2025

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer provided the community report for the medication drop boxes that were collected and weighed at the recent pickup.  Boxes located at the City of Bradford Police Department, Kane Borough Police Department and Sheriff’s Department (located inside the jail) were collected on January 7, 2025 by the County Detectives. 

The respective weights of medication collected from the boxes based on location was as follow: Bradford City:  85.5 lbs; Kane Borough: 13.0 lbs; Sheriff’s Office: 15 lbs for a total of 113.5 lbs.  Other boxes are available at the Bradford Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run Barracks.  The County Detectives with the District Attorney’s Office collect the medication from the county’s boxes and they are collected by members of the National  Guard and Attorney General’s Office for destruction.  The boxes are important because it allows everyone to get rid of their unused medication to keep it out of the hands of those other than to those for whom it was prescribed.  Before the installation of the boxes, we had to wait for annual drop off days. 

But unused medication getting in the hands of others is often seen as one avenue that leads to drug abuse so the constant availability of the boxes is very beneficial.  The boxes were sponsored by the District Attorney’s Association and PA American Water Company.    If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call the McKean County Drug Task Force at (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org. 

Smethport–Donald J. Russell, 89, of Moody Hollow, Eldred, PA, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 surrounded by his family.

He was born May 10, 1935, in Turtlepoint, PA. He was the son of Frank and Martha Gross Russell. On June 11, 1955, in Coryville he married the former Carolyn Milliron, who survives.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (January 21) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will hold its quarterly business meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m., at its Harrisburg headquarters, located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110.  The meeting is open to the public. 

Doreen M. WEISS, 63, of Ulysses, PA, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025, after a brief, but aggressive battle with cancer.  Born November 4, 1961, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Gary L. and Amy Moe Empson.  On May 28, 1983, in Galeton, she married Kris J. Weiss, who survives.

Hebron Center Christian School will be operating on a 2 hour delay Wednesday January 22.

Smethport will be operating on a 2 hour delay schedule for Wednesday, January 22nd due to forecasted cold weather.

How many times do we encounter hearing impaired people and wish that we could communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones. Here is your opportunity to learn basic sign language that could help you communicate with someone you care about.

Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the  Chili and Chowder With A Chance For Chocolate Taste-Off there will be 15 different types of chili or chowder to taste at 15 sites in downtown Wellsboro and an opportunity to win a fun and unique basket of chocolate at each of those 15 locations. 

In addition, taste-off passport holders are welcome to stop in at Century 21 Gold Star Real Estate to spin the wheel for a surprise. 

Who are you? How would you answer that question? What do you use to define yourself? Are you defined by your profession, parents, or children, or is there some other matrix? Some define themselves by their accomplishments. Some do it by their failures and mistakes.

Slippery sidewalks, icy driveways, and physically demanding tasks like shoveling snow can lead to sprains, fractures, and more serious conditions. By understanding common injuries and how to prevent them, you can safely enjoy the winter.

Common Winter Injuries

Falls on ice and snow are among the most frequent causes of winter injuries, often resulting in fractures. For older adults, hip fractures are a major concern, while younger individuals tend to experience injuries to the wrists, shoulders, and ankles. Head injuries from falls can be especially dangerous, as slipping on ice may cause a person to lose consciousness.

Snow shoveling also poses significant risks. Heavy, wet snow can strain the back, leading to muscle pulls, herniated discs, and shoulder injuries. Without proper technique, repetitive motions may result in painful and avoidable orthopaedic problems.

Winter sports like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding add to the seasonal risk of injuries. High speeds and slippery conditions can lead to broken bones, sprains, and concussions, especially if protective gear is not used.

Prevention is Key

Preventing an injury, especially one that is the result of an accident, is easier said than done. Factors like unpredictable weather create the perfect recipe for something to happen. One of the biggest tips for avoiding injury is to use common sense and avoid situations that will put you at added risk. Additional tips to help enjoy the season are below: