Smethport – Rosalie I. Bishop, 85, of Wilcox, PA, passed away Wednesday (January 14, 2026) at her home after a lengthy illness.
She was born July 1, 1940, in Ridgeway, PA, the daughter of Richard P. and Mabel (Howard) Nearing.
Rosalie was a Smethport High School graduate. In her early career, she worked in book keeping for Kendall Refinery in Bradford. She was tax collector for Sergeant Township for several years and last worked for 106.3 FM The Mountain radio station of Smethport, PA, before retiring.
She was a member of the Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wilcox.
Melody G. NORBERG, 62, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in UPMC Wellsboro. Born July 31, 1963, in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of John and Viola Zimmerman Hartman.
On May 16, 1981, in Philadelphia, she married Edward H. Norberg, Jr., who survives. A graduate of Jules E. Mastbaum High School in Philadelphia, she devoted her life to caring for her family. Her grandchildren were the center of her world. Melody enjoyed crosswords and puzzles.
Ramona K. “Choppy” HULTS, 63, of Westfield, PA, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in her home. Born May 15, 1962, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of William Lee “Bill” and Jane O. Cratsley Putman.
On October 25, 1980, in Knoxville, she married James Wesley Hults, who survives. Before her marriage, she was employed by the Northern Tier Children’s Home in Harrison Valley and after her marriage traveled with Wes for many years while he worked on drilling rigs.
She was a member of God’s New Beginning Church in Harrison Valley. Ramona was a beautiful person and devoted woman of faith. She loved all her family and prayed for each of them. Her family was proud of their wife, momma, grandma, sister, and aunt.
George Ronald “Ron” WHITESELL, 81, of Andover, NY, died Saturday, January 10, 2026, in UR St. James Hospital, Hornell. Born January 27, 1944, in West Union, he was the son of Irving and Edith Latten Whitesell.
On August 19, 1989, he married the former Linda L. Stebbins, who survives. Ron attended Andover High School. He was employed by Alstom Power in Wellsville of 32 years. Ron enjoyed training and pulling Belgium horses, fishing, hunting, boiling maple syrup, and processing meat.
Surviving besides his wife, Linda, are: a daughter, Roni Marie Whitesell of Brockport; two step-daughters, Deborah (Kevin) Miller of Coudersport, PA and Dawn (Joe) Correll of Clinton, WI; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a sister, Darla Williams of Wellsville; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by four brothers, Milford C. Whitesell, Donnie J. Whitesell, David I. Whitesell, and Richard Whitesell; and a sister, Thelma “Betty” Patrick. Private burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com
Sharron M. Stebbins: Beloved Mother and Grandmother
Sharron M. Stebbins, 81, of Bradford, Pennsylvania and formerly of Friendship, New York, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026Born on May 2, 1944, Cuba, she was a daughter of Clifford and Velma (Rollins) Butler.
On April 13, 1969, in Belfast she married Alan Stebbins who predeceased her on September 28, 2015.
Sharron was a graduate of Belfast Central School. She had worked at ACME Electric and later as a receptionist for Dr. Kolish and Dr. Gulati in Friendship. This is where she became life long friends with Dottie Williams and her family. After the office closed in Friendship, she returned to JCC and received her associates degree and worked as a Substance and Abuse Counselor for the Cattaraugus Co. Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. She found great joy in giving of herself to others and helping them anyway she could. She also enjoyed sewing.
Sharron was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Friendship until its closing and later was a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church in Bradford.
Surviving are two daughters Tisha Young and Melissa (Charles) Lananger both of Bradford; her grandchildren Anthony Young, Ahsley, Dylan, Tyler, and Janelle Lananger; her great grandchildren Ryker and Zuri Pedersen and Octavia Lananger; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son in law Raymond Young, a brother Richard Butler, and a sister Betty Jedrusiejko.
Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 10-11:00 A.M. at which time a funeral service will be held in the funeral home. Deacon Frank Pasquale, will officiate.Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Belfast, New York.
