Saturday, Nov. 14, Release Party for the 10th Book in the Totally Ninja Raccoons Series
This Saturday, Nov. 14, is the Release Party for 10th Book in Totally Ninja Raccoons Series
The release party for “The Totally Ninja Raccoons Meet the Apple Snitch” is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 14 at From My Shelf Books and Gifts at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro. This is the 10th book in the popular raccoon adventure series for reluctant readers in the first to fourth grades.
The public is invited to stop in, pick up a copy, and enjoy a fresh apple in keeping with the book’s main topic – the Apple Snitch.
Memorial Service for Carolyn “Connie” Bishop
Smethport–A memorial service for Carolyn “Connie” Bishop, who passed away on October 22, 2026, will be held at the East Smethport United Christian Church (East Smethport, PA) on Saturday, November 14 at 11 am.
A full obituary was announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport. www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.
Gerald F. “Jerry” BABCHAK, 78, of Wellsville, NY
Gerald F. “Jerry” BABCHAK, 78, of Wellsville, NY, died Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born June 7, 1948, in Buffalo, he was the son of Frank and Helen A. Lucas Babchak. He is survived by Marlene Paprota Babchak, his wife of 48 years.
Following his 1966 graduation from Bishop Fallon High School, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, completed basic training at Parris Island, NC, and served the Corps and his country from 1996-1970. During those years he had several positions, including security file manager with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Service Regiment at Okinawa, Japan; firefighter with the 1st Force Service Regiment, 1st Marine Division in Vietnam; and in operation control for the Headquarters Battalion in Philadelphia. His service was noted with military honors, including the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Citation, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm Ribbon.
The Marine Corps had a profound impact on Jerry for the rest of his life. He was proud to be a charter member of the Allegany County Vietnam Veterans Association and a life member of the Marine Corps League; he served as a Marine Corps representative at the Bath VA Medical Center. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and 1st Marine Corps Association.
After earning a degree in Agriculture-Plant and Soil Science, Jerry was employed by Allegany County as forester and sanitarian.
In addition to his wife, Marlene, Jerry is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will also be missed by lifelong friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, his twin Terrence J. Babchak and Ronald F. Babchak.
Friends may call at Lombardo Funeral Home (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Road, Orchard Park, NY on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. Burial with military rites will be in Bath National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made at https://thefund.org for Semper Fi and America’s Fund.
Local 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.
Richard Charles Mitchell, of Shinglehouse, PA, Celebration of Life
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Richard Charles “Dick” Mitchell, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 85.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Crosstown Alliance Church, Shinglehouse, at a time to be announced.
A full obituary will follow.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
UPMC Cole to Host Virtual Annual Public Meeting
Media are invited to join leadership from UPMC Cole to celebrate 10 Years: A Decade of Caring, Growing, & Innovating, highlight accomplishments from 2026, and discuss plans for 2027.
Tentative Agenda:
- Welcome & Invocation – Opening remarks and invocation from our Board Chair and Pastoral Care Team.
- Board of Directors & Officer Elections – Nomination and election of our board director and officers for the upcoming year.
- 10-Year Anniversary Celebration – A special Did You Know? video highlighting facts from the past decade, including our employees, providers, community impact, innovations, and accomplishments.
- President’s Update – A look at recruitment, workforce development, campus improvements, new services, key accomplishments, and priorities for the future.
- Closing Remarks & Adjournment
When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4 to 5 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams
Media can attend by calling 412-447-5295 and using this phone conference ID: 932 571 623#, or by using this link for Microsoft Teams. For more information, contact Jackie Flanagan at flanaganjf@UPMC.edu.
Disciplinary Board Public Proceedings
The Disciplinary Board honors the necessity for transparency in its work and service to both the public and the profession. The Board encourages you to observe its public disciplinary and reinstatement hearings, oral arguments, and public reprimands on the Board’s YouTube channel. You can also view “Upcoming Public Proceedings” at the bottom of the Board’s home page.
Scheduled proceedings begin at 9:30 am unless otherwise noted. Click the date of a given proceeding to access its livestream.
