Allegany County Declares State of Emergency
Effective March 31, 2026, at 9:30 p.m., W. Brooke Harris, Chairman of the Board of Legislators, declared a State of Emergency for Allegany County. This Declaration was made after consultation with and recommendations from Allegany County Sheriff Scott Cicirello, Director of the Office of Emergency Management Scott Golden, and Superintendent of Public Works Tom Windus.
This local State of Emergency was declared because of severe weather occurring in the County of Allegany, including heavy rain causing widespread flooding, hazardous travel, and multiple road closures. These dangerous conditions are expected to continue through the night and the next several days, which have already and may continue to cause widespread damage and threaten public safety.
In addition, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office is recommending that motorists use extreme caution and only travel if necessary. Sheriff Cicirello further reminds motorsits to:
• Slow down and allow extra travel time,
• Watch for flooded roads, washed out shoulders, and debris,
• Obey all road closure signs and barricades, and
• Turn around and find an alternate route if standing water is encountered.
The Emergency Declaration will remain in effect for thirty days or until rescinded or renewed by a subsequent order.
Leon L. DUNHAM, 90, of Westfield, PA,
Leon L. DUNHAM, 90, of Westfield, PA, died Monday, March 30, 2026 in the Green Home, Wellsboro. Born August 10, 1935, in Westfield, he was the son of LeRoy F. and Rose R. Cary Dunham.
Leon was employed by Eberle Tannery in Westfield for 49 years.
Surviving are: two children, Terry (Paula) Dunham and Tanya (Dave) Nudd, both of Westfield; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley D. (Bill) Davis of Ellisburg; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Marlene E. Lampman Dunham; his second wife, Bonita “Bonnie” Houghtaling Seeley Dunham; and a son, Mitchell Lee Dunham.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 4:00 PM. Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Champlin Cemetery, Westfield.
Memorials may be made to Crary Hose Co., 429 E. Main Street, Westfield, PA 16950. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Severe Watches And Warnings For Roulette
The National Weather Service in State College PA has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for…
Southeastern McKean County in north central Pennsylvania…
Potter County in north central Pennsylvania…
* Until 915 PM EDT.
* At 827 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Shinglehouse to near East Branch Dam, moving east at
60 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Severe thunderstorms will be near…
Betula, Roulette, and Port Allegany around 830 PM EDT.
Keating Summit, Coudersport, and Genesee around 840 PM EDT.
Denton Hill State Park and Harrison Valley around 850 PM EDT.
Lyman Run State Park and Cherry Springs State Park around 900 PM
EDT.
Galeton around 910 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by these severe thunderstorms include
Austin, Ulysses, Oswayo, Sweden Valley, and Ski Denton Ski Area.
This includes Route 6 from west of Port Allegany to Galeton.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Stay inside a well built structure and keep away from windows.
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM NY ALERT
Flash Flood Warning issued March 31 at 8:38PM EDT until April 1 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: FFWBUF
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has extended the
* Flash Flood Warning for…
Northern Allegany County in western New York…
Southwestern Livingston County in western New York…
* Until midnight EDT tonight.
* At 838 PM EDT, gauge reports continues to indicate rises on area
creeks and streams from earlier thunderstorms, especially along
the Canaseraga Creek. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches
are possible in the warned area.
HAZARD…Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE…Gauges reported.
IMPACT…Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include…
Dansville, Rushford, Houghton, Caneadea, Ossian, Canaseraga,
Birdsall, Short Tract, Rossburg, Fillmore, Swain, Ossian Center
and Hardy Corners.
INSTRUCTIONS: Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued March 31 at 7:38PM EDT until March 31 at 8:15PM EDT
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued March 31 at 7:38PM EDT until March 31 at 8:15PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION:
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for… Northwestern Wyoming County in western New York… Erie County in western New York… Northeastern Chautauqua County in western New York… Western Genesee County in western New York…
* Until 815 PM EDT.
