Sayre, PA — The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT) is excited to invite nonprofit organizations across the counties it serves to participate in NEPA Gives 2026, the region’s largest 24-hour online giving event. For the second year, CFTT is bringing this powerful day of generosity to Bradford, Potter, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania, providing local nonprofits with new opportunities to expand their reach and raise critical funds.
NEPA Gives unites nonprofits, businesses, and donors from across Northeastern Pennsylvania in a single day of giving that celebrates community impact and philanthropy. The 2026 event will take place from 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 4 through 7:00 PM on Friday, June 5, giving organizations 24 hours to rally supporters and inspire generosity.
Ruth Antoinette “Toni” YILEK, 85, of Germania, PA, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, with family and friends by her side. Known to many as “Nanny,” she was loved by generations of family, friends, and former students.
Born December 1, 1940, in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter of Harry and Theresa Straley Succowich. A graduate of Galeton Area High School, she earned an education degree from Mansfield State Teachers College.
On May 2, 1964, in Germania, she married John Yilek, and together they built a life centered around family, community, and service. Toni devoted her life to education, teaching in Cross Fork, Westfield, and ultimately retiring from the Galeton Area School District after more than 30 years of service.
To generations of students, she was affectionately known as everyone’s favorite third grade teacher, remembered for her kindness, spunk, and the enthusiasm she brought to her classroom. She was a member of St. Germain Catholic Church and the Germania Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, where she enjoyed being part of the community she loved so much.
BRADFORD, Pa. — As overall inflation remains stubbornly high and with energy prices in particular rising, businesses across Pennsylvania are increasingly investigating options to improve energy efficiency across the enterprise.
To assist in accelerating these efforts, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host an Energy Efficiency Workshop on Wednesday, March 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will provide valuable insights on current industry best practices, new technologies and strategies for improving energy efficiency across a variety of facility types and production operations. It is free and open to the public and will be held in the Duke Engineering Building on the Pitt-Bradford campus.
The workshop is being presented in partnership with three energy companies currently operating in Pennsylvania, First Energy, Willdan and CLEAResult. Experts from these firms as well as Pitt-Bradford will present technical discussions on energy economics, enhancing building efficiency and design and overall efforts to reduce energy use in various industries. There will also be an opportunity to network with leaders in the field and share ideas and opportunities for improvement.
The event is sponsored by The American Refining Group and the Harry Halloran Jr. Energy Institute at Pitt-Bradford. For more information or to register please contact Beth Rezaie at brezaie@pitt.edu. If attending, RSVP by March 16.
On March 10th Blossburg Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to 3857 River Rd. for. MVA with unknown vehicles unknown injuries this is an iPhone reported accident
Edward Kevin KOSA, 56, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, March 6, 2026 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. Born June 6, 1969, in Coudersport.
Born June 6, 1969, in Coudersport, he was the son of E. Gene and Nancy Goodwin Kosa. A 1987 graduate of Northern Potter High School, he served with the US Army from 1987 – 1991 during Desert Storm.
He was awarded the Southwest Asia Service medal with two bronze service stars. He owned and operated Freedom Farms and Ulysses Motors. Kevin was a member of Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 in Ulysses and the Potter County Honor Guard.
Surviving are: his parents, Gene and Nancy Kosa of Ulysses; significant other, Theresa Beardsley; two grandchildren, Zayden and Rylin; a brother, M. Joel (Darla) Kosa; sister-in-law, Carrine Kosa; nephews, Austin L. (Amber) Kosa, Tucker S. (Markaley) Kosa, Foster G. (Falyn) Kosa, and Wyatt (Mary) Kosa; a niece, Kourtnee (Austin) Burdick; six grandnieces and grandnephews, Kreed, Jaylee, Conway, Adalynn, Brewer, and Sutton; aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by a brother, Justin L. Kosa; his maternal grandparents, George and Gene Elizabeth Goodwin; and paternal grandparents, Edward and Helen Kosa.
Friends may call Friday, March 13, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at West Union Mennonite Church, 1347 County Route 84, Rexville, NY, where Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Ed Babcock and Rev. Robert Walters will co-officiate.
Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963, P.O. Box 236, Ulysses, PA 16948. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Congratulations to Milla Senna, who is the Student of the Week!
Milla is a senior at Port Allegany High School and in her third year in the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Upon graduation, Milla plans to attend college at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and pursue a career in nursing, with hopes of becoming a pediatrician, where she hopes to continue helping and caring for children.
