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.”
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
This Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14, is Ice and Spice Winter Weekend in downtown Wellsboro. If the cold weather holds, people will be able to see the seven ice sculptures from Ice Ice Baby weekend, along with this weekend’s new sculptures.
See 8 Ice Masterpieces for Free
Love will be in the air this Saturday, Feb. 14, as Valentine’s Day is celebrated with eight different ice sculptures symbolizing love and romance. Carved from 16 blocks of ice weighing 300 pounds each or 2.4 tons, these masterpieces will be on display on sidewalks in front of eight Main Street businesses. This is a free event.
Ice carvers Freddy Grosser and Lavelle Mcneal are transporting the ice from Elegant Ice Creations in Broadview Heights, Ohio to Wellsboro, where they will assemble three of the sculptures and do five live demonstrations.
Chili & Chowder with a Chance for Chocolate is back with sweet and savory goodies on Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. during the Ice and Spice Winter Weekend in Wellsboro, Pa. Proceeds benefit Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries and go directly to help Tioga County animals in need.
Several local businesses (15 last year; this year’s TBA), will concoct and serve up chili and/or chowder. With the purchase of a tasting passport for $10, participants can visit each business to sample the creations, and enter to win a different chocolate-themed gift basket at each site. The passport comes with a map, and signs outside will mark each site, all downtown within walking distance. When done tasting, participants can vote for their top three favorite dishes, with those chefs being recognized at the end of the event.
Shapiro Administration Investment to Make Route 33 Safety Improvements Nearly Four Years Faster than Planned
Route 33 project will go out for bid in fall 2026 instead of spring 2030.
Following record $3.3 billion in construction contracts going out for bid statewide in 2025, the project will be part of another anticipated record-breaking year of construction bids.
Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration, 19,313 miles of roadway have been improved and work has advanced on 1,661 state and local bridges.
Stroudsburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll today announced that safety improvements on Route 33 in Monroe County will happen nearly four years faster due to a new $13.2 million federal funding commitment from the department.
Kevin Robert HOUBEN, 53, of Wellsville, NY, died Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in his home. Born October 28, 1972, in Olean, he was the son of Robert and Carolyn Maxson Houben.
He was employed as a service technician by ASSA ABLOY. Kevin enjoyed music, traveling, camping, and LEGOs.
Surviving are: his parents of Wellsville; a sister, Ronda Calhoun Houben of Avon; a brother, Keith Houben of Lima; two nieces, two nephews, and their families.
Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Farmers Valley, PA. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are under the directions of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
This Friday, Feb. 13, come out for a night of laughs, fun, and goodies to benefit Tioga County cats and dogs in need.
The Tioga County Cat Project is presenting “Comedy to the Rescue” featuring nationally touring stand-up comedian Clay Foley. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts, 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
The theatre doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the show will be available near those doors.
A cash bar will be open all evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the hallway right outside the Coolidge Theatre.
In the theatre will be a Chinese auction with gift cards to area businesses and items available for viewing by show attendees. Among them are: a baby basket with a handmade quilt, a game from Pop’s Culture Shoppe, wind chimes, cat items from Tractor Supply, a basket of children’s books with two signed by author Kevin Coolidge, a Highland Chocolates gift card with a sampler box, etc.
The Wildcats are scheduled to open their season with a nonconference match on Saturday at Susquehanna University.
Last season: 14-5 overall, 4-2 all UEC, 3-1 UEC regular season.
Coach: Jordan Williams, sixth season. Career record: 48-31.