This Week’s Proceedings
November 12 – Sam H. Jessee (Disciplinary Hearing)
November 13 – Jason R. Carpenter (Reinstatement Hearing)
Second Check Station for Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative to be Hosted at Willow Creek Sportsmen’s Club on SR 346
Bradford, Pa.: The Willow Creek Sportsmen’s Club and the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC) are working together for wildlife this year to operate a second check station at the clubhouse grounds on SR 346. The KQDC has operated deer check stations at numerous locations on the 74,000-acre study area for the last 25 years. This year, the Willow Creek Deer check station will be at the Sportsman Club grounds at 3307 West Washington Street, SR 346, Bradford, Pa, 16701.
The SR 59 deer check station at the John Perkins parking lot will also be operational this year.
The “What” and “Why” Factors By Pastor B.J. Knefley
Have you ever considered the “what” and “why” factors? Simply put, the “what” is the action; the “why” is the reason. In life, we do a lot of “what” things. We go to work, buy new cars and trucks, go to college, and get married. It isn’t difficult to see the “what,” but do we ever look at the “why”? I’ve realized that we can do a lot of “what” without understanding “why.” I’ve also realized that we’re often taught from a very early age “what” to do without ever having the “why” explained. Take church and God, for example. Many have been taught that it’s right to go to church and to love God, but how many understand “why”?
A legalist follows the letter of the law. In Christian circles, we’re taught to attend church, give money, pray, thank God, and follow rules about dress and conduct. These practices are the “what,” and focusing on them can lead to legalism. I’ve known people who knew the “what” and readily told others to do the same. The implication was that doing the “what” well enough made you acceptable. Sadly, we can become so skilled at doing the “what” that we forget “why” we began.
To help understand this, there’s a song sung in Christian churches that says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” Facing tomorrow is the “what.” We all must do that because tomorrow is coming. But “why” can we face it? The “why” is that He lives. That becomes my hope and assurance, enabling me to walk through tomorrow.
As Christians, we can all go through life doing a lot of “what.” We can go to Church and do all the right things yet miss the real meaning of “why.” If we don’t understand the “why,” the “what” means nothing. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Think about it.
Owlett Congratulates Area Blue Ribbon School
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) today congratulated North Penn-Liberty Junior/Senior High School in the Southern Tioga School District upon being designated a Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School.
“Nothing is more important than building a brighter future for our kids, and I commend the teachers, administrators, parents and students at North Penn-Liberty for their hard work and dedication toward that goal,” Owlett said. “Your commitment to learning and growing is making a difference for our students and the community as a whole.”
North Penn-Liberty is one of only 12 schools honored with the blue-ribbon designation across the state. Schools selected for the honor demonstrate exceptional academic growth, ranking among the top 15% statewide for whole school improvement while showing progress for all student groups.
According to the state Department of Education, qualifying schools create inclusive learning environments, support student well-being through strong Student Assistance Programs, maintain high attendance and assessment participation rates, and meet rigorous standards for special education and accountability. In addition, they are safe, well-managed schools that are not identified for improvement or corrective action.
“We are blessed with some outstanding schools in our area, and I’m so pleased to see North Penn-Liberty recognized for its exceptional efforts,” Owlett added.
This is not the first time a school in the Southern Tioga School District earned blue-ribbon designation. In 2000, Liberty Elementary School was recognized under the federal Blue Ribbon School program.
Eugia US LLC (f/k/a Auro Medics Pharma LLC) Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection USP 1.25g/Vial-30mL (Single Dose Vial) Due to Presence of Particulate Matter
November 06,2026 – East Windsor, New Jersey, Eugia US LLC (f/k/a Auro Medics Pharma LLC) is voluntarily recalling lot number 3VM26026A of Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection USP 1.25g/Vial-30mL (Single Dose Vial) to the hospital/healthcare facility/user level due to the presence of particulate matter identified as a glass particle inside the vial.
