Richard C. JOHNSON, 84, of Wellsville, NY
Richard C. JOHNSON, 84, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, December 14, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. Born April 10, 1941, in Kane, PA, he was the son of Russell and Lillian Gabriel Johnson. On January 15, 1966, in Kane, PA, he married Linda L. Buhl, who predeceased him on January 26, 2018.
A graduate of Wilcox High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy for 3 years then the U.S. Army for 20 years in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ft. Benning, Georgia (where Dan joined the family), Ft. Rucker, Alabama, Ft. Greely, Alaska (where Amy joined the family) and finally Ft. Campbell Kentucky, living in nearby Clarksville, Tennessee. During his military service, Rich was stationed in Korea and Thailand and completed two tours in Vietnam.
After retiring from the Army, the family moved back to Kane briefly, and then to Wellsville, NY in 1980. The family road trip was the annual vacation for many years. In later years, Rich and Linda would enjoy traveling together on road trips out west, to Myrtle Beach, and taking cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they took the entire family on a Caribbean cruise. Rich was a member of Grace United Church in Wellsville and Wellsville Rod & Gun Club.
New US Flag Retirement Receptacle Installed At St. Marys Legion
The Elk County Cruisers Car Club and the St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail recently installed a new United States Flag Retirement Receptacle in front of the American Legion Post #103 on Center Street in St. Marys. The project was completed with support from the Doris E. Stackpole Foundation, Shop 14 Muscle Cars in St. Marys, and the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF).
The new receptacle will make it easier for the public to drop off worn and tattered American flags for a respectful and proper disposal. Flags should not be deposited in bags or boxes as these materials clog the receptacle opening and make it difficult to empty. The Detail gathers the flags and conducts a ceremonial burning every summer at Bear Run.
In 2025, the Cruisers established a donor-advised fund at ECCF to raise funds to support projects like this in Elk County. This year, they made donations to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, Christian Food Bank, Crystal Fire Department and St. Marys Municipal Airport. They also collaborated with the Servicemen’s Detail and American Legion Post #103 for the construction of the new flagpole and veterans’ monument at Shawmut Park. Donations to the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund of any size are gratefully accepted at the Elk County Community Foundation, PO Box 934. St. Marys, PA, 15857.
The Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies is the parent company of the Elk County Community Foundation and the McKean County Community Foundation. Funds established by charitable donors support our communities through the awarding of grants and scholarships. For more information on how you can help support important community programs please contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.
UPMC Expert: Staying Ahead Of Arthritis When The Temperatures Drop
UPMC Orthopaedic Care
As temperatures drop, many people with arthritis notice their joints feeling stiffer, achier, or harder to move. While the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, colder weather, changes in barometric pressure, and reduced activity all contribute to increased discomfort. Fortunately, there are practical ways to manage symptoms and maintain mobility throughout the winter months.
Keep Your Joints Moving
Movement is essential for joint health. Regular, gentle activity warms stiff joints, improves circulation, and helps maintain flexibility. On cold days when outdoor activity may feel challenging, there are plenty of indoor options. Stretching, yoga, tai chi, or even walking in place while watching TV can help. Short, frequent movement breaks throughout the day often work better than longer sessions, especially for joints that tend to stiffen quickly.
Trail Central | Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau announce Marketing & Event Grant Program
Matching grant program funds up to $2500 for businesses, organizations and events for tourism marketing
Bradford, (Pennsylvania) – Trail Central | The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureauis pleased to announce the 2026 Marketing Project and Event Marketing Program. This program will fund eligible projects and events from January through June 30, 2026. Since its inception in Summer 2024, the Marketing and Event Grant Program has supported 40 events and marketing initiatives in McKean County totaling $55,000.
The Bureau’s semi-annual grant program aims to fund qualified McKean County organizations and businesses to strengthen our tourism products, increase the marketing, promotion and advertising of tourism related business and enhance the quality of events.
John L. Mallery, 91, Of Route 155
John L. Mallery, 91, of Route 155, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport, PA.
