Don E. Skinner, 72, of Coudersport
Port Allegany – Don E. Skinner, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Wednesday (April 15, 2026) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport, surrounded by his family.
He was born November 19, 1953, in Blossburg, Tioga County, PA, the son of Horton and Lena (Moore) Skinner. On October 14, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, he married Julie Pekarski, who survives.
Mr. Skinner was a Balance Operator, employed by Dresser-Rand in Olean for 45 years. He was a member of the NRA.
He is survived by his wife Julie, one son, Daniel (Nicole) Skinner of Roulette, and one daughter, Lesa Gibble of Coudersport.
Five grandchildren: Ashley (Levi) Redmond, Bryce and Eric Skinner, and Alexis and Zack Beck.
Three Brothers: Lester (Joan) Skinner of Roulette, Jan (Carla) Skinner of Oviedo, FL, and Horton (Molly) Skinner, Jr.of Titusville, FL. Many nieces and nephews
Don was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Dorothy Beck and Linda Duttry, and a brother, LeRoy Skinner.
Following Don’s wishes, there will be no visitation; a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter, 6400 Sheridan Drive, Suite 320
Amherst, NY 14221 or www.alz.org/wny
Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Fleeing And Alluding Arrest In Bradford
On April 16, 2026, at approximately 11:56 a.m., a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania State Parole, US Marshals Task Force, and the City of Bradford Police Department led to the successful apprehension of a wanted fugitive. Agents and officers conducted an investigation at 40 Foreman Street in Bradford, where they located the individual, Todd Stahli, and took him into custody without incident.
Magistrate William Todd arraigned Stahli on charges of flight to avoid apprehension and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $20,000 bail. Additionally, Pennsylvania State Parole lodged a detainer on Stahli to face all applicable punishment.
The City of Bradford Police Department would like to commend the efforts of all agencies involved in this successful operation, which demonstrates the importance of interagency cooperation in keeping our communities safe. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For further information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.
KANE MAN CONVICTED OF DRUG DELIVERY RESULTING IN DEATH
Pennsylvania: April 17, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a five-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Michael CUNNINGHAM, formerly of Kane, was convicted in the overdose death of a Kane man in 2022. On August 11, 2022, a Kane man was found deceased from an apparent drug overdose at an apartment in Kane. Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Eric Thompson assumed control of the scene and the investigation.
CUNNINGHAM was identified as a suspect from witness interviews, and his vehicle matched the description of the vehicle seen meeting with the victim prior to his death. Trooper Thompson found a “bundle” of controlled substances at the scene. A bundle is the term used to describe a packet of individual baggies of either fentanyl or heroin tied together. This is the common way fentanyl and heroin are packaged for sale. Lab results identified the contents as fentanyl – an extremely potent – and often deadly- drug that is both commonly mixed with other street drugs and sold on its own. The bundle was found to contain the DNA of CUNNINGHAM.
PA Fish And Boat Commission, Partners Break Ground On White Oak Pond Dam Rehabilitation Project In Wayne County
Today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and community partners broke ground on the long-awaited dam rehabilitation project that will restore White Oak Pond in Clinton Township, Wayne County. Construction on the $5.5 million-dollar project will begin in the coming weeks and will include the construction of a new earthen dam, concrete spillway, upgraded boat launch, and an ADA accessible fishing pier. The project is expected to be completed in late summer or fall of 2027.
While a reduced pool of water remains because of recent rain and snowmelt, White Oak Pond was completely drained in 2015 due to structural issues and leakage coming from the more than 200-year-old stone-built dam.
Following construction, White Oak Pond will be refilled to full pool, and the fishery will be restored through a multi-year restocking plan that will include native warm water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and minnows such as Golden Shiners. Heavy vegetation that has grown throughout the lakebed will eventually be submerged under water and provide a boost of nutrients to the growing fishery, helping it thrive through a phenomenon known as “new lake effect.” Until the fishery becomes self-sustaining to include fish of harvestable size, the lake will be managed under Catch-and-Release fishing regulations.
In addition to dam infrastructure improvements, a new culvert will be constructed directly downstream of the dam beneath State Route 4004 (White Oak Drive), funded by PennDOT.
