PREREGISTER NOW FOR LAUREL FESTIVAL 10K; TWO-MILE FUN RUN/WALK IS ALSO ON JUNE 20
Saturday, June 20, the Laurel Festival 10K Foot Race will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the two-mile Fun Run/Walk at 9:05 a.m.
Registration, check-in and packet pickup will be at Packer Park on Queen Street in Wellsboro from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on race day. The entry fee for the 10K is $25 and for the Fun Run is $5. Race day registrants pay in cash or by check.
To preregister online now for the 10K, go to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.wellsboropa.com, click on the orange button in the 10K Foot Race banner or scroll down the page and click on the pdf icon to print the form.
Closure Of A Portion Of County Road #7 (North Shore) In The Town Of Cuba
Please be advised County Road #7 from State Route 305 to County Road 7 & 7D Intersection will be closed to traffic on Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13, to replace a culvert. The culvert is located roughly 0.3 miles east of the Intersection of CR #7 & CR #7D (near 9786 CR 7). There will not be an on-site detour, and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.
Terroristic Threats Arrest In Bradford
Chief Michael P. Ward of the City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Michael Schoonover following an incident on April 22, 2026. At approximately 4:50 p.m., City of Bradford Police responded to a report of threats made by Schoonover towards two female victims at 79 Lincoln Avenue.
Upon arrival, both victims alleged that Schoonover had made verbal threats, including threatening to kill one of the victims and claiming to possess a loaded gun with which he would shoot and kill the other. Officers located Schoonover a short distance from the scene, where he refused to cooperate with police, ignoring commands and yelling obscenities and racial slurs towards the officers.
Due to his non-compliance, officers were forced to physically apprehend Schoonover, using substantial force to subdue him. Schoonover was subsequently transported to the City of Bradford Police Department for booking.
Following arraignment by Magistrate Luther, he was remanded to McKean County Jail on $50,000 cash bail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For further information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.
Second Nature Brands Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Cashews, Pistachios, and Cherries in Keto Crunch Smart Mix
Second Nature Brands of Madison Heights, MI, is voluntarily recalling certain 10-ounce packages of SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIXTM because the product may contain undeclared cashews, pistachios, and cherries.
Individuals who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts, including cashews and pistachios, or to cherries, may be at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
The affected product was distributed nationwide in retail stores and through online orders.
The product comes in a 10-ounce pouch with UPC 077034013405. Affected pouches are marked with “Best if used by 2/12/2027” on the backside of pouch. Packages with other Best if used by dates are not affected.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.
Lisa B. McLaughlin, 65, of Rochester Street, Bradford
Lisa B. McLaughlin, 65, of Rochester Street, Bradford, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Olean General Hospital.
Born July 28, 1960, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Edward F. and Phyllis (Crouse) Smith. She was a 1979 graduate of Bradford High School.
On June 16, 1979, in the Asbury United Methodist Church, she married Michael F. McLaughlin, who survives.
Lisa was employed at Ramsbottom and retired as a Residential Supervisor from Evergreen Elm after 25 years of service. Lisa helped establish the Special Olympics Bowling League and volunteered for many years. She took great pride in helping people most of all taking care of her residents and especially her family.
She was a member of Asbury Church, where she had sang for weddings, and was involved in and volunteered for many of the church activities. She also enjoyed going to bingo and being home playing games with children with her favorite being “Yahtzee”.
God Never Said That
Pastor B.J. Knefley
There are many things we attribute to God that He never said. One of my favorites is the idea that God wants you to be happy. But is that true? Does God want you happy? I suppose there are several reasons people believe God wants them happy, but not in the way you might think. For example, I have heard people say that God wanted them to be happy as a reason to leave their spouse and move in with someone else.
Let’s, for a moment, go with the idea that God wants us to be happy. What would that look like? Psalm 1:1-2 gives us a clear view of what happiness might look like through God’s eyes: “Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers, but they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.” My joy, i.e., happiness, comes from my relationship with God rather than from my relationship with others. In fact, following others will not bring me peace and joy but rather the complete opposite.
