USDA RECALLS
CERES TOWNSHIP MEETING MINUTES FEB. 3, 2026
The February 3, 2026 regular meeting of Ceres Township Supervisors was called to order with 3 Supervisors, 3 residents, and secretary in attendance.
The FIN number for ordering the truck chassis was received and truck is ready for order
to be placed. New Business was addressed. Three quotes were received for outfitting of the grant award truck box purchase. Definite decision to be made at next meeting. Approval was given to order checks for JVB account that was started. Building permit for Zeruth was approved. Paperwork for FEMA violation was signed. Updated Labor Law Poster to be ordered. Approval given for secretary to attend training in Coudersport and PSATS dues to be paid as well as enrollment in PSATS library for webinars. A donation to Eldred Conservation Club was given. All agreed to go with Paychex for payroll service and Account Edge for accounting software. Roadmaster Reported that a great deal of plowing and sanding has been done as well as working on equipment and small truck repairs. Working on quotations for truck body. Mailbox issue with resident. Plan agreed upon to resolve issue. Public comment: DEP & County to be contacted regarding year old issue to be addressed. Coon Crossing is the only road bonded at present. The next regular meeting of Ceres Township Supervisors will be held March 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ceres Township Building.
CERES TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
A Sincere Thank You
THANK YOU TO ALL THAT ATTENDED THE SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER, DONATED ITEMS FOR THE CHINESE AUCTION OR MADE DONATIONS FOR JJ FUQUA ON FEBRUARY 1ST. YOUR DONATIONS WILL HELP HIS FAMILY SO MUCH.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 192 AND SPECIFICALLY THE AUXILIARY. WHAT A GREAT FAMILY TO BE PART OF.
THE FAMILY OF JJ FUQUA
FREE DEANE LITTLE BEANS PROGRAM TO FEATURE ART AND YOGA NEXT SATURDAY, FEB. 21 AT NOON
Taylor Nickerson and Heather Galbraith are leading the free one-hour Deane Little Beans program at noon next Saturday, Feb. 21 in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
Both women are passionate about fine arts and performing arts for youngsters and adults.
Nickerson, owner of the West End Artisan Shop and one of its participating artists will show the youngsters how to create a snowflake. “They will use markers to color on pieces of paper. We’ll then wet the paper and watch all the colors fuse together to make a snowflake,” she said.
UPMC Nurses Recognized With DAISY Awards
Williamsport, Pa., February 11, 2026 – Emily Shelley, BSN, UPMC Muncy, and Christy Cooney, BSN, UPMC Williamsport, were recently recognized as recipients of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses.
Emily was nominated by a patient who shared:
“Emily made me feel heard and she made sure I was comfortable. She was so kind-hearted and understanding with my POTS flare-up. She did not just brush me off. She took the time to listen. The world needs more nurses like her.”
Christy was nominated by a patient who shared:
“Christy was extremely friendly and made me confident that ‘I could do it.’ She is extremely compassionate and caring. She is top-notch. There should be more nurses with her attitude.”
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in California by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in his memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of so many people.
UPMC is proud to be a DAISY Award partner. Nurses are nominated by patients, family members of patients, as well as other healthcare professionals. DAISY Awards are presented to nurses at UPMC in North Central Pa. monthly. Each DAISY Award Honoree is given a DAISY Award pin, a certificate of honor, and a stone sculpture entitled, A Healer’s Touch, handcrafted by a tribe in Zimbabwe. Anyone can nominate a nurse for the award including co-workers, patients, patient family members, or physicians. To nominate a nurse, visit UPMC.com/ThankaNurse.
Celebrating Pain
Pain, if you didn’t already know, is a good thing. It tells us that something is wrong and prompts us to seek help. No one likes pain, but it is a necessary part of life, and we need to learn to celebrate its value.
Often, when we think of pain, we think of physical pain. But there’s another pain that’s just as real. It’s the emotional pain we sometimes bear. Some have said they would accept physical pain over emotional pain any day, perhaps because physical pain is more easily medicated and dealt with. The pain of a toothache is quickly taken care of at the dentist’s office. The pain of a broken arm is soon stabilized with a cast and medication. Emotional pain of the heart, well, that takes time, and there’s no quick solution.
Personally, I believe that we need to learn to celebrate the emotional pain that comes our way. Rather than looking at it as an enemy, we need to view it as a friend. A friend who isn’t going to take away our life as an enemy would, but rather one that’s going to teach us about life. A friend who will, in the end, make us strong and a better person. One that will help us lead others to traverse and navigate the difficult terrain of emotional pain.
