UPDATE: PSP CHARGES MAN WITH SHOOTING AT CAR IN GIFFORD-$1 MILLION BAIL
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania State Police have arrested a Foster Township man for shooting at a vehicle in Gifford early this morning. Matthew LUKE is charged with Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, Propulsion of Missile in Occupied Vehicle and other charges.
Troopers responded to an emergency call at the residence and were subsequently advised that LUKE entered the residence of his ex-girlfriend in Gifford and engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with her including hitting her in the face with a gun. Another woman in the residence, upon hearing yelling and thuds, fled the residence and attempted to drive away and around LUKE’s vehicle that was blocking the driveway. LUKE exited the residence and fired shots in the direction of her vehicle. The driver’s window immediately shattered, causing the driver to crash. The complaint alleges that the victim was able to exit the vehicle and run to safety while LUKE sped away in the vehicle he drove to the residence. LUKE was located and taken into custody.
Corporal Sierra Rooke is the lead investigator. LUKE was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $1million. LUKE was remanded to the McKean County Jail and is scheduled for central court on December 11th. Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the case and additional charges are possible.
Robert P. “Bob” STROMBERG, 97, of Cromwell, CT, formerly of Port Allegany, PA
Robert P. “Bob” STROMBERG, 97, of Cromwell, CT, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, died on November 29, 2025. He was a resident of Covenant Living of Cromwell. Born August 15, 1928, in Bradford, PA, he was the son of Eric R. and Gerda S. Olson Stromberg.
In 1930, the family moved to a farm in Wrights, PA. A 1946 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1946 – 1948, with service in the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Japan. Returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Lucielle Esther Nelson, on May 8, 1948 in Port Allegany. They shared 72 wonderful years together and had three children: Sally, Robert, and Ingrid.
Edith I. NELSON, 95, Of Mills, PA
Edith I. NELSON, 95, of Mills, PA, died Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. Born October 8, 1930, in Harrison Township, PA, she was the daughter of Lawrence C. and Freda Pride Nelson.
A 1948 graduate of Harrison Valley High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mansfield University in 1952 and a master’s degree from Temple University in 1956. She was employed as a teacher by Doylestown Elementary, Department of the U.S. Army in Germany, and Edinboro University Campus School. Miss Nelson was a professor in the Reading and Language Arts Department of Jersey City State College for 29 years, retiring in 1994. She made several trips to Montevideo, Uruguay with the Crandon Institute. Edith was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Montclair, NJ and Mills Union Church.
Coudersport Rotary Club
Coudersport Rotary Club was pleased to have Citizen of Tomorrow Karter Kellogg at our November 24, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill. Karter is the son of Emily and Kabel Kellogg and his current school activities include golf, track, Spanish Club, Art Club, and FFA. He plans to become an art teacher after graduation.
Thank you, Karter, for joining us!
Robin Hackett, 60, of Bradford
Robin Hackett, 60, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the home she shared with her partner, James Haley.
Born August 26, 1965, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Richard “Dick” Hackett and Betty Jones, who survives.
Robin attended Bradford Area High School. Throughout her life, she was known for her strong spirit, her sense of humor, and her unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She was happiest spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her dogs—Dora, Lady, and Twink—who were constant companions and a source of comfort and happiness.
Family meant everything to Robin. She cherished every moment spent with her children and was especially proud to be a grandmother. Her grandchildren brought extraordinary joy to her life, and she adored each of them deeply.
UPMC Expert: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Managing Holiday Stress for a Healthier Season
UPMC Pediatrics
The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, they can also be the most stressful. Between shopping, family gatherings, financial strain, travel, and end-of-year work deadlines, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed.
The good news is that while we can’t always control what’s happening around us, we can learn to manage our responses and protect our well-being. Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate the holiday season with more peace and joy.
Set Realistic Expectations
The pressure to create a “perfect” holiday can leave us feeling exhausted and disappointed. Social media and advertising only add to the illusion that everyone else’s celebrations are flawless. In reality, the most meaningful moments often come from imperfection, the burnt cookies that still taste great, the quick phone call that brightens a loved one’s day, or the simple act of being present.
Potter County Fair Button Contest/Entry Form
Once again the Potter County Fair is conducting a fair button contest. The fair has been doing fair buttons since 1982, and we are always very impressed with the artwork provided for our contest. This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the fair so we are changing the contest up a little. It will be open to everyone (regardless of age) that lives in Potter County or that part of McKean County in the Oswayo Valley School District.
