The Black Forest Conservation Association Will Be Hosting A Women’s Handgun Safety Course
The Black Forest Conservation Association will be hosting a Women’s Handgun Safety Course from June 8th to 11th, 2026 at 6pm on the clubhouse grounds at 189 Back Road, Coudersport. This event is open to the public. No prior experience is required, and participants do not need to own a handgun. The cost is $100 per person, which includes ammunition and targets.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Stephanie Gerhart at (814)598-0720 for further information or to register. Limited spots are available!
McKean County CACMS Is Seeking A Family Advocate

The Children’s Advocacy Center of McKean County (CACMC) is seeking qualified candidates for the Family Advocate position. Reporting to the Director of the Center, the Family Advocate serves as the primary contact for children and non-offending caregivers, providing trauma-informed support, guidance, and resources throughout the investigative and healing process.
In addition to direct services, the Family Advocate contributes to community prevention efforts and maintains the organization’s social media presence to support outreach, education, and awareness.
Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Greeting and orientation of children and their families to the CACMC. Explain the CAC process, including forensic interviews, medical exams, and legal proceedings in a clear and compassionate manner.
- Provide crisis intervention, ongoing emotional support, and victim supportive counseling to children and non-offending caregivers.
- Connect families with appropriate community resources and make referrals for follow-up. Maintains regular follow-ups with families to ensure continued support and access to services.
- Keep families informed about the status of criminal proceedings and offer court advocacy, including accompaniment and preparation for legal proceedings when appropriate.
Education and experience qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience equal to a minimum of three (3) years working with child victims of abuse.
- A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with children and families, preferably in trauma-informed or advocacy settings. The successful candidate must have the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Interested applicants are invited to apply by completing a McKean County job application and submitting a resume. Please forward to: Michele Jubon, Director of Human Resources, McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749 or by emailing to: HR@mckeancountypa.gov. Applicants may also apply online at Indeed.com. We are an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.
Michael K. Raybuck, Jr., 47, Of Bradford

Michael K. Raybuck, Jr., 47, of East Main Street, Bradford, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Born February 18, 1979, he was a son of the late Michael K. Raybuck Sr. and Darla K. (Knowlton) Raybuck who survives.
Mike attended Bradford Area Schools and started working at Bob’s Auto Body at the age of 15. He later worked for Brown’s Otto Service Center and currently was an Autobody Technician for Dexter’s Service and Collision.
He loved riding anything with an engine, especially four wheeling. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and ice fishing.
In addition to his mother, Darla, he is survived by one daughter, Kaelyn Raybuck, two sons, Gunnar Raybuck and Hunter Raybuck, all of Bradford, one granddaughter Emmaline Mae Gallup, one sister Megan (Edward) Panighetti of Bradford, one brother, Thomas Raybuck, of Bradford, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mike was preceded in death by his father Michael K. Raybuck Sr. his paternal grandparents, Donald and Thomasine Raybuck, his maternal grandparents Charles C. Knowlton Sr. and Audrey Gilligan.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street, where at 6:00 pm funeral services will be held with Steve Jones, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Keystone Riders ATV/UTV Club P.O. Box 72, Rixford PA 16745.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
PennDOT to Activate STAMPP Crews Tuesday

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced it will activate its Systematic Technique to Analyze and Manage Pennsylvania’s Pavements (STAMPP) crews in District 2, which encompasses Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties, starting Tuesday, May 19.
STAMPP crews are two-person teams consisting of a driver and an evaluator that travel a roadway’s shoulder at 5-10 mph while completing manual distress surveys of the roads’ shoulder, guide rail, and drainage systems. In some instances, such as on roads with narrow shoulders, the team may survey portions of the road on foot after safely parking their vehicle.
Successful Individual Bird Dog Training Offered At Rolfe Beagle Club In NC PA


Johnsonburg, Pa.: Volunteers from the RGS Upland Bird Hunt Chapter, American Woodcock Society, Pheasants Forever, and the Rolfe Beagle Club put on an Individual, One-on-One Bird Dog Training Clinic on Sunday, 5/17, at the Rolfe Beagle Club, a premier dog training area in NC PA. Eight bird dog handlers were selected to attend this one-on-one program with experienced bird dog trainers. “We limit the attendees to only eight birddoggers so we can spend a solid two hours working on whatever the dog handler wants to work on,” said Bethany Ford, organizer of the training.
Alumna Creates Marianne Jacaszek Brown Scholarship

