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
Allegany Dems’ Holiday Silent Auction Fundraiser
Allegany Dems’ Holiday Silent Auction Fundraiser:
Bid Online through Nov. 24th
Belmont, NY — Dozens of items are up for auction, and you can bid from the comfort and convenience of your home or phone. Lucky winners will have their items in time for Thanksgiving.
Visit http://alleganydemocrats.betterworld.org/auctions/fall-2025-online-auction to bid on jewelry, clothing, memorabilia, gift certificates, pottery and art, lottery tickets, hand crafted items, experiences, food items, books, wine, and more.
Shop privately and securely from your phone or laptop. The auction software retains your information until bidding ends and the winner’s card is charged, and then all data is wiped from the server. What could be simpler!
Contact info@acdcny.org for more information.
Getting Past The Stink
Pastor B.J. Knefley
Do you know anyone who can walk through a yard sale or flea market, pick up what others see as junk, and turn it into something valuable? I know I have. I’ve been with family members who enjoy reselling other people’s junk, and I’ve watched them pick up something and resell it for much more than they paid. It’s not that I don’t notice it; I just see it differently. I call it getting past the stink.
I don’t care whether it’s people or things; we often pass by without noticing their value. With people, it’s their appearance or age that catches our eye. It’s about the context in which we see them. How we interpret their situation will influence how we respond. Sometimes, we struggle to look past their smell. But we must remember that one person’s smell might be another person’s treasure, and just because we don’t notice it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Causer Applauds Energy, Economic Improvements in PA Budget Deal
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) issued the following statement after voting “yes” to a series of bills making up the 2025-26 state budget package.
“When it comes to the state budget, it’s about much more than just numbers. It represents the state’s prioirities for the year ahead and beyond.
“This year’s budget finally removes roadblocks and puts policies in place that will allow our energy industry to reach its full potential. Pennsylvania has always been an energy powerhouse, but we’ve missed out on thousands of jobs and billions in economic growth in recent years because of slow permitting and the threat of higher costs associated with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This budget agreement sets new standards for permitting and permanently removes the state from RGGI.
Assault On Law Enforcement Arrest In Bradford
On the morning of October 30, 2025, officers responded to an incident at the Bradford Regional Medical Center involving a male subject later identified as Jeffery S. Stack, of Bradford. Upon contact, Stack became combative and actively resisted officers’ attempts to take him into custody.
After a brief struggle, Stack was safely secured and transported to the City of Bradford Police Department for processing. During transport and while in custody, Stack caused damage to a patrol vehicle and continued to act aggressively toward officers, making verbal threats of harm upon his eventual release.
Additionally, Stack assaulted two officers during the course of this incident. Stack was subsequently arraigned before District Magistrate Richard Luther, who set bail at $250,000 straight. Unable to post bail, Stack was remanded to the McKean County Jail.
Burglary And Assault Arrest In Bradford
On November 9, 2025, at approximately 0951 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a disturbance call at 27 Charlotte Avenue. Upon arrival, officers heard screams for help and witnessed a female, later identified as Breanna L. Wood, crawling out of an upstairs window on the roof.
Upon entering the residence, officers found an adult male victim who had been stabbed twice by Wood just moments prior. The victim was injured and bleeding. Officers immediately apprehended Wood and took her into custody for the alleged offense. The investigation revealed that Wood used a metal tool to stab the victim. The victim reported being in fear for his life, believing he would be killed by Wood’s actions.
Wood was transported to the City of Bradford Police Department and subsequently arraigned by Magistrate Luther. She was remanded to McKean County Jail on $50,000 cash bail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Carolyn Louise McMichael, 82, of Wellsboro
Carolyn Louise McMichael, 82, of Wellsboro, passed away November 7, 2025, at Esther’s House Center for Hospice, Elkhart, IN.
She was born December 20, 1942, in New Castle, the daughter of the late Arnold and Dorothy (Mahon) Berfield. Carol graduated from Galeton High School in 1960, where she was an active student, participating as a cheerleader and serving as Galeton’s candidate for the Laurel Festival Queen.
Daniel L. Chappell, 54, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, PA
Daniel L. Chappell “beloved brother and uncle”
Daniel L. Chappell, 54, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
Born on Sunday, July 11, 1971 in Olean, he was a son of Donald R. and Bonita A. Hemphill Chappell.
Daniel was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. He was previously employed at Walmart and Big Lots, both in Olean.
John J. Wilber, Sr., 88, a lifelong resident of Little Genesee
John J. Wilber Sr.
John J. Wilber, Sr., 88, a lifelong resident of Little Genesee, passed away in his home with his loving family by his side on Sunday, November 9, 2025, after a long illness.
In honoring John’s wishes, there will be no services or further obituary published.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 181, Belmont, NY 14813.
John’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements 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 John, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
William H. “Bill” Grandin, 87, a lifelong resident of Roulette, PA
William H. Grandin “beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle”
William H. “Bill” Grandin, 87, a lifelong resident of Roulette, passed away peacefully in his home with his loving family by his side, on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Born on Tuesday, November 21, 1937, in Roulette, he was the son of Major William and Beverly L. Palmeter Grandin. On September 14, 1957, in Newark, NY, he married Irma Molina, who passed away on May 12, 2018. Bill and Irma were married 60 years.
Bill was a graduate of Roulette High School, Class of 1955. He honorably served in the US Air Force.
Christopher M. PIAQUADIO, 72, of Galeton, PA
Christopher M. PIAQUADIO, 72, of Galeton, PA, formerly of Fort Walton Beach, FL, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
A gathering to celebrate Chris’s life will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Galeton Moose, 5 E. Main Street, Galeton, PA beginning at 1:00 PM.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Ronald C. “Newt” Newton, 81, Of Scio, NY
Ronald C. “Newt” NEWTON, 81, of Scio, NY, died Friday, November 7, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born April 13, 1944, in Portland, OR, he was the son of Leslie E. and Arlene Grinolds Newton.
A graduate of Scio Central School, he served in the US Air Force. Ron was employed as a truck driver by Southern Tier Express for 40 years. He was a member of the Coven Motorcycle Club and was a car enthusiast traveling the area for car shows and his car clubs. He also enjoyed hunting, tinkering on his cars, collecting guns, and telling stories.
Helen C. Monroe, 89, of Canandaigua, NY
Helen C. MONROE, 89, of Canandaigua, NY, formerly of Wellsville, passed peacefully Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Light Hill Comfort House, Canandaigua, surrounded by her loving family. Born March 24, 1936, in Silver Springs, she was the youngest daughter of George and Anne Grady Crichton.
Helen grew up in Wellsville and was a proud graduate of Immaculate Conception School and Wellsville High School (Class of 1953). Helen went on to attend and graduate from DuBois Business School in 1954. She was employed by Sinclair Oil and First Trust Union Bank where bank members would patiently wait in line for a chance to do some banking while chatting with her. She was welcoming to all and never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone.