Foxes Are First Predators To Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote And Fox Hunt Or Trap
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Paul Costanzo brought the first predator to Rolfe’s weigh station on Friday, 2/13, a 6.8# female red fox. Paul was hunting the Johnsonburg area of Elk County Friday morning and was able to harvest this fox on private land. Paul usually shoots a .223 rifle with a thermal scope.
Josh Bizzak of Wilcox brought in a beautiful red fox, Saturday, to the weigh station. This female red fox weighed in at 8.8#. Josh shoots a .17 Hornet and was hunting private lands in Elk County when the red fox showed up at 3:30 a.m. Josh uses an electronic call and red lights. “It is really hard walking right now and there is so much light out there with all this snow so hunting conditions are just not ideal right now,” said Josh.
Howard H. Rathbun, 88, A Lifelong Resident Of Chrystal
Howard H. Rathbun
CHRYSTAL, PA—-Howard H. Rathbun, 88, of a lifelong resident of Chrystal, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Cuba Memorial Hospital, Cuba, NY, after a short illness.
Family and friends may gather from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse. Funeral services will be private. The Rev. Russell J. Horning, of Shinglehouse, will officiate. Burial will be in Chrystal Cemetery, Chrystal.
A complete obituary will follow.
Howard’s family has entrusted his care 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 Howard, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
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
