Open Arms carries a 20-year community tradition forward at a new location this Halloween.
BRADFORD, Pa. — For someone who loves handing out Halloween candy but lives on a street where few children knock, a decorated car trunk can become a front porch for the evening.
Josh and Zoe Hatcher as Mr. and Mrs. Krabs at the First Trunk or Treat
That simple idea helped shape a Bradford tradition that is marking its 20th annual event this year. On Saturday, October 31, Trunk or Treat will welcome families to a new home at Open Arms Community Church, 71 Congress Street, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to everyone. Children can come in costume, bring a candy bucket or bag, and visit decorated vehicles with their families. Families attending do not need to register.
Photo by John Eaton Terry Borneman holds this year’s poster for the Run Past Cancer 5K and One Mile Fun Run/Walk.
The 10th Annual Run Past Cancer 5K and One Mile Fun Run/Walk will start at 9 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 31 on the new section of the Pine Creek Rail Trail at the Patterson Trailhead in Wellsboro.
This is the first time these two events are being held in Wellsboro.
Run Past Cancer is presented by the American Cancer Society and the Tyoga Running Club.
“Our goal is to raise $3,000,” said organizer Terry Borneman, an American Cancer Society volunteer. “I have had many family members and friends affected by cancer. We need to find a cure. Every dollar we raise will be put toward the fight to eradicate it.”
Roberta A. “Bobbie Ann” Root, 82, of Wellsboro, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at UPMC Williamsport. She was born on March 9, 1944, in Wellsboro, the daughter of the late Donald and Ruth (Baker) Northrop. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald R. Root, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage until his passing on November 17, 2018.
Bobbie Ann was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wellsboro and once served as vice president of Root Oil Company. She was an avid reader who particularly enjoyed crime and mystery novels. She enjoyed keeping current with the news, watching movies, and tuning in to Animal Planet. She also loved hiking in the woods, enjoying fresh vegetables straight from the garden, and listening to music. Some of her fondest memories were of her childhood in Asaph, which she lovingly remembered as her own little paradise.
Animals held a special place in Bobbie Ann’s heart. She adored her golden retriever, Lady, and treasured the companionship of her beloved cat, Kitty, who often kept her company curled up on her lap.
Bobbie Ann enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, and cooking. She was a thoughtful and caring person who was always willing to listen. She never needed to be the center of attention, finding happiness in life’s simple pleasures, quiet moments, and time spent with her family.
Bobbie Ann is survived by her two sons, Todd (Penny) Root of Liberty and Jon (Sadie) Root of Wellsboro; her sister, Michele (Karl) Gunderson of Marsh Creek; her grandchildren, Kyle (Sofia) Root, Aric (Renee) Root, Thomas (Emily) Root, Casey (Sharilyn) Root, Logan Root, Emrys Root, Evelyn Root, Ezra Root, Daryl (Christine) Sullivan, and Brent (Jessie) Sullivan; and several great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Bobbie Ann’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. A private burial will take place at Wellsboro Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions in Bobbie Ann’s memory be made to the Green Free Library, 134 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901.
The family has entrusted Bobbie Ann’s arrangements to Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro. To share a memory or offer condolences to her family, please visit www.tusseymosher.com.
(Washington, D.C., October 29, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development today published the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program – Income Producing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Provisions Final Rule to expand housing options for rural homebuyers. This rule allows lenders to offer USDA-guaranteed home loans on properties that include an income-producing ADU. The rule takes effect December 28, 2026.
“President Trump promised to put American families first and that includes making the dream of homeownership achievable in rural America,” said Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith. “By giving rural homebuyers the flexibility to earn income from an ADU, we’re helping families afford a home and strengthen the small towns that are the backbone of this country.”
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Rural Development is committed to reducing barriers to homeownership by implementing solutions that increase the supply of affordable housing for rural residents,” said Rural Housing Service Administrator George Kelly.
Through the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program Rural Development provides approved lenders with the ability to offer 100% financed, no money-down loans to eligible low- and moderate-income households in rural areas. Rural Development backs the 90% loan guarantee. With a Single Family Housing loan guarantee, homebuyers can buy existing, build new, or cover the cost of rehabilitating, improving, or relocating a home.
