a carpenter and a roofer.
Erik enjoyed reading especially Stephen King books and was passionate about growing cannabis. But most of all he loved his daughter very much and spending time with her.
MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR STEALING VEHICLE IN BRADFORD
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford man has been sentenced to state prison for theft of a vehicle from a Bradford woman. Christopher SALONIS previously pled guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking (vehicle) -Felony of the third degree. 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne advised that court that, in June 2024, SALONIS fled from police in Tennessee who attempted to stop SALONIS in the stolen vehicle.
As he was trying to flee, SALONIS crashed, totaling the vehicle. SALONIS was then apprehended and taken into custody. SALONIS was extradited back to Pennsylvania. During a sentencing hearing at the courthouse today, a Judge sentenced SALONIS to at least 6 months to not more than 24 months in a state correctional facility to be served consecutive to another sentence he is serving at a state prison. SALONIS is not eligible for early parole.
PITT-BRADFORD STUDENTS STUDY McKEAN COUNTY WATER QUALITY
A pair of University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students spent their summer hiking the rivers and streams of McKean County — but it was more than recreation.
Madhav Ellini and Megan Lichner were working with Dr. Femi Oloye, assistant professor of chemistry, on a research project to measure metals in local waterways.
With summer dedicated to collecting samples, the students are now spending the fall testing their findings in the lab under Oloye’s guidance. Ellini, a pre-medicine student from Bradford, is also drafting a report for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, which awarded Oloye a $5,000 mini grant to fund the project. That support, along with funding from Pitt-Bradford’s Student Undergraduate Research Program, allowed both students to focus on research instead of taking other summer jobs.
Ross R. Hawn, Jr., 67, of Mansfield, PA
Ross R. Hawn, Jr., 67, of Mansfield, passed away Tuesday November 11, 2025 at home.
He was born September 7, 1958, in Trenton, NJ to Ross R. and Margaret (Nay) Hawn. He earned his associate’s degree, and built a 46 year career working maintenance at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro. On November 5, 1988, he married Mary Kay Danneker with whom he shared 37 years of marriage.
Diane M. Guthrie, 69, of 20 Main Street, Lewis Run, PA
Diane M. Guthrie, 69, of 20 Main Street, Lewis Run, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, after a brief stay at Bradford Manor.
Diane was born January 19, 1956, in Bradford, she was the only daughter of the late Robert K. and Lucille U. (Franco) Torrey.
Diane was a 1973 graduate of Bradford High School.
Diane had been employed at KOA Speer for 47 years.
Richard Lee “Rick” Graves, 56, of Bradford, PA
Richard Lee “Rick” Graves, 56, of Bradford, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his residence.
Rick was born in Bradford, on January 26, 1969, he was a son of Candice (Witchen) Graves, of Olean NY and the late Richard Taylor.
He was a 1987 graduate of Bradford High School.
For many years he worked in the local oil fields, and for the past 15 years he was employed in the maintenance department at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Patricia Edith (Shelley) Mayer, age 91
Patricia Edith (Shelley) Mayer, age 91, died Nov 9, 2025 at the home of her daughter in Canadohta Lake, PA.
A daughter of Ida Leet Shelley and Arthur Shelley. She was a lifetime resident of Pierce Brook and graduated from Smethport Area High School.
A very active person in the community, she was a charter member of the Smethport Ambulance Service, served on the board of directors as secretary, was an ambulance driver, EMT and EMT instructor. She was a disaster liaison for American Red Cross, serving in Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. She manned the EMS first booth at McKean county fair for 20+ years.
Judith R. Enis, 82, of Smethport, PA
Judith R. Enis, 82, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (November 11, 2025) at her home in Smethport.
She was born November 20, 1942 in San Diego, CA, the daughter of Joseph Hammond and Lois Elizabeth (Carter) James. On October 18, 1980, in Westline, PA, she married Edward W. Enis, who died April 19, 2006.
Seneca Highlands CTC’s “Student of the Week”
We are pleased to announce that the Seneca Highlands CTC Engineering student of the week is Julie Smith. Julie is a senior at Port Allegany Area High School, where she participates in track and field.
At the CTC she is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She consistently completes all of her work while displaying quiet leadership in the engineering shop. Julie also works part-time at Lakeview Rehabilitation Center.
After graduation, she plans to continue her education at Youngstown State University in the Pre-Med program to become an orthodontist.—
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin