ECCOTA and Remake Learning Days Invite Families to Free Basket Weaving Workshop
The Elk County Council on the Arts is teaming up with Remake Learning Days of Pennsylvania to offer a free, hands-on basket weaving class for families on Saturday, May 17, at 10:00am. This engaging workshop will be held at the ECCOTA gallery on Main Street in Ridgway and led by local artist Cathy Snyder.
Designed for families to participate together, the class offers a creative way to spend quality time while learning a traditional artform. Each participant will have the opportunity to weave their own basket.
Remake Learning Days is a nationwide festival that celebrates hands-on, innovative learning experiences for youth and families. Launched in 2016, RLD features thousands of free events hosted by schools, libraries, museums, parks, and other community organizations. These events are designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and collaboration among learners of all ages.
Mt. Jewett Memorial Library Endowment Match
Mt. Jewett Rotary – Mt. Jewett Library Endowment Matching Challenge
The Mt. Jewett Rotary Club is once again challenging the community to raise a total of $4,000 to support the Mt. Jewett Memorial Library’s Endowment Fund. The Rotary Club will match on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to $2,000 in contributions from the community to the Library’s Endowment Fund. This is your opportunity to double the impact of your donation. Just make your check payable to “Mt. Jewett Memorial Library” and drop it off at the Library or mail it to “MJML P.O. Box Y, Mt. Jewett, PA 16740.” Please write “matching challenge” in the memo line or attach a note.
The Mt. Jewett Memorial Library Endowment Fund is held in trust by Hamlin Bank and Trust Company under an endowment agreement that protects the principal of the fund in perpetuity and pays out the income to support the operations of the library.
Assault Arrest In Bradford
At approximately 1925 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a domestic dispute at 1 Orchard Place. Upon arrival, the female victim reported that the defendant, Angelo Mininni, had returned home intoxicated and engaged in a physical altercation with her, causing damage to property. During the altercation, Mininni struck the victim in the nose, resulting in bleeding and injury. The victim also reported being grabbed by the neck. Prior to police arrival, the defendant had fled the scene. A search of the area led officers to observe Mininni walking in private yards between Summer and Winter Streets. Mininni was apprehended when he became stuck in a fence. Upon arrest, officers determined Mininni to be intoxicated.
Mininni was taken to Magistrate Luther for arraignment, where a $50,000 bail was set. The defendant was unable to post bail and was remanded to McKean County Jail, where he will await preliminary hearings. Throughout the incident, Mininni displayed violent and threatening behavior toward officers.
**All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.** The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to serving and protecting our community. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out to local resources for support. **Remember, if you see something, say something.**
Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest In Bradford
On October 1, 2024, the City of Bradford Police Department received a report of a stolen motor vehicle from 15 Avenue B. Following a collaborative investigation with the New York State Police, it was discovered that the stolen vehicle was found burned in New York on October 2, 2024. Through joint efforts, it was determined that Kyle Nortum, along with a co-conspirator, stole the motor vehicle from Avenue B in the City of Bradford. A warrant was issued for Nortum’s arrest, and it was later learned that he was being held in Clarion County Jail. Nortum was extradited back to McKean County and arraigned by Magistrate Luther.
He was remanded to McKean County Jail on $50,000 bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. Nortum was additionally arraigned on a separate case as well related to a bicycle theft. Magistrate Luther set that bail at $10,000. The City of Bradford Police Department would like to thank the New York State Police for their assistance in this investigation. The department is committed to working with neighboring agencies to combat crime and bring those responsible to justice. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For further information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.
Ceres Township Meeting Minutes
MEETING MINUTES APRIL 17, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING OPEN BIDS
The April 17, 2025 meeting was called to order by AJ Plants, Chairman of Supervisors with three supervisors and Bradco representative in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
Bids for tractor with boom mower were opened. Bradco submitted multiple bids for several tractors ranging from $185,000.00 to $50,000. Steven Kontaxes presented bid for $35,500 for used 2010 5101 John Deere tractor with Tiger boom rotary mower. Motion to accept Bid for $35,500.
Support Local Healthcare at the UPMC Cole Gala – Saturday, May 3rd
Don’t miss this exciting night featuring the Kentucky Derby, casino games, a live auction, and chances to win cash prizes! This vital fundraiser will take place at the Coudersport Consistory on Saturday, May 3rd, beginning at 5:00 PM. Your attendance and generosity will directly benefit UPMC Cole, ensuring our community has access to the best possible care, close to home. Tickets are $50 and will include delicious hors d’oeuvres, refreshing beverages, and a night of fun for a great cause. A cash bar will also be available.
Get your tickets now and support UPMC Cole: Cole Foundation 2025 Gala
Don’t be afraid to embrace the spirit of the Kentucky Derby by dressing in your finest Derby attire. We look forward to an evening with you!
Dale E. Swaney, 75, of Warren, PA
Dale E. Swaney, 75, of Warren, PA., died Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025, at UPMC Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA., after a brief illness. Dale was born on July 11, 1949, in Meadville, PA.
He was the son of William J. and Georgianna Poux Swaney.