* At 736 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Evangola State Park, or 14 miles northeast of Dunkirk, moving northeast at 60 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include…Buffalo, Cheektowaga, West Seneca, Clarence, Lackawanna, Kenmore,
Depew, Amherst, Tonawanda, and Lancaster.
This includes Interstate 90 between exits 48A and 58.
INSTRUCTIONS: Damaging wind gusts have been observed.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM NY ALERT
Weather related on NY 19 both directions Town of Hume; Town of Caneadea Line (Hume) All lanes closed Both lanes shut down on SR 19 in the V/Houghton at Centerville Rd. to County Rte. 35/ Genesee St.
Visit 511NY.org for more information
NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov
———————————————————————————————————————————————-
Weather related on NY 54A both directions Town of Pulteney; Town of Urbana Line (Pulteney) to Gibson Landing (Pulteney) All lanes closed
Visit 511NY.org for more information
NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov
UPMC Expert: Why Organ Donation Matters
Heidi Weeder, BSN
UPMC Williamsport Intensive Care Unit
Every day, we move through life expecting immediacy like fast answers, quick deliveries, and instant updates. For more than 100,000 people across the United States waiting for an organ transplant, time moves differently. Each hour can mean a step closer to hope.
The latest data paints a clear picture:
- More than 100,000 people remain on the national transplant waiting list.
- Every eight minutes, someone new is added to that list.
- Thirteen people die each day still waiting for an organ that never arrives in time.
- One donor can save up to eight lives and help more than 75 others through tissue donation.
The United States continues to make historic progress. In 2024 alone, over 48,000 transplants were performed, marking another year of record-breaking transplant activity and continued momentum toward expanding the donor pool. These gains show what’s possible and highlight the gap between need and availability.
Behind every number is a parent, a child, or a friend, and behind every donor is a ripple effect of healing that reaches far beyond one life.
Ways to Donate
Living donors have the extraordinary ability to shorten a patient’s wait by offering a kidney or a portion of their liver. These procedures not only provide an earlier path to healing but also rely on the body’s remarkable abilities — the liver regenerates, and a single kidney can sustain a full, healthy life. Living donation has become an essential pillar in reducing time on the national waiting list.
When someone registers as an organ donor, their final act can transform lives. Deceased donors may provide vital organs including the heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas, intestines, and lungs as well as tissue like corneas and bone. Despite advances, deceased-donor organs remain in limited supply, making each registered donor profoundly important.
Your Role in Saving Lives
Registering as an organ donor is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. Even those with chronic illness or advanced age may be eligible to donate, as medical teams evaluate each donor individually.
Here’s how you can contribute today:
- Add your name to the donor registry.
- Share your decision with loved ones so they understand your wishes.
- Advocate during Donate Life Month in April or through community events.
- Support organ donation awareness and education efforts.
- Encourage living donation where appropriate and help highlight its life-changing potential.
If you’re ready to learn more or take the next step, visit UPMC.com/DonateLife.
Heidi Weeder, BSN, is a senior clinician with the Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Williamsport and co-chairman of the Organ and Tissue Donation Council of UPMC in North Central Pa. For more information, visit UPMC.com/DonateLife.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH For Central Pennsylvania
WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION FOR WATCHES 79/83
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE PA
626 PM EDT TUE MAR 31 2026 THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 83 UNTIL 1 AM EDT WEDNESDAY WHICH REPLACES A PORTION OF SEVERE
THUNDERSTORM WATCH 79. THE NEW WATCH IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN PENNSYLVANIA THE NEW WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES
IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA MCKEAN POTTER TIOGA
WARREN
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BRADFORD, COUDERSPORT, MANSFIELD, WARREN, AND WELLSBORO.
Ruth K. COVERT, 86, of Smethport, PA
Ruth K. COVERT, 86, of Smethport, PA, died Saturday, March 28, 2026 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born May 27, 1939, in Smethport, she was the daughter of Robert N. and Bertha M. Carey Barr. On January 15, 1957, in Coudersport, she married Alan Arthur Covert, who predeceased her on December 20, 2005.
