Donald C. Monroe, 96, a longtime resident of Ceres
Donald C. Monroe “beloved grandfather”
Donald C. Monroe, 96, a longtime resident of Ceres, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Born on Thursday, August 8, 1929 in Rixford, he was a son of Royal Clifford and Mary Harmon Monroe. On August 20, 1950 in the Ceres United Methodist Church, he married Dolores D. Mix, who passed away on March 27, 2014.
He attended Bolivar Central School. Don was employed for many years at the former Ethan Allen Furniture Company in Eldred until his retirement.
Esther Ruth Ray, 87
Esther Ruth Ray
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Esther Ruth Ray, 87 yrs old, passed away on 11/4/2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport PA, after a long illness.
Esther was born on August 22, 1938 to Mabel and Melford Donaldson, in Meadville PA. She was the youngest of 4 children. She spent her early years on a dairy farm until the family moved into Linesville Boro, and attended Linesville First Baptist Church. She graduated from Linesville/Conneaut /Summit High School. She worked as a counselor at Camp Judson during summers as a teenager. She really enjoyed Home-Economics Class, as she hoped to someday be a homemaker and mother, and she loved going to the Farm Show in Harrisburg with her classmates every year.
Oswayo Valley Jr./Sr. High School Honor Roll Announced
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA. Mr. Erich Zaun, Principal, has announced that the following students, grades six through twelve, have been named to the Honor Roll for the first nine-week grading period at the Oswayo Valley Jr./Sr. High School. Students named to the High Honor Roll have maintained an average of 93% or above, while those on the Honor Roll have averaged 87% or above.
HIGH HONOR ROLL
GRADE 12: Jude Colbey, Lucas Dickerson, KayLynn George, Luke Karr, Trevor Miller, Soi Sang Nguyen, Kole Parrish, Rachel Rathbun, Mia Shaffer, Wynter Turek
GRADE 11: Ella Bee, Travis Coriaty, Payton Danforth, Sage McCleaft, Aubrey Resig, Dana Williams, Jenna Wylie
GRADE 10: Evalyn Abdo, Amberdale Burks, Olivia Fetzer, Makiah Jandrew, Jessica Pitts, Ella Resig, Bowen Taylor, Reese Thompson
GRADE 9: Olivia Metcalf, Camdyn Shaffer, Lane West
GRADE 8: Jonathan Aumiller, Mackenna Evingham, Sharlotte Tucker
GRADE 7: Ayce Geiger, Lela Thompson
GRADE 6: Troy Allen, Willow Vincent
HONOR ROLL
GRADE 12: Braiden Bachand, Isaiah Goode, Ridge Mesler, Zachary Pitts, Lachlan Tabacheck, Cherie Wallace
GRADE 11: Elizabeth Freeman
GRADE 10: Callie Bachand, Colden Bryant, Kaitlynn Costello, Pheniox Klein, Michael Oharold, Rhylie Stannard, Ainsley Tabacheck, Leelynn Welch, Layla Willow
GRADE 9: Simon Dickerson, Joshua Hoffman, Noah Robison, Loghyn Willow
GRADE 8: Landon Austin, Mason Babcock, Eric Barnhart, Conor Clarke, Mason Dailey, Jolene Fisher, Miriam Hoffman, Maddeline Kiendl, Dawson Perrin, Malachi Shaffer, Savanah Shreckengost
GRADE 7: Amethyst Allen, Emma Bryant, Evelynne Knowlton, Hailey Payne, Riley Rea-Marshall, Bentley Sisson, Alexis Taylor, Joseph Welch
GRADE 6: Brackson Bachand, Eva Colbey, Charlie Costello, Ariyanna Knowlton, Sara Taylor, Raegan Thompson
Total Economic Impact Of Tourism In The PA Wilds Reaches $3.29 Billion In 2024
Visitors spend record-breaking $2.1 billion in PA Wilds in 2024
Every county in region sees growth in visitor spending, taxes collected from tourism categories
Visitors spent a record-breaking $2.1 billion while visiting Pennsylvania Wilds in 2024, while the total economic impact of the visitor economy hit $3.29 billion for the region, according to the recently released Tourism Economics report.