The theme for this year’s button is 90 Years of Traditions. The winning design will be made into a button with either a pin or magnet backing. The winning design will also be included in our fair book and flyer. Please see the entry form for more rules.
Welding Instructor Postion Available
Available Position: Welding Instructor
Location: Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center, Port Allegany PA
Status: Full-Time, 10-Month Position
Start Date: 2025–2026 School Year
Please click here to apply: Welding Instructor
Glen L. MOTT, 66, of Wellsville, NY
Glen L. MOTT, 66, of Wellsville, NY, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Wellsville Manor Care Center. Born June 28, 1959, in Wellsville, he was the son of Neil B. and Dorothy J. Hardy Mott.
A 1978 graduate of Wellsville High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Air Force from 1979 – 1980. He was first employed with a geophysical crew and worked at various jobs until he found his calling as a butcher with Save-A-Lot and Pump Station Processing. Glen enjoyed Little League baseball, high school wrestling, hunting, fishing, pets, four wheeling, helping others, and telling stories. He especially loved to read, with Ann McCaffrey as one of his favorite authors. After retiring due to ill health, he kept the family up on all the important news.
Surviving are: four brothers, Kevin Mott of Hamlin, Mark (Shelly) Mott of of Elmira, Mike (Laurie)Mott of Springwater, and Neil (Margaret) Mott of Wellsville; a sister, Cheryl (Patrick) Carlin of Wellsville; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and a nephew, Izic Mott.
A gathering to celebrate Glen’s life will be held on a later date and will be announced by Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville, NY. Memorials may be made to the Activities Department of Wellsville Manor Care Center. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
December Meeting Minutes / Ceres Township
CERES TOWNSHIP: The December 2, 2025 meeting of the Ceres Township Supervisors was called to order at 6:00 p.m. with 3 Supervisors, 4 residents, and secretary in attendance. The minutes of the November 11, 2025 meeting were read and approved. The
Blight Program was discussed with information from Laura Lord at McKean County Planning Commission. The Blight program must be applied for by the property owner. It will give up to $10,000 to take down a vacant home or building. The county submits applications twice yearly. If the Township would like to do anything different, a blight ordinance would need to be put in place stating regulations to the property owner with vacant buildings. It was decided that this information would be put in the minutes and anyone who would like to apply can contact the Township or the County Planning Commission for information or to apply for the grant.
Building Permit was approved for 40 x 40 storage building, Sewage Permit was received from SEO for same parcel.
“Understanding and Managing Soil Compaction” Workshop
Penn State Extension will offer practical, science-based strategies to prevent and address soil compaction during an upcoming “Understanding and Managing Soil Compaction” workshop.
Aimed at field and forage crop producers, crop consultants, and custom operators, this workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, December 12th at the Home Comfort Restaurant, 1131 State Route 49, Westfield PA.
The event will provide practical insights into the causes of compaction and offer solutions for improving soil structure and health. Whether participants are managing longstanding compaction issues or proactively looking to protect their soil, this session will equip them with the knowledge to make informed decisions for a more resilient and productive land, organizers noted.
The session will cover topics such as strategies for minimizing and remediating compaction risks; benefits of growing cover crops; tillage impacts on compaction; and advances in new tire and track technology. The event also will feature a farmer panel discussion.
The registration fee is $15, which includes lunch and handouts. Space is limited, so preregistration is required by calling 877-345-0691 or online at https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-and-managing-soil-compaction. Registration deadline is Monday, December 8th.
Faye A. Eades, 82, of Del City, Oklahoma, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA
Faye A. Eades “former Shinglehouse, PA resident”
DEL CITY, Oklahoma—Faye A. Eades, 82, of Del City, Oklahoma, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Born on Saturday, August 7, 1943, she was a daughter of Clifford and Marian Swift Hackett.
Faye was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1960, in Shinglehouse, PA. Graduating at the age of 16, Faye went to the former Airline School in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduating from airline school, Faye was employed at the Pentagon for several years. A military wife, she lived in numerous places, finally settling in Oklahoma.
She had a fulfilling career at Tinker Air Force Base working for the Air Force in Oklahoma and later was employed at the Air Force Base by the Department of Defense, from where she retired.