Ruth was devoted Christian and attended the Hilltop Baptist Church as well as the Old Swedish Mission in Smethport. Ruth was a 45-year board/life member of the McKean Co Fair Association, board/life member of the McKean Co Historical Society where her research was invaluable for many families searching for their family roots in McKean County as well as supporting research for several books including, “All for the Union.”
She was also a gifted writer, penning multiple historical articles and narratives. Ruth was a board/life member of Fairmount Cemetery Association and also a board member for many years of the Smethport Food Bank, Order of the Eastern Star, Phoenix Chapter #15, and the Smethport Area Piecemakers’ Quilters Guild. Her family will miss her terribly but rejoice that she now sits in God’s Light.
Surviving are: a son, Douglas (Diana) Covert of Farmers Valley; a daughter, Lisa (Dave) Haight of Bradford; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two daughters, Kimberly C. Baker and infant daughter, Karie L. Covert; two brothers, Charles R. Barr and James F. Barr; and two sisters, Edna R. Windsor and Florence B. Carter.
A private graveside service will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Farmers Valley. Memorials may be made to Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities, 269 Nickler Road Emporium, PA 15834 or online at www.ccoya.org or to Mt. Jewett Memorial Library, 7 E. Main St., P.O. Box Y, Mt. Jewett, PA 16740.
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.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR TANYA LOUISE BOYD
Tanya Louise Boyd, aged 55, passed away on September 30, 2025, at home, surrounded by her friends and family in Gainesville, FL.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a celebration of life to be held April 4th. 2026 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, At the Mt. Jewett Sportsman’s Cub
612 Division Street Extension, Mt Jewett, PA 16740.
Friends and Family are encouraged to bring photos and memories to share.
WOMAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON AFTER INVESTIGATION BY MCKEAN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford woman arrested during an ongoing investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force has been sentenced to state prison. Nateka SHUGARS, formerly of Bradford, appeared before a Judge during a sentencing hearing on March 26th at the McKean County Courthouse.
The Judge sentenced SHUGARS to serve a minimum of 7 months to a maximum of 24 months in state prison. SHUGARS was deemed eligible for the state’s boot camp program and was ordered to submit a DNA sample, pay lab fees and restitution. SHUGARS was charged by McKean County Drug Task Force Detective Michael Ward. Please report suspected drug activity to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 79 NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK 220 PM EDT TUE MAR 31 2026
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 79 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM EDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
PAC015-083-105-115-117-123-010100-
/O.NEW.KWNS.SV.A.0079.260331T1820Z-260401T0100Z/
. PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
BRADFORD MCKEAN POTTER
SUSQUEHANNA TIOGA WARREN
POOLE TO RECEIVE ALUMNI AWARD OF DISTINCTION FROM PITT-BRADFORD
Entrepreneur and cystic fibrosis survivor and advocate Bradley Poole, a 2016 graduate, will receive the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Alumni Award of Distinction during commencement exercises May 3.
Poole was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant. He learned early on that a focus on fitness and endurance could support improved physical and mental health as he dealt with what is currently an incurable, chronic illness. Today he uses that love of exercise to drive a thriving fitness center business while also raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cystic fibrosis research and treatment.
SCHOLARSHIP DONORS CELEBRATED AT LUNCHEON
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford brought together scholarship donors and recipients Friday at its annual Donor Scholarship Luncheon, giving the two groups an opportunity to meet, share a meal, and hear one another’s stories firsthand.
The gathering celebrated a significant impact on students’ lives: so far during the 2025-26 academic year, 388 students have received $718,433 in donor scholarships, with the average award totaling $1,300.
The featured donor speaker was Melissa Walker, mother of Khalil “KJ” Walker, a Pitt-Bradford senior who died in a traffic accident shortly after Christmas in 2016. Walker set up an annual scholarship in her son’s memory in 2020 and addressed the assembled donors about what drove her to do so.
