Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) said Sunday that the Fiscal Year 2026-27 state budget and related legislation passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his expected signature.

“The budget passed by the General Assembly today continues our recent history of scouring every corner of state government for existing taxpayer dollars to avoid tax increases, cuts to government services or tapping into the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day fund,” Topper said.

“I am also glad to see important investments in education where we are combatting the ongoing issue of growing waitlists at career and technical centers, expanding the successful GROW PA program to ensure Pennsylvania’s graduates have incentive to stay here, and ensuring our largest state-related universities receive funding based upon meeting new performance metrics and accountability provisions.”

Topper also noted that the budget prioritizes improvements in rural Pennsylvania.

“The state budget we just passed makes critical investments in our transportation infrastructure so we can move ahead shovel-ready road and bridge projects in areas across Pennsylvania,” Topper added.

Despite the budget’s passage, Topper warned that work remains on reversing troubling fiscal trends in Pennsylvania to avoid tough budgetary decisions in the future.

“While revenues higher than budget estimates have shown some of the Republican-led policy wins in prior budgets are starting to have an impact, we must continue the work of providing pathways for significant economic growth and development in Pennsylvania if we stand any chance at reversing the challenging demographics of our ever-shrinking population,” Topper explained.

“Pennsylvania must use the tools at our disposal to create an environment welcoming to investment while getting government out of the way of job creators so we can continue righting the ship of economic growth and development in Pennsylvania.”

Causer Votes ‘Yes’ to 2026-27 State Budget

In a rare Sunday legislative session, the General Assembly approved and sent to the governor’s desk a $50.8 billion state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) cast a vote in favor of the plan and its investments in core government services but also cautioned more work needs to be done to solidify the Commonwealth’s financial future.

He issued the following statement:

“Adopting the budget is one of our most important responsibilities as lawmakers, and I am pleased we were able to significantly reduce the amount of spending the governor proposed earlier this year while also funding core government services without tapping into the Rainy Day Fund in this year’s plan,” Causer said. “Most importantly, this budget also does not include any new or increased taxes for our hardworking families or our employers.

“While I have advocated for spending less, Pennsylvania is a diverse state with many different ideas and priorities. This is where negotiations landed us, and I believe it is a reasonable budget for the Commonwealth this year.

“However, it is vital we continue working to get spending under control while also advancing policies that will grow our economy. Our energy industry has great potential to boost jobs, opportunity and revenue in our Commonwealth. Government needs to get out of the way and allow the industry to flourish, cutting utility costs and ensuring our growing energy needs are met.”

The McKean County Recorder of Deeds would like to alert property owners that there is a scam letter going out from “Property Records” to homeowners who have recently purchased property, asking them to mail $130.00 to “Property Records” to obtain a copy of their deed.

THIS lS A SCAM. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY TO THEM. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the McKean County Recorder of Deeds Office at 814-887-3250 and speak with Michele L. Vogel-Snyder, Recorder.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports on the arrest of a Bradford woman for drug crimes. Suzette MUSOLINO was arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force for delivering methamphetamine. MUSOLINO is charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance (felony); 2 counts of Conspiracy to Deliver a Controlled Substance (felony); Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (felony 3); and Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor). MUSOLINO was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $150,000 straight. MUSOLINO was remanded to the McKean County Jail. She was scheduled for central court.

If you suspect illegal drug activity, please contact Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or leave a tip at McKeanDA.org.

On July 7, 2026, at approximately 2250 hours, a fire was intentionally set within the holding cell block of the Bradford City Police Department, located at 18 Kennedy Street, Bradford, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred while a defendant was lawfully detained in the cell block for a neighboring Police Dept. The individual, Kristy Rounsville, 44, produced a green lighter from their waistband and used it to ignite their clothing, which was then removed and continued to be intentionally ignited on the floor of the cell. The investigation revealed that the burned sweatshirt, which appeared to be maroon in color, exhibited multiple areas of burn damage and ignition. The lighter used to ignite the fire was recovered from the scene as evidence.

The fire posed a substantial risk of spreading to nearby combustible materials, including a wooden bench and ceiling, and placed four police officers present in the police station in danger of death or bodily injury. The officers present at the time of the incident were from the Bradford City Police Department and the Bradford Township Police Department.

