PA House Republicans Launch ‘Freedom Through Affordability’ Initiative to Cut Costs for Families
HARRISBURG—With Pennsylvanians facing rising costs on everyday essentials, House Republican policymakers today launched their “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative – a plan to deliver tax relief and lower costs to make Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.
The initiative, unveiled at a Capitol press conference, includes a package of six-month tax cuts and sales tax holidays, a multi-billion-dollar relief effort, aimed at providing immediate relief to families and workers struggling under the weight of higher prices.
Framing the effort, Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, emphasized the direct connection between affordability and opportunity.
STATEWIDE MENTORED YOUTH TROUT DAY IS THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 28!
HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 25) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that Mentored Youth Trout Day will happen on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is a statewide event open to youth anglers ages 15 and under and their licensed adult mentors on hundreds of waters in all 67 counties.
“This is a special day where our youngest anglers have a chance to have fun and learn fishing skills they can carry with them for a lifetime,” said John Mahn, Jr., PFBC Board President and District 2 Commissioner.
The purpose of Mentored Youth Trout Day, created in 2013, is to provide an opportunity for young anglers to have fun while learning fishing skills a week before the large crowds arrive for the busy Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season on April 4, 2026.
Sharon L. Neubert, 70, of Collins Court, Bradford, PA
Sharon L. Neubert, 70, of Collins Court, Bradford, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at her son’s residence, surrounded by her loving family.
Born August 7, 1955, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Howard Stiles and Carrie Thomas. She was a 1974 graduate of Bradford High School.
Sharon had been employed at W.R. Case Cutlery and prior to her retirement worked at Beacon Light as a behavioral health care aide.
Sharon enjoyed bingo, camping, crocheting, assembling puzzles, baking, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.
Surviving are two daughters, Tina Miller, of Lansing MI, Laura Stewart, of Derrick City, three sons, Timothy Miller, Joseph Neubert, and James Neubert, all of Bradford, 15 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, one brother, Herman Stiles, of Goose Creek, SC, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Sheila Carletta, one brother, Joseph Thomas.
Family will receive friends on Monday March 30, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue, at 1:00 pm funeral services will be held with Pastor Karmon Wood, Pastor of the Coryville Church of Faith officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Work On Main Street In Eldred Borough Underway
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that work on a highway reconstruction project on Route 446 (Main Street) in Eldred Borough got underway on Monday, March 23. This project will improve the ride quality and extend the service life of approximately a mile of roadway between Route 346 (Derrick Road) and Mechanic Street.
Work got underway yesterday as the contractor began to mobilize equipment, saw cutting the existing pavement, and installing erosion and sedimentation controls. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control for the duration of the project. PennDOT urges drivers to exercise caution when traveling through work zones, obey flaggers, and always buckle up.
Disorderly Conduct Arrest In Bradford
On February 24th, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a noise complaint at the Holiday Inn Express. Management reported receiving multiple complaints from tenants regarding excessive noise coming from rooms 104 and 205, which was disturbing other guests.
Upon investigation, officers observed individuals moving between the two rooms, creating unreasonable noise. Despite being given 12 separate warnings by management, the parties involved failed to comply. Upon approaching the rooms, officers could hear the excessive noise firsthand.
Officers made contact with the individuals involved and identified James Bunce, the renter of room 205, as the responsible party. As a result, Bunce was charged with disorderly conduct for the disturbance. Bunce was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and bail was set at $2,500 cash.
The City of Bradford Police Department reminds the public that noise complaints can be a serious disturbance to others and can lead to criminal charges. We encourage everyone to be respectful of their neighbors and to report any noise complaints to the authorities. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Disorderly Conduct Arrest In Bradford
On February 24th, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a noise complaint at the Holiday Inn Express.
Management reported receiving multiple complaints from tenants regarding excessive noise coming from rooms 104 and 205, which was disturbing other guests. Upon investigation, officers observed individuals moving between the two rooms, creating unreasonable noise. Despite being given 12 separate warnings by management, the parties involved failed to comply. Upon approaching the rooms, officers could hear the excessive noise firsthand.
Officers made contact with the individuals involved and identified Candy L. Stevens, the renter of room 104, as the responsible party. As a result, Stevens was charged with disorderly conduct for the disturbance. Stevens was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and bail was set at $2,500 unsecured.
