2025
DA PROVIDES COMMUNITY REPORT ON COUNTY’S MEDICATION DROP BOXES
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Smethport–Donald J. Russell, 89, of Moody Hollow, Eldred, PA
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.
PFBC Quarterly Meeting to be Held on January 27
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
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.
Donald A. Schreiber, 84, of 435 Mark Street, St. Marys
Donald A. Schreiber, 84, of 435 Mark Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Monday, January 20, 2025 at his residence.
He was born July 31, 1940 in St. Marys, son of the late John and Winifred Bauer Schreiber. He was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1958, and Gannon University, Class of 1964. He retired from the Carbon Graphite Group in 1999 with 33 years of service.
Hebron Center Christian School 2 Hour Delay
Hebron Center Christian School will be operating on a 2 hour delay Wednesday January 22.
Smethport Area School District on 2 Hour Delay Jan 22
Smethport will be operating on a 2 hour delay schedule for Wednesday, January 22nd due to forecasted cold weather.
Basic Sign Language Course Offered!
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.
CHILI AND CHOWDER WITH A CHANCE FORÂ CHOCOLATE TASTE-OFF IS SATURDAY, FEB. 8th
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?
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.
Dennis W. Bentley of N 5th Street, Olean
Dennis W. Bentley of N 5th Street passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Buffalo VA Hospital following an illness.
Dennis was born on January 23, 1950, in Bolivar and was the son of Leonard W. and Phyllis J. Polen Bentley.
Douglas M. Cook, 64, of Emporium, PA
Douglas M. Cook, 64, of Emporium, PA passed away in his home following a brief illness on Sunday morning (January 19, 2025) surrounded by his wife and his children. He was born on September 3, 1960 in St. Marys, PA, the son of the late Lee C. and Bessie Priest Cook. On June 29, 1990, he married the love of his life, Cynthia J. Guido, who survives.
Ted E. CROWELL, 92, of Wellsville, NY
Ted E. CROWELL, 92, of Wellsville, NY, died Saturday, January 11, 2025 in Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, Murrells Inlet, SC.
Born December 25, 1932, in Rushford, he was the son of Gerald D. and Hazel Tefft Crowell. On June 17, 1961, in Angelica, he married the former Marjorie Cameron, who survives. A graduate of Rushford High School and Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse, he served honorably with the US Army in graves registration during the Korean War. Ted earned his New York State funeral director’s license in 1954. He began his funeral service career at Wolcott Funeral Home in Angelica, moving to Wellsville in 1961 to manage Mulholland Funeral Home prior to purchasing it. Ted owned and operated Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home in Wellsville until his retirement in 2018. He was active in numerous civic and community organizations, including Grace United Church, Wellsville Ambulance Service, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, serving as past treasurer, Shriners, Wellsville Rotary Club, serving as past president, Morrison B. Hayes American Legion Post #702, Wellsville Exchange Club, and David A. Howe Library Club. He was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Wellsville Rotary Club. Ted was the longest serving and most active Allegany County Coroner in county history. He was elected in 1979 and served until the end of 2019.
Marlene M. Fessenden, age 80, formerly of Wellsboro, PA
Marlene M. Fessenden, age 80, formerly of Wellsboro, PA, died on Sunday, January 19, 2025.Â
She was born on July 14, 1944 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of the late Peter and Catherine Conte.Â
She is survived by two children and 8 grandchildren.Â
Services will be private.Â
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
Jean Marie Van Hart