Based on the investigation, the defendant is believed to have intentionally started the fire, manifesting an intent to destroy or damage property and recklessly placing the officers in danger of death or bodily injury.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Location 18 Kennedy St Bradford, PA 16701

Arrest Date Jul 7, 2026

Incident Type Arson

Reference ID 2026-07072250

Disposition Remanded to Mckean County Jail

Arraignment Date Jul 8, 2026 Judge Judge Todd

Bail 75000

Calling all kids ages 5–12 in the Bradford area!

Kingdom Quest VBS is less than 2 weeks away, and the adventure is about to begin!

Join us July 12–16, from 6:00–8:00 PM each evening, for a week filled with exciting games, music, crafts, Bible lessons, and tons of fun!

Best of all, it's FREE and open to the community!

 Are you ready for the adventure? We can't wait to see you at Kingdom Quest!

Register at: https://vbspro.events/p/riverstone 

The Olean Police Department responded to a report called in by a resident of Queen Street on June 20th at approximately 6:00 a.m. of a E-Bike laying on the side of the road that appeared to have been involved in an accident. Patrols responded to the area of Queen St. and Deleware ave. and were able to locate the E-Bike. It was later determined that a male, identified as Nicholas Meyer had been brought to the emergency room injured and he was the operator of the E-Bike.

The Criminal investigation unit responded to the scene on Queen Street where we were assisted By the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s dept. accident investigation unit. This incident was initially treated as a possible Hit and run. At the onset of any investigation it is essential to consider every possible cause and follow the evidence wherever it leads. Investigators collected video from homeowners and businesses and conducted interviews. After reviewing video from a residence close to the intersection, it was clear that no vehicle had struck Mr. Meyer and he had crashed. The E-bike was examined and showed no evidence that it had been run over or driven over by a vehicle. A truck that traveled by the intersection of Queen St. and Deleware Ave. approximately six minutes before family member’s located Mr. Meyer was examined by the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Unit who did not locate any evidence of the truck striking Mr. Meyer. The operator of the truck was also interviewed and it was determined he was not part of this accident.

The Olean Police Department was also assisted by District Attorney Ashley Smith.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones of Nick Meyer during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our heartfelt sympathy as they mourn this profound loss.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently accepting applications for its Winter Maintenance Program in the northwestern region.

PennDOT District 1, which serves Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties, is offering opportunities for CDL Operators, Mechanics, Clerical Dispatchers, Semi-Skilled Laborers, and Tradesman Helpers in the Seasonal Winter Maintenance Program for the 2026–2027 season (September to April).

Whether you are looking for extra income during the winter months or exploring a path toward a future permanent role, PennDOT offers meaningful opportunities to serve communities across Pennsylvania. Positions are filled based on operational needs, so availability may differ by county.

Additional information and statewide applications are available at www.employment.pa.gov for the following positions:

• Winter CDL Equipment Operator

• Winter Dispatcher 

• Winter Mechanics

• Winter Trades (Tradesman Helper/Semi-Skilled Laborer)

  
  

Some positions have licenses or experience requirements, which are listed within the position descriptions of the application postings.

Applicants can see all current available positions available by going online to www.employment.pa.gov and can send questions to statejobs@pa.gov.

Congratulations to the team at Ardagh Group who are celebrating 130 years of glass manufacturing at their plant in Port Allegany! I was honored to present them with a special certificate from the PA House of Representatives in recognition of this impressive milestone.

Here’s to another 130+ years!

The northwestern region of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has updated the weekly county maintenance schedules listed online to reflect work planned in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties for the week of July 13, 2026.

All work is weather dependent. Fill dirt left over from PennDOT maintenance operations is available to property owners who request the material, have accessible property near work areas, and submit a completed M-666 packet to their local PennDOT maintenance facility.

PennDOT urges drivers to slow down when driving in work zones, and also to be alert to changing conditions, avoid distractions and to pay attention to signs and flaggers. Drive responsibly in work zones for your safety and the safety of the workers.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1.  

Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Mayor Amy B. Sherburne is thrilled to extend her deepest gratitude to the entire Olean community, the City of Olean employees, local organizations and volunteers for an unforgettable and spectacular multi-day July 4th weekend of events. Introduced back in February, this major initiative was launched by the current administration and a dedicated group of organizers with a clear vision, to reenergize downtown Olean, bring people back to our beautiful community and restore the tradition of vibrant, fun events for families to enjoy.

A special and truly profound thank you goes out to our dedicated workforce and incredible office team members. Preparing our public spaces for a crowd of this magnitude was nothing short of a monumental undertaking, and our team met the challenge with their hard work and dedication.

