Betty A. Jeffers Logue Cooney “beloved mother and grandmother”
AUSTIN, PA—Betty A. Jeffers Logue Cooney, 99, a lifelong resident of Austin, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
Born on Saturday, October 30, 1926 in Jamestown, NY, she was a daughter of John H. and Vera Knapp Jeffers. In August of 1946, she married Earl T. Logue, who passed away on September 12, 1950. On June 27, 1953, she married Bernard F. Cooney, who passed away on March 2, 1992.
Betty was a graduate of Austin Area High School, Class of 1945.
For many years, Betty was employed at Emporium Specialties in Austin and later had been employed by the Potter Leader Enterprise.
Betty was a member of God’s Country Global Methodist Church in Austin, a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 7810, a member of the Get Together Club, and a member of the Austin Dam Association.
Betty loved camping, boating, bowling, and playing cards. Her greatest joy was watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participating in sports.
HEADLINE: Winter Storm Warning issued December 28 at 2:22AM EST until January 2 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph creating blowing and drifting snow and whiteout conditions.
* WHERE…Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties.
Joseph A. VISMAN, Jr., 41, of Wellsboro, PA, died Monday, December 22, 2025 in UPMC Williamsport. Born November 26, 1984, in Philadelphia, he was the son of Debra Ann Graber and Joseph A. Visman.
A 2002 graduate of Galeton Area High School, he earned an associate’s degree in business from WyoTech in Indiana, PA. He was employed by Concern as business manager and Navient as office manager. Joe enjoyed music and played guitar and drums. He was an animal lover.
Surviving are: his mother, Debra Ann Graber of Wellsboro; two siblings, Kelly (Horace) McNeil of Levittown and Michael (Sarah) Graber of Galeton; nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father. A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2025 in Parker Hill Cemetery, Sunderlinville. Rev. Brent Baker will officiate. Memorials may be made to Galeton Area High School, 27 Bridge Street, Galeton, PA 16922.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Robert A. “Charlie” Kneidel, Sr., passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 86, as a result of being hit by a car on November 24, 2025.
He was born on October 27, 1939 in St. Marys, to the late Ralph and Leona Fritz Kneidel.
After 40 years, 3 months, and 28 days, he is finally reunited with his beautiful bride, Gloria Jean McAllister Kneidel.
Robert enjoyed a full life. He was extremely loved by everyone in his family and will be forever missed. He graduated from Central High in St. Marys in 1957. He retired from Keystone Powdered Metals in 2001 where he spent his entire life when he started work right after high school graduation.
He loved working in his garage making things and toys for his children and grandchildren. He was an amazing woodworker and there wasn’t much that he couldn’t do.
He was a past member of the CMF and regularly bowled every Thursday. Bob didn’t like to go too far away from home very often, but he always made sure he went to the State bowling tournament every year.
One of his favorite things to do was to play Cinch. He loved it and played on Tuesday morning and Wednesday evenings at Sacred Heart.
High Wind Warning issued December 28 at 1:44AM EST until December 30 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY * WHAT…Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected.
* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, and Chautauqua Counties.
Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Last week in review: After a week off for the Christmas holiday, the basketball teams will close out the 2025 portion of their nonconference seasons early this week, and beginning on Saturday, will enter United East Conference play the rest of the way.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
UEC standings: Penn State Harrisburg 2-0, Cairn University 2-0, Notre Dame (Md.) University 2-0, St. Mary’s (Md.) College 1-0, Lancaster Bible College 1-0, Penn State Brandywine 1-0, Rosemont 1-1, Penn State Berks 1-1, Penn State Abington 1-1, Penn College 0-1, Gallaudet University 0-2, Wilson College 0-2, Valley Forge 0-2, Keystone College 0-2.
SCHEDULE/RECORDS
Overall: 1-9
UEC: 0-1
Monday, Dec. 29 — Eastern Holiday Invitational at Eastern Connecticut State University, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 30 — Eastern Holiday Invitational vs. Nichols College or Wesleyan University, noon or 2 p.m. TBA
Saturday, Jan. 3 — at Notre Dame (Md.) University (UEC), 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 7 — at Keystone College (UEC), 5 p.m.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
UEC standings: St. Mary’s (Md.) College 2-0, Lancaster Bible College 2-0, Wilson College 2-0, Penn College 1-0, Notre Dame (Md.) University 1-0, Penn State Berks 1-1, Keystone College 1-1, Penn State Harrisburg 1-1, Penn State Abington 1-1, Gallaudet University 0-1, Penn State Brandywine 0-1, Valley Forge 0-2, Cairn University 0-2, Cedar Crest College 0-2.
SCHEDULE/RECORDS
Overall: 9-3
UEC: 1-0
Tuesday, Dec. 30 — at Centenary University, 1 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 3 — at Notre Dame (Md.) University (UEC), 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 7 — at Keystone College (UEC), 7 p.m.