Cost: Dam (PFBC): $4.7 million. Culvert (PennDOT): $800,000 Total Cost: $5.5 million
Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GBT8M5tjZ3OXnE26eoDlekv49HttSWN/view?usp=sharing
YouTube: https://youtu.be/q_Oe9EZr2eA
CARE For Children Hosts Panel Discussion on Transition
CARE for Children will host Focusing on Transition—Preparing Your Student for Life After Graduation on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Bradford Area Public Library. This free event is designed to empower families of students with disabilities to prepare for education, employment, and life after graduation.
PennDOT Potter County Maintenance Work Schedule For The Week Of April 20
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in Potter County the week of April 20. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in Potter County for the coming week is as follows:
Joint & Crack Sealing (Hot Pour Mastic)
- All of Route 1001 (Brookland/Fox Hill Road). Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Crack sealing and hot pour mastic operations prevent water intrusion from seeping through cracks or joints in an asphalt road, which can lead to potholes and pavement breakup. They are proactive preventive maintenance strategies to prevent water from entering the roadways and accelerating the formation of potholes and other failures.
- All of Route 1002 (North Hollow Road). Monday, April 20, through Friday, May 22. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Most permanent pothole patching is completed in the spring/summer when temperatures stay consistently above freezing. Mechanized patching is sometimes used to patch limited roadway areas that have extensive potholes, large areas of cracked pavement, and depressions. If patching was not performed, the damaged road surface would further deteriorate, resulting in PennDOT needing to completely rebuild the road or perform more costly corrective measures.
Pipe Replacement & Cleaning
- Route 4003 (Fishing Creek Road) between Route 6 and West Branch Fishing Creek Road in Roulette Township. Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Pipe replacement and cleaning are essential in maintaining water flow around state roadways. Controlling water flow is one of the most important aspects of maintaining pavements. Uncontrolled water flow will damage both the pavement surface and the area under the pavement, which causes deterioration across the length of the pipe.
Shoulder Maintenance
- Route 44 between Route 6 in Sweden Township and Route 2002 (Branch Road) in West Branch Township. Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
- All of Route 3006 (Ice Mine Road). Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Shoulder cutting removes excess material and debris from unpaved shoulder areas. Shoulder grading involves the shaping and stabilizing of those same areas. Both operations improve drainage, allow water to leave the roadway, and eliminate shoulder drop-offs. These are crucial highway maintenance operations because when drainage systems do not function properly, water collects on the road, weakens pavement, accelerates the formation of potholes, and creates the potential for icing conditions in the winter months.
This schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, emergencies, or other unforeseen interruptions.
Customers can report road concerns by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD. If you call after hours, please leave a name and phone number.
For more information on PennDOT’s maintenance activities, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/about-penndot/strategic-planning-and-operations/penndot-maintenance-activities
Volunteer Recognition Day: Celebrating Those Who Give Back
April 19-25 marks National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize and celebrate those who generously give their time, talents, and energy to make a difference.
At the Elk County Community Foundation and McKean County Community Foundation, we are fortunate to work with a wide range of dedicated volunteers. This includes our Women Who Care and Women’s Giving Circle Steering and Planning Committees, local students who assist with Annual Report distribution, and community members who lend a hand with mailings and special projects throughout the year. Our board members bring a high level of commitment and leadership to the continued success of the Foundations.
Volunteers Wanted For Planting For Wildlife On Saturday, May 9, At Tionesta Lake
previous RGS planting.
Tionesta, Pa.: Want to get your hands dirty planting shrubs for wildlife? And work beside like-
minded volunteers for a couple of hours? The Upland Bird Hunt Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse
Society (RGS) is looking for volunteers for planting for wildlife on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 p.m.
at Tionesta Lake, in Forest County, on lands managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Work
should be completed by 4:00 p.m. Volunteers do not need to be RGS members – all are
welcome!
The meeting spot will be the parking lot of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church at 2048 German Hill
Road, Tionesta, 16353. Volunteers should be at the parking lot by 1:00 p.m. and plan on two to
three hours of work. We will caravan to the parking site from the parking lot. Park staff and
RGS Volunteers will be available to answer any questions.
We will be planting Wild grape, Allegheny serviceberry (juneberry), Mountain ash, Arrowwood
viburnum, and Gray dogwood.
All volunteers should register with Garrett Baker at bakgar42@yahoo.com so we can arrange
enough tools for volunteers. All volunteers should wear boots and gloves, and bring safety
glasses if you have them. Dress for the weather. This project will take place rain or shine.
This project is part of the RGS’s ongoing efforts to improve habitat for ruffed grouse, woodcock,
and other wildlife species. Volunteers do not need to bring anything, and no special skills are
necessary to help on this project.