Smile Cookie Campaign to benefit OGH Maternity & Delivery Services
OLEAN, NY –Make a difference in your community and enjoy a tasty treat while doing so by purchasing a smile cookie from April 28 through May 4 at participating local Tim Hortons locations. Smile cookies purchased throughout the week will benefit Olean General Hospital (OGH) with 100% of the proceeds benefitting maternity and delivery services thanks to a partnership with Tim Hortons.
Individual Bird Dog Training Clinic to be Offered by the Ruffed Grouse Society and Rolfe Beagle Club on 5/17/25
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Bethany Ford of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) Upland Bird Hunt Chapter announces that a couple of slots are still open for the individual, one-on-one, bird dog training clinic on Saturday, May 17, at the Rolfe Beagle Club in Johnsonburg, Pa. This training clinic is for new bird dog handlers or experienced bird dog handlers that want additional help with training their dog. This training is an extension of the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter’s popular Future Hunter and Handlers’ Clinic. “We call this the Train the Trainer Clinic,” said Tom McPherson.
ART HEARY & SONS FURNITURE PRESENTS CHECK
Representatives accepting the donation on behalf of the St. Marys Area United Way included Jim Ryan, President; Doug Gaffey, Corporate Campaign Chair; Jason Gabler; and Leah Whitman.
PennDOT – District 3 News
PennDOT Asks Motorists to Watch for Slow-Moving Construction Vehicles
Montoursville, PA – During the warm months, The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) crews and contractors are involved in many projects throughout District 3-0, which includes: Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties.
While many projects involve work being done on interstates and other high-volume roadways, motorists should be aware that they may encounter work on less traveled roads in rural areas. Depending on the work involved, motorists may encounter slow-moving PennDOT work vehicles as well as changes in traffic patterns.
Motorists should be aware that they may encounter mowing, herbicide spraying and line painting vehicles at any time. Please give them plenty of room to operate. Remain alert, slow down and drive with caution in work zones.
BRMC and OGH Invite Community Members to Become Volunteers
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are highlighting the meaningful contributions of their volunteers and encouraging more community members to join their volunteer teams.
In 2024, OGH was supported by 40 dedicated volunteers who donated approximately 1,600 hours of their time, while BRMC’s 41 volunteers contributed an impressive 4,005 hours.
Both hospitals offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that allow individuals to make a difference in the lives of patients, families and hospital staff. Positions are available in areas such as the emergency department, gift shop, nutrition, office support, meals on wheels and more.
Leadership Elk Cameron Explores Economic Development, Environment, & Tourism
Front row L to R: Jessica O’Neill, Alex Fleming, Courtney Rieger, Shaylah Smith, Taylor Nelson, Missy Cheatle, Amanda Balon, Amanda Cook, Amy Goode, Danielle Charney, Tiffany Boschert.
The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on economic development, environment & tourism in April. The day started at Domtar in Johnsonburg with a tour of the facility. Participants learned about the history of the mill and its importance to the global economy and local conservation efforts. After Domtar, they traveled to St. Marys to tour Straub Brewery and hear about how the Brewery benefits many local businesses and is a main tourist destination for visitors to the region. The participants then enjoyed lunch in the Straub Taproom which was sponsored by Domtar. After lunch they headed to the Recycling Center where Bekki Titchner provided the group with some statistics about recycling. The recycling center tour was during open hours so the participants got to see first-hand all the hard work that the volunteers do. One participant stated, “I never knew how much went into recycling and how it really is its own business.”
Tracy Marie Seeley, 46, of Lewis Run, formerly of Limestone
Tracy Marie Seeley, 46, of Lewis Run, formerly of Limestone, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Olean General Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
COMMUNITY REPORT ON MEDICATION DROP BOXES
APRIL 26TH IS NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION TAKE BACK DAY
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the medication drop boxes located throughout McKean County continue to be used by residents every day of the year but, National Prescription Take Back Day is a good reminder we have them. Each quarter, the District Attorney’s Office provides a community report on the use of the boxes across the county. The County Detectives collect the unused medication that has been deposited and members of the Attorney General’s Office dispose of them.
The weight of the drugs collected from January 8, 2025 to April 1, 2025 (1st qtr. of 2025) at the various boxes were: Bradford City’s box located inside the police department: 31 lbs. Bradford Twp’s box located in the municipal building: 5 lbs. Sheriff’s Dept’s box located inside the jail: 18 lbs. Kane Borough’s box located in the municipal building: 14.5 lbs. PSP Lewis Run’s box located at the Lewis Run barracks: 10 lb. TOTAL: 78.5 lbs. was collected Prescription “Take Back” days that are held on various days in different communities are a great opportunity to get rid of unused medication.
We are fortunate here to have these boxes available every day at the above locations thanks to the generous donation of the boxes by the Pennsylvania District Attorneys’ Association and PA American Water Company. Please look in your cabinets for any unused medication and take it to the nearest box to keep it out of the hands of anyone other than the person to whom it was prescribed. If you suspect illegal drug activity, please contact the McKean County Drug Task Force at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or submit a tip to McKeanDA.org.
