Walter L. “Butch” Brunner, 86, of Grant Road, Ridgway, PA

Walter L. “Butch” Brunner, 86, of Grant Road, Ridgway, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born on March 16, 1938, in Ridgway, the son of the late Walter H. and Hattie States Brunner.
On April 12, 1958, he married the late Janice O’Connell, who preceded him in death in 2016.
Butch was a proud graduate of Ridgway High School and devoted many years of service to the Fairview Coal Company before transitioning into a role at Pro Process after his retirement. Butch was a lifelong enthusiast of fishing and hunting, cherished moments spent in Missouri pursuing his passion for the outdoors, and his adventures were often accompanied by his beloved dog, Hollie. He was also a proud member of Ridgway Boy Scout Troop 93, where he instilled values of leadership and community in younger generations. Butch notably participated in the woodman’s competition, showcasing his dedication to the skills he cherished.
Huge Turnout For The Potter County Snowmobile Association Vintage Oval Races.

We at the PCSA experienced a remarkable turnout on Saturday, February 22nd, for the Vintage Oval Races. The weather conditions were ideal. We were pleased to have a sizable audience watching from the fence. The group of individuals dedicated to preserving this sport are truly exceptional people on and off the race track.
We at the PCSA would like to thank everyone that help us pull off another great event.
Orginal Post HERE
Penn College Spotlight on Softball
Coming off the first back-to-back 30-win seasons in program history and being the defending United East Conference champion, the standard is high for the Pennsylvania College of Technology softball team.
“We look to have another successful year in the United East. Winning championships will always prove to be very difficult, but it will continually be our end goal. I expect to remain very competitive throughout conference play and be working toward returning to the NCAA tournament,” coach Angela Stackhouse said.
The Wildcats open their season opener at 1 p.m. on Saturday at first-time opponent Messiah University.
Penn College returns several veteran players who helped last year’s squad go 30-12 overall and 20-6 in all United East games (15-5 in the UE regular season), including junior catcher Lexi Snyder of Hegins, sophomore outfielder Grace Lorson of Jersey Shore, senior outfielder Madison Herriman of Danville and senior pitcher Mackenzie Weaver of Montoursville.
PENN STATE EXTENSION TO HOST PESTICIDE APPLICATOR EXAM ON MARCH 4TH
To become a certified pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania, passing a written exam is required. This exam will be offered at the Penn State Extension office, 1 North Main Street, Gunzburger Building, Coudersport on Tuesday, March 4th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Anyone interested in either a private applicator license or a commercial/public applicator license should:
- Register to take the exam at the PA Plants Certification Exam search page https://www.paplants.pa.gov/PesticideApplicator/ExamSearch.aspx or contact Jay Bagley at 717-731-2463.
- On the day of the exam, make sure you bring the following:
- Government issued photo identification, i.e., driver’s license or two other forms of identification, such as a government issued document with signature (social security card, green card) or a document with name and address (utility bill, tax statement, personal check).
- #2 pencil and paper
- Private applicator packet – (private applicators have open book exams. Exam proctors have the right to review and reject all materials brought into the exam.)
- A simple calculator for math questions – phones are not allowed in the exam room
- Payment (there is only a fee for commercial and public applicator exams)
- Business license numbers if business is currently licensed
For more information, please contact the Penn State Extension office at 814-274-8540 x 102.
Causer to Host Additional Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance Clinics
The annual Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics hosted by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) will continue during the week of March 3 with the following events:
- Bradford Senior Center, 60 Campus Drive, Bradford: Monday, March 3, 9-11 a.m.
- Oswayo Valley Senior Center, 128 Lyons St., Shinglehouse: Tuesday, March 4, 9-11 a.m.
- Austin Borough Office, 21 Turner St., Austin: Wednesday, March 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Coudersport Senior Center, 165 Route 6 West, Coudersport: Thursday, March 6, 10 a.m. to noon.
The service is free, and no appointment is required.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible residents 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older. This year’s income limit is $46,520 for both homeowners and renters; be sure to exclude 50% of Social Security or railroad retirement income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
To file for the rebate, residents must have the following documentation to allow claims to be processed:
- Renters will need a 2024 PA Rent Certificate, completed by their landlord, or statement from HUD office; 2024 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate.
- Homeowners will need proof of 2024 paid property taxes to their county, municipality and school district; 2024 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed.
Applicants who wish to receive their rebates through direct deposit should bring a check for account information. If not, paper checks will be mailed. Disbursements should begin after July 1.
Assistance is also available at Causer’s offices in Bradford (78 Main St., 814-362-4400), Coudersport (279 Route 6 West, Office 2, 814-274-9769) or Kane (54 Fraley St., 814-837-0880). Residents may also apply online at mypath.pa.gov.
Ann M. McAvoy, 104, of Warren, PA.