WRESTLING
SCHEDULE/RECORD
Overall: 3-3
AMCC: 1-0
Thursday, Jan. 1 — vs. Roanoke College at Skyline High School, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 10 — Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Duals at Alfred State College, 10 a.m.
For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website.
For more about the United East, visit the conference website.
Emporium, PA — The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is thrilled to announce a very special homecoming event featuring Hunter Prosper, beloved storyteller, social media creator, and author of the bestselling book Stories From a Stranger: Every Person Has a Story. The event will take place on Monday December 29 starting at 4:00 pm in the library’s Multipurpose Room located at 27 W. 4th Street in Emporium.
Sandra K. “Toni” Smith, 85, of Bradford, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at the Pavilion at BRMC.
She was born on December 16, 1940 in Bradford; a daughter of the late Glenn and Christine Toothman Rouse.
She was a 1959 graduate of the former Allegany Central School, Allegany, NY.
On October 28, 1961 in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Port Allegany, she married Donald E. Smith who preceded her in death on May 10, 2012.
Toni was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bradford. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and baking. She was an excellent cook who learned how to cook from her grandmother. She was devoted to her family who were the most important people in her world.
High Wind Watch issued December 27 at 12:53PM EST until December 30 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
* WHAT…Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph possible.
* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, and Chautauqua Counties.
* WHEN…From late Sunday night through late Monday night.
* IMPACTS…Strong winds may blow down trees and power lines. Shallow rooted trees in a saturated ground will be more susceptible to falling. Scattered power outages are possible. Travel may be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Strong winds will blow around unsecured objects, including outdoor holiday decorations.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Strong southerly winds will gust 45 to 55 mph in favorable downslope areas, including the Chautauqua Ridge to the Lake Erie shoreline first, late Sunday night, with winds quickly veering to southwest and increasing in speed Monday behind a cold front.
INSTRUCTIONS: Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. Secure or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of the strong winds.
Dana R. BECKHORN, 51, of Friendship, NY, formerly of Belmont, died Sunday, December 21, 2025, in UR Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. Born December 1, 1974, in Wellsville, he was the son of Hugh Beckhorn and Iva Baker Ward.
Dana worked as a landscaper and was employed as a machinist by Air Preheater in Wellsville. He enjoyed playing pool and working on cars. He was a Buffalo Bills and L.A. Lakers fan.
Surviving are: four children, Felicia Beckhorn, Danica Beckhorn, Colby Beckhorn, and Aubrey Beckhorn; two grandsons, Greyson and Joshua; four siblings, Stacy (Terrence) Monroe, Marcy Beckhorn, Tony Beckhorn, and Hugh Ward; nieces and nephews; and good friend, Dave Jefferds.
He was predeceased by his parents and a son, Hunter Beckhorn. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
12/27 Update (Lifted) PennDOT Advises Trucks to Avoid Certain Roadways in North Central Pennsylvania
December 27, 2025 7:45 AM Update: The truck advisories on Routes 44 in Lycoming County and 54 in Northumberland County have been lifted.
Montoursville, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is advising that commercial trucks and large trucks avoid certain roadways due to steep grades in north central Pennsylvania.
Commercial and large trucks should avoid:
Route 44 between Route 554 in Elimsport, Washington Township, and Route 654 in Limestone Township, just south of Jersey Shore Borough, Lycoming County.
Route 54 between Route 487 in Ralpho Township and Route 61 in Mount Carmel Township in Northumberland County.
Roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.
Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has lifted the speed limit and right-lane-only commercial vehicle restrictions that were in place on several roadways in the region.
Due to the winter storm impacting the region, speed limits were reduced to 45 mph on Interstates 80 and 180 in the region. All speeds are restored to their usual posted limits.
PennDOT is still treating roadways in the area and will continue until roads are clear.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Interstate 80 eastbound is closed at the Mifflinville/Mainville Exit # 242 in Mifflin Township, Columbia County due to a vehicle crash.
Eastbound motorists are able to utilize the Exit #242 on and off ramps for a short detour. The eastbound lanes are expected to reopen later this evening.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution in the area.
Olean- Shirley Ann Nitsche “Loving Mother, Grandmother & Sister”
Shirley A. Nitsche of Rowland Ave passed away on December 22, 2025, at Buffalo General Hospital following an illness.
Shirley was born on August 18, 1949, in Olean and was the daughter of Robert William and Sabina Ann Kwiatkowski Nitsche.
Shirley was a 1967 graduate of Walsh High School. She worked at Lucia’s Restaurant Supper Club for 22 years right out of high school. She owned and operated Bread Sticks on East State Street for 22 years. Shirley movies to Florida where she ran a restaurant called “Smugglers” for 15 years until moving back to Olean in 2012.