Linea M. Taylor, 81, of Ceres, PA
Linea M. Taylor “celebration of life slated”
CERES. PA—-Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Linea M. Taylor, 81, of Ceres, at 11am on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, 120 W. Academy Street, Shinglehouse. Pastor Clint Pearsall will officiate.
Linea passed away on February 3, 2026.
Linea’s family entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, Funeral Director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
For further information please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
Crystal N. Welch, 57, of Shinglehouse, PA
Crystal N. Welch “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter”
Crystal N. Welch, 57, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly after a short battle with cancer on Monday, March 30, 2026, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born on Sunday, March 16, 1969 in Newport Beach, California, she was a daughter of Howard L. and Barbara Dillard McCallon. On July 2, 2000 in Shinglehouse, she married Alvin N. Welch, Jr., who survives.
Crystal was employed for 25 years at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and UPMC Cole in Coudersport as a Pharmacy Technician. She was employed for a short time by Daniels Learning Center in Coudersport until becoming ill.
She enjoyed personalized crafting. Crystal’s greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Alvin; her mother, Barbara McCallon of California; five children, David (Jessica) Welch and Jeremy Welch, both of Shinglehouse, Brandon (Bridget Dowling) Welch of Port Allegany, Brianna (Travis) Wilson of Coudersport, and Michael Welch of Shinglehouse; fourteen grandchildren, Dawson, Leelynn, Braelie, Joseph, Natalie, Aaron, Oliver, Milo, John, Piper, Gracelyn, Attila, Shaunna, and Nikole; a sister, Lyra Clark of California; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends.
In addition to her father, Crystal was predeceased by a grandson, Wesley A. Welch.
There will be no public visitation. Crystal’s celebration of life will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Crystal’ name may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at www.give.bcrf.org
Crystal’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements 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 Crystal, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Kardinal Estate And Tag Sale Three Day Estate Sale In Bradford
3 Day Estate Sale! Bradford, PA
April 2, 3, 4 – Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm. Thursday start day.
43 Chamberlain Ave. Bradford, PA 16701 – Do not block or park in driveways, do not block the road, please stay to one side.
Tools, furniture, beds, oak kitchen table, oak hutch, John Deere riding mower, woodworking tools & equipment, lots of hardware, vintage toys, pool table, yarn, sewing items, shelving, stands, clothes, canning items, kitchen items, lawn furniture, garden items, gas cans, power tools, clamps, Pyrex, Tupperware, push mower, hardwood, pressure washer, AC, games, decor, holiday items, records, radios, books, magazines, fishing items, hunting items, and much more.
On-site sale, we may not have time to respond to questions. Sale starts Thursday 4/2/26 and runs through Saturday. Please obey traffic laws and respect neighbors.
MCKEAN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE ARRESTS BRADFORD MAN AFTER EXECUTING SEARCH WARRANT
Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force with assistance by the City of Bradford Police Department executed a search warrant today at a residence on Euclid Avenue and arrested the occupant and charged him with numerous drug crimes.
Brian PARSONS of 39 Euclid Ave., Bradford, was charged with delivering cocaine throughout February and March. PARSONS is charged with five (5) counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance/Possession with Intent to Deliver (cocaine) – Felonies; five (5) counts Possession of a Controlled Substance; and four (4) counts of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility-Felony 3.
PARSONS is accused of delivering cocaine on four occasions in February and March of this year, including, March 30th, during an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the county.
The complaint alleges that, after PARSONS sold cocaine today while under surveillance of Detectives, Detectives executed a search warrant at his residence, which yielded additional cocaine, a scale with cocaine residue, sandwich baggies consistent with packaging material used to sell cocaine, and a large amount of US currency.
PARSONS was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David Engman who set bail at $125,000. PARSONS was remanded to the McKean County Jail being unable to post bail. He will appear for central court on April 9th. If you suspect illegal drug activity, please report it to the McKean County Drug Task Force by calling Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/mckean/da/136029/post/mckean-county-drug-task-force-arrests-bradford-man-after-executing-search-warrant