Congratulations to Chase Boley, a third-year Automotive student at Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center and a senior at Coudersport High School.
Chase has demonstrated a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn in the automotive shop. He consistently follows safety procedures, stays focused on tasks, and shows pride in his work. His dedication and effort make him a great example for others in the class.
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service State College PA 140 AM EST Fri Jan 16 2026 …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 AM EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches. Heavier snow showers and squalls possible Saturday afternoon and evening.
* WHERE…The Northwest Mountains of Central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From 7 PM this evening to 1 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A few stronger snow showers or squalls on Saturday could lead to rapid reductions in visibility and a quick accumulation on roadways. Motorists should be alert for changing conditions.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reminds motorists to adjust speeds based on driving conditions when winter weather affects Pennsylvania roadways. Visit www.511pa.com for the latest roadway and traffic conditions.
ERIE, PA – Healthcare4AllPA announced today that board member Gavin S. Griffin has been appointed to serve as the organization’s President for a one-year term, effective immediately.
The board approved Griffin’s appointment at its regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 11, 2026, with board members expressing confidence in Griffin’s leadership skills and commitment to the organization’s mission based on his prior experience in public service and health care advocacy.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Salamanca woman arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force in July was sentenced today by a judge during a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse.
Tonya RILEY was sentenced to 2 months to 15 months in the McKean County Jail and 15 months’ concurrent probation. RILEY was ordered to obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow through with all recommended treatment, pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force and pay the lab user fee.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford man arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force during a coordinated drug detail in July was sentenced today. The judge sentenced Brian FITZPATRICK to serve a state sentence of 7 months to 24 months. FITZPATRICK was ordered by the judge to pay restitution to the McKean County Drug Task Force, pay the lab user fee, and provide a DNA sample among other terms.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Canadian woman who was convicted of firing toward Troopers has been sentenced to state prison for her crimes.
The case was the result of a 9 hour standoff between Sharon VANDRISH and State Police at a camp in Marshburg where VANDRISH shot a firearm in the direction of Troopers and refused to exit the camp. After she was convicted, she failed to appear for sentencing and fled to New York where the District Attorney’s Office had to obtain her return to Pennsylvania through the extradition process.
During the sentencing hearing for VANDRISH today at the courthouse, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer told the Judge that VANDRISH continued to blame everyone else for the events and took no accountability for her crimes.
DA Shaffer told the Judge that Vandrish has written her several letters and emails and left countless voicemails at the District Attorney’s Office both prior to the trial and since the trial where she has blamed her brother, the jury, the police and Shaffer, herself, including threats that DA Shaffer described as blackmail if the case was not withdrawn. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer noted that the law allows a court to take a defendant’s lack of accountability into consideration when fashioning a sentence and, in this case, her ongoing blame of everyone else should be considered.
DA Vettenburg-Shaffer told the judge that VANDRISH’s attempts to blame others was misplaced because she was convicted after a jury trial where the jury heard from witnesses and heard the actual radio communication of the Troopers on-scene. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer reminded the court that the jury heard the Troopers on the radio recordings describe in real time what VANDRISH was doing- Troopers radioing to each other that she had a firearm, radioing each other that VANDRISH said she was not coming out, radioing to each other that she had just fired a gun, and, most significantly according to Shaffer, a Trooper radioing to his colleagues that he was now trapped by a shed due to VANDRISH’s shooting.
Shaffer noted that Homeland Security has a detainer for VANDRISH. The Judge directed his comments to VANDRISH’s lack of remorse and danger to society because she placed Troopers as well as herself in a very dangerous situation and still does not recognize that what she did was dangerous. The judge pointed out that he did not hear much remorse from VANDRISH and stated that there is nothing different about her accountability today than the day she fired the gun toward the troopers. The Judge sentenced VANDRISH to state prison for a period of 16 months to 48 months. She is not eligible for any early parole program.