John was born on July 9, 1934, in Chenango Bridge, NY, the son of Margaret and Edgar Mallery. On December 4, 1955, in Hancock, NY, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean E. Wormuth Mallery, who preceded him in death. They shared 57 years of marriage. On September 23, 2014, he married the Rev. Deborah Smith, who survives.
In addition to his wife Debbie, John is survived by two sons, Michael T. (Crystal) Mallery and Javan A. (Francine) Mallery; two daughters, Elizabeth M. (Sonnie) Brockwell and Margaret I. Mallery; daughter-in-law Tina L Mallery (Paul) and chosen daughter, Jamie L. McKenzie.
He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Michael (Christina), Alixandra, Paul (Mia), John (Rachel), Philip, Alexis, Ashlyn (Micah), Margaret, Anna (James), Javan II, Andrew (Carisa), Kathryn, Chase, and Levi; 16 great-grandchildren: Brayden, Baileigh, Myrin, Kaileigh, Preston, Lexi, Kaden, Gracie, Kenzi, Jaxon, Raymond, Maison, Micah Jr, Addison, Rowan, and River; and one great-great-granddaughter, Cyra.
John is also survived by his sister, June Mallery Flickinger, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his first wife Jean, he was preceded in death by his sons, John A. Mallery and Paul E. Mallery; his parents; and his siblings, Robert, Margaret, Mary, and Esther.
Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Announce The 25th Gift of Memory
Kevin and Patty Dusenbury of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, announce that the 25th Gift of Memory program has been an astonishing success, thanks to the many generous donors and supporters of this yearly event.
“We have donors from the first year that continue to donate and new donors every year. We had several donors who contributed very generous amounts of monies which allowed us to shop for specific needs to purchase items for the older children”.
Dusenbury, who is the owner and funeral director of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home in Shinglehouse and the Potter County Coroner stated, “we are once again amazed by the generosity of so many people. We truly THANK each person who donated, assuring that many less fortunate individuals and families will have a brighter and happier Christmas. We wish everyone a beautiful, blessed and very Merry Christmas.”
Delivering the toys to the Christmas House in Coudersport were Carl and Ronda Dickerson who have taken this program as one of their own to facilitate a happier Christmas for many children of Potter County, the Klesa family, who have graciously embraced the Gift of Memory program for many years to honor their son and brother, Jon, and Kevin and Patty Dusenbury.
Marlene M. Reph, 86, of Coudersport, PA
Marlene M. Reph, 86, of Coudersport, PA, passed away December 2, 2025, at Sweden Valley Manor. She was born on March 30, 1939, in Aquashicola, PA. Marlene worked at Chestnut Ridge Turkey Farm, and for Scotties Fashions, retiring in 2002. She loved playing cards with her friends, putting together puzzles and spending time with her family.
Marlene is survived by three sons: Alphred Reph III of Palmerton, PA; Ricky Rodgers of Palmerton, PA; Brian Reph of Saylorsburg, PA; a daughter: Linda Faulstick of Coudersport; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
In accordance with her wishes her arrangements have been entrusted to the Thomas Fickinger Funeral Home 210 N. East Street Coudersport, PA 16915. To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Give the Gift of Life This Season, BRMC, OGH Hosting ConnectLife Blood Drives
BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, will be hosting community blood drives this December in partnership with ConnectLife, the region’s only community blood bank.
OGH will host its blood drive on Wednesday, December 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The drive will take place on the ConnectLife Bus, located at the Mildred Milliman Outpatient Surgery Center, directly across from the hospital. Anyone who would like to schedule an appointment can visit www.connectlifegiveblood.org and use sponsor code 000485, or call (716) 529-4270.
The BRMC blood drive is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby. To schedule an appointment, visit www.connectlifegiveblood.org and use sponsor code 000468, or contact Kim Murphey at (814) 362-8298.
Bonnie A. Wood, 82, of Coudersport
Bonnie A. Wood
COUDERSPORT, PA—Bonnie A. Wood, 82, of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly at UPMC Cole in Coudersport, on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Born on September 8, 1943 in Erie, she was a daughter of James and Marion Brydon. On September 4, 1965 in Erie she married Russell Eugene Wood, who passed away on January 23, 2014.