Ralph “Rocky” Henry Caldwell, age 90, Of Coudersport, PA
Ralph H. Caldwell “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Ralph “Rocky” Henry Caldwell, age 90, passed away on May 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on May 15, 1935, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, to William and Ruby Bradley Caldwell.
Following his graduation from high school in Coudersport, Ralph proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 1, 1952. He completed basic training in Sampson, New York, followed by technical training in Cheyenne, Wyoming. During his 20 years of service, Ralph was stationed in Japan, where he married his former wife, Alicia, and together they welcomed six children: Ruby, Justin “Chris”, twins David and Dean, Pattie, and Michael.
Ralph also served at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. for six years with a crypto clearance and later at the Finance Center in Denver, Colorado. He completed a one-year tour in Vietnam and received numerous medals and honors throughout his military career, including the Bronze Star. He retired from the United States Air Force on September 1, 1972, with the rank of Technical Sergeant.
While serving in Washington, D.C., Ralph also worked at Ralph’s Market. After relocating to Denver, he worked for many years at King Soopers, where he met the love of his life, Margaret Blake. Ralph and Margaret were married on December 16, 1979.
In 1981, Ralph and Margaret returned to his hometown of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, along with Margaret’s two children, Angela and Jason, whom Ralph lovingly adopted as his own. Together, Ralph and Margaret built a colorful and adventurous life filled with hard work, creativity, and deep love for one another. Over the years, they owned and operated several local businesses, including Caldwell’s Corner of Collectibles, Caldwell’s Office Products, and Rocky’s Pool Hall.
The couple later spent several years back in Colorado, where Ralph worked as a store manager for Edgewater Office Products, and later in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he managed the furniture department for Office Depot.
Ralph was a proud patriot who loved his country deeply and carried immense pride in his military service. He was known for being honest, strong-willed, hardworking, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. He never hesitated to speak his mind, stood firmly by his word, and loved with his whole heart.
One of Ralph’s proudest accomplishments was helping design and build the Coudersport Veterans Memorial Wall. He spent countless hours working alongside the Coudersport Historical Society, researching and compiling the names of local veterans and encouraging community members to contribute names from the Coudersport School District so they could be properly honored and remembered.
Ralph enjoyed antiques, bowling, refinishing furniture, and working alongside Margaret on home remodeling and design projects. Together, they shared a passion for restoring beauty in the things around them. He also took great pride in caring for his lawn and mowing the many acres of their home in Hebron Township.
Surviving, besides his beloved wife Margaret, are his children: Justin “Chris” (Patsy) Caldwell, Dean (Cheri) Caldwell, Mike Caldwell, Jason (Kasandra) Caldwell, Pattie (Elmer) Hamann, and Angela Caldwell; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ernie, Charlie, James “Odell”, William “Junior”, Herb, and Frank Caldwell; his sisters, Helen Walters and Geneva Runyan; his son, David Caldwell; his daughter, Ruby Wilgus; Ruby’s infant son, Michael O’Hara; and his granddaughter, Erica Rae Hamann.
Ralph will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his service to his country, his fierce loyalty, and the lasting impact he left on the community he loved so deeply.
Family and friends may gather from 1pm to 2pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Coudersport Gospel Tabernacle, 420 US 6, Coudersport where funeral services will follow at 2pm with his son, Associate Pastor Jason P. Caldwell of Fire on the Mountain Fellowship, Bradford, officiating. Burial will be in Eulalia Cemetery, Coudersport.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to UPMC Cole Home Health and Hospice, 102-108 S. Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915
Ralph entrusted his care 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 Ralph, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Mr. Lynn R. Lawton, 85, a lifelong resident of Bolivar
Mr. Lynn R. Lawton “beloved husband and father”
Mr. Lynn R. Lawton, 85, a lifelong resident of Bolivar, went to be with the Lord, in his home with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Born on Thursday, November 14, 1940 in the Town of Wirt, NY, he was a son of Raymond and Margaret Hosmer Lawton. On October 1, 1960 in Obi, he married Nada J. Burger, who survives.
Lynn attended school in Richburg and Bolivar. He was employed for many years by the former American Olean Tile in Olean.
