Eileen L. Mecca, 69, of Grove Street, Johnsonburg
Eileen L. Mecca, 69, of Grove Street, Johnsonburg, passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Penn Highlands Dubois following a very short illness.
She was born on January 14, 1957 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Raymond and Dolores Davis Cook.
Eileen was a 1975 graduate of Cameron County High School and worked at numerous powdered metal companies over the years. Eileen was a woman who found her greatest peace beneath open skies-whether tending to her garden, camping under the stars, or simply soaking in the beauty of the outdoors she loved so dearly. Her heart belonged to her family and to the many animals she adored, each one a reflection of her deep compassion.
Outspoken and spirited, she never hesitated to speak her mind, yet she carried a remarkable ability to see the good in everyone she met. Her quick wit and love of joking brought laughter to those around her, and she will be fondly remembered as “Boo-Boo Grandma,” a title she wore with pride and joy. She also cherished the memories of her time traveling with the carnival, a chapter of her life that spoke to her adventurous soul and love for the road. Her presence was vibrant, her love unwavering, and her memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and warmth she leaves behind.
She is survived by three children; Teresa (Jared) Elmquist of Wilcox, Carisa (Troy) Burke of Weedville, and Raymond (Lenaya) Kunes; of Brockport, and by her eight beloved grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her longtime companion, Terry Gabor of Johnsonburg, and by five siblings; Michael (Kathy) Cook of Somerset, Patty Bankovich of St. Marys, Victoria (Bill) Nussbaum of St. Marys, Anna Maria Farrell of Johnsonburg, and Laura Cook of St. Marys, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her daughter; Shannon Mecca in 2012.
Family and friends are warmly invited to gather together to share stories, laughter, and memories on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home from 4:00 until 6:00 PM with dinner following in Lynch-Green’s Friendship Hall.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Humane Society.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
‘Hacking College: A Parent’s Guide To Dual Enrollment’
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is offering two sessions virtually titled ‘Hacking College: A Parent’s Guide to Dual Enrollment’ in May. The sessions will explain to parents and students about the various benefits of dual enrollment at the College, including the perk that courses are free to all high schoolers across Pennsylvania from now through the Spring 2027 semester.
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OLEAN MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR DRUG CRIMES AND ASSAULT CHARGE COMMITTED IN MCKEAN COUNTY
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a former Olean resident charged with various drug crimes in Bradford has been sentenced to state prison for his crimes.
Shane RICE was charged by City of Bradford Police Officer Colby Keane in July following a report of a physical altercation at JJ’s Saloon on East Main Street. Witnesses reported that RICE entered the establishment with a club and hit a patron in the knee with the club. When apprehended by police after the assault, RICE was found to possess a large amount of methamphetamine as well as cocaine with the intent to deliver the substances.
Shortly after posting bail, RICE was found by Trooper Timothy Mix to possess methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop during which RICE was operating a vehicle without a license.
RICE was sentenced on crimes of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Felony); Simple Assault (Misdemeanor 2); Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor); Possession of Methamphetamine (Misdemeanor); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor); and summary violation. During a sentencing hearing held April 30th at the courthouse, RICE was sentenced by a judge to a period of incarceration in state prison for at least 2 years and up to 5 years. He is to have no contact with the victim of the assault and additional terms.
Jacqueline A. Rees, 78, of Smethport, PA
Jacqueline A. Rees, 78, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (April 28, 2026) at her home.
She was born February 27, 1948 in Olean, NY, the daughter of Robert and Joanne (Bell) Bradt. On May 8, 1971, in Eldred, PA, she married William D. Rees, who died February 4, 2026.
Jackie was a 1966 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School and attended St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Olean, NY, where she received her LPN, and then the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford where she received her RN.
Mrs. Rees was a Registered Nurse, employed by Sena Kean Manor of Smethport for 20 years, retiring in 2003.
She and her husband enjoyed boating on Chautauqua Lake with their family. Just recently, she received a Florence Nightingale pinning by UPMC Home Healthcare of Central PA & Family Hospice.
Jackie is survived by:
One son: William D. (Billi Jo) Rees, Jr. of Eldred
One daughter: Bobbi Jo (John) Morgan of Lawrenceburg, KY
Three grandchildren: Bailey Jaye Morgan, Karsen Joanne Rees and Mason William Rees
Four brothers: Gary (Lynn) Bell of Bothell, WA, Bob (Mary) Bradt of Eldred, Donald Bradt of Sacramento, CA and Ted (Linda) Bradt of Moncks Corner, SC
And several nieces and nephews
In addition to her parents and husband, Jackie was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Karley Anne Morgan.