Melvin V. Coursey, Sr. age 93, originally from Millsboro, DE, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 9, 2026 after a short illness. He was the loving husband of Gloria D. Coursey, who preceded him in death in 2024.
Mel, known affectionately as Puddy, was born to Charles Marshall Coursey and Cecilia Eugenia Sterrett. He was a proud Nanticoke Native American from Millsboro, DE.
On March 17, 1951, he married the love of his life, Gloria (Mosley) Butler, and they shared 73 loving years together. They moved to Philadelphia in 1953 where they raised their family and then relocated to Potter County, PA where they enjoyed their retirement in the mountains. He was a friend to everyone and always had a smile and hug for you, but he will always be known as a practical joker who liked nothing better than a good laugh.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will hold its first meeting of the new year on Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Among other agenda items, the Board will consider preliminary hunting seasons and bag limits for the 2026-27 license year.
The meeting will include two proposals for the Board to consider regarding the start of the firearms deer season. The first proposal would open the firearms season on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The second proposal would maintain the current season structure, with the season opening on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Regarding the proposal to open the firearms season before Thanksgiving, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith said, “This change would give hunters an earlier start and provide more opportunities for families, young hunters, and those who travel longer distances to enjoy opening weekend without competing with the Thanksgiving holiday. Opening the season earlier could improve access for hunters and continues the Board’s focus on structuring seasons in ways that maximize participation.”
$5,000-$15,000 mini-grants to support civic engagement, community projects
The PA Wilds Center announced today that it will be offering $80,000 in mini grants this year for rural communities across the Pennsylvania Wilds region.
The PA Wilds Community Engagement Mini-Grant program, which is funded with support from the Trust for Civic Life and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), will open Jan. 29, with applications due by March 6. Requests can range from $5,000 to $15,000.
The mini grant program will focus on supporting community-driven civic engagement projects that support the regional PA Wilds strategy to grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation economy, nature tourism, and creative placemaking within the PA Wilds Conservation Landscape.
Settlements include smaller-than-requested rate changes for electric and natural gas distribution rates for the three affiliated companies
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved rate case settlements with three affiliated utilities serving customers in north-central Pennsylvania – Wellsboro Electric Company (Wellsboro Electric), Valley Energy Inc. (Valley Energy), and Citizens’ Electric Company of Lewisburg (Citizens’ Electric).
Collectively, these utilities serve several thousand electric and natural gas customers in parts of Bradford, Northumberland, Tioga, and Union counties.
Joann Moore, 66, of Coudersport, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport. Joann “Jo Jo” was born on May 17, 1959, in Glen Cove, NY, the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Zwolinski) Moore.
Joann worked as a paralegal and was a member of Gospel tabernacle. She enjoyed country music, line dancing, loved animals, especially dogs, and was a huge Disney fan.
Joann is survived by a sister, Patricia Martini of Coudersport; a brother, Charles Moore Jr., of Long Island; a nephews, Matthew Martini of Atlanta, GA; Parker Moore of Long Island; and a nieces, Jennifer Mahon both of Atlanta, GA; and Jules Moore of Long Island; a brother-in-law, William Bulck of Long Island; and her longtime companion, David Nolan of Coudersport. In addition to her parents, Joann was preceded in death by a sister, Deborah Bulck, a nephews, Billy Martini, and Billy Bulck.
At Joann’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. The family has entrusted her arrangements 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
Agnes McGlinchey, 58, of Coudersport, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
Agnes was born on August 31, 1967, in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late Agnes (Carlson) McGlinchey. She was the wife of John Amato and shared 36 years together until his passing November 5, 2025.
Agnes, at one time, worked with her husband John, repairing and installing roofs. She was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle. She was a caring person, loving friend, dependable, and trustworthy. If she could, she would do anything for anyone. She was also a loving mother, grandmother, and adored children. Agnes was also very active with Alcohol Anonymous and sponsored many people.
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Betty L. Evingham, 94, of Shinglehouse, beginning at 1pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Bolivar Fire Department, Bolivar, NY.