The Ruffed Grouse Society is a national conservation organization dedicated to preserving our
sporting traditions by creating healthy forests for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other wildlife.
Through habitat projects, advocacy, and education, RGS works to ensure the future of
upland bird populations and hunting heritage.
PITT-BRADFORD TO HONOR SATTERWHITES WITH PRESIDENTIAL MEDALS OF DISTINCTION
BRADFORD, Pa. – John and Jeanie Mosch Satterwhite of Bradford, both of whom attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford during its earliest years, will receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction, the university’s highest honor.
Richard Esch, Pitt-Bradford’s president, will present the medals to the Satterwhites at the university’s Commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3.
“John and Jeanie have been such an important part of our Bradford and campus communities,” Esch said. “Through their volunteer service to Pitt-Bradford, financial support and enthusiasm for the institution, they have both been valued supporters of the highest order.”
Coudersport Rotary Club’s $500 Donation Helps Bring Mobility To Those In Need
The Coudersport Rotary Club met on April 13, 2026, at A&W West End Grill. Ronnie Schenkein introduced guest speaker Ed McCrea, the Co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Environmental Education & Conservation Global (EECG).
EECG is a 501(c)(3) organization that partners with local groups in 14 countries, primarily in Africa and Asia, including India, Thailand, Namibia, and Tanzania. The organization also collaborates on projects with groups such as Disney, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Smithsonian. EECG offers international courses in Applied Environmental Education and provides small grants to conservation organizations, where even modest funding—combined with local “sweat equity”—can make a meaningful impact. Their Climate Change Collaborative focuses on helping communities address the local effects of climate change.
George E. Ruggles, 71, of Lewis Run, PA
George E. Ruggles, 71, of Lewis Run, passed away Monday, April 13, 2026, at UPMC Hamot in Erie, surrounded by his immediate family and closest friends.
Born February 27, 1955, in Erie, he was a son of the late Rev. John P. and Elverna J. (Curtis) Ruggles.
George was a 1973 graduate of Smethport High School and then went on to work for Pennzoil for many years. He later owned the Hilltop General Store in Cyclone, later he worked as a Butcher at Parkview and Save A Lot.
George was a founding member of the Wanderers Motorcycle Club, a member of the Eagles Club, Frances Sherman Auxiliary of the VFW Post 212, the American Legion, and former member and Past Governor of the Bradford Moose Lodge.
Surviving is his fiancée, Karla Leone, one son, Benjamin Ruggles (Josh Brechtel) of DuBois, and two nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three infant sons, Johnathon Preston Ruggles, Jeremiah Preston Ruggles, Johnathon Clair Ruggles, one sister Carol, and one brother Clifford.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street, where at 5:00 pm funeral services will be held with Rev. Max Simms, Pastor, of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. The Frances Sheman Auxiliary of the VFW will gather and hold a service at 4:30 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be in Clermont Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the VFW Post 212, Attn: Auxiliary, 94 Barbour St. Bradford PA 16701, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Waste Material Available to Property Owners During PennDOT Maintenance Operations
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) advises property owners in Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter Counties that waste material will be available, free of charge, during PennDOT maintenance operations through the spring and summer months.
Waste material is collected during maintenance activities, such as shoulder cutting and ditch cleaning, when soil is removed from the roadway shoulders and ditch lines to facilitate drainage. This material is available to property owners who request it, have accessible property near work areas, and submit a completed M-666 form to their PennDOT county maintenance facility. Contact your county maintenance facility using the information listed below:
- Cameron: 21013 CCC Memorial Highway, Emporium, 15834; 814-486-1643.
- Centre: 1000 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, 16823; 814-355-4731.
- Clearfield: 1905 Washington Avenue, Clearfield, 16830; 814-765-0524.
- Clinton: 1054 Rdige Road, Mill Hall, 17751; 570-726-2200.
- Elk: 32 Sain Leo Avenue, Ridgway, 15853; 814-772-0038.
- Juniata: 4373 William Penn Highway, Mifflintown, 17059; 717-436-2187.
- McKean: 300 Bingham Road, Cyclone, 16726; 814-465-7754.
- Mifflin: 1200 W 4th Street, Lewistown, 17044; 717-248-7851.
- Potter: 7 West Locust Street, Coudersport, 16915; 814-274-9181.