Shirley enjoyed shooting pool and playing darts. She loves her pets, especially her dogs; Zeus and Athena.
Joseph A. Floravit, 96, of Spruce Street, St. Marys, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, following a brief illness.
He was born on November 2, 1929 in Force, PA, a son of the late Thomas Floravit, Sr. and Anita Volpe Floravit.
On June 29, 1957, he married the late Dale S. Kraus, who preceded him in death on August 1, 2019. Together they shared more than 62 years of marriage.
Joe was a lifelong resident of the area and member of St. Marys Church. He retired from Stackpole after more than 30 years of service. With a great love for Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, Joe could often be found watching old country western movies. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandson.
A Flood Watch has been issued for Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Erie, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties from Sunday December 28, at 1:00 p.m. to Monday, December 29 at 4:00 p.m.
During a flood, water levels and rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don’t know how deep the water is. Even when water recedes, the ground may be unstable.
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown!
NEVER drive through barricades.
Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle.
Stay out of floodwaters! Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris.
Continue monitoring updates to the forecast via local media or your nearest National Weather Service Office by visiting www.weather.gov and search for your zip code.
Nancy Johnston 91, of 708 Second Avenue, entered into God’s mercy and justice on Thursday December 25, 2025, at UPMC-Hamot, Erie, following a brief illness.
She was born December 20, 1934, in Johnsonburg, daughter of the late John “Rufus” and Margaret Pendl Johnston. She graduated from Holy Rosary Elementary and Johnsonburg High School class of 1952. She was first employed by G.C. Murphy Co. Then in her senior year she was hired by the New York & Pennsylvania Co. She was a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Senior Choir and the Sodality of Our Lady. In 1967 she attended a Diocesan Cursillo Weekend in Erie which refocused her entire life.
While working with the Religious Ed Program in the late 1960’s, she was enticed to gather a group of students and provide a Folk Choir for a special Youth Liturgy. Due to the extraordinary talents of those students, and favorable response of the pastor and parishioners, the group then played for parish Masses and was invited to introduce Liturgical Folk Music to area parishes and ecumenically as well. Eventually a second group emerged under another director, and she returned to the Traditional Music ministry with the Senior Choir.
George C. Nelson, 65, of JoJo Road, passed away Tuesday (December 23, 2025) at his residence surrounded by his family.
Born March 13, 1960, in Kane, he was the son of Clifford “Skeeter” and K Jean Simpson Nelson. In 1998, he met his partner of 27 years, Sally Anderson, who survives.
A lifelong resident of Kane, George grew up working for the family business, CW Hardware, before becoming the owner. Outside of work, he could be found working in the garage or spending time with his family, of whom he was incredibly proud.
In addition to his partner, he is survived by his daughter, Jessie (Eric) Bond of Kane; his son, Kyle Nelson of Indianapolis, IN; three grandchildren, Mason Bond, Ava Bond, and Lucas Bond of Kane, four sisters, Cynthia (Wayne) Miller of Harrisburg, Mary Jean (Raymond) Butterfield, Lisa (Roger) Wilson and Amy (Ike) Erdman, all of Kane; his partner’s son, Calvin Pfeil, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Private funeral services will be held at the Cummings Funeral Home, Inc with The Rev. William O’Brien officiating. Burial will be in St. Callistus Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Online Condolences can be expressed at cummingsfh.com.
Montoursville, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:
Interstate 80 between the Ohio state line and mile marker 247 (Columbia / Luzerne County line.
Interstate 180 entire length.
On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.
Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, and they will not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
Martha R. DeFilippo, 84, of East Main Street Bradford, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born October 3, 1941, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Donald E. and Catherine (Place) Good. She was a 1959 graduate of St. Bernard School.
On May 19, 1962, in Smethport, she married Geno M. DeFilippo who preceded her in death on May 8, 2024.
Martha was employed at Zippo Manufacturing for over 25 years.
She enjoyed taking walks, reading and going to bingo. Her greatest joy was being with family, especially her grandchildren.
Surviving are four daughters, Kay Stull (John Perry), of Gerry NY, Christina DeFilippo, Cynthia (Dave) Robinson, and Regina Gann (Don Potts), one son, Anthony DeFilippo (Jennifer Pecora), all of Bradford, 22 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Clearfield, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that it expects Route 220 southbound in between the Lock Haven and Mill Hall/Flemington exits in Clinton County to remain closed for several hours due to a commercial vehicle rollover blocking both lanes of travel.
While the road is closed, traffic will exit Route 220 southbound at Lock Haven and follow Routes 120,150, and 2015 (Mill Hall Road) to reconnect with Route 220 southbound.
Although PennDOT crews are treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not complete free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops, the roads are clear, and the conditions warrant lifting the detour.