Alex Nazemetz of Allegany, N.Y., will retire Friday as director of admissions at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where he served for 26 years. (Photo by Kimberly Weinberg)
BRADFORD, Pa. – When Alex Nazemetz of Allegany, N.Y., began working in college admissions in 1986, there were few websites and no search engines.
Forty years later, as associate vice president of enrollment management and director of admissions at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, he still likes to have his staff “pound the pavement,” visiting college fairs and high schools in person to create a more personal connection.
That doesn’t mean he hasn’t taken advantage of technology to communicate more easily with prospective students, but his heart has always been in talking face-to-face with young people and their families.
It’s a philosophy that has guided 26 years of service — and it’s one he’ll carry into retirement on Friday. Nazemetz came to Pitt-Bradford as director of admissions in 1999 after 13 years at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University. Pitt-Bradford is measurably better for his tenure.
Auditions for “Big Fish,” Hamilton-Gibson’s 2026 summer musical, will be held this month. Performances are scheduled for July 9, 10, 11, and 12 and those who audition need to be available for all performance dates. The musical will be directed by Thomas Putnam, HG’s artistic director.
Step into a world of imagination, adventure, and unforgettable storytelling in “Big Fish,” the musical, based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and film adaptation by John August. Follow Will Bloom’s efforts to separate fact from myth in his dying father’s stories. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the motion picture by John August, “Big Fish” has music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Like many musicals, this is a love story. But here the story is about the love between a father and son.
Pennsylvania students are encouraged to apply to be Young Ambassadors through June 10.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally-conscious 10th through 12th grade students to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.
The program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across the private sector, state government, local media, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and build leadership and problem-solving skills.
The Allegany County Town Highway Superintendents Association (ACTHSA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards. While the Association typically awards two scholarships each year, it is especially proud to expand the program for 2026—thanks to increased community support and participation—by awarding four scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each to local students pursuing careers in the trades.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are:
Heather Padden, Belfast Central – attending BOCES Belmont CDL Program
David Bower, Fillmore Central – attending Alfred State College
Matthew Goho, Alfred-Almond Central – attending Alfred State College
Mason Edwards, Wellsville Central – attending Alfred State College
These scholarships are awarded annually to support students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their education and a future in trade-related fields that are vital to our local communities and infrastructure.
“The future of our workforce depends on young individuals who are willing to step into the trades and carry on the essential work that keeps our communities running,” said Bill Bigelow, President. “We are proud to support these students as they take the next step in their careers.”
The Association would also like to thank the community for its continued support. It is through this support that programs like this scholarship are possible, allowing us to invest in the future of our local workforce.
The ACTHSA remains committed to investing in the next generation of skilled workers and encouraging students to pursue rewarding careers in highway, construction, and related fields.
For more information about the scholarship program, please visit www.acthsa.net/scholarship.
BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – During the month of April, Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are offering a variety of classes and support groups designed to provide health education, encouragement and community connection.
A newly formed Bereavement Support Group, in partnership with HomeCare & Hospice, is launching Thursday, April 2 at OGH. The support group will meet at 6 p.m. in the OGH education center and convene on the first Thursday of each month. The community-based group is free and open to anyone experiencing loss. For more information, please call (716) 372-2106.
The winter Indoor Potter County Farmers Market, located at the Riley Gallery, next to the Hotel Crittenden, will be open the first Saturday of each month, from January to May. The next market will be this Saturday, April 4th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
* STARTING IN JANUARY, NEW WINTER MARKET HOURS ARE SATURDAYS FROM 11AM TO 2PM.
* Beginning in January 2026 the Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May. The remaining Saturday date is April 4th. May 2026 the market will again be on the square
A meeting of the North Central Rural Transportation Planning Committee will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting. If you are interested in attending, please visit our website (https://rpo.ncentral.com/), email Amy Kessler at amy@ncentral.com or call 814-773-3162 for the meeting login information.
The public is encouraged to attend.
North Central is committed to compliance with nondiscrimination requirements of civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations and policies applicable to the programs and activities it administers. Accordingly, North Central is dedicated to ensuring that program beneficiaries receive public participation opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or economic status.
Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities and the location is reachable by public transit. North Central will provide auxiliary services for individuals with language, speech, sight, or hearing impediments provided the request for assistance is made five days prior to the meeting. North Central will attempt to satisfy other requests.