For more information about USDA Rural Development programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
Following the service, everyone is invited to stay for one last picnic to celebrate Jere. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Penn York Camp, 266 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
There is a vacancy for the Coudersport Borough Council Ward 2. Anyone interested in serving as the Council Member in Ward 2 with a term ending December 31, 2027 must submit a letter of interest to the Borough Manager, Todd Brown via email (manager@coudersportborough.org) or via mail (201 South West Street, Coudersport, PA 16915).
In order to qualify for the appointment as the Council Member all applicants must be a resident of the Borough of Coudersport for at least one (1) year and live in Ward 2. In order to continue to serve as Council member you must run in the next election.
Letters of interest must be submitted by 3 pm on November 3, 2026, to be considered for the vacancy.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Borough Manager, Todd Brown atv (814)-274-9776.
** To serve as Council Member you must fill out an affidavit of residency form and have it notarized. This form should be submitted with your letter of interest. The affidavit of residency form can be picked up at the Borough office at 201 South West Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 during regular business hours.
DERRICK CITY, PA—Roy L. Barclay, 77, of Derrick City, passed away in his home with his loving family by his side on Friday, October 23, 2026, after a short illness.
Born on Friday, December 17, 1948 in Perryton, Texas, he was a son of Roy B. “Bunk” and Clara Velma Wilson Barclay. On July 18, 1982 in Amarillo, Texas, he married Susan C. Gordon, who passed away on September 10, 2018.
Roy was a US Army veteran having served as a medic during the Vietnam War. Roy was employed in various positions throughout his lifetime, including off shore drilling, owning and operating a construction company, driving truck, and along with his wife, was a foster parent.
HARRISBURG, PA – This year, Trick-or-treating isn’t the only thing to look forward to on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) announces the fall 2026 turkey season will kick off in 20 of the state’s 22 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) on Halloween.
Fall turkey hunting is closed in WMUs 5C and 5D. For the remaining WMUs, the season lengths are as follows: WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D: Oct. 31-Nov. 15; WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C and 4E: Oct. 31-Nov. 8; WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, and 3C: Oct. 31-Nov. 15 and Nov. 25-27; WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E: Oct. 31-Nov. 20 and Nov. 25-27; and WMU 5A and 5B: Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Hunters are advised that the three-day Thanksgiving season again will run Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, only in applicable WMUs.
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced $7.3 million in grant awards for organizations and projects across the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region that help to advance local efforts to grow the region’s tourism and outdoor recreation sectors in a sustainable way.
The investments were selected through a statewide competitive process as part of the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), a grant program DCNR administers annually.
This year’s C2P2 grants in the PA Wilds region cover a range of projects and partnerships, from providing funding for regional organizations that are helping to coordinate outdoor recreation, tourism and heritage development partnership networks, programs, mini grant programs and other critical capacity, to specific projects in individual communities related to stewardship, planning, and developing tourism, recreation and heritage assets.
Mary A. “Stevie” Schnell “lived life to the fullest”
DUKE CENTER, PA—
, passed away from a pre-existing condition with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in the Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.
Born on Saturday, May 11, 1940 in Warren, she was a daughter of Anson H. and Alice F. Wolfe Crain. On June 13, 1959 in St. Raphael Church, Eldred, she married Charles E. “Charlie” Schnell, who survives.
Mary was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School, Class of 1958. She was employed in retail sales for various companies, having lastly worked at the former Kmart in Harbor Creek.
Mary was an active member of St. Raphael Catholic Church’s Altar Society. She was an avid reader and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, solving word puzzles and playing solitaire on her computer. Along with her husband, Charlie, they initially enjoyed riding ATV’s then side by sides traveling at least 3000 miles a year on them. After 10 years of riding side by sides, they graduated to riding in their 2 door firecracker red Jeep Wrangler, having driven 7000 miles the first summer they had it. She also enjoyed exploring the wilds of Pennsylvania State forests. Mary was a great supporter of Otto-Eldred athletics, especially boy’s and girl’s basketball and girl’s volleyball, going to as many games as possible. She also supported the Otto Township Fire Department and their auxiliary by attending their fundraisers and functions. Her greatest love was her family.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 67 years; a daughter, Lynne M. (Joseph) Brozewicz of Wattsburg; a son, Robert C. (Kara) Schnell of Street, Maryland; eleven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by a daughter, Laurie A. Baer; and a sister, Sally Crain.