The travel sector is an important piece of Pennsylvania’s economy. Each year, Tourism Economics releases a report in conjunction with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development to highlight key economic data for the Commonwealth and its eleven official Tourism Regions. According to the most recent report, 201.6 million visitors generated $83.9 billion in total economic impact in Pennsylvania in 2024.
Bessie I. Buckingham, 90, of Austin
Bessie I. Buckingham “beloved and loving wife, mother, and grandmother”
AUSTIN, PA—Bessie I. Buckingham, 90, a longtime resident of Austin, passed away with her loving family by her side in her home on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born on Sunday, April 28, 1935 in Laceyville, PA, she was a daughter of Claude F. and Anna Price Decker. On February 21, 1953 in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, she married Robert G. “Bob” Buckingham, who survives.
Hello Solomon’s Readers!
We’d love to share some of your photos this Thanksgiving and Christmas season on our Blog. 
Do you have a picture you’d like to share, maybe your home’s outdoor decorations or last year’s Thanksgiving dinner table? If so please send your photos (JPEG files preferred) to us through our email address. You’ll find our address on the left sidebar. We can’t wait to see your festive photos and share some community cheer!
Please note: By submitting a photo, you grant Solomon’s Words for the Wise permission to publish it on our website or social media. Submission does not guarantee publication, and no compensation will be provided.
Donald C. Monroe, 96, A Longtime Resident Of Ceres
CERES, PA—Donald C. Monroe, 96, a longtime resident of Ceres, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Friends are invited to attend Donald’s funeral at 2pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials in Donald’s name may be made to the Ceres United Methodist Church, 9287 School Street, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
A complete obituary will follow.
Donald’s grandson entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Donald, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Flood Damage Repair Project Begins Tomorrow on Route 220 in Davidson Township, Sullivan County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a flood damage repair project will begin tomorrow on Route 220 in Davidson Township, Sullivan County.
Between Friday, November 7, 2025 and mid-December 2025, the contractor, Mitchell Knorr Contracting, Inc., will begin repair work between Fairman Road (Route 3003) and approximately a half mile south of Gavitt Road (T-320). Work includes removing trees, clearing debris, and repairing rock line ditches throughout the project area. Additional work includes replacing damaged pipes on Main Street (Route 2002) in Sonestown. Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging during daylight hours where work is being performed.
BRMC, OGH Star Award Winners Announced
BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are proud to announce the winners of the 2025 November Star Awards. This month’s BRMC and OGH recipients were Danielle Wilcox and Alyssa Richardson, RN, respectively.
Danielle Wilcox, a patient service representative in the Bradford primary care office, joined BRMC in 2024 and was recognized as the November Star Award recipient.
Joseph P. “Butchy” Cherry, 84, of St. Marys, Formerly of, Johnsonburg
Joseph P. “Butchy” Cherry, 84, of 455 West Mill Street, St. Marys, and formerly of Third Avenue, Johnsonburg, passed away Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2025, at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, following a lengthy illness. He was born July 4, 1941, in Johnsonburg, a son to the late Anthony J. “Toe” and Emily Papa Cherry.
UPMC Cole to Host Virtual Annual Public Meeting
Media are invited to join leadership from UPMC Cole as they share wins, provide a recap of 2024, offer updates, and discuss UPMC Cole’s plans for 2025.
Tentative Agenda:
- Call to Order/Welcome: Patrick Larsen, vice chair
- Invocation: Joyce Wilson, lead chaplain, UPMC in North Central Pa.
- Introduction of Board Nominees: Patrick Larsen, vice chair
- Board Nominees (3 Year Term):
- Netra Baker
- Michele Jack
- Erin Taylor
- Officer Nominees:
- Board Nominees (3 Year Term):
- Patrick Larsen – chair (2 Year Term)
- Matthew Splain – vice chair
- Joshua Costa – treasurer
- Dr. Mary Ann Rigas – Secretary (2 Year Term)
- Community Connection: Kari Kurtz, director, Community Relations, UPMC in North Central Pa.