I am reminded of what Saint Paul said in Romans 8:28, “We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” Of course, the operative words are “when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” When I understand that the emotional pain I’m experiencing has purpose, I can embrace it as something happening for me rather than to me. It doesn’t take it away or lessen its burden, but it does give me hope, and it’s in that hope that I am able to endure. Perhaps if we’d learn to look at life as something to be lived rather than endured, we might find hope in all things, the good and the bad. Think about it.
Galeton Pa. January 2026 Weather Report , By Henry Lush
January 2026 was a cold “old fashioned” winter month. 4 mornings with below zero readings were recorded. The above zero mornings were mostly in the low to mid teens. A few mornings managed to get in the mid 20s. Daytime temperatures stayed mostly in the low 20s and mid teens. Strong winds prevailed making the readings very cold. We had several days with temperatures staying well below freezing. We had 21 days with one inch or more of snow on the ground. The most snow on the ground was recorded on the 26th 11 inches. Pine Creek is frozen solid as is Berger Lake.
This year we received 2.30″ of rain and melted snow. In 2025 we measured 2,88″ of rain and melted snow. This year (2026) we recorded 18.2″ of snow and in 2025 we received 6.3″ of snow.
So far this winter we are sitting under a dome of frigid arctic air which is covering most of the east coast going down into northern Florida.
It will be quite some time for the mowers to get cranked up however once again mowing season will start. In the meantime plow and shovel snow. Keep the pipes unfrozen too.
Henry W. LushNational Weather Service Observer
COMMUNITY CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
A Night of Hope • Love • Healing
In light of the tragic loss within our community, we are aware of the deep sorrow that has impacted so many. We feel an urgency and great importance to come together to pray, grieve, and stand together.
Whatever you may be struggling with, we want you to know that you are not alone.
FEBRUARY 16TH
6:00 PM
Port Allegany High School Auditorium
Join us for a candlelight vigil as we gather in unity, remembrance, and healing.
This is a community event that is open to everyone.
We are stronger TOGETHER 
Yaw, Pickett, Owlett Announce Fire, EMS Grants For Bradford County
HARRISBURG – Thirty-two fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies in Bradford County were collectively awarded more than $418,000 in funding support through the 2025-26 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Reps. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Wyoming) and Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) announced today.
“The job of a volunteer firefighter or an emergency medical technician entails more than putting out fires, responding to vehicle crashes or performing CPR or first aid,” Pickett said. “Much of their responsibilities are focusing on raising much-needed funds so they can continue to keep the lights on, purchase new equipment or take additional training. That’s why these grants are so popular and so beneficial to our communities. I thank each and every fire and ambulance company member for all he or she does to keep us safe.”
Firefighters/Paramedics Honored for Service
Three now-retired Bradford City firefighters/paramedics were honored for their decades of dedicated service to the community on Friday. Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) presented citations from the Pennsylvania of Representatives to (from left): Harold “Butch” Kreiner III, 20 years of service; Michael Valine, 21 years of service; and Captain Michael Scrivo, 22 years of service.
Owlett, Yaw Say More Than $282,000 in Grants Awarded to Fire, EMS Companies in Tioga County
Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced fire and ambulance companies in Tioga County will collectively receive more than $282,000 in state grants thanks to the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
“Our fire and EMS personnel risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of our communities, and that mission has become more difficult for several reasons,” Owlett said. “As we work to adopt policies to encourage recruitment and retention of our first responders, these grants are a big help with the financial challenges our companies face.”
“Communities across our region are fortunate to have highly skilled and dedicated volunteers who step up to protect their neighbors,” Yaw said. “These investments will help ease the day-to-day strain on these organizations and ensure they have the tools and resources they need.”
The grants were awarded as follows:
George S. Rhodes Jr., 71, of Rew
George S. Rhodes Jr., 71, of Rew died Thursday (Feb. 12, 2026) in Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.
He was born on Father’s Day, June 20, 1954, in Bradford, the only son of G. Scott and Dorothy Luke Rhodes Sr. George graduated from Otto-Eldred High School in 1973.
On Aug. 1, 1980, in St. Elizabeth Church in Smethport, he married Judy A. (Marsh) Rhodes, who survives.
Mr. Rhodes worked from his high school days until literally the day before he died. He worked at Ethan Allen, Zippo Manufacturing Co. and Servco Services Inc. He worked for Bradford Forest for 34 years and became a certified lumber grader after attending school through the National Hardwood Lumber Association in Tennessee. He also worked on oil leases for many years, including for his father’s in Coleville. He also worked for Digel and Newman, also in Coleville.
He was a former member of the Rew Volunteer Fire Department. He also bowled for the Steak Kitchen and Zippo at Byllye Lanes.
