Entrepreneur and cystic fibrosis survivor and advocate Bradley Poole, a 2016 graduate, will receive the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Alumni Award of Distinction during commencement exercises May 3.
Poole was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant. He learned early on that a focus on fitness and endurance could support improved physical and mental health as he dealt with what is currently an incurable, chronic illness. Today he uses that love of exercise to drive a thriving fitness center business while also raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cystic fibrosis research and treatment.
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford brought together scholarship donors and recipients Friday at its annual Donor Scholarship Luncheon, giving the two groups an opportunity to meet, share a meal, and hear one another’s stories firsthand.
The gathering celebrated a significant impact on students’ lives: so far during the 2025-26 academic year, 388 students have received $718,433 in donor scholarships, with the average award totaling $1,300.
The featured donor speaker was Melissa Walker, mother of Khalil “KJ” Walker, a Pitt-Bradford senior who died in a traffic accident shortly after Christmas in 2016. Walker set up an annual scholarship in her son’s memory in 2020 and addressed the assembled donors about what drove her to do so.
CERES. PA—-Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Linea M. Taylor, 81, of Ceres, at 11am on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, 120 W. Academy Street, Shinglehouse. Pastor Clint Pearsall will officiate.
Linea passed away on February 3, 2026.
Linea’s family entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, Funeral Director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
Crystal N. Welch “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter”
Crystal N. Welch, 57, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly after a short battle with cancer on Monday, March 30, 2026, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born on Sunday, March 16, 1969 in Newport Beach, California, she was a daughter of Howard L. and Barbara Dillard McCallon. On July 2, 2000 in Shinglehouse, she married Alvin N. Welch, Jr., who survives.
Crystal was employed for 25 years at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and UPMC Cole in Coudersport as a Pharmacy Technician. She was employed for a short time by Daniels Learning Center in Coudersport until becoming ill.
She enjoyed personalized crafting. Crystal’s greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Alvin; her mother, Barbara McCallon of California; five children, David (Jessica) Welch and Jeremy Welch, both of Shinglehouse, Brandon (Bridget Dowling) Welch of Port Allegany, Brianna (Travis) Wilson of Coudersport, and Michael Welch of Shinglehouse; fourteen grandchildren, Dawson, Leelynn, Braelie, Joseph, Natalie, Aaron, Oliver, Milo, John, Piper, Gracelyn, Attila, Shaunna, and Nikole; a sister, Lyra Clark of California; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends.
In addition to her father, Crystal was predeceased by a grandson, Wesley A. Welch.
There will be no public visitation. Crystal’s celebration of life will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Crystal’ name may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at www.give.bcrf.org
Crystal’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Crystal, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
April 2, 3, 4 – Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm. Thursday start day.
43 Chamberlain Ave. Bradford, PA 16701 – Do not block or park in driveways, do not block the road, please stay to one side.
Tools, furniture, beds, oak kitchen table, oak hutch, John Deere riding mower, woodworking tools & equipment, lots of hardware, vintage toys, pool table, yarn, sewing items, shelving, stands, clothes, canning items, kitchen items, lawn furniture, garden items, gas cans, power tools, clamps, Pyrex, Tupperware, push mower, hardwood, pressure washer, AC, games, decor, holiday items, records, radios, books, magazines, fishing items, hunting items, and much more.
On-site sale, we may not have time to respond to questions. Sale starts Thursday 4/2/26 and runs through Saturday. Please obey traffic laws and respect neighbors.
Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force with assistance by the City of Bradford Police Department executed a search warrant today at a residence on Euclid Avenue and arrested the occupant and charged him with numerous drug crimes.
Brian PARSONS of 39 Euclid Ave., Bradford, was charged with delivering cocaine throughout February and March. PARSONS is charged with five (5) counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance/Possession with Intent to Deliver (cocaine) – Felonies; five (5) counts Possession of a Controlled Substance; and four (4) counts of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility-Felony 3.
PARSONS is accused of delivering cocaine on four occasions in February and March of this year, including, March 30th, during an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the county.
The complaint alleges that, after PARSONS sold cocaine today while under surveillance of Detectives, Detectives executed a search warrant at his residence, which yielded additional cocaine, a scale with cocaine residue, sandwich baggies consistent with packaging material used to sell cocaine, and a large amount of US currency.
PARSONS was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David Engman who set bail at $125,000. PARSONS was remanded to the McKean County Jail being unable to post bail. He will appear for central court on April 9th. If you suspect illegal drug activity, please report it to the McKean County Drug Task Force by calling Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome, and Delaware Counties in effect from March 31, at 8:00 a.m. until April 1, at 8:00 p.m. Scattered showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain are possible in your area today and tomorrow.