Risk Statement: There is a reasonable probability that use of product containing glass particulates can cause serious adverse health consequences such as blockage and clotting in blood vessels, which can cut off blood flow to vital organs, lead to a life-threatening blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause permanent organ damage or death. Additionally, these particles may cause local vein irritation, inflammatory reaction, aggravation of preexisting infections, and allergic reactions. Greater susceptibility may exist in neonates, infants and patients with compromised organ function. To date, Eugia US LLC has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
Shapiro Administration, Law Enforcement Agencies Highlight Safe Driving Around School Buses through Operation Safe Stop
Participating school districts and law enforcement agencies documented 196 violations near school buses during Operation Safe Stop, an increase from last year.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration released the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual, one-day school bus enforcement and education initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for students across the Commonwealth by curtailing violations of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law.
Operation Safe Stop is a one-day targeted enforcement and education event where law enforcement officials and participating schools documented drivers violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, emphasizing the frequency of these violations and highlighted the importance of driving safely around students and school buses.
Pitt School of Dental Medicine Receives $9.4 Million in Rural Health Transformation Funding to Expand Regional Training Centers
PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine announced on Nov. 9 that it has received $9,428,042 in Rural Health Transformation Plan funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support its Regional Training Center initiative, which trains oral health care providers in rural communities where access to dental care is limited.
Federal fiscal year 2025-26 funding will be shared with training center partners in Bradford, Titusville and Johnstown. The Pitt regional campuses at Bradford and Titusville will receive funding for the equipment for simulation labs on each of the campuses. The centers’ partners, Universal Primary Care in Bradford, Titusville Area Hospital and Hyndman Area Health Center in Johnstown each receive a portion of the funding for dental equipment and equipment for radiology, digital dentistry and sterilization and to renovate their facilities to support the training programs. A portion of the funding will stay with Pitt Dental Medicine to support salaries and administrative costs of operating the educational programs.
Dorr A. “Bud” PERKINS, 91, of Wellsboro, PA
Dorr A. “Bud” PERKINS, 91, of Wellsboro, PA, formerly of Ulysses and Westfield, died Sunday, November 8, 2026, in his home. Born November 10, 1934, in Ulysses, he was the son of Dorr L. and Frances Young Perkins. On January 13, 1951, he married the former Edna M. Empson, who predeceased him on February 14, 2018. Bud and Edna owned and operated a potato and dairy farm in Ulysses for many years. Bud also logged with a team of horses.
Surviving are: three children, Gary (Teresa) Perkins of Coudersport, Kenneth J. (Tammy) Perkins of Ulysses, and Carla Baumgarner of Wellsboro; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; two brothers, Clayton (Debbie) Perkins of Beaver Dams, NY and Leon (Erma) Perkins of Rush, NY; a sister, Sally (Edward) Clopper of Greencastle; and many extended family and friends.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a son, Terry L. Perkins; a daughter-in-law, Melody Perkins; and five siblings, Arnold K. “Skip” Perkins, Raymond Perkins, Dorothy Culver, Thomas Lloyd Perkins, and Jack Carl Perkins.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 4:00 PM. Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948, or Ulysses Cemetery, P.O. Box 176, Ulysses, PA 16948. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Joanne S. ARMSTRONG, Wellsville, NY, Formerly of Scio
With profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Joanne S. Armstrong, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend. Joanne peacefully departed this world on November 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at the Hart Comfort House after bravely facing chronic health conditions.
Born February 26, 1944, in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of Charles and Anita Strobel. Her childhood was enriched by their love and the presence of her brother, Robert. From a young age, Joanne displayed an insatiable curiosity and a profound love for learning, which she nurtured throughout her life. In 1967, Joanne married her beloved husband, Donald M. Armstrong, in a union that spanned decades, filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. Together, they raised five remarkable children and were blessed by her grandchildren. Spending time with family was the highlight of her days.
Joanne pursued an education in teaching, earning her bachelor’s degree from Mansfield University. Her career as an educator began in Hornell, but she soon found her true calling in Wellsville, where she spent the majority of her professional life. Teaching at the Martin Street School alongside her mother was a source of great pride and joy for Joanne. She often remarked that she never worked a day in her life because teaching was her passion, not just a profession.