​Behind the scenes, the office employees served as the mission control for this entire operation. They worked diligently and tirelessly, managing the complex puzzle of scheduling venues, coordinating, organizing and ensuring every administrative piece aligned flawlessly. Their vital support laid the groundwork that allowed our City workforce to step forward and go above and beyond on the ground. ​Because of their phenomenal teamwork, our parks were pristine, our venues were seamless and the city was fully ready to welcome the thousands of visitors who spent their holiday weekend with us. This level of dedication, professionalism and phenomenal teamwork behind the scenes were the true engine of this success.

Launching the Festivities at Lincoln Park

​The spectacular multi-day weekend officially kicked off on Thursday evening at Lincoln Park with a fantastic performance by Alex Cole as part of the city’s summer concert series. Bringing music to the heart of downtown, the performance drew an enthusiastic crowd and set a festive tone for the entire holiday weekend. The opening night perfectly primed our community for the historic celebrations, live music and family-focused activities that followed as we marked the journey toward America's 250th birthday.

All-American Favorites at the Bartlett House

​The historic Bartlett House "Pie on the Porch" event was a sweet highlight of the weekend celebrating local heritage with an array of All-American favorites. Visitors enjoyed a mouthwatering selection of traditional pies featuring classic flavors. This wonderful gathering was made possible by the hard work of our dedicated staff and community volunteers who baked, sliced and served with a smile. Their incredible efforts turned the historic porch into a bustling hub of community spirit. All proceeds go to the annual fireworks.

Music Echoing Through the Neighborhoods

​Friday evening Oak Hill Park came alive with incredible music and a fantastic community turnout. Concert organizers did a phenomenal job bringing together a diverse lineup of local favorites:

not Norman, the ​Stick Tights and Vinny and the Mud Flaps.

​The concert was immensely well received, and the music could be heard echoing beautifully throughout the surrounding neighborhoods, creating a festive, welcoming atmosphere that residents will remember for a long time to come.

​A Spectacular Fireworks Display, Traditional Baseball, and Community Teamwork

​Saturday the centerpiece of the weekend - a spectacular fireworks display organized by the Olean Oilers - was a shining example of what happens when our community unites. This massive celebration was a collaborative effort combining city-sponsored events with the tireless fundraising of community organizations and private individuals who volunteered their time and effort to ensure the night sky over Olean was filled with magic.

​Perfectly capturing the spirit of our nation's 250th birthday the weekend also featured a traditional American baseball game with the Olean Oilers. Nothing says summer and brings families together quite like America's pastime and the Olean Oilers game served as a beautiful anchor for our community-wide celebration of freedom, heritage and unity.

​​Classic Vehicles Return to Olean

​On Sunday downtown Olean was packed with spectacular trucks, cars and bikes for the "Cruise the Union" Car Show. We want to extend a massive thank you to all the car owners who traveled to show off their incredible vehicles, to the crowds who came out to admire them and the event organizers John West, Darrell Neal, Dan Tavano, Devon Showers-Tavano, Guiddo Lloyd and Bob Sherburne, and a special thank you to J & R Auto for sponsoring the event. All the registered car proceeds go to the Olean fireworks.

The turnout was absolutely wonderful and this success cements "Cruise the Union" as an annual event that we look forward to growing year after year.

​Looking Forward to the Future

​"When we set out in February with the idea to bring these events back to the heart of Olean, we knew we have a community that loves this city, but the turnout and excitement this weekend surpassed expectations," said Mayor Sherburne. "From the music in Oak Hill Park, to the incredible illuminations in the sky, we gave America a proper 250th Birthday tribute. This weekend proved that when the City, community organizations and spectators come together, we can achieve something truly spectacular. Thank you Olean for your unparalleled support in making the 250th Birthday of this great nation a historic triumph. We are just getting started!"

City of Olean Mayor’s Office

716-376-5615

www.cityofolean.gov

Susan A. “Sue” COLE, 65, of Elmer, PA, died Saturday, May 30, 2026.  

A gathering to celebrate Sue’s life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Harrison Township Community Building, 205 E. Main St., Harrison Valley, PA, beginning at 1:00 PM.  

A luncheon will be provided.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Gregory L. LOSEY, 57, of Batavia, NY, died Sunday, July 5, 2026 in his home.  Born November 6, 1968, in Hornell, he was the son of Victor A. and Shirley Higgins Losey.  On September 2, 1995, in Bath, he married Janette M. Hallock, who survives.  