During a flood, water levels and rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don’t know how deep the water is. Even when water recedes, the ground may be unstable.
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown!
NEVER drive through barricades.
Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle.
Stay out of floodwaters! Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris.
Continue monitoring updates to the forecast via local media or your nearest National Weather Service Office by visiting www.weather.gov and search for your zip code.
The Potter County Education Council serving Potter and McKean Counties has three openings for part-time Career and Vocational Mentor-Aides to serve within the following school districts: Galeton Area School District, Oswayo Valley School District and Smethport Area School District.
These part-time positions are available beginning the 2026-2027 school year (approximately 25 hours per week). It is anticipated that this will be a recurring position each school year (approximately 40 weeks each year). A job description may be reviewed at the Education Council Office at 5 Water Street in Coudersport, PA (814-274-4877) or by visiting our website www.pottercountyedcouncil.org.
Minimum high school diploma. Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Appropriate work experience with older children (Grades 3-12).
Knowledge or work experience in business or industry.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications desired.
Must have a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and safe driving history.
Interested applicants should send the following to the Potter County Education Council at 5 Water Street, PO Box 5, Coudersport, PA 16915 or via email to Dr. Michele Moore mmoore@pcedcouncil.org:
Resumé with cover letter
Three current (less than one-year old) letters of professional reference
Appropriate clearances including PA Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance, PA Act 34 Criminal Record Check, a current PA FBI Clearance (Education Versions)
A negative TB test result
The cover letter should be addressed to Dr. Michele Moore, Executive Director. You may be asked to complete an employment application upon review of your initial application materials. E.O.E.
Darlene M. McMahon, 74, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the Pavilion at BRMC.
She was born on December 24, 1951 in Brandy Camp; a daughter of the late, Lewis and Emma VanCuren Herbstritt.
Darlene enjoyed volunteering at Destinations, Bradford for the past several years.
She is survived by three daughters, Candy Sikes, Bobbi (Chris) Wixson and Tammy McMahon all of Bradford; one sister, Gloria Lupold of Bradford; one Brother, Glenn Herbstritt of Erie and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents; she was also preceded in death by one brother, Gary Herbstritt and her longtime companion, Bruce Haight.
At her request there will be no funeral services.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
On March 28th at approximately 10:00 a.m. The Olean Police Departments Criminal Unit assisted Cattaraugus County Probation regarding a report of a juvenile on probation that may have been in possession of firearms. As a term of the Juveniles probation, a search was conducted by Probation Officers of the Juveniles bedroom and as a result, a handgun, a rifle, over a pound of Psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana and ammunition were seized and turned over to the Street Crimes Unit who charged the Juvenile with the fYesterday at approximately 10:00 a.m.
The Olean Police Departments Criminal Unit assisted Cattaraugus County Probation regarding a report of a juvenile on probation that may have been in possession of firearms. As a term of the Juveniles probation, a search was conducted by Probation Officers of the Juveniles bedroom and as a result, a handgun, a rifle, over a pound of Psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana and ammunition were seized and turned over to the Street
Crimes Unit who charged the Juvenile with the following. Criminal possession of a controlled substance 2nd degree (A-2 Felony) Criminal possession of a weapon loaded firearm 2nd degree ( C Felony) Unlawful possession of a ammo feeding device 4 counts ( Violation) The arrested juvenile was turned over to Probation.
CARE to Host Free Screenings for Babies and Toddlers on April 13. McKean County Early Intervention will provide milestone checks and resources for families with children from birth to three at CARE for Children. CARE for Children and McKean County Early Intervention will host free developmental screenings for children from birth to age three on Monday, April 13, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, located at 723 East Main Street in Bradford. Attendees should use the Russell Boulevard parking lot and entrance.
The event is being held in recognition of the Week of the Young Child, an annual initiative that highlights the importance of early learning and development. By offering free screenings, CARE for Children and the Early Intervention program aim to support families in understanding their child’s development during these critical early years.
Smethport – Wayne A. Ladlee, Sr., 62, of Rew, passed away Saturday (March 28, 2026) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
He was born June 10, 1963 in Bradford, the son of William, Sr. and Doris (Hackett) Ladlee. On December 16, 2001, in the Philippines, he married Editha Ganal, who survives.
Wayne was a graduate of Smethport Area High School and worked at Keystone Powdered Metals of Lewis Run, PA.
He enjoyed building things from scratch and doing woodworking projects.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by:
Two sons: Wayne Ladlee, Jr. of Rochester, NY and Kyle Ladlee of Smethport
Stepson: Hanz Ganal
One granddaughter: Willa Abbey
Two brothers: William M. Ladlee, Jr. of Smethport and Todd Ladlee, Sr. of Mt. Jewett
Nephews: Ross Ladlee, Todd Ladlee, Jr., William Ladlee, III and Joshua Ladlee
Nieces: Laquietta Ladlee and Nickie Ladlee
In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by a sister, Kim E. Ladlee.