In keeping with Mary’’s wishes, there will be no public services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name may be made to the Portville Free Library, PO Box 768, Portville, NY 14770.
Mary’s family has entrusted her care 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 Mary, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Does money interest you? If you were breathing, I would suppose the answer to that question would be yes. Do you have enough? Do you want more? We can all guess the answers to those questions. But if we are among the richest people in the world, why do we never seem to have enough? In other words, why is it that although we are rich, we don’t feel rich? In fact, many have never felt rich in their entire lives. Why? The answer to that is a simple thing called “margin”.
Margin has to do with our debt-to-income ratio. It’s the difference between what I earn and what I save. If I put money away, as in a savings account, I start to accumulate a reserve. As the margin between what I spend and what I save continues to grow, I start to feel rich because what I have saved creates buying power. If I spend all that I earn, I will feel like I’m living paycheck to paycheck, and that’s true whether I make $30,000 a year or $300,000 a year. So now the question is what percentage of your income you need to live on?
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus gathers his disciples to observe people putting money into the Tabernacle offering box. Some place large sums, while a lowly widow comes along and places two small coins. Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44). The point is that, in percentage terms, the widow gave it all, while the rich gave only a small percentage of what they had. I wonder which felt rich, the rich who had the money but kept most of it for themselves, or the widow who gave it all away? Quite simply, the widow’s hope was in God, which is why she could give it all away. The rich, on the other hand, had their hope migrate from God to their money. What does that say about us? Think about it.
Free public meetings will outline economic opportunities, visitor projections, and community collaboration for Pennsylvania’s first permanent Thomas Dambo troll installations.
BRADFORD, PA – The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau (ANFVB) invites local business owners, community leaders, artisans, and residents to attend upcoming informational sessions regarding the landmark “Trolls in the Forest” public art and eco-tourism project.
The sessions will explore the regional economic impact of the project, provide an overview of projected visitor volume, and outline concrete ways local businesses, hospitality providers, and volunteers can capitalize on the influx of travelers.
Sessions are free, open to the public, and include light refreshments:
Kane Information Session: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Kane Elementary School, 400 W Hemlock Avenue, Kane, PA 16735
Bradford Information Session: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Bradford’s Old Post Office, 80 E. Corydon Street, Bradford, PA
Each 90-minute session will provide an overview of the project scope and timeline, followed by an open community discussion. With significant visitor interest on the horizon, the time to start thinking and preparing is now. The session is designed to jumpstart local brainstorming—encouraging business owners, civic groups, and residents to explore their own creative ideas for collaborating, welcoming travelers, and making the most of this momentum.
“Bringing three monumental Thomas Dambo trolls to McKean County is a once-in-a-generation catalyst that will draw thousands of cultural travelers into our downtown corridors,” said Rustin Lippincott, Executive Director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. “These meetings are designed to equip our local merchants, restaurateurs, makers, and civic groups with the insights they need to prepare, collaborate, and directly benefit from this surge in foot traffic.”
“Trolls in the Forest” will feature three monumental troll sculptures crafted entirely from locally sourced salvaged wood and recycled materials. Standing up to 30 feet tall, the sculptures will mark Dambo’s first permanent exhibition in Pennsylvania, placing McKean County on the global “troll hunting” map alongside more than 190 sculptures worldwide across 20 countries and 21 U.S. states.
Targeted for installation in 2027, the sculptures are planned for Kane, Bradford and a third mid-county location near Westline. Designed to encourage exploration across trails, parks, and downtown business districts, the installation is projected to attract more than 100,000 visitors annually, turning single-day excursions into multi-day stays that fuel the regional economy.
No RSVP is required to attend. Community members and business owners unable to attend can learn more or request project updates by visiting PATrailCentral.com or calling 800-473-9370.
Congratulations to Aiden Gillespie, a sophomore at Kane High School, for being named Student of the Week in our Automotive Program!
Aiden demonstrates a great work ethic and a strong interest in the automotive trade. His willingness to learn and dedication to developing his skills makes him a great example of what it means to be a successful student in the program.
Keep up the great work, Aiden! We’re proud to recognize your efforts. and look forward to seeing you continue to grow and succeed in the automotive field!