Milla is currently working toward earning her Child Development Associate (CDA), a national credential sponsored by the Council for Professional Recognition. She plans to take the CDA exam within the next few months. To complete her required hours, Milla works and is getting clinical experience at Port Allegany Elementary, where she enjoys helping children learn and grow. She finds it very rewarding to help children learn, grow, and feel supported in the classroom. Throughout her time at the Career and Technical Center, Milla has been actively involved in cheerleading for 4 years and softball for 1 year.
We look forward to her efforts paying off as she strives to attain her Child Development Associate credential in the near future. Milla has shown great improvement in the program. She is great at communicating, following directions, and working independently.
Wellsboro, Pa., March 9, 2026 – UPMC is expanding access to women’s health services in the community with the addition of family medicine obstetrician Sarah Cokenakes, M.D., to the UPMC Magee-Womens team in Wellsboro.
Dr. Cokenakes completed her medical degree at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, residency at Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Philadelphia, and rural obstetrics fellowship training with Multicare Health System, Tacoma, Wash. She is board-certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Cokenakes comes to UPMC from Cooper University Health Care, Marlton, N.J.
Steve J. Ford, 62, formerly of Allegany, New York, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit after a lengthy illness.
Born on September 30, 1963, in Patuxent, Maryland, he was the son of Raymond R. and LeAnne (Montuori) Ford, Jr.
Steve was employed as a self-employed contractor and painter for many years.
He was a member of the Allegany Fire Department, where he was their Junior Fire Fighters Youth Leader and Believers Chapel.
Richard P. “Rick” LEWIS, 92, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Austin, died Friday, March 6, 2026 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born February 26, 1934, in Keating Summit, he was the son of Emery O. and Cleo M. Smith Lewis. A 1953 graduate Austin High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy from 1955 — 1974. He was employed as a custodian at the McKean County Courthouse for 19 years and the Port Allegany School for 10 years.
Rick was a member of the First Baptist Church of Port Allegany, Frank Burt American Legion Post #258 in Port Allegany, Port Allegany Senior Center, and a life member of Star Hose Co. #1 in Port Allegany.
Surviving are: two sons, Robert J. (Peggy) Lewis of Baltimore, MD and Emery C. (Patti) Lewis of Bradford; a step-daughter, Kathleen D. LaGrange of Longwood, FL; three step-sons, Gary A. (Judy) Leschner of Irwin, Paul J. (Kathy) Leschner of Missouri, and John C. (Penny) Leschner of Denver; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Snyder; his second wife, Veda “Dian” Boddy; a son, Randall T. Lewis; a daughter, Melinda S. Lewis; five brothers, Cletis O. Lewis, Ronald F. Lewis, Charles E. Lewis, Vernon J. Lewis, and Eugene M. Lewis; and two sisters, Bonnie Bonawitz and Geraldine Z. Moses.
Friends may call at the First Baptist Church, 320 Main Street, Port Allegany, PA on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 3:00 PM. Rev. Bruce Moses will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Port Allegany Honor Guard.
Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Port Allegany Honor Guard. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Port Allegany or Star Hose Co. #1, Port Allegany. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Jeanne M. COLE, 101, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, PA.
Born December 31, 1924, in Sabinsville, she was the daughter of Herbert A. and Myrtle M. Davis Clark. On July 24, 1941, in Elkland, she married Mahlon D. Cole, who predeceased her on March 3, 1992.
She served as Justice of the Peace and Magisterial District Judge for 28 many years, retiring in 1990. Jeanne was a member of the Ulysses Methodist Church, charter member of Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 Auxiliary, and the former Tri-Town Volunteer Firemen’s Auxiliary.
Surviving are: seven children, Bonnie Barker of Ulysses, Sherrill (Richard) Cornell of Genesee, Mahlon “Mick” (Karen) Cole, Jr. of Mills, Delores (Phillip) Weiss of Ulysses, Curtis (Susan) Cole of Fennimore, WI, Brent (Cathy) Cole of Coudersport, and Montene “Tina” (Kevin) Bennett of Gaines; 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by three sisters, Virginia Stewart, Mildred Long, and Dawn Scheid; and three brothers, Otto Henry Clark, Keith Clark, and Francis Clark.