In keeping with Jackie’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE, MAY 4, 2026
LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR A MAIL-IN
May 12, 2026
NOTICE OF ELECTION
Primary Election Day- May 19, 2026, 7AM to 8PM
HYBRID VOTING IN POTTER COUNTY
All voters in Potter County will be given the choice to mark a paper ballot or use the ES&S ExpressVote ballot marking device to mark their ballot. All voters will use the DS200 Precinct Scanner to cast their completed ballot.
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/voter-support/voting-system-demos/potter-county-voting-system
CANVAS & COMPUTATION NOTICE
May 22, 2026 at 9AM in the Front Conference Room of the Gunzburger Building
Equipment Operator/ Maintenance Worker Wanted
Harrison Township, Potter County is accepting applications for a laborer with mechanical talent for duties including the operation and repair of equipment, road maintenance, township property maintenance, and all tasks as assigned by the Supervisors or Roadmaster. Valid driver’s license required. CDL a plus. Applications are available at the Township Office, 205 E. Main Street, Harrison Valley, PA during regular office hours or by calling 814-334-5425. Applications accepted until position is filled. Salary based on experience $20-$25.00 per hour.
Evelyn L. “Penny” Neumann, 74, of Derrick Road, Bradford
Evelyn L. “Penny” Neumann, 74, of Derrick Road, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Olean General Hospital.
Penny was born in Greensburg, on December 3, 1951, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Clara (Gess) Ruble. She was a 1969 graduate of Greensburg-Salem High School in Greensburg
For nearly 53 years, she was married to Wolfgang Henry Neumann, who survives.
Shortly after high school Penny began a 47-year career at Behrenberg Glass Company where she retired in 2016, as the Plant Manager.
Surviving is her husband Henry, one son, Robert (Dee) Neumann, one granddaughter, Autumn Neumann, all of Bradford, and one brother, Robert D. Ruble, of Delmont, PA
Penny was preceded in death by her parents.
At Penny’s request services are private. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to No Feline Left Behind PO Box 783 Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences, if desired may be left at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Our Legacy Fund announces fourth grant cycle to support nonprofits
The Our Legacy Fund committee has announced the launch of its fourth grant cycle to support nonprofit organizations through strategic financial contributions. The fund’s mission is to foster social impact, advance equity, encourage sustainability and identify unmet needs within the community by partnering with nonprofits that demonstrate effective solutions to critical issues.
Applications will be accepted beginning May 1. This cycle offers up to $150,000 in total funding with individual grants of up to $10,000. The deadline to apply is May 29.The application process will be administered by the McKean County Community Foundation, a nonprofit grantmaking organization that works with donors to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. Grants are available to schools, municipalities, faith-based organizations and nonprofit 501 (c) (3) entities serving local communities.
Grant requests may be submitted online through the McKean County Community Foundation website at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org or through the Our Legacy Fund website at ourlegacyfund.hp@gmail.com. Community members who recognize a local need may contact the foundation at mccf@mckeancountyfoundation.org or the fund at ourlegacyfund.hp@gmail.com For additional information visit Our Legacy Fund on Facebook
North Central RPO Seeks Public Input On Transportation Projects
The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (NCPRPDC) and the Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO) announce a public comment period from May 1 through May 31, 2026, for the Draft FY 2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), including the Air Quality Conformity Report.
The TIP identifies priority transportation projects across the North Central Pennsylvania region. Documents are available for review at:
https://rpo.ncentral.com/our_work/federally_required_plans/tip/current_tip.php
A public meeting will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the NCPRPDC office, 49 Ridgmont Drive, Ridgway, PA, with a virtual option available.
For meeting access or additional information, contact NCPRPDC at (814) 773-3162. Requests for special assistance should be made at least five days in advance.
Public participation is encouraged.
If you have any questions or special needs, contact Amy Kessler at (814) 773-3162.
Severe Watches And Warnings For Roulette
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE From The National Weather Service State College PA
Issued: 1:42 AM EDT Thu Apr 30 2026
…FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 8 AM EDT FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Temperatures in the low to mid 30s will result in areas of frost.
* WHERE…Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, McKean, Potter, Somerset, and Warren Counties.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Clouds and a light west-northwest wind could limit frost coverage to some extent.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Take steps now to protect tender plants and vegetation.
For more information from the National Weather Service visit weather.gov/StateCollege