Initiative supports deserving students in completing their degree
BRADFORD, Pa. — Marianne Jacaszek Brown has created a new scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to ensure students have access to a high-quality education and the opportunity for a rewarding career. It will be awarded for the first time during the 2026/27 academic year.
“Pitt-Bradford had a huge impact on my personal and professional journey, and I am very proud to be in a position where I can assist others in achieving their dreams,” adds Brown, a 1984 business administration graduate.
After graduating from college, Brown moved to Florida and worked for many years in the banking industry. She retired as Vice President and Relationship Manager for Association Services at Truist and previously held leadership roles with BB&T and Regions Financial Corporations. Brown currently lives in St. Petersburg and remains connected with the Pitt-Bradford community, including serving remotely on the Alumni Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020.
“With my education and strong work ethic, I had a very successful professional career. In retirement, I have focused on giving back to the communities and institutions that supported me,” Brown says. “Pitt-Bradford is on the top of that list! It is a unique and special place where students can get the personal attention and support that is not always available at larger institutions. I want to make sure that incredible experience is available to all who want it.”
To learn more about creating a scholarship at Pitt-Bradford, contact the university’s Office of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement at 814-362-5091 or visit the giving page.
Centre County 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominees

[Bellefonte, PA] Each year the Centre County District Attorney’s Office receives nominations
from the public, law enforcement and government agencies of individuals to be recognized for
their exceptional work in law enforcement, above and beyond the call of duty. The nominees
represent a snapshot of the work that police do in our community every day. The nominees for
2025 are as follows:
Trooper Jonathan Hodges – Pennsylvania State Police
Trooper Jonathan Hodges of PSP’s Rockview Barracks transitioned into the criminal
investigations unit and quickly established himself as a dependable investigator on some of the
agency’s most complex and demanding cases. He is known for a steady work ethic and a
collaborative approach that strengthens coordination across units and agencies. Trooper Hodges
is particularly noted for his ability to engage with victims and witnesses in a way that builds trust
and supports accurate, thorough reporting of facts. His follow-through and attention to detail
have proven essential in moving difficult investigations forward. Across all assignments, he
consistently demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, and respect for those involved,
reflecting the standards expected of the award.
Detective Lisa Larkin – Bellefonte Police Department
Detective Lisa Larkin of Bellefonte is relatively new to her department, but has already made a
remarkable impact on the community through her investigative skills and dedication. She is
recognized for her ability to elevate those around her and her capacity to remain deliberate and
composed in unpredictable or high-pressure situations. Her work reflects a consistent balance of
fairness and determination, ensuring that each investigation is handled thoroughly and without
bias. Perhaps most significantly, she treats every individual she encounters with unwavering
dignity, compassion, and respect. Detective Larkin’s work on challenging and sensitive cases
routinely leads to productive outcomes grounded in thorough investigation, careful attention to
detail, and a deep understanding of the human consequences in each case.
Humane Society Officer Mark Rusnak
Humane Society Officer Mark Rusnak has demonstrated exceptional professionalism,
compassion, and dedication in the protection and welfare of animals within our community. As
the first individual to hold this position while also serving as a County Sheriff, Officer Rusnak
has taken on this additional responsibility with remarkable commitment and leadership. Through
tireless investigative work, strong community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to
humane treatment, Officer Rusnak has consistently gone above and beyond in carrying out the
mission of animal protection and public safety. He approaches every case with integrity and
empathy, earning the respect of colleagues, partner agencies, and the public alike.
Sergeant Elijah Vardzel – Patton Township Police Department
Sergeant Vardzel is nominated for his dedication and drive to ensure that projects affecting all of
Centre County, not just Patton Township, exist and are implemented. Sgt. Vardzel is part of the
Centre County Crash Reconstruction Team and has ensured that the team has proper training,
equipment and personnel to provide crash reconstruction services to local police agencies
throughout Centre County. He has also been instrumental in the beginning of the Centre County
Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. This taskforce will coordinate with the Delaware
County District Attorney’s Office, which receives tips from the federal government of child
pornography being transmitted to computers in Centre County. Although just beginning, this
taskforce will again ensure that local police agencies have information, support and tools to be
notified of these internet tips and subsequently investigate and prosecute those crimes.
BID NOTICE – Sealed Bids Are Being Received By The Roulette Township
Sealed bids are being received by the Roulette Township, Potter County, PA at PO Box 253,
Roulette, PA 16746-0253 or 80 Railroad Ave., Roulette, PA until 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 11th ,
2026 for each line item of the following:
More or less of the following aggregates:
1B – 200 Tons
PA2A – 300 Tons
AS2 Anti-skid – 400 Tons
All bids must be submitted on a State Bid Form provided by the Roulette Township and include
delivered price to the township building. To request a bid form, contact the township secretary
at (814) 544-7549, roulettwp@gmail.com, or at 80 Railroad Ave., Roulette, PA 16746. Office
hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All materials must be state approved. All deliveries will be at
the discretion of the Board of Supervisors.
Sealed bids should be marked “aggregate” and will be opened at the June 11th 2026, monthly meeting. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., at 80 Railroad Ave., Roulette, PA. The Board of Supervisors reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
OGH Celebrates 21 Nurse Residency Graduates In Third Cohort

