Brandon Michael FULLER, 20, of Wellsville, NY
Brandon Michael FULLER, 20, of Wellsville, NY, died Thursday, September 11, 2025 in UR Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Born April 24, 2005, in Hornell, he was the son of Michael D. Fuller and Jennifer Haynoski. Brandon attended Grand Island High School and was employed by Just One More in Shongo as a cook and waiter. He enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels, journaling, and spending time with friends and family.
Barry A. GRIDLEY, 86, of Wellsville, NY
Barry A. GRIDLEY, 86, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, September 12, 2025 in Jones Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.
Born November 7, 1938, in Blossburg, PA, he was the son of William A. and Marguerite G. Hitzel Gridley. On June 18, 1977, in Wellsville, he married Linda S. Ackley, who survives.
Pastor Jim Cannistraci Blessing Backpacks
Pastor Jim Cannistraci is pictured with students from the Port Allegany United Methodist Church following a Blessing of the Backpacks. Pastor Jim also did a blessing of the badges for the adults heading back to school this year. Students were given a goodie bag of items to help fill their backpacks and the adults received a gift as well.
Touch-A-Truck Happening Today In Port Allegany
The annual Touch-a-Truck will be held Sunday, September 14 from 12-3 p.m. at the Veteran Memorial Home located at 4743 Route 155 in Port Allegany. Admission is free The event is an outdoor family adventure that lets kids climb, explore and discover their favorite big trucks and vehicles. The Black Hawk Helicopter will once again visit along with fire trucks, tractors and more. For anyone who would like to bring their machine to the VMI to share with the kids, contact Mindy at 814-558-9342 or Patty at 814-598-4642. .
Marsha G. Hedlund, 73, of Bradford, PA
Marsha G. Hedlund, 73, of Bradford, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at UPMC Hamot, Erie.
She was born on April 8, 1952 in Bradford, a daughter of the late George “Dutch” and Maxine Pepe Glander.
She was a 1970 graduate of the former Bradford Central Christian.
On April 26, 1980 in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Bradford, she married Richard W. Hedlund who preceded her in death on October 6, 1996.
Ronald H. KATILA, 86, of Milton, GA, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA
Ronald H. KATILA, 86, of Milton, GA, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA died Sunday, August 31, 2025 in Sullivan House Senior Living
Born September 9,1938, in Olean, NY, he was the son of Harvey Arnold Katila and Grace Prindle Katila.
On December 21,1963, in Columbus, OH, he married Carol Lee Wright, who predeceased him on June 25, 2016. Ron was Senior Counsel for Alcoa, Inc. in the Legal Department for 39 years.
Thomas F. Faust, 74, of Coudersport, PA
Thomas F. Faust, 74, of Coudersport passed away Wednesday September 10, 2025, at UPMC Cole.
He was born at home October 4, 1950, in Perkiomenville PA to James William and Doris Ella (Hunter) Faust. On February 17, 1981 he married the love of his life Sharon Chapman whom he shared 44 years of devoted marriage. Thomas was a hard worker; a “jack of all trades”.
Bridge Repair on Mountain Rd and I-80 EB in Mifflin Twp, Columbia County
Emergency Bridge Repair to Begin on Mountain Road and I-80 EB in Mifflin Township, Columbia County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that an emergency bridge repair is set to begin this week on Mountain Road (Route 2021) and Interstate 80 eastbound in Mifflin Township, Columbia County. The bridge, which carries Mountain Road over the Interstate was struck and damaged by an oversize load traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 on June 19.
Starting on Monday, September 15, 2025, the contractor, Clearwater Construction, will begin emergency repairs to the structure. Work includes removal of one damaged beam, installation of a new beam, and installation of deck forms. Additional work includes milling and paving of damaged portion of Mountain Road and the damaged portions of Interstate 80 eastbound.
Traffic Impacts
- Mountain Road (Route 2021 / T-722) traffic can expect the road to remain a single lane controlled with a barrier and stop signs at either end.
- Interstate 80 eastbound traffic can expect alternating single lane between mile marker 245 and 247 while work is being performed. Work will be performed Sundays through Mondays between the hours of 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Clearwater Construction is the prime contractor for this $734,793 emergency bridge repair. Work is anticipated to be complete in November 2025, weather permitting.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution through the work zone
Turtlepoint Farmers Market Saturday, September 13th
It’s that time again for the Turtlepoint Farmers Market! Happening this Saturday, September 13th from 9-12. Stop down to meet local vendors, farmers and growers to supply your cookout needs! There will be a variety of goods ranging from hydroponic lettuce, an assortment of veggies, homemade breads to Amish baked goods! Vendors are always welcome to come set up. We run on a first come, first serve basis for table spots under the pavilion. The market is located at the Turtlepoint Park, on Larabee Road, Turtlepoint PA! For more information, please visit our Facebook page!