Betty passed away on January 7, 2026.
Betty’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
Port Allegany – Virginia “Ginger” Andreano, 82, of Port Allegany, passed away on Monday (January 12, 2026) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
She was born August 20, 1943 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Harry and Leola (Baker) Rittburg. On April 11, 1970, in Port Allegany, she married Frederick G. Andreano, who died on July 20, 2023.
Ginger was a graduate of Port Allegany High School Class of 1961 and worked at Pittsburgh-Corning in Port Allegany, and later at Ball-Incon, where she retired as a packer. She was a member of the Port Allegany Church in Port Allegany
The City of Bradford Police Department responded early on the morning of, January 12, 2026, to the 200 block of Jackson Avenue for a reported pedestrian versus motor vehicle accident.
Upon arrival, officers found a 12-year-old male who had been struck by a motor vehicle and thrown into the opposite lane of travel. The incident occurred under low-light conditions, and the roadway was wet due to winter weather.
The operator of the vehicle, a young adult male, immediately stopped, remained on scene, and rendered aid. He was also assisted by a female passerby who was identified as an off-duty Bradford Regional Medical Center nurse. City of Bradford Fire Department and EMS arrived quickly and provided medical care before transporting the juvenile to BRMC for treatment.
The Bradford City Police Department conducted a thorough investigation, including witness interviews. The investigation determined that the juvenile ran into the roadway at a non-crosswalk location without looking and was struck by the front of the vehicle. The driver had no opportunity to avoid the collision. Speed was not a factor, and there were no mechanical issues with the vehicle that contributed to the incident.
At this time, no charges are pending against the driver. Fortunately, the juvenile’s injuries are believed to be relatively minor.
This incident serves as an important reminder to everyone—especially during winter months with reduced visibility and wet roadways—to always stop, look both ways, and ensure it is safe before crossing any street. Drivers are also encouraged to remain alert for pedestrians at all times.
The City of Bradford Police Department is thankful for the quick actions of those who stopped to help and for the rapid response of our emergency personnel.
Chief Michael P. Ward City of Bradford Police Department
City of Bradford Police Department Chief Michael P. Ward
January 12, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department, with the assistance of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police Department, safely resolved a serious mental health crisis on Pine Street in the City of Bradford.
Officers, along with Pitt-Bradford Police Lieutenant Richard Harsen, located an adult male standing on the Tuna Creek railing and threatening to jump into the creek in an apparent attempt to harm himself. Officers immediately established contact with the individual and began calm, patient verbal de-escalation efforts in order to keep him safe.
Recognizing the need for specialized support, officers contacted the Guidance Center and requested a member of the mental health crisis response team. A delegate responded to the scene and worked collaboratively with officers. Through coordinated communication and crisis intervention, they were able to safely bring the individual off the railing and into custody for transport to receive professional mental health care.
I would like to commend all of the officers involved and thank the Guidance Center for their rapid response and professionalism. Their teamwork and commitment to compassionate intervention brought a very difficult situation to a positive and safe outcome.
Mental health emergencies are real and serious. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local mental health crisis line. In an immediate emergency, call 911 so help can be dispatched without delay.
Chief Michael P. Ward City of Bradford Police Department
Position Summary: The Austin Area School District is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Administrative Assistant / Assistant Business Manager to support district business operations and administrative functions.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
Preparing and processing bi-weekly payroll
Processing purchase orders and accounts payable
Assisting with general business office operations
Providing administrative support, including clerical and organizational duties
Working collaboratively with district staff to ensure accurate and timely financial operations
Qualifications:
Prior office or administrative experience is required (school or public-sector experience preferred)
Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
Proficiency with computer applications and office software
Excellent organizational, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills
Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field preferred
Clearances: Candidates must provide current Pennsylvania clearances, including Act 34, Act 151, and Act 114. All clearances must be dated within one year.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three letters of reference to:
Austin Area School District Attn: Kimberly Rees 138 Costello Ave Austin, PA 16720