He attended Greenwood Elementary School and graduated in 1987 from Corning East High School, where he played lacrosse and was nicknamed Wheels for his fast running.  He earned a degree in animal husbandry from Alfred State College and worked at dairy farms.  Beginning in 1990, he was employed by Carpet Town Furniture / Ashley Furniture, working his way up from warehouse worker to VP of Warehousing & Distribution, retiring in 2026 with 36 years of service.  If Greg could help someone resolve an issue, that made his day.  He was a planner and knew what he wanted to do.  An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He played euchre and Mexican train with “the six pack.”  Greg loved spending time with his family.  

Surviving besides his wife, Jan, are: two children, Jason Greeley of Portville and Janelle (Jeremias) Gomez of Spencerport; four grandchildren, Kamerrin, Kaleigh, Taylor, and Zayne; two great-grandchildren, Faith and Paislee; three brothers, Duane (Connie) Losey of Quakertown, PA, Michael Losey of Michigan, Jeff (Gina) Losey of Plainfield, IL; sisters-in law, Janet Losey and Kathy Losey; brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Hallock; aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews; his step-mother, Catherine “Cathy” Losey; and six step-siblings.  

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Vickie Losey; and two brothers, Dennis Losey and Scott Losey.  A private graveside service will be Genesee Cemetery, Genesee, PA.  

Greg’s family would like to extend thanks to the doctors, nurses, and support staff from Lipson Cancer Institute at UMMC Batavia, with special thanks to Dr. Jones.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UM—Lipson Cancer Institute Fund or RRH—Hospice Care Fund at 330 Monroe Ave., Suite 400, Rochester, NY 14607 or online at https://www.rochesterregional.org/giving, specifying UM—Lipson Cancer Institute or RRH—Hospice Care Fund in the comments section.  

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.

The United Way of the Bradford Area is currently accepting applications for the third quarter of Quarterly Impact funding for 2026. Deadline to apply is August 1, 2026, award announcement on August 20, 2026 and fund distribution set for September 1, 2026 to award recipients.

Eligible non-profit agencies may submit a request for up to $1,500 for Quarterly Impact funds. Awards will be given to programs or initiatives with the potential to make an immediate impact on the local community while being essential to the agencies mission.

Priority will be given to those who have not received prior funding, who have supplied all necessary documentation, and request funding for programmatic costs.

Quarterly Impact applications may be found by visiting United Way’s website at uwbanews.com, the United Way office, or by request at sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org.

Along with the application, it is being requested of applicants that a detailed budget of planned expenditure be included.

All applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of United Way Board members, with recommendations being presented to the full board for final approval. For more information regarding the application process, please contact the United Way.

Bradford City ambulance and Hilltop QRS have been dispatched to Pithole Road for a fall victim.

Bradford City ambulance has been dispatched to Interstate Parkway for a fall victim.

Bradford City ambulance has been dispatched to the WellNow Urgent Care on Bolivar Drive for a patient with high blood pressure.

ROUTE 120 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FROM THE INTERESTION OF ROUTE 120/555 AND ROUTE 120/555 DUE TO DOWNED POWERLINES/TREE.

CAMERON COMPANY 16 (SVFD) IS CURRENTLY MANNING THE STATION IN THE EVENT SOMEONE HAS AN EMERGENCY PLEASE REPORT THERE. WE ARE AWARE OF THE CURRENT PHONE/INTERNET/CELL OUTAGE AND ARE ACTIVELY WORKING TOWARDS MITIGATING THIS ISSUE!

Please be aware that unless you have 100% reason to be traveling Route 120 to driftwood you will not be authorized to proceed through this zone. Use alternate routes!

Please be respectful to the individuals that are maintaining traffic flow in these areas. The incident at hand is out of their control and they are doing everything they can to protect our County!

We appreciate everyones corporation throughout this event.

As updates are provided to us we will update here.

-Cameron County Office of Emergency Services

It’s been more than a month since the Bradford hospital closed, ending its inpatient and emergency department services, which first responders say has made it harder to do their jobs.

Brett Butler is the chief of Bradford’s combined fire and ambulance services. Since the Bradford Regional Medical Center closed its emergency department, he said they now have to transport people to either Kane, which is about 45 minutes away, or Olean, New York, which is about a half hour away.

“Our call average went from 45 minutes to an hour ... to now it’s an hour and a half or two hours, if not longer," Butler said.

Continue reading...