Please make your request for auxiliary services to Amy Kessler, director of community development and regional planning, at amy@ncentral.com or call 814-773-3162. If you believe you have been denied participation opportunities, or otherwise discriminated against in relation to the programs or activities administered by North Central, you may file a complaint using the procedures provided in our complaint process document or by contacting Executive Director Jim Chorney.
Please visit our website at http://rpo.ncentral.com for more information on the Transportation Planning Program.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 1) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is this Saturday, April 4! Anglers can begin fishing at 8 a.m.
Throughout the 2026 season, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling. These figures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout; 698,000 Brown Trout; and 128,000 Brook Trout. As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that some products may still be in consumers’ freezers.
Patricia J. Johnson, 94, formerly of Houston Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Penn Highlands DuBois.
She was born on September 1, 1931, a daughter of the late Vern Van Order, Sr., and Ruth Senior Van Order.
On March 31, 1951, she married the late Neil Johnson, who preceded her in death on July 7, 2021. Together they were blessed with more than 70 years of marriage.
Pat was a graduate of Wilcox High School, class of 1949. She was a longtime and faithful member of the St. Marys Methodist Church, where her presence was felt in countless meaningful ways. Whether she was singing in the choir, heading up the Women’s Bible Circle, or cooking delicious foods for the bereavement luncheons, Pat was well known and her hands were always ready to serve others. Beyond her church, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures, such as camping or sitting around the table for a lively game of cards. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She treasured every moment spent together, creating memories filled with laughter and love. In a quiet moment, she loved to watch the cardinals, finding peace and beauty in their gentle presence. Though she was a quiet woman, her life was marked by service, warmth, and unwavering faith-a legacy that will live on in all who knew her.
Pat is survived by five children; Gail (Ralph) Palmer of Mechanicsburg, Marjorie (David) Fitzgerald of Kersey, Jeffery (Linda) Johnson of St. Marys, Rebecca (Scott) Wickett of Ridgway, and Andrew (Sharon) Johnson of DuBois; and by her ten loved grandchildren; Shawn Washinger, Abbye Palmer-Pugnetti, Gregory Fitzgerald, Amy Young, Trisha Fisk, Matthew Johnson, Amanda Benini, Logan Wickett, Ryan Johnson, Nathan Johnson and by four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister; Carol Miller of Jersey Shore, as well as by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Patricia was preceded in death by a grandson; Hunter Wickett, by one brother; Vern Van Order, Jr., and one sister; Phyllis Gausman.
Funeral Services for Patricia J. Johnson will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the St. Marys Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Zilhaver officiating.
Burial will follow in the Parklawn Memorial Gardens in Ridgway.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Methodist Church.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The Potter County Education Council serving Potter and McKean Counties has three openings for part-time Career and Vocational Mentor-Aides to serve within the following school districts: Galeton Area School District, Oswayo Valley School District and Smethport Area School District.
These part-time positions are available beginning the 2026-2027 school year (approximately 25 hours per week). It is anticipated that this will be a recurring position each school year (approximately 40 weeks each year). A job description may be reviewed at the Education Council Office at 5 Water Street in Coudersport, PA (814-274-4877) or by visiting our website www.pottercountyedcouncil.org.
Minimum high school diploma. Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Appropriate work experience with older children (Grades 3-12).
Knowledge or work experience in business or industry.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications desired.
Must have a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and safe driving history.
Interested applicants should send the following to the Potter County Education Council at 5 Water Street, PO Box 5, Coudersport, PA 16915 or via email to Dr. Michele Moore mmoore@pcedcouncil.org:
Resumé with cover letter
Three current (less than one-year old) letters of professional reference
Appropriate clearances including PA Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance, PA Act 34 Criminal Record Check, a current PA FBI Clearance (Education Versions)
A negative TB test result
The cover letter should be addressed to Dr. Michele Moore, Executive Director. You may be asked to complete an employment application upon review of your initial application materials. E.O.E.
Effective this June, drivers convicted under Paul Miller’s Law will pay a fine.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are reminding Pennsylvanians to put down the phone while driving or they will be forced to pay a fine starting June 5, 2026. In 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music.
Beginning June 5, 2026, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. Pennsylvania also enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, drivers who violate Paul Miller’s Law or the texting-while-driving ban may also be convicted of Homicide by Vehicle or Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, and given increased sentences.
Members of the District Attorney’s Office, Adult Probation, Maintenance Dept., and McKean County Law Enforcement Leaders “Wore Blue” to show support for child abuse victims and child abuse prevention efforts. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you suspect child abuse, report it to Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and call 911.