In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
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.
MANCHESTER – Timothy “Tim” Sheldon Quimby, 58, of Manchester, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 25, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving wife, children, brother, Chris, and sister-in-law, Amy, after a brief but brutal battle with small cell lung cancer.
Tim was born on Sunday September 24, 1967, to James Quimby and Jody Jaros. He joined the Air Force upon graduating from Coudersport High School in 1985. He proudly served for four years before joining the PA Air National Guard for two additional years.
After his honorable discharge, Tim fell in love with the open road, and began a lifelong career in the trucking industry both behind the wheel and within training and safety. He made his home with S&H Express. Known to many as “Trucking with Tim,” he embraced the adventure and independence of life on the road.
As an avid motorcycle rider from childhood, he combined his military service with that love and joined the Shiloh American Legion Riders where he became Road Captain. He organized and led both benefit and sightseeing rides across Pennsylvania including a ride for the NYCRPD as well as a trip to Potter County to share “the land that time forgot” with his fellow riders.
James J. “Jim” Assalone, 55, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully at his home on Friday, March 27, 2026.
He was born on April 16, 1970 in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late Cletus and Alice Kozel Assalone.
Jimmy was a graduate of the St. Marys Schools and was a man who found joy in the roar of an engine and the open road, whether behind the wheel of a car or astride his motorcycle. He loved spending time at the Elk County Cruisers car meets, where stories were shared as often as chrome was polished. Weekends often meant trips to the flea market, searching for hidden treasures, or the thrill of drag racing.
He also held a special place in his heart for Disney World, where he never missed a ride on Thunder Mountain, embracing every twist and turn with the same excitement he brought to life. Known for his quick wit and easy humor, he had a gift for making others laugh and smile, leaving every room a little lighter. He had a playful side too-loving Cruella de Vil and indulging in cotton candy whenever he could. He will be remembered for his laughter, his passions, and the smiles he brought to everyone fortunate enough to know him
Jim is survived by his two children; Seth Assalone of Conway, SC, and Ally Assalone of Kersey, and by his one beloved granddaughter; Vaeda. He is also survived by one brother; Larry Salone of DuBois, by several nieces and nephews, and by his longtime friend; Amy Peters of Ridgway.
Funeral Services for James J. Assalone will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Family and friends will be received at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 10:30 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Cruisers.
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
A Flood Watch has been issued for Oneida, Herkimer, Hamilton, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Erie, Genessee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties from March 31, at 8:00 a.m.until April 1, at 8:00 p.m.
During a flood, water levels and rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don’t know how deep the water is. Even when water recedes, the ground may be unstable.
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown!
NEVER drive through barricades.
Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle.
Stay out of floodwaters! Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris.
Debbie L. Kelly, 72, of Prospect Street, Bradford, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, at The Pavilion at BRMC.
Born in Bradford, on June 26, 1953, a daughter of the late Robert Ernest and then adopted by Glenn and Betty J. Brown. She was a 1971 graduate of Bradford High School.
In 1984 at the Grace Lutheran Church, she married Robert N. Kelly, who survives.
Debbie was employed for over 30 years at the Bradford Hospital where she worked in the Housekeeping Department, and prior to her retirement she worked as a Dietary Aide.
She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. She enjoyed assembling puzzles, coloring, taking walks, listening to music, shopping, and attending her church.
Surviving in addition to her husband Bob of 42 years, is one son, Rob Kelly, of Bradford, one grandson, Robbie Kelly, and one sister, Chris Brown, of Sheffield.
She was preceded in death by her biological parent and adoptive parents, and two brothers, Kirk Ernest, and Butch Brown.
Private service will be held at the convenience of the family with Rev. Barry J,. Keurulainen, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church officiating.
Port Allegany – Janice Stromberg, 81, of Port Allegany, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Saturday (March 28, 2026).
She was born on October 6, 1944 in Elkland, PA, the beloved daughter of the late Elmer and Lillian (Webster) Button. On October 11, 1986, she became the devoted wife of Earl Stromberg, who survives.
Janice graduated from Elkland High School and attended Mansfield University. She worked in Port Allegany at Meacham’s Hardware, Port Allegany Head Start and for more than twenty years with Nationwide Insurance.
Her favorite pastime was reading a book and spending many hours at the local library. She also had a passion for her dogs, especially Gracie. Janice enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She found joy in cooking for her family, making sure no one ever left her table hungry. Her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and togetherness, where laughter and love were always present. Janice will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to her family, and the love she so freely shared. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she held so dear. Janice was a member of the VFW Post #6391 Auxiliary in Port Allegany.