The City of Bradford Police Department reminds the public that noise complaints can be a serious disturbance to others and can lead to criminal charges. We encourage everyone to be respectful of their neighbors and to report any noise complaints to the authorities. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PennDOT/BPD-I Set to Announce Upcoming Traffic Switch and Ramp Closure
Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in coordination with Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will implement a traffic switch to Stage 2 and close Ramp B as part of the ongoing I-80 Lehigh River Bridge Project.
The contractor will implement a new traffic pattern on Interstate 80 westbound as early as March 26, 2026, at 9:00 PM, weather permitting. At the same time, the I-80 westbound Ramp B off-ramp to Route 940 will be closed.
PART-TIME CAREER AND VOCATIONAL MENTOR-AIDES NEEDED – POSITIONS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY
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.
GLENN O HAWBAKER IS HIRING-MULTIPLE OPENINGS AVAILABLE
Glenn O Hawbaker Is Hiring:
Foreman
Laborers
Equipment Operators
Tri Axle Driver
Paving Operator
Screed Operator
Apply Online at www.gohcareers.com
EOE
UPMC Allergist: Finding Relief This Spring
UPMC Allergy and Immunology
As winter finally gives way to warmer weather, many of us look forward to fresh air, blooming trees, and more time outdoors. However, for thousands of people in our region, spring also marks the start of seasonal allergies, bringing on sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and fatigue. Understanding what triggers these symptoms and how to manage them can make this season much more comfortable.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of seasonal allergies can vary from person to person, but often include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing or wheezing, especially in patients with asthma
Marcella A. “Sally” Stanisch, 104, Of Silver Creek Terrace, Formerly Of, St. Marys
Marcella A. Stanisch
December 12, 1921 — March 23, 2026
Marcella A. “Sally” Stanisch, 104, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of Virginia Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully after a long, full life on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Elk Haven Nursing Home following a brief illness.
She was born on December 12, 1921 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Paul and Loretta Wehler Bankovich.
On May 22, 1954, in St. Marys Church, she married the late Maximilian “Boobie” Stanisch, who preceded her in death on September 30, 2013. They enjoyed nearly 59 years of love, laughter, and dancing whenever they got the chance.
Sally was a lifelong resident of the area and member of St. Marys Church, where she was active as a volunteer with the bereavement luncheons. She also volunteered for many years at the St. Marys Parochial School. Early on, she worked for a number of years at Pure Carbon. Sally was an avid Bingo player who also enjoyed bowling and playing cards. Most of all, she loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.
Kathleen A. Cunningham
October 28, 1945 — March 22, 2026
Kathleen A. “Kathy” Cunningham, 80, of Reserve Road, St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Penn Highlands Dubois following a brief illness.
She was born on October 28, 1945 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Charles and Jane Mills O’Leary.
She was married to the late Charles “Chuck” Cunningham, who preceded her in death on October 20, 2011.
Kathy was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1963. A faithful employee of more than thirty-five years at Elk County Christian High School, Kathy held several positions and greatly enjoyed the students and faculty alike. Throughout the years, Kathy was a dedicated volunteer and big supporter of Elkland Search and Rescue and the American Red Cross. Known loving to her grandchildren as Nana, Kathy was a funny, strong-willed and fun-loving grandma who loved watching the Steelers. In her free time, she always enjoyed a good Hallmark or LifeTime movie.
Michelle Eschrich, 48, Of Lafayette Ave., Lewis Run
Michelle Eschrich, 48, of Lafayette Ave., Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Born March 3, 1978, in Bradford, she was the daughter of Debi (McGarry) Nichols and Charlie Sherrick, who survive.
Michelle was a 1996 graduate of Bradford High School and later attended Bloomsburg University before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh in Bradford.
On April 22, 2017, she married James C. Eschrich, who survives. Their story began on December 16, 2011, when Michelle met Jim, bringing with her a son, Wyatt, who quickly became a central part of the life they were building together. In 2014, they welcomed their daughter, Madelyn, completing their family. Together, they created a life full of love sprinkled with lots of laughter.
She had previously been employed at East Resources in Olean, Dirt Excavating, Belser & Hale, and was currently the Human Resource Manager and Office Manager at PennHills Resources LLC.