Ann McAvoy
Ann M. McAvoy, 104, of Warren, PA., died peacefully, Monday evening, February 24, 2025, at the Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA., after a long life, surrounded by her loving family.
Ann was born September 16, 1920, in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of Peter and Mamie Scalise Lucia. She was a 1937 graduate of Warren High School and attended 8 years at St. Joseph School. She was a graduate of Ora Jean Beauty Academy in Erie, PA. and owned and operated her own beauty salon. In 1952 she moved to Sheffield, PA., where she resided for 50 years. She also was employed with New Process Company, working nights before she went to beauty school. She loved spending her birthday with her children at the casino. Ann loved to bowl most her life and she was an avid crocheter and knitter for her children and grandchildren. She loved to play cards. Ann was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church. Prior to Ann’s stay at the Rouse, she was a resident of the Watson Memorial Home.
Ronald W. Johnson, 73, of Port Allegany, PA

Ronald W. Johnson, 73, of Port Allegany, passed away Saturday (February 22, 2025) at UPMC-Williamsport.
He was born April 19, 1951 in Port Allegany, the son of Roy and Wava (Strang) Johnson. On November 1, 1997, in Jamestown, NY, he married Deborah Finnemore, who survives.
Ron was a graduate of Port Allegany High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973.
Mr. Johnson was employed for over 30 years at originally known as Pierce Glass Co., now Ardagh Group of Port Allegany.
Penn College set for regional wrestling
The Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestling team takes six ranked matmen into this weekend’s NCAA Division III Region 2 Championship at Lycoming College. Matches begin at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
“I am pleased with how our regular season went. We battled some injury and sickness, as does any other team, but have come through on the other side and are set for a great run at regionals,” first-year coach Dalton Rohrbaugh said.
“The big highlight of our season was our first Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference title, which was won in dominating fashion with eight out of the 10 champions being from Penn College,” Rohrbaugh said of his squad’s 4-0 AMCC and 7-2 overall dual match season.
Robert “Bob” P. Metarko, 90, formerly of Wellsboro, PA

Robert “Bob” P. Metarko, 90, formerly of Wellsboro, died on Saturday, February 22, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was born June 22, 1934 in Blossburg, PA, a son of Pete and Anna (Wasil) Metarko. After graduating from Charleston Wellsboro Joint High School, he served in the U.S. Army and then graduated with both his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Engineering from Drexel University. Decades of employment at Honeywell were characterized by excellence and advancement. He served as Director of Engineering, providing international oversight and consulting.
Alyssa Young is the Student of the Week for the week of February 24th, 2025

Alyssa Young is the Student of the Week for the week of February 24th, 2025. She is participating in the afternoon session of the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Alyssa is a senior enrolled at Smethport Area High School. Upon graduation, Alyssa plans to attend Wilson College for a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Alyssa is currently working to gain her CDA, a national credentialing program sponsored by the Council for Professional Recognition. She plans on taking the CDA (Child Development Associate) in the next few months. She is volunteering in a clinical setting in the Port Allegany pre-K classroom to gain her required hours for her CDA. Alyssa enjoys working with the children, watching them grow academically, as well as watching them grow friendships with one another. She has been involved with the student committee at the Career and Technical Center as president in her first year. She was inducted into the National Technical Honors Society in the 2023-2024 school year.
We look forward to her efforts paying off as she strives to attain her Child Development Associate credential in the near future. Alyssa was chosen because her instructor, Kim Mooney, does not ever remember a time when she did not complete her work, failed to inform her about changes in the schedule, and did not organize and take care of items in the classroom. She is pleasant and has always been very personable and thoughtful of others. She extends herself and knowledge by taking dual enrollment classes and by being a SkillsUSA competitor.
Thomas H. Harbaugh, 83, of 955 West Washington Street, Bradford, PA

Thomas H. Harbaugh, 83, of 955 West Washington Street, Bradford, went to be with the Lord, Friday, February 21, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born October 9, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Roy A. and Anna Rachael (Kroah) Harbaugh. He was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School, and attended Green Lane Theology College.
On November 17, 1962, he married Kathryn L. (Bromley) Harbaugh, who survives.
Tom was employed at Hull Electric Company for 39 years. He held various positions in sales and at one time was the manager of the Warren store. He enjoyed woodworking and hunting. He was a member of Abundant Life Assembly of God Church.
Ralph Augustas Rose, 91, of Derrick City, PA

Ralph Augustas Rose, 91, of Derrick City, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather died on February 24, 2025 at his residence, with his four daughters by his side.
Born in Lewis Run on April 20, 1933, he was the son of Philip M. and Pauline Knapp Rose, Sr.
Ralph attended St. Bernard’s school and graduated from Bradford High School in 1952. He graduated in 1953 from Kimball Union Academy, a top private school in New England.
Ralph was married to Judith Oliver Rose on August 28, 1954 in St. Francis Church and enjoyed 63 years together. They started dating when they were in the 9th grade and met in typing class.
William James Cummiskey, 95, of East Aurora, NY

William James Cummiskey, 95, of East Aurora, NY, passed away, Wednesday February 19, 2025, at Veterans Hospital in Buffalo, NY.
Born March 2, 1929, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Francis “Frank” and Mary Ellen (Hogan) Cummiskey.
Bill was a 1947 graduate of St. Bernard High School and attended University of Tulsa, Canisius College and University at Buffalo.
On January 5, 1948, he enlisted into the United States Navy, he served in Korea on LSM 419, and was stationed at Destroyer Base, San Diego, CA, The battles he seved in during the Korean War, Inchon Landing 1950, Evacuation at Hungnam 1950 and First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951. He was honorably discharged on December 19, 1951.






