WHAT:Rep. ClintOwlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is hosting a human trafficking awareness event focused on recognizing the signs of trafficking, online grooming and exploitation of children, and ways to protect loved ones.
WHO:Owlett; Joe Peters, Wyoming County district attorney; Korrin Moon, president and founder of Lantern Rescue; and Debbie Colton, founder of Oasis of Hope in Canton.
WHEN:Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.
WHERE:North Street Community Church, 177 North St. in Canton
HARRISBURG, Pa (October 26) – During its quarterly business meeting today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) encouraged anglers and boaters to take advantage of the many fall and winter fishing and boating opportunities available across the Commonwealth and reminded everyone to make safety a priority while enjoying the water.
Executive Director’s Report
In his report to the Board of Commissioners, Executive Director Tim Schaeffer reinforced the importance of Pennsylvania’s Annual Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement, which goes into effect on November 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027.
“Since its inception over ten years ago, this requirement has indisputably saved lives,” said Schaeffer. “While I always wear my life jacket, it is the law for everyone to do the same this time of year on all kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and boats under 16 feet. Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of boatable water that can be enjoyed all year long. If you boat, please wear your life jacket.”
Carol Ann Marcott, 89, died Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
She was born in October 1937 in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y., the second child of Robert and Ruth (Scharff) Berlinghoff.
As a girl, she was active in Girl Scouts and spent each summer at Camp Natarswi in Maine with her mother and sister, Eleaner, first as a camper and then as a counselor teaching girls to swim. She played flute in the Hempstead High School band and was active in Rainbow Girls, where she served as Worthy Advisor, the highest-ranking office in the Masonic-affiliated youth service organization for young women.
She studied to become a kindergarten teacher at Cortland (N.Y.) State Teachers College before returning to Long Island to work at Abraham & Straus department stores. During that time, she met U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Richard J. Marcott, and eight months later, the two wed in March 1958.
As a military officer’s wife, Carol followed her husband to duty stations in Yorktown, Va.; Washington, D.C.; Alameda and Petaluma, Calif.; and Morehead City, N.C., earning a reputation as a consummate hostess. She was active in the Coast Guard Wives’ Club and served as president of the San Francisco chapter, the largest in the Coast Guard.
In 1971 she gave birth to her only child, Kimberly.
Following her husband’s retirement, the couple moved to his hometown of Bradford, where she was active in the Current Events Club, Women’s Literary Club, the Board of Deacons at First Presbyterian Church and the Bradford Hospital Auxiliary.
She also supported local groups important to Richard, including the Kiwanis Club of Bradford, Bradford Little Theatre and the Mountain Laurel Harmonizers. She helped backstage at Kiwanis Kapers and served as assistant stage manager and stage manager.
She grew beautiful gardens, loved animals and was a caring mother and grandmother, creating magic for holidays and every day with her hand-crafted decorations, specialty baked goods and curated gifts.
Surviving are her husband, retired Capt. Richard J. Marcott of Bradford; daughter, Kimberly (Richard) Marcott Weinberg of Bradford; granddaughter, Madeline Weinberg of Bradford; and sisters-in-law, Bonnie Stevens of Bradenton, Fla., and Connie (James) Anastasia of Baltimore.
In addition to her parents and sister, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Preston Joseph Weinberg, and a sister-in-law, Patricia Dian Vecellio.
Friends may call at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, in the library of First Presbyterian Church, where a service will be held at 11 a.m. with the Revs. Robert Klouw and W. LeRoy Beckes officiating.
Inurnment will take place at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Columbarium at a future date.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Bradford Ecumenical Home, the First Presbyterian Church Deacons’ Fund, or the Preston Weinberg Memorial Scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Barbara B. White, 85, of Coudersport, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026, at her home. She was born on June 28, 1941, in Coudersport, the daughter of the late Fred and Carrie (Stiles) Bova. She married Allan C. White, Sr. on August 24, 1962, and have celebrated 64 years of marriage.
Barbara was a graduate of Coudersport High School. She co-owned and operated Duke Center Superette with her sister Donna Marshall. She enjoyed baking, her grandsons, and her dog, melody.