Top returnees (last season’s stats): Sophomore attack Elliot Dotson, of Wilmington, Delaware (96 points 43 goals, 53 assists); sophomore attack Owen Kupsey, of Chadds Ford (58 points, 54 goals, 4 assists); senior attack AJ Dotson, of Wilmington, Delaware (67 points, 28 goals, 39 assists); junior midfielder Aidan McFalls, of Gilbertsville (39 points, 26 goals, 13 assists); junior midfield Will Ehret, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey (37 points, 23 goals, 14 assists); junior goalie Ryan Twist, of Great Meadows, New Jersey (175 saves, 146 goals allowed, 9.83 goals-against average, 13-5 record); senior long stick middle Austin Callahan, of Beaver Dams, New York; sophomore faceoff Levi Borkowski, of Norristown (142-216—65.7%); sophomore faceoff Antonio Santora, of Haskell, New Jersey (127-189—67.2%); junior defender Ian Stambaugh, of Red Lion; junior midfield Jake Small, of Bloomsbury, New Jersey (42 points, 19 goals, 23 assists).
Key losses: Walt Heiser, Mason Nestor and Gage McClune.
Pennsylvania pesticide applicators seeking recertification credits can earn two core and two category credits during an upcoming Penn State Extension workshop.
The “Agronomic Pesticide Update” workshop will take place from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, February 19 at the Penn State Extension office, Gunzburger Building room 216, 1 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA. For directions or elevator access please call ahead at 814-274-8540.
This session is designed for private applicators. This 2+2 update provides crucial training in pest management decision-making, pest identification, pest life cycles, control alternatives, and the safe, proper, and legal use of pesticides, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Barbara A. “Barb” Eck-Haynes, 76, of Smethport, formally of Alleghany, NY, a beloved sister, and aunt passed away, February 9, 2026, at the Buffalo Veterans Hospital.
Born on October 25, 1949, in Fort McPherson, GA, she was a daughter of the late Inez S, (Bosworth) Eck.
She was a 1971 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
Barb enlisted in the United States Navy on April 26, 1974. She worked as a Personal Administrator. She retired with the rank of PN2, and was honorably discharged on January 16, 1985. After retirement she returned to the local area.
She enjoyed listening to music and spending time with family. She especially enjoyed the time she spent while taking care of her brother Dennis.
Surviving are two sisters, Karen MacKenzie of Smethport and Sandra (Berry) Sherrick, of Greensburg, and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and great great nieces and great great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Inez, one brother, Dennis Eck, her grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and one nephew, two great nephews, and one great niece.
At Barb’s request there will be no public service held.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donors choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
The annual Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics hosted by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) get underway next week in Eldred, Smethport and Kane. The schedule is as follows:
Eldred Senior Center, 169 Main St., Eldred: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 9-11 a.m.
Smethport Senior Center, 119 W. Main St., Smethport: Wednesday, Feb. 18, noon to 2 p.m.
Kane Senior Center, 100 N. Fraley St., Kane: Thursday, Feb. 19, 1-3 p.m.
The service is free, and no appointment is required.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible residents 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older. This year’s income limit is $48,110 for both homeowners and renters; be sure to exclude 50% of Social Security or railroad retirement income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
To file for the rebate, residents must have the following documentation to allow claims to be processed:
Renters will need a 2024 PA Rent Certificate, completed by their landlord, or statement from HUD office; 2024 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate.
Homeowners will need proof of 2024 paid property taxes to their county, municipality and school district; 2024 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed.
Applicants who wish to receive their rebates through direct deposit should bring a check for account information. If not, paper checks will be mailed. Disbursements should begin after July 1.
Assistance is also available at Causer’s offices in Bradford (78 Main St., 814-362-4400), Coudersport (279 Route 6 West, Office 2, 814-274-9769) or Kane (54 Fraley St., 814-837-0880). Residents may also apply online at mypath.pa.gov.
On February 9, 2026 at 8:19 pm, Tyler J. Kinney, 36, of Great Valley, NY was taken into custody stemming from a domestic incident that occurred in January of 2026 in the Town of Great Valley. Kinney was charged with Unlawful Imprisonment in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree. Kinney was transported to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released with an appearance ticket. Kinney is due to appear at Great Valley Town Court at a later date.