Kardinal Estate And Tag-Sale Estate Sale In Bradford
3 Day Estate Sale! Huge Sale!
September 11 to 13 – Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm
811 South Ave, Bradford, PA 16701 (along Route 219, use caution).
Lawn tractor, 4-wheeler, bedroom furniture, living-room furniture, Kendall items, collectible oil items, power-tools, woodworking tools, hand-tools, Pyrex, Corning items, outdoor items, shelves, Rubbermaid cabinets, lawn cart, lawn trailer, lawn roller, vintage toys, tool boxes, kayak, kitchen table & chairs, Kitchen-aid mixer, dressers, shelves, holiday decor, glassware, TV, desk, bows, arrows, CDs, garden items, and so much more. Clean home and so many great items!  
All sales final and no returns. Park in a safe place and watch traffic. Do not block driveways. We look forward to seeing everyone for another great sale. 
Sexual Assault Arrest In Bradford
On May 18, 2025, the Bradford City Police Department received a report from a female juvenile at a City address, alleging she was sexually assaulted by a known male several months prior. Following an investigation, officers determined there was sufficient evidence to make an arrest. A warrant was subsequently issued for the suspect, and on September 5, 2025, Pennsylvania State Police Troop J Avondale located and apprehended Richard D. Westrope in Chester County. Westrope was then taken to McKean County, where he was arraigned before Judge Todd. His bail was set at $200,000, which he was unable to post, resulting in his remand to the McKean County Jail.
Presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Potter County Farmers Market Friday, September 12th.
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors AT OUR NEW LOCATION on the Courthouse grounds, at the corner and across the street from the square, every Friday (weather permitting) from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, September 12th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICES:
* We’re back on our summer schedule of Friday markets, BUT AT OUR NEW LOCATION due to renovations on the square. We’ll be across the street from the square, along the sidewalk to the right of the courthouse entrance, and around the corner on East Street to the driveway.
* The outdoor market is held each Friday from May through October (weather permitting; on very rainy days, we will relocate into the Riley Gallery (if available)). In November, the farmers market goes indoors for the winter market.
* Market times have been established after many trial times over the years. If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly. They are willing to try to accommodate your request.
* If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-598-0649 netrabaker2@gmail.com]
CARING CRAFTS will be attending this week’s Market! Weather Permitting! We will be bring a variety of Homemade Travel Pillows! Along with our Plastic Canvas Magnets/Ornaments! Our selection of both is very wide and unique! We have something for everyone! Don’t forget to like us Facebook! If your not able to stop by or would like to place an order please contact Jess at 814 203 2482! Caring Crafts excepts Cash payment! Hope to see everyone there!
CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the Farmers Market September 12. Artisan and loaf breads, sweet treats, jams ans jellies made from local fruits and vegetable pizza made from garden vegetables. It will be a beautiful day. Come to the square. Requests between markets are always welcome. netrabaker2@gmail.com 814-598-0649 text or call
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Friday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products that include soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions and bath bombs. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
Rolfe Beagle Club in NC PA Hosts Upland Bird Hunt for Women
The Rolfe Beagle Club in north central PA hosted an Upland Bird Hunt on Sunday, 9/7, consisting of pheasants, quail, and chukars for eleven graduates of the Ruffed Grouse Society’s Women’s Intro to Wingshooting program. All graduates of the program were offered the hunt on 9/7 to take their newly learned shooting and bird hunting skills to the next level, from the shooting range to the hunting fields and woods.
Each women hunter was paired with a hunt mentor and their choice of a pointing or flushing dog to experience first-hand an hour hunt at the Rolfe Beagle Club training grounds. Fun was had by all, and all women were able to successfully harvest a bird!
This is the 8th year of offering this program and it just keeps getting better each year. Next year’s class is already half-full. Any woman or young lady over the age of 11 can register for next year’s class by contacting Bethany Ford at bjmf989@gmail.com. The program runs over a weekend in July, a weekend in August, and a hunt day in September.
Celebration of Life for Gregory A. Koons September 10th
Port Allegany -A Celebration of Life for Gregory A. Koons, will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 1PM at 16 Town Line Drive, Turtlepoint PA.
Please bring your chairs
Gary E. Nickerson, 66, of Friendship, NY
Gary E. Nickerson: Loving Husband, Father, Papa, and Friend
Gary E. Nickerson, 66, of Friendship, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 at home surrounded by his family.
Born on September 26, 1958, in Cuba, he was a son of Dale E. and Rayveria “Jean” (Abbott) Nickerson. On August 3, 1985, in Schroon Lake, New York, he married his loving wife of 40 years, Ann C. Perryman, who survives.
Northern PA author David McElwee Book Signing September 20th
Saturday, September 20th SW Smith Library is hosting Northern PA author David McElwee for a book presentation and signing!
Call the library to save yourself a seat, but don’t worry; walk-ins are always welcome. Copies of David’s book “My Afterlife” will be available for purchase at the event.
Tickets for a raffle basket are also available online at swsmithlibrary.org with the winner to be drawn at the conclusion of the presentation!