She graduated from McDowell High School in Erie and from Edinboro University with a degree in library sciences. She worked as an elementary school librarian in multiple Pennsylvania public school systems, sharing with children her love of books.
She also was a Dorling Kindersley (DK) Books representative, traveling with her husband Gene to multiple book fairs, setting up amazing displays for children’s books.
Bonnie created Hemlock Springs Cultural Arts Center in Keating Summit, PA. There she held an annual Hobbit and Fairy Festival that celebrated teaching children about fairies and garden magic.
She became a certified Master Gardener and used the land of Hemlock Springs to propagate many different flowers and perennial plants. Throughout the years she sold thousands of plants and spread beautiful flowers around Potter County. If you see a big, beautiful day lily, chances are it came from her garden. She volunteered all over Potter County spreading her garden knowledge and creating interesting gardens everywhere. She was particularly proud of the garden she created for the residents of Sweden Valley Manor, “Yesterday’s Garden”, for which she received a Commendation of Service from the US Congress.
INFLUENZA SUSPECTED IN RECENT SNOW GOOSE MORTALITIES
Avian influenza is suspected to have caused the deaths of hundreds of snow geese found at a Northampton County quarry.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is coordinating a response to this incident that includes safe removal, testing and disposal of these birds.
Those encountering other sick or dead wild birds anywhere in Pennsylvania can report them to the Game Commission by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453). Any sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. If you have had contact with sick or dead birds and are not feeling well, contact your primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
The U.S. outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) began in January 2022 and has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state. In Pennsylvania, there was a sharp resurgence of HPAI cases in wild birds in late 2024 and early 2025. Impacts tailed off after several weeks, though the virus continued to be detected at lower levels.
Wild waterfowl and shorebirds are considered natural carriers for avian influenza viruses and might shed the virus in their feces and saliva despite appearing healthy. HPAI also can lead to sickness or death in raptors (hawks, eagles), avian scavengers (crows, gulls, ravens) and wild poultry (turkey, grouse).
The virus typically does not affect bird species that frequent backyard bird feeders. Exercise good hygiene when maintaining bird feeders and baths, emptying them every couple of weeks and disinfecting them with a 10% household bleach solution. If you notice multiple sick or dead birds over a short period of time, strongly consider leaving feeders down and baths empty to not make any potential outbreak worse.
Clinical signs of infection in wild birds are often non-specific, but might include neurologic dysfunction such as circling, head tilting, and difficulty flying.
HPAI can potentially infect humans, though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the current HPAI outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the general public.
People can help safeguard themselves against HPAI by always viewing wildlife from a safe distance, avoiding contact with wild birds or their feces and not handling wildlife unless you’re hunting, trapping or otherwise authorized to do so.
Anne M. Riddle, 71, of St. Marys
August 14, 1954 — December 14, 2025
Anne M. Riddle, 71, of St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
She was born on August 14, 1954 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Jerome and Dorothy Kronenwetter Heary.
On June 26, 1993, she married the late Christopher Riddle, who preceded her in death in 2002.
Anne was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business and worked for a number of years at Penn Highlands Elk, where she operated the switchboard with grace and kindness. She then earned a master’s degree in counseling and went on to serve as a mental health counselor for many years. With a deep and abiding faith, Anne was a devoted member of Queen of the World Church, where she was also active as a volunteer. Whether it was singing in the choir or greeting parishioners before Mass every Sunday, Anne was a steadfast presence in the church. She also found great comfort in daily prayer, especially through the Holy Rosary. In her free time, she enjoyed spoiling her family with her baked goods, which were always plentiful and delicious.
Got Milk! Congress Approves Bill to Put Whole Milk Back in Schools, Say Owlett, Lawrence
HARRISBURG – Two of the Pennsylvania Legislature’s leading advocates for offering kids whole milk at school praised congressional approval of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Reps. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and John Lawrence (R-Chester County) say the move is a win-win for PA kids and the dairy industry.