Although PennDOT crews are common sights on Pennsylvania’s 40,000 roadway miles and 25,000 bridges, many customers may not realize the scope of work crews perform. The Maintenance First series was developed to shed some light on the operations PennDOT performs year-round to provide a safe and efficient transportation system.
Through the Summer Employment Program, PennDOT hires hundreds of seasonal workers from post high school grads to experienced workers to help repair and maintain the roadways and structures throughout the commonwealth. The program is a great way to take your first step on the path to a permanent career with PennDOT. To apply, visit the commonwealth’s employment site and search for the PennDOT Summer Maintenance Program job posting.
The Black Forest Falcons Trap Team Improves To 3-0
The Black Forest Falcons Trap Team improves to 3-0 on the season after a 193-177 victory over Portville on Thursday at the Bolivar-Richburg Gun Club! 
Top 8 shooters for the Falcons:
Avery Torrey – 25
Isaac Gledhill – 24
Boone Faulstick – 24
Silas Batterson – 24
Brody Herr – 24
Lucas Risser – 24
Izayah Freeman – 24
Owen Gill – 24
Also shooting 24s:
Ethan Hamilton
Carson Heimel
Great shooting all around! The Falcons return home Monday, April 20th to take on the Cameron County Clay Crushers—come out and support our team! 
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing {PHWFF}, initiated and conducted by members of the Federation of Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited, serves military personnel who have been wounded, injured, or disabled to aid their physical and emotional recovery by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly fishing and fly tying and by using and enjoying these skills on fishing outings and as lifelong recreation. While initially focusing on the military personnel in the Washington, DC area, the Project has expanded nationwide and is offering its services and program to active military personnel and veterans in the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals throughout the country. The Project’s program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting and fly tying classes and clinics for the wounded and injured personnel ranging from beginners to those with prior fly fishing and tying experience who are adapting their skills to their new abilities. All activities, services and equipment are provided to the participants at no cost.
SHCTC Student Richard Wojcik Develops Computer Operating System
On April 15, 2026, Richard Wojcik (Grade 12, OED) presented his self-made computer operating system to his classmates in the Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications shop at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center.
Richard has been working on his operating system, named RTech Opaque Sheep X2, several hours a day for more than 4 months. “I decided I wanted to write my own operating system because, why not? I wanted control of creating every part of an OS, not a copy or derivative of Linux [a popular alternative to Windows]. Making a Linux clone like Free BSD or many other popular Linux distros felt like cheating.” Richard is planning on attending Alfred State College in the fall to pursue information technology
Operating systems are a core topic of the class that also covers PC repair, SOHO and enterprise networks, cybersecurity, video game design, artificial intelligence/emerging technologies, and much more.
For more information on the programs at the career and technical center, students should see their school counselor. For information about the “networking” shop, please contact the instructor, Mr. Bryant, at bbryant@iu9ctc.org or (814) 642-2573.
If you would like to try the os for yourself, go to http://rtech-technologies.github.io
UPMC Physician: Managing Pain Beyond The Basics
UPMC Pain Medicine
Pain is something nearly everyone experiences at some point, whether it’s from an injury, surgery, arthritis, or an ongoing health condition. For many people, pain improves with time or basic treatment. But for others, pain can linger, worsen, or interfere with daily life. That’s where pain management comes in.
Pain management is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and helping people cope with acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is short-term, such as pain after surgery or an injury. Chronic pain lasts longer (months or even years) and may continue even after the original cause has healed.
UPMC Pain Medicine Expands Access To Wellsboro
Wellsboro, Pa., April 15, 2026 – UPMC Pain Medicine is strengthening local availability of specialized pain management services in Tioga County, with Pawan Solanki, M.D., now seeing patients at 15 Meade St. in Wellsboro.
“Expanding specialized pain management into our rural communities is our way of investing in the community — not just by bringing new treatments to a facility, but by restoring dignity, productivity, and quality of life to patients who have too long lived with debilitating discomfort,” said Ron Reynolds, president, UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro. “By creating stronger access to care and providing expert services locally, we are empowering our neighbors to receive high‑quality, comprehensive treatment close to home, ultimately supporting the long‑term well‑being of our region.”
Dr. Solanki is dual board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine and offers comprehensive interventional pain management care, along with anesthesiology services. He focuses on evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve patients’ quality of life through individualized care plans.
For more information about UPMC Pain Medicine services in northcentral Pennsylvania, go to UPMC.com/PainManagementNCPA.