Mary C. Major, 98, of Port Allegany, PA
Mary C. Major, 98, of Port Allegany, passed away Tuesday (September 9, 2025) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born June 13, 1927 in Pittsburgh, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Kotchey) Meyers. On June 28, 1948, in Austin, PA, she married Donald H. Major, Sr., who died Sept 28, 2006.
Mary graduated from Austin High School. She had worked during WWII in Pittsburgh at a steel mill for a short period of time, before she located to Port Allegany and worked at the cafeteria at Port Allegany High School. She also had cleaned at the former Canoe Place Inn.
Stephen “Chunk” Kovalyak, 59, of Ridgway, PA
Stephen “Chunk” Kovalyak, 59, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on August 18, 1966, in Ridgway, the son of the late Michael S. and Veronica Cuneo Kovalyak.
He is survived by his fiancé of nearly 26 years, Laura Schlimm, whom Steve’s kids lovingly referred to as their “Favorite almost step-mom”.
Tar And Chipping On Trout Brook Rd. IN Roulette
Roulette residence especially those living on Trout Brook Rd, this Thursday the 11th they will be tar and chipping Trout Brook Rd beginning at the intersection of RT 6 up to just past the bridge. This is the area that the grinding was done on.
Please be careful when traveling on this road Thursday as there will be work crews there.
Thank you
Township Supervisors
PORT MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CRIMINAL HOMICIDE – JUDGE TO DETERMINE GRADING
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Port Allegany man charged with causing the death of a Port Allegany woman in February has pled guilty to causing her death. And a McKean County Judge will determine the degree of homicide.
Brian KUCHINKA was charged in February after the family of K-Leigh Hill-Nelson reported her missing after she failed to appear at her job in Smethport. Her body was found disrobed under a bed in a motel room where KUCHINKA was known to stay and he was taken into custody after several hours while State Police tried to secure his capture. Trooper Whitney Boshart, Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run, is the lead investigator.
The case was listed for a jury trial in October. During a pretrial conference with the Judge at the McKean County Courthouse earlier today, KUCHINKA pled guilty to Criminal Homicide and Abuse of a Corpse.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer explained the charge of Homicide: “Criminal Homicide is the criminal charge when an offender causes the death of another person. It is an “umbrella” crime and is made up of Murder 1, Murder 2, Murder 3, Voluntary Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter. The plea was agreeable to the Commonwealth and the victim’s family because it required the offender to accept responsibility for causing the death and accomplished the same thing that a jury trial would.
When a jury trial occurs in a Criminal Homicide case, the jury has to first determine if the offender caused the death within the meaning of the criminal law. If the jury agrees on the charge of Criminal Homicide, it must then go through each of the sub-crimes and determine if the offender committed the Homicide in an intentional/premediated fashion (Murder 1), while committing a specified felony (Murder 2), all the way through each sub-crime of murder and manslaughter. The plea requires the offender to plead guilty to Homicide and Abuse of the Corpse and, now, the Judge will determine what level of Homicide it was the same as a jury would. The trial with the judge will occur in October. After the evidence, the Judge will determine if it is Murder 1, 2, 3 or Voluntary/Involuntary Manslaughter and the offender will be sentenced accordingly.”
Southern Tier Soldier Shelter Fund to support veterans experiencing homelessness
A new charitable fund has been established at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation to provide critical support for veterans facing homelessness.
The Southern Tier Soldier Shelter Fund will provide for grants that support services for veterans experiencing homelessness locally and nationally. The fund will provide grants to agencies that serve veterans and provide housing services, mental health services and more.
In addition to traditional grantmaking, the fund may also provide grants through housing service nonprofits to pay landlords to temporarily house homeless veterans. In such cases, referrals will be made by the Olean VA or the Cattaraugus County Veterans Services Agency to connect veterans directly to housing opportunities.
Homelessness continues to disproportionately affect those who have served in the U.S. military. While national progress has been made in reducing veteran homelessness, thousands of veterans remain without stable housing. In Cattaraugus County and the surrounding region, local service providers and agencies continue to see veterans in crisis, underscoring the need for targeted funding and resources.
“Veterans who served our country should never face the uncertainty of not having a roof over their heads,” said Kirk Windus, CRCF executive director. “This fund will help meet both immediate needs, like temporary shelter, as well as longer-term solutions that give veterans a path to stability.”
The fund will strengthen the work of agencies providing housing, mental health care and wraparound services, helping create a community where veterans have the chance to find safety and stability.
Donations can be made to the Southern Tier Soldier Shelter Fund at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203, or online at cattfoundation.org.
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvania High School Students to Join the Ninth Annual ‘Innovations Challenge
PennDOT is now accepting student submissions on how AI can improve work zone safety for this year’s Innovation Challenge.
Submissions will be accepted until January 30, 2026.
Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invite high school students throughout the state to participate in this year’s PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers. The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model.
For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop a concept for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and road users. The concept must outline how PennDOT can use smarter systems to prevent accidents and protect those who are working to build a better Pennsylvania. The concept should also take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications, as well as public outreach.