“After years of turning up their noses at skim milk, students across the country could soon have the option to enjoy a drink of whole milk or flavored milk as part of their school breakfast or lunch,” the lawmakers said. “Milk offers our kids 13 essential nutrients that support health and academic success – nutrients they’ve been missing out on because the Obama administration banned these options in favor of milks most kids would never even think of drinking.”
MEMORIAL SERVICES for Michael J Hammond
Port Allegany – Michael J. Hammond, 66, of Coudersport, passed away Monday (December 8, 2025) at UPMC-Williamsport.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from Noon till 3PM in the Gospel Tabernacle Church, 420 US-6 Coudersport, PA at wich time a Celebration of Life for Mike will start at 3PM, with the Rev. Allen Young, Pastor of the East Smethport United Christian Church Officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Sheetz Family Christmas. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Boil Order For All Fredonia Water Customers Including Those In The Town Of Pomfret
Fredonia water customers, including those in the Town of Pomfret are on a boil water order due to lack of disinfection. You must boil all water used for cooking and drinking. There has been a disruption in the treatment process, making the water not safe to drink. Bring all water used for drinking or cooking to a rolling boil, then cool before using. You will be notified when it is no longer necessary to boil water. For more information call the Village at 716-679-2307 or the County Health Department at 716-753-4481
NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov
Shapiro Administration Celebrates $312 Million of Infrastructure Investments in North Central PA in 2025
Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Engineering District 3 team is wrapping up a successful construction season this year, which included 111 new contracts worth an estimated $312 million, to improve travel and safety on state highways and bridges across Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties.
This investment included 41 miles of microsurfacing and high friction surface treatment, 495 miles of seal coat (oil and chip), in addition to the rehabilitating, reconstructing, and resurfacing of 167 roadway miles across the district using both contractor and department force crews.
Statewide, PennDOT has been hard at work improving Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges throughout the year, improving more than 4,800 miles of road, including over 1,400 miles of paving, and beginning work to repair, replace, or preserve 368 bridges from January through October of this year.
Edna Mae Cobb, 55, of Wellsboro
Edna Mae Cobb, 55, of Wellsboro, passed away Monday December 15, 2025 at UPMC Williamsport. She was born March 9, 1970 in Blossburg, PA to Harry L. and Helen (Gulliver) Cobb. She graduated from high school and worked for Partners in Progress. Edna was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Wellsboro.
Edna is survived by her brother: Dan Cobb (Connie) of Millerton, a step-brother: Freeman Covert of California, and a step-sister: Robin Ingerick of South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Edna’s life at 11am Friday December 19, 2025 for a graveside service in the Wellsboro Cemetery with Rev. Chris Osterbrock officiating. Donations in her memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro 25 Central Avenue Wellsboro, PA 16901. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
Sharon K. (Sweeney) Morral, age 84, of Wellsboro, PA
Sharon K. (Sweeney) Morral, age 84, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Sunday, December 14, 2025. She was the wife of Gary J. Morral and had worked at the Penn Wells Hotel for many years. A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
Thomas M. “Fred” Mahaney, 76, of St. Marys
Thomas M. “Fred” Mahaney, 76, of 631 Evergreen Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side Saturday, December 13, 2025 at his residence.
He was born April 2, 1949 in St. Marys, son of the late Walter and Mary “Mookie” Brem Mahaney. He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1968, and a retired employee of Keystone Carbon. Tom took great pride in his service to his country, serving in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. He later took great pride in honoring his fellow service men and women as a member of the Fox Township Burial Detail.
On September 27, 1975, in Queen of the World Church, Tom married Susan McGill, who survives. They were blessed to share fifty years of marriage.
In addition to his loving wife, Tom is survived by his son, Matthew Mahaney (Amanda) of Quakertown, PA and his daughter, Shelly Avery (Jason) of Rochester, NY; five grandchildren: Ryan Avery, Ava, Grace, Samuel and Madelyn Mahaney; two sisters: Jane Rigard and Patricia Eckl; and numerous nieces and nephews.