OLEAN, NY – Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, celebrated the completion of the third cohort of the OGH nurse residency program. The year-long program celebrated the graduation of 21 nurses at a pinning ceremony held at the end of April.
The nurses that graduated from the residency program included Larissa Bailey, RN, Cailey Barnett, RN, Nicole Bennett, RN, Samantha Clarke, RN, Grace Derr, RN, Moriah Dick, RN, Nathan Douglas, RN, Brianna Fields, RN, Julia Grandinetti, RN, Abigail Hill, RN, Derek Hittle, RN, Sydney Kellogg, RN, Mindy Music, RN, Terra Nolan, RN, Morgan Putt, RN, Marcy Pomeyie, RN, Samantha Proctor, RN, Karsen Rees, RN, Rosemary Rodgers, RN, Nathaniel Vos, RN and Tonie Westlake, RN.
OGH launched the first nurse residency program 2023. This third cohort of 21 nurses started the residency program after being onboarded as a graduate nurse in 2025. The one-year program was created in effort to improve retention of nurses, create a sense of community through mentorship and develop a connection to resources throughout the organization, as well as support the new nurses to continue to be life-long learners as they prepare to earn their bachelor’s degree. The program provides the graduate nurses with monthly hands-on training in addition to each participant having to develop an evidence-based research project specific to a unit, department or hospital wide at OGH.
Prior to the pinning ceremony each group were able to present their evidence-based projects. There were ten evidence-based projects that was presented on various subjects relevant to OGH procedures and patient experiences.
“We are incredibly proud of our nurse residency graduates for their dedication and growth over the past year. Their hard work and resilience have been inspiring, and we’re confident they will continue to make a lasting impact in patient care,” said Jennifer Ruggles, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, OGH. “We are also proud to provide ongoing educational and clinical advancement opportunities that help our team members feel confident and supported in their roles. The future is bright, and we’re excited to see all they will accomplish.”
In 2025, OGH hired a record-number of 28 graduate nurses who started the program last summer. Nurse retention also saw a record high in 2025 with 85.8%. OGH continues to recruit nurses and graduate nurses to meet the goal of displacing high-cost agency staff throughout the organization and keep the heart of healthcare local.
“We’re committed to recruiting talented nurses who want to live, work and make a real difference in our community. By nurturing a supportive environment, we empower our nurses to thrive while delivering exceptional care to our patients.”
Caption: 2026 Nurse Residency graduate cohort pose together at the pinning ceremony in April at OGH.
Betty L. Knauer, 88, of Ulysses, PA

Betty L. KNAUER, 88, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Genesee, died Saturday, May 16, 2026. Born April 21, 1938, in Womelsdorf, she was the daughter of Clayton and Nora Berrington Sweitzer.
Betty was a homemaker who was most recently employed by Reed’s Market in Genesee. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, puzzles, and bingo.
Surviving are: nine children, George (Michele) Knauer, Jr. of Knoxville, Gary (Helen) Knauer of Sabinsville, Jeffrey Knauer of Harrison Valley, Randy (Julie) Knauer of Lititz, Donald (Shawn) Knauer of Wellsville, Michael (Melissa) Knauer of Westfield, Jane (Randy) Hillyard of Ulysses, Brian (Karen) Knauer of Seaford, DE, and Kathi (Thomas) Perry of Alfred, NY; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sandra (Michael) Levardi of Rehrersburg and Barbara Knauer of Port Allegany; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her companion of 28 years, Donnie J. Whitesell; a grandson, Barry Knauer; and 13 siblings. Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT

USDA is Now Accepting Applications for Rural Businesses and Community Development Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 18, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that it is making $27.7 million in grants available through the Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG). This program provides funding for business and community initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation.
Eligible applicants can include rural cooperatives, state government agencies, towns, and communities, nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized Tribes. Individuals and for-profit businesses or organizations are not eligible to apply.
Applications will compete in two separate categories:
- Business opportunity grants: May be used for business support centers, technology-based economic development, leadership and entrepreneur training, feasibility studies, business plans, long-term strategic planning, and other eligible activities.
- Business enterprise grants: May be used for training and technical assistance, project planning, business counseling, market research, feasibility studies, and product or service improvements, buying or developing land, easements, or rights of way, including access streets and parking areas, constructing or renovating buildings, and buying machinery and equipment, capitalizing revolving loan funds, and supporting rural business incubators and community economic development and other eligible activities.
Electronic applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. local time through Grants.gov on the due date. The Rural Business Development Grant Program has two different closing dates:
- June 15, 2026, only applies to Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) applications.
- June 30, 2026, applies to the remainder of the applicants. For more information on how to apply please visit on gov or contact your local USDA Rural Development office.