Lynn was a member of Obi Community Church in Obi. He enjoyed hunting. His greatest love was his trust in the Lord. He cherished the time he spent with his beloved family. He loved his many cats and dogs throughout the years.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 65 years, Nada; a son, Jeffrey L. Lawton of Durham, NC; two nieces; and six nephews.
In addition to his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by a son, Gregory L. Lawton, who passed away on October 31, 2023; and a brother, Hugh Lawton.
Family and friends may gather from 11:30am to 1pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Obi Community Church, 1948 NY 305, Cuba, NY, where a celebration of Lynn’s life will follow at 1pm with Pastor David Cook, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lynn’s name may be made to Obi Community Church, 1948 NY 305, Cuba, NY 14727.
Lynn’s family 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 Lynn, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Pamela A. Ruppert, 67, of Coudersport, PA
Pamela A. Ruppert “celebration of life slated”
Family and friends may gather for a memorial visitation for Pamela A. Ruppert, 67, of Coudersport, from 11:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at God’s Country Ministries, 1237 E. Second Street, Coudersport, where a celebration of Pam’s life will follow at 12:30pm.
Pam passed away on April 22, 2026.
Pam’s family entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR McKEAN COUNTY YOUTH ART EXHIBITION
BRADFORD, Pa. — Pitt-Bradford Arts and Leadership McKean have announced updates to the upcoming “Why I Love McKean County” exhibition, part of local programming recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.
The exhibition will no longer be juried, allowing all submitted artwork that meets the guidelines to be included. The change is intended to expand access and ensure more young artists across McKean County can take part.
The registration deadline has also been extended to May 15, giving students, families and educators more time to submit work.
In addition, organizers announced new prize awards of up to $500, supported by local sponsors Allegheny Bradford Corp. and the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ravioli Pasta With Beef Sauce Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergens
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ravioli pasta products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The ravioli labeled as beef and burrata may actually contain shrimp filling in lobster sauce. The shrimp and lobster, known allergens (shellfish), are not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with shellfish allergies are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT
USDA Accepts Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Applications to Improve Access to Remote Education and Health Care in Rural Communities
(Washington, D.C., May 5, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites grant applications to improve access to remote education and health care in rural communities.
USDA is making approximately $27 million in funding available under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program.
This program funds distance learning and telemedicine equipment, including audio and video equipment, to improve access to educational and health care opportunities in rural communities. These funds will help digitally connect people to education, training and healthcare resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in remote parts of the country.
For example, DLT funding expands opportunities for:
- Students to participate in classes that may be in locations too far to access in person;
- Teachers to provide their expertise, trainings and educational services to students across the country; and
- Patients to seek specialized care and treatment from medical professionals without needing to leave their homes or
Eligible applicants include state and local governmental entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for-profit businesses.
Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than June 30, 2026. Additional program information is available on the DLT Program website. Interested applicants are encourage to contact their Telecom Program General Field Representative (GFR) and may submit questions using the Contact Us Form.
Read the full Stakeholder Announcement here.
FREE GOLDEN AFTERNOONS PROGRAM TO FEATURE RAY CORSE THIS COMING TUESDAY, MAY 12
The Deane Center’s free Golden Afternoons program for men and women ages 65 and older will feature Ray Corse of Sullivan Township playing his accordion this coming Tuesday, May 12, at 1 p.m. in the lobby at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Corse has been playing the accordion and singing since he was five years old.
Free light refreshments will be provided.
Corse plays 1900 to 1970s music, including polkas, country, and rock n’ roll songs such as “The House of the Rising Sun,” “Proud Mary,” “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” “Tear In My Beer,” “Love Letters in the Sand,” “Crazy,” and “Grandma’s Feather Bed,” a tune released by John Denver in 1974.
He will also perform some songs from the 1800s, like “When You and I Were Young Maggie.”
Corse also takes requests. “If I can whistle or hum a tune, I can usually play it. Everything I play is by ear,” he said.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP on the Deane Center’s website at deanecenter.com. For more information about Golden Afternoons, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220.