After retiring in 2002, Joanne continued to make a difference in her community as a Parent Advocate at ARA’s FACT and FOCUS Program. Her commitment to helping others did not end with her professional career. Joanne was a dedicated volunteer at the Allegany County Office for the Aging. She also was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church Dorcas Guild, where she expressed her creativity and compassion by making quilts for families in need. Joanne was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved the simple joys of sitting on her porch, watching the beauty of nature unfold with her chickens, trees, and flowers. She was a gifted crafter, always eager to explore new projects and ideas.
Throughout her life, Joanne faced numerous challenges with strength, determination, and an unwavering positive outlook. Her kind and empathetic nature touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was the glue that held her family together, a source of wisdom and comfort, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
Joanne was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Robert Strobel; her sons, Patrick Armstrong and Sterling Armstrong; and her husband, Donald M. Armstrong. She is survived by her children, Anita Mattison (Wallace Eaton), Aaron (Rachel) Armstrong, and Christine (Jeff) Gabler; eight grandchildren; and her cousin Janet (John) Vargo, whom she cherished like a sister.
A private ceremony will be held to honor Joanne’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hart Comfort House in her memory. Joanne’s family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Joanne S. Armstrong’s legacy is one of love, learning, and service to others. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends, and she will be dearly missed but forever remembered.
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.
Michael “Mickey” ROBBINS, 66, of Bolivar, NY, Formerly of Batavia
Michael “Mickey” ROBBINS, 66, of Bolivar, NY, formerly of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Jones Memorial Hospital following a very brief illness. Born December 22, 1959, in Batavia, he was the son of Sandra Bunnell and Carl “Mike” Robbins. He was an avid sports and Buffalo Bills fan, enjoyed fishing, being around family and friends, land oved to cook. Mickey was always trying to help someone.
Surviving are: a son Justin (Valene) Hoover of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren, Skylo, Starlette, Rocky, and Indigo, all of Cape Coral, FL; stepdad, Dennis Bunnell of Belmont; siblings, Roxanne Robbins of Caledonia, Carrie (Clifton) Eliot of Zephyrhils, FL, and Anna (Richard) Claypool of Bolivar; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and paternal grandparents, Kenneth (Helen) Gartley, Leo (Ella) Robbins.
There will be no prior services. A gathering to celebrate Mickey’s life will be held privately for family and friends on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a drug treatment facility of your choice or Horizons Health Services, 314 Ellicott St, Batavia, NY 14020.
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.
Constance L. “Connie” Galeotti, 86, a Longtime Resident of Keating Summit
Constance L. Galeotti “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister”
KEATING SUMMIT, PA—Constance L. “Connie” Galeotti, 86, a longtime resident of Keating Summit, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Wheaton’s Personal Care Home in Westfield, after a long illness.
Born on Monday, September 30, 1940 in Ridgeway, she was a daughter of Thomas and Irene Fullcomer Pitts. In Austin, she married Louis H. “Lou” Galeotti, who survives.
Connie attended Emporium High School. She owned and operated Connie and Lou’s Market in Keating Summit from 1963 until 1977.
She enjoyed fishing and camping.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband; a daughter, Melody A. (Duane) Heller of Denver, NC; a son, Thomas L. (Trish) Galeotti of Coudersport; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, William D. Pitts of Warren, Ohio.
In addition to her parents, Connie was predeceased by three sisters, infant Doris Irene Pitts, Barbara Ann Crawford, and Alice McClimans; and two brothers, Donald Pitts and John Thomas Pitts.
In keeping with Connie’s wishes, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Connie’s name may be made to a SPCA of the donor’s choice or to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Connie entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Connie, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Travis A. Marsh “celebration of life slated”
AUSTIN, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Travis A. Marsh, 39, of Austin, formerly of Coudersport, from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Coudersport American Legion, 2 Buffalo Street, Coudersport. Food will be served after the celebration.
Travis passed away on August 5, 2026.
Travis’ family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com