- EMS Highlights: Tony Bixby, director, Prehospital Services, UPMC in North Central Pa., and chief, Susquehanna Regional EMS
- President’s Update: Ron Reynolds, president, UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro
- Adjournment: Patrick Larsen, vice chair
When: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 4 to 5 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams
Media can attend by calling 412-447-5295 and using this phone conference ID: 908 949 691#, or by using this link for Microsoft Teams. For more information, contact Tyler Wagner at wagnert4@upmc.edu.
Lorene P. Stinson, 81, Of Wellsboro, PA
Lorene P. STINSON, 81, of Wellsboro, PA, formerly of Westfield and Philadelphia, died Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre. Born June 25, 1944, Clarksburg, WV, she was the daughter of Patrick and Betty Robinson Perris. She was married to Edward F. Stinson, who predeceased her.
No Strings Attached At Coudersport High School
This year’s fall musical, No Strings Attached, is a modern retelling of the classic fairytale, Pinocchio. The story begins with Carl, who runs away from home and joins a traveling circus. Their puppeteer tells Carl the story of Pinocchio, and for the rest of the performance, we get to see the story as Carl imagines it.
Performances will be Friday, November 14 at 7:00pm, and Saturday, November 15 at 2:00pm. Admission is $7 adults and $5 students.
Marble Gathering Saturday
Susan K. MARBLE, 50, of Cross Fork, PA, formerly of Galeton and Ulysses, died Thursday, October 16, 2025. A gathering to celebrate Susan’s life will be held at the Harrison Township Community Building on Saturday, November 8, 2025 beginning at 1:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Shapiro Administration Celebrates Recent Opening of the New Route 14 Bridge
Lewis Township, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), along with local officials and industry partners celebrated the reopening of the Route 14 replacement bridge over Trout Run in Lewis Township, Lycoming County
In August 2024, the bridge that carried Route 14 over Trout Run was destroyed by flash flooding during Hurricane Debby. Less than a month later, a temporary roadway connecting Route 14 with Lycoming Creek Road was designed, constructed, and opened to traffic. By April, construction on the permanent bridge was underway. The bridge was open to traffic on October 28, 2025: just over a year after the flooding.
Ryan G. Benjamin, 44, of Smethport
Smethport – Ryan G. Benjamin, 44, of Smethport, passed away Wednesday (November 5, 2025) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 17, 1981 in Olean, NY, the son of Phillip “Cricky” and Donna M. (Rossi) Benjamin.
Mr. Benjamin was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1999 and attended Mansfield University.
Jeffrey G. Caswell, 69, Of Derrick City
Jeffrey G. Caswell, 69, of Derrick City, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Buffalo General Hospital.
Born October 6, 1956, in Salamanca NY, he was a son of the late Milford L. Caswell and Geraldine M. (Wolford) Caswell-Lauff. Jeff was a 1975 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
On November 1, 1980, he married Christine L. (Passmore) Caswell, who survives.
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.
JOIN THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING TAX TEAM
The Office for the Aging is looking for volunteers to help people with their tax returns. This is a great opportunity if you are looking for a way to help others in your community. You do not need prior experience, but if you like working with numbers, are comfortable using computers, have experience in filing your own tax returns, like working as a team, and have some free time during the months of January, February, March, and April, this may be a chance to use your skills and make a difference. You will receive free tax law training to help prepare basic tax forms. The training is in Belmont on January 12, 14, 16, 20, 21 & 23, 2026. Tax preparation is in Belmont starting in February through April 15 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program (TCE) offers free income tax assistance for low to moderate income Allegany County residents age 55 and over. Volunteer Tax Counselors are trained and certified to help with their federal and state tax returns. The Office for the Aging partners with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide the TCE program.
If you are interested in joining the team of TCE volunteers, or if you would like more
information, please call the Office for the Aging 585-268-9390 or toll-free 1-866-268-9390 and
ask for Karen.
Clark F. Pearson, 75, Of 122 Beech Road, St. Marys
Clark F. Pearson, 75, of 122 Beech Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully following a brief illness Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.
He was born July 30, 1950 in Oil City, son of the late George R. and Dorothy Fischer Pearson. He was a graduate of Cranberry High School, Class of 1968 and continued his education at Thiel College, where he graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Clark moved to St. Marys in 1977 to work with the St. Marys Ambulance Service and later with the County of Elk Juvenile Probation Department until his retirement.