Friends may call at the Ulysses Methodist Church, Ulysses, PA on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Funeral Services following at 11:00 AM. Lay speaker Eric Lutz will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Ulysses Methodist Church, P.O. Box 294, Ulysses, PA 16948 or Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 Auxiliary, P.O. Box 125, Ulysses, PA 169489. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Firefighter Rod Johnson was recognized for 50 years of service to the community at the Star Hose Company No. 1 annual banquet in Port Allegany over the weekend. Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) presented him with a congratulatory citation from the PA House of Representatives in honor of his service and dedication.
Linda Ann Ayers, 68, of Port Allegany, passed away unexpectedly Saturday (March 7, 2026) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport, surrounded by her family.
She was born March 17, 1957 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Edwin A. and Genevieve B. (Lewis) Archer. On May 24, 1975, in Smethport, PA, she married William Duane “Pete” Ayers, who survives.
Mrs. Ayers was a graduate of Port Allegany High School Class of 1975 and worked several jobs over the years. She had worked at the Ideal in Port Allegany, worked as a house keeper at the Canoe Place Inn of Port Allegany, and lastly worked as a hostess at the Daily Bread Café in Port.
Linda enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved camping and entertaining children in the campgrounds by hiding coins in the sandboxes and letting them find them as treasure. She was known at camp as the “Candy Lady”. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her husband Pete, she is survived by:
Two sons: William D. “Petey” (Tina) Ayers, Jr. and Michael O. Ayers, both of Port Allegany
Two grandchildren: Trey Austin Ayers and Kendra Jayde Ayers
One brother: Rick (Deb) Archer of Roulette
several nieces and nephews,
special friends: Walker Smithmyer and Anthony Wiley Sr., for always being there for her. They had a special place in her heart, along with her dog, “Coletrain”
In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by a sister, Deb DuBois, and two brothers, James Archer and Edwin A. Archer, Jr.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from noon to 5pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Home, Route 155, Port Allegany.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org). Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Randall Leigh Howell, age 71 of Galeton passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at UPMC Williamsport.
Born February 2, 1955 in Blossburg, he was the son of the late Leigh B. Howell and Frances I. (Schultz) McCullen.
Randall spent a lot of time at the speedway and dirt track, watching the race cars. But his passion was music; playing guitar and writing songs. One of his biggest accomplishments was his published album “Poor Boy” in March of 2025.
He is survived by his children, Randall L. Howell, Jr. of Harrison Valley, Teressa M. (Ryan) Howell of Columbia Crossroads, Rendale Howell of Lakeland, FL, Chad Howell of Westfield and Ryan Spicer of Colorado; grandchildren, Chad Howell Jr., Cole and Waylen Austin and Ava Austin; his siblings, Shelly Putman, Sandra McCullen, Sharon McCullen, Jerry McCullen and Hervey Howell and many friends and family in the racing and music communities.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale E. Howell.
Family will receive friends at the Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St., Westfield on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 2:00 PM with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Burial will be in Champlin Cemetery.
Diana L. Fanning, 71, of Bradford, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
She was born on September 14, 1954 in Bradford; a daughter of the late Grover and Charlotte Lamb Cutlip.
She was a 1973 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
She enjoyed taking care of her houseplants and going to garage sales. She was also an avid Nascar and Buffalo Bills fan. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by one daughter, Vicki (Robert Peterson) Irwin of Bradford; two sons, Charles Fanning, IV of Bradford and Michael Fanning of Erie; three grandchildren, Cyruss Fanning, Richard Irwin and Robert Peterson all of Bradford; two brothers, Ken Cutlip of St. Augustine, FL and Charles Cutlip of Bradford; two half-brothers, Gordon Cutlip of Jacksonville, NC and Grover Cutlip of Clearfield; two half-sisters, Kim (Danny) Irwin of DuBois and Tammy Cutlip of Bradford and several nieces and Nephews.
In addition to her parents; she was also preceded in death by one sister, Kathy Cutlip and one brother, Larry Cutlip.
At the family’s request a private graveside service in Willow Dale cemetery will be held at a future date.
Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to Shriners Children’s, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
On February 28, 2026, City of Bradford Police Department officers located a male, Thomas E. Hensley, at his residence 63 Belleview Avenue in the City of Bradford.
Hensley was taken into custody as a fugitive from justice on a New York State warrant for Felony Dangerous Drugs and Weapons Offenses. Magistrate William Todd arraigned Hensley, and he was denied bail and remanded to McKean County Jail until New York authorities extradite him.
Prior to extradition, Hensley will serve up to 130 days in McKean County Jail for local charges related to driving under suspension and DUI-related offenses.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