Surviving, in addition to his wife Judy of 45 years, is one daughter, Laura Rhodes (Matt Davidson) of Athens; one son, Nathan Rhodes (Karlie Deming) of Bradford; three granddaughters, Emma Yohe, Kari Yohe and Liliana Rhodes; one grandson, Landon Davidson; six sisters, Susan Bradley, Martha Rhodes and Sarah Rhodes, all of Bradford, Nancy Tometsko of Girard, Paula Piper of Clifton Springs, NY, and Sandra Rhodes of Lake City; plus several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Rew Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 188 Rew PA 16744, or the Empire Animal Rescue Society, PO Box 445 Salamanca NY 14779.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Causer Announces Local Fire, Ambulance Grants
Fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded more than $506,000 in grants from the state, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) announced today.
“With fire and EMS companies struggling to keep their doors open, these grants go a long way toward helping to meet their financial needs,” Causer said. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who work so hard to protect our communities, and I am pleased we can continue to support them with this valuable funding.”
The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC).
Since its inception, the program has provided more than $9.7 million in funding to fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, or reduction of existing debt.
Following is a list of local fire and ambulance companies and the amount of their grant awards. All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OFSC to receive their grants.
Patrick A. “Pat” Milbrandt, 66, of 13 Beech Ct, Lewis Run, PA
Patrick A. “Pat” Milbrandt, 66, of 13 Beech Ct, Lewis Run, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born on October 29, 1959, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John Milbrandt, and Lorraine (Hinman) Milbrandt, who survives.
He was a 1977 graduate from Randolph High School.
On November 30, 1985, in Our mother of Perpetual Help Church, in Lewis Run, he married Colleen (Runyan) Milbrandt, who survives.
Pat worked in high school at the Allegany State Park for is father, who was the Park Superintendent. He later worked for UPS then for McCourt Label for 43 years, where he was a printer and foreman.
He loved to spend time with his family, go out hunting and fishing, and tinker in his workshop. He played softball in Randolph, NY and enjoyed bowling.
Surviving is his wife of 41 years, Colleen, his mother, Lorraine, of Steamburg, NY, one daughter, Brooke (Josh) Sitch, of Belleville , one son, James (Alexandria) Milbrandt, of Coatesville, one sister, Susan (Joe) Doriguzzi, of Lewis Run, three brothers, John Michael (Ellen) Milbrandt, of Amherst, NY, Joseph (Peggy) Milbrandt, of Steamburg, NY, and Robert (Terri) Milbrandt, of Ellington, NY, his mother in-law, Grace Runyan, of Lewis Run, two brother-in-laws, Patrick Runyan, of Lewis Run and Shawn (Michelle) Runyan, of Bradford, four grandchildren, Lauren Sitch, Kinley Sitch, Alivia Milbrandt, and Izabelle Milbrandt, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, John, two brothers, Timothy Milbrandt, and James Milbrandt, father-in-law, Norman Runyan, brother-in-law, Norman (Cub) Runyan, and twin grandchildren, Jackson Patrick and Emilia Jane.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Togi’s Blue Room.
Memorial contributions, if desired may be made to Lewis run Volunteer Fire Department or No Feline Left Behind, PO Box 783, Bradford PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Michalene “Mikki” Schillinger, 53, of 153 Looker Mountain Trail, Bradford, PA
Michalene “Mikki” Schillinger, 53, of 153 Looker Mountain Trail, Bradford, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born March 11, 1972, in Olean, NY, she is the daughter of Keith and Pamela (Mesler) Learn who survive. She was a 1991 graduate from Oswawo Valley High School.
On May 1, 1993, in Shinglehouse, she married Brian Schillinger who survives.
Mikki joined CNB Bank in March 1999 as a teller. She quickly moved into a role of Customer Service Representative. She became the Manager of Holiday Financial for several years, before returning to CNB Bank as a Lending Specialist. She was a sought after lending specialist who excelled at her job. Over the years she made many connections in the community and had an impressive portfolio. Mikki made a lasting impression on her co-workers and formed many strong friendships over the years.
Mikki was a volunteer for No Feline Left Behind, and member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post #108.
Mikki loved to spend time with her friends and family, visit the family cottage in the summers, and relax outside in the sun on the beach.
Surviving is her parents of Shinglehouse, husband Brian, of 32 years, one son, Mitchell Schillinger, of Bradford, one brother, Jarret ( Vanessa) Learn, of Shinglehouse, and three sisters-in-law, Denise (Brad) Buchholz, of Shinglehouse, Sharon (Chris) Cobb, Bradford, and Janelle Shikoski,of North Dakota, and several nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 4pm to 6 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue. Her burial will be private.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to No Feline Left Behind, or a charity of the donors choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Carl L. Loeffler, Jr., 75, of 499 Wolfel Avenue, St. Marys, PA
Carl L. Loeffler, Jr., 75, of 499 Wolfel Avenue, St. Marys, passed away with his family by his side Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born October 31, 1950, in St. Marys, son of the late Carl “Spike” and Kathryn “Katie” Francis Loeffler.