Faye was an active member of her church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outside on her plants and flowers. At one time, Faye considered herself a “gym rat”, having gone to the gym everyday to workout.
Left to cherish her memory are a son, Alan (Melissa) Poe of Choctaw, OK; two sisters, Peggy Askins of Mesa, AZ and Julie Perkins of Shinglehouse; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Ceres, PA.
In lieu flowers, memorials in Faye’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Faye entrusted her local arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Faye, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
No Tax Increase in Potter County
Real estate taxes in Potter County will remain at their current rate in 2026. In addition, Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Robert Rossman and Paul Heimel have decided not to collect the $5.00 per-capita tax that many other counties levy. Actions were finalized at the commissioners’ business meeting on Nov. 26. A copy of the county’s draft 2026 operating budget is available for public review at the commissioners administrative office in the Gunzburger Building.
It calls for spending of just over $14 million, an increase of $265,000 from the current spending plan — subject to revision before final adoption later this month. Real estate taxes will remain at 24 mills. A mill is one-tenth of one percent, levied against a property’s assessed value. Because state law prohibits county governments from collecting an earned income tax, similar to the levies of townships, boroughs and school districts, property owners bear the heaviest tax burden.
Robert Allen “Bob” Bly, 59, of Derrick City
Robert Allen “Bob” Bly, 59, of Derrick City, passed away peacefully at his home on December 3, 2025.
He was born November 11, 1966, in Bradford, a son of James Bly of Bradford, and the late Nancy Bly. He was a 1984 graduate of Smethport Area High School.
Bob was currently employed as a Foreman at Alleghany Industrial Insulation of Lewis Run. Prior to that, he worked as a Foreman for many years at DM Industries.
Mary B. Contant, 87, 0f Coudersport
Mary B. Contant “beloved wife, mother, and grandmother”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Mary B. Contant, 87, 0f Coudersport, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after a long illness.
Born on Thursday, November 3, 1938 in Longview, Texas, she was a daughter of Kirby and Helen Dunning White. In 1955 in Spokane, WA, she married George W. Wilson, who passed away in 1989. On June 20, 1998 in Coudersport, she married Gilles S. Contant, who survives.
Mary was employed for many years at the former Pure Carbon in Coudersport. She enjoyed spending time at her cabin and tending to her flower beds. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
CTC Offers “Hour of AI” Learning Event to the Community
When: Tuesday 12/9/25, Two Sessions 9:30-10:45 or 1:00-2:45
Where: Seneca Highlands CTC (219 Edison Bates Dr, Port Allegany)
Please join Mr. Bryant and his Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications students for a global AI learning event at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center.
The workshop is open to all ability levels, and computers will be provided for use during the workshop.
Please register at www.bit.ly/shctcai2025
Vetoquinol USA, Inc. Recalls Six Lots of FOLLTROPIN Injectable Kits for Cattle Due to Presence of Particulate Matter in Sterile Diluent Vial
Vetoquinol USA, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, is recalling six lots of FOLLTROPIN® (porcine pituitary-derived follicle stimulating hormone for injection) Kits, due to the presence of particulate matter in the sterile diluent vial.
Particulates were observed during routine examination of retained samples of the sterile diluent vials for the following lots:
| Kit Lot # | Diluent Lot # | Expiration Date | Distribution Begin Date | Distribution End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 510578 | 840915 | 5/31/2026 | 08/30/2023 | 10/23/2023 |
| 510579 | 844585 | 5/31/2026 | 10/23/2025 | 11/06/2023 |
| 510580 | 844583 | 5/31/2026 | 11/06/2023 | 06/18/2024 |
| 510581 | 934975 | 1/31/2027 | 06/18/2024 | 12/13/2024 |
| 717059 | 934976 | 1/31/2027 | 06/09/2025 | 10/28/2025 |
| 510582 | 934973 | 1/31/2027 | 12/13/2024 | 06/09/2025 |
Risk Statement: The administration of an injectable product that contains particulate matter may result in injection site reaction or hypersensitivity reaction in response to the foreign material. Some possible clinical signs of an adverse event include pain and/or swelling/wounds at the injection site, as well as decreased activity level, fever, and/or labored breathing. If you observe any of these or any other concerning signs in an animal that may have been administered this product, please contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. To date, no adverse event reports have been received for the listed batches.