In addition to her husband Allan, Barbara is survived by her children: Debra D. (Jon Blass) Dehn, Allan C. White, Jr., and Rhonda R. (Brian) Empson, all of Coudersport; a brother, LaVern (Daisy) Bova of Coudersport; a sister, Donna Marshall of Duke Center; grandchildren: Dakota A. Dehn, Brian T. Empson, and Brandon _. Empson; great grandchildren: Loewen A. and August L. Dehn, and numerous nieces and nephews, including Kameron T. Lepold. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by a son, Theodore V. “Ted” White, a sister, Beatrice I. Blow, and a brother-in-law, Sonny Marshall.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be announced at a later date. The family suggest memorial contributions in Barbara’s name to be made to the Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Ln., Coudersport, PA 16915. Barbara’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Fredonia residents, businesses, and institutions can help this situation by conserving water. Conserving water will reduce the demand for water and will thereby reduce the strain on the water treatment plant equipment.
The water entering the water treatment plant from the Fredonia Reservoir has high levels of organic material that is causing problems with the filtration system at the water treatment plant. Due to multiple days of increased wear on the filtration equipment, including the aging filter media, the turbidity levels of the treated water do not meet NYSDOH safety standards even after the water passes through the filters.
The elevated levels of turbidity in the treated water could contain harmful microbes, therefore a boil water order is issued as a preventative measure to protect public health. Boiling the water kills bacteria and other microbes that may be present.
The New York State Department of Health requires that anytime water is not adequately treated a boil water order must be issued to notify customers. All Fredonia water customers must boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and making coffee until further notice. Water must be brought to a rolling boil for one minute then cooled prior to use.
Boiled or bottled water must be used to wash dishes by hand; dishes should be allowed to completely air dry after washing. Home dishwashers that reach a temperature of 170⁰F and have a full dry cycle can be used in place of boiled water. The water may be used for bathing as long as it is not consumed. The water is safe for laundry.
Once the turbidity levels drop to acceptable levels and the distribution system has been flushed, the Village will collect water samples on consecutive days to make sure the water is safe. Notifications and press releases will be used to inform the public when the boil water order is lifted.
For more information on boiling water and emergency disinfection visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/boilwater/. Press releases will be posted on the Chautauqua County website at https://chqgov.com/news. For more information, residents should call the Village of Fredonia at (716) 679-2307 and Chautauqua County Health Department permitted facilities can call the Health Department directly at (716) 753-4481.
Melvin L. ERWAY, 87, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, October 22, 2026, in his home. Born July 13, 1939, Canton, PA, he was the son of L. Clifton and Mary E. Gearhart Erway.On May 20, 1961, in Chardon, OH, he married Virginia Kay Torok, who survives.
Melvin started out with his first calf as a 4H project. Over the following years as his projects grew so did the herd. Upon graduating from Northern Potter High School in 1957, he and his father formed a partnership, MelClif Farm. There had not been any outside animals added to this herd in over 40 years. The registered black and white as well as the registered red and white Holsteins showed their quality by winning six Premiere Breeder and three Premiere Exhibitor awards. Melvin and Kay continued to operate the farm and formed a partnership with their younger son, Dean.
In addition to farming, Melvin was a top maple producer over the years, winning numerous local and state awards. He was the first person to win the American Farmer Degree in Potter County. He also won the Service to Agriculture Award and was the 1966 winner of PA Grassland Club Award. In 2003, the Holstein Association honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Dairy Industry. Some of his contributions to agricultural services have been serving as state secretary of FFA, executive secretary-treasurer of the Potter-Tioga Maple Producers Association, chairman and vice chairman of the Cooperative Extension Executive Committee, director of the Potter County Conservation District, and on the board of NEBA (Northeastern Breeders Association). He also served as a director of Ulysses Agway, Gold Grange, Northern Potter School Board, and was an auditor for Ulysses Township. Melvin was a member of Bible Union Church in West Bingham.
Surviving besides his wife, Kay, are: two children, Kim Weber of Warrenton, VA and Dean (Jackie) Erway of Ulysses; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Erway Page-Harmon of Bainbridge, NY; a brother, Gordon (Marylou) Erway of Gold; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son, Kavin M. Erway; three brothers, Lawrence C. Erway, Wayne S. Erway, and Gary O. Erway; and a sister, Carol Erway.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 2:00 PM. Rev. David K. Ford will officiate. Burial will be in Raymond Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Northern Potter School District, 745 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948—memo line: Headwaters FFA.