He was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1969 and attended classes at University of Pittsburgh in addition to obtaining his Journeyman Tool and Diemaker certification. Over the years, he worked in many aspects of the Powdered Metal Industry, including Carbon City Products, Quala-Die, Windfall Products, AST and Metaltech Inc. He shared his knowledge as a teacher at SMAHS before co-founding Arete QIS. On October 2, 1971, he married Christine DeLullo at Sacred Heart Church.
They were blessed to share 54 years of marriage. He was a steadfast partner to Chris and together they built a home rooted in faith and love.
In addition to his loving wife, Carl is survived by two daughters: Dr. Julia Wonderling (Eric) and Barbara Adams; a son, Jeffrey Loeffler; grandchildren: Trevor (Brianna Rosequist) Adams, Cassie (Sierra) Wonderling, Allie (Adam) Lovenduski, Bobby Murtha, and Ellie Bender; great grandchildren: Caroline, Josephine, Bobby, Arabella and Evelyn, and another on the way; sisters: Kathy (Dave) Ryan and Teri (Mike) Rigard; brothers: John (Sandy) Loeffler and Tony (Ginger) Loeffler; sister-in-law Carolyn Loeffler; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by a grandson, Jordan Adams, and two brothers: Jim Loeffler and his wife Kim, and Mike Loeffler.
Carl was a patient father and constant source of encouragement, taking great pride in his children’s accomplishments and supporting them through every stage of their lives. One of his greatest joys was being “Papa Carl”. Whether attending events, sharing stories, offering advice, or simply spending time together, he treasured every moment with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman, finding beauty in nature, and joy in sharing it with his family.
A faithful and dedicated member of Sacred Heart Parish, Carl lived his Catholic Faith daily. He generously shared his time and talents within the parish, especially as a lector and sacristan at the daily Mass he faithfully attended.
Carl was a hardworking man with great love for his Catholic faith, his family, and this community. He will be greatly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 12:00PM with Rev. Thomas Curry, O.S.B., celebrating.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 3:00PM until 5:00PM.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; Elk County Community Foundation for the Jordan Adams Memorial Scholarship Fund, 32 South St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; or the Hunt Of A Lifetime Foundation, 2227 Eastern Avenue, Erie, PA 16510.
Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com
Outstanding Warrant Arrests
McKean Co Jail – On February 11, 2026 at 1:00 pm, Daniel P. Windnagle, 38, of Portville, NY was arrested on and transferred into our custody at the McKean County Jail due to three active warrants. Daniel was then transported to Olean City Court for arraignment and was released on his own recognizance.
Allegany – On February 11, 2026 at 1:20 pm, Keith K. Ellis, 31, of Olean, NY. Keith was located at Walmart in the Town of Allegany and was placed into custody on an active Violation of Probation Warrant. Keith was arraigned in Olean City Court and was remanded to the jail. Keith is scheduled to return to court on a later date.
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Input to Improve Traffic Safety Across Pennsylvania
The Shapiro Administration invests nearly $30 million annually in traffic safety as part of its commitment to safer travel for all Pennsylvanians.
Preliminary traffic fatality data for 2025 shows a decrease in traffic fatalities for the second year in a row – demonstrating that what the Shapiro Administration is doing is working.
The survey will be available through February 28.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking input from Pennsylvanians on traffic safety and driving behaviors through an online survey that will be available beginning today through February 28 at pa.gov/dotsafety. The survey will help inform PennDOT on how the Shapiro Administration can continue to improve traffic safety – and save lives – across the Commonwealth.
Debbie A. Defibaugh, 70, of Smethport, PA.
Debbie A. Defibaugh, 70, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (February 8, 2026) at Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford.
She was born May 1, 1955 in Kane, PA, the daughter of John and Elaine (Leichtenberger) Boylan. On October 1, 1977, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mt. Jewett, PA, she married Benjamin R. Defibaugh, who died November 18, 2011.
Mrs. Defibaugh was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1973. She worked at Kane Magnetics until 2005 and then went to work as a purchasing agent for Keystone Tool & Die of Weston Mills, NY.
Debbie was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, where she was a former organist.
She is survived by:
A son: John B. Defibaugh of Smethport
Significant other: Frank Dean of Jamestown, NY
One brother: David “Mitch” (Sue) Boylan of Mt. Jewett, PA
Two sisters: Helen (Frank) Boylan-Funari of New Wilmington, PA and Lori (Ralph) Moyer of Charlotte, NC
And Several nieces and nephews.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 10-11AM, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, where a Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11AM, after visitation, with the Rev. Joseph Dougherty, Pastor, as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Elizabeth Church, your local food pantry, or Operation Smile (operationsmile.org). Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.