HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) said Sunday that the Fiscal Year 2026-27 state budget and related legislation passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his expected signature.
“The budget passed by the General Assembly today continues our recent history of scouring every corner of state government for existing taxpayer dollars to avoid tax increases, cuts to government services or tapping into the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day fund,” Topper said.
HARRISBURG – In a rare Sunday legislative session, the General Assembly approved and sent to the governor’s desk a $50.8 billion state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) cast a vote in favor of the plan and its investments in core government services but also cautioned more work needs to be done to solidify the Commonwealth’s financial future.
He issued the following statement:
“Adopting the budget is one of our most important responsibilities as lawmakers, and I am pleased we were able to significantly reduce the amount of spending the governor proposed earlier this year while also funding core government services without tapping into the Rainy Day Fund in this year’s plan,” Causer said. “Most importantly, this budget also does not include any new or increased taxes for our hardworking families or our employers.
HEADLINE: Heat Advisory issued July 13 at 1:53AM EDT until July 14 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo, NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Heat index values of 95 to 100 across much of western and north central NY, with as high as 104 possible across the lake plains, Genesee Valley, and Finger Lakes region.
* WHERE…All of western and north central New York.
TUES. – AUGUST 4 TH – 2:05 PM Located at 3336 West Valley Rd., Smethport, PA 16749
Two story frame dwelling situate on 10½ acres +/- and located at 3336 West Valley Rd., Smethport, PA 16749, McKean County, Smethport School District, Kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, 3 bedrooms, full bath down, 1 bedroom up, metal roof, vinyl siding, 38’ x 22’ barn with lean-to, electric & water and stalls. For more information call auctioneer at
(570)784-1011.
GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE – JEEP – TRUCK
AUCTIONEERS NOTE: This home has some remodeling done. With TLC and time, it has the potential to be a nice farmette. Statements made day of sale take precedence over all previously written material. Many items too numerous to mention. Full listing at a later date. TERMS: RE: $5,000.00 down day of sale by cash or cashier’s check made payable to Knecht Auctions Escrow, balance due in 60 days. Realty transfer taxes to be paid by buyer. Real estate taxes to be prorated to date of settlement. Potential buyers may conduct any test or inspections at their expense prior to auction day. To be sold with seller’s confirmation.
PERSONAL PROPERTY: Cash or check if known by Auctioneer. No credit cards or credit card checks will be accepted. SELLER: Neil Pontecorvo AUCTIONEER: RAY H. KNECHT AY002251 (570) 784-1011 www.auctionzip.com #1857 OVER 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN SELLING RE, FARMS, EQUIPMENT, ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES, GUNS & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
On July 11th Westfield Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Y And C Lane for a rollover side by side accident with multiple injuries Air Medical has been dispatched. UPDATE Westfield Fire Department is setting up a landing zone at Electricord
The Celebration of Life for Alan Dickerson originally scheduled for Sunday, July 12th, from 1pm-4pm at Mitchell Park, South Main St. Coudersport, Pa 16915, has been postponed until a later date.
A new date and additional details will be announced when arrangements have been finalized. We appreciate your understanding and ask that you keep Alan’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Our annual DRIVE-THROUGH Rabies Clinic will be Saturday, August 15th, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m
$5 per vaccine In our parking lot at the clinic (252 Route 6 W, Coudersport, PA 16915) All are welcome. All dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks of age or older are required by law to be vaccinated against Rabies. The first vaccine is good for 1 year; subsequent vaccines are good for 3 years.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of July 13. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met today at the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters to hear public comments and conduct official business. The highlights from today’s meeting follow.
Elk Management and Hunting Zones
The board adopted and finalized the updated and reorganized elk management area elk hunt zones with current management data.
Real Estate
The board approved the following land acquisitions:
Port Allegany–John Daniel “Jack” Benson, Sr., passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Sena Kean Manor. Jack was born on November 11, 1942, in Buffalo, New York, the son of John J. and May I. Venator Benson. Jack grew up on a farm in Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania, and often had to walk the five miles between the farm and school in Port Allegany, uphill both ways in waste deep snow. In his senior year of high school, Jack was President of the Senior Class, Captain of the Football Team, and President of the Future Farmers of America. Jack graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1962 and attended Alfred Technical College.
On October 9, 1965, Jack married the former Connie Baker at the United Brethren Church in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, and they were married for 60 years. Jack and Connie had 2 children, John D. Benson, Jr. (Susan) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Amy Benson Murphy (Tom) of Port Allegany, Pennsylvania. Jack had 3 grandchildren, Caleb (Sarah) Benson, Sam Benson, and Marcus Murphy, and 2 great-grandchildren, Sophia Benson and Kinskey (aka Kinsley) Benson.
In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jack is survived by his sisters JoAnn Ellis of Allegany, New York, Mary Ann Miller of Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, Noreen (Reginald) Coneys of Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, and his brothers Daniel Benson of Warren, Pennsylvania and Richard (Linda) Benson of Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. Jack was predeceased by his parents, his sister Carol Howard, his in-laws Bernard and Helen Baker, his daughter-in-law Susan Sygenda Benson, and his brothers-in-law Joseph Ellis, Gib Miller, Kenny Howard, Bob Baker, and Bill Baker.
Jack was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Port Allegany. He worked for North Penn Gas Company for over 35 years, was a Boy Scout Troop Leader, 4-H Club Leader, host of weekend long high school class reunions and friend, confidant, and mentor to many. Jack was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills, and his eternal regret was never getting to see the Bills win a Super Bowl. Jack knew how to have a good time and how to bring joy to others. Among his favorite activities were sitting on the front porch with a cold beer, waving at people driving by, and going to the Park with his best friend, Malon Postlewait, to “feed the squirrels.”
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
There will be no visitation. A funeral at St. Joseph’s and an appropriate (for the Benson family) celebration of life will be held on a date to be announced.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Full-time Middle School Emotional Support Teacher position available at Oswayo Valley Junior/Senior High School.
Requirements: Special education degree preferred but will consider applicants with a four-year degree in criminal justice, psychology, social worker, mental health field, or related field.
Please contact Julia Anderson at (814) 887-5512 with any questions.
The McKean County Recorder of Deeds would like to alert property owners that there is a scam letter going out from “Property Records” to homeowners who have recently purchased property, asking them to mail $130.00 to “Property Records” to obtain a copy of their deed. THIS lS A SCAM. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY TO THEM. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the McKean County Recorder of Deeds Office at 814-887-3250 and speak with Michele L. Vogel-Snyder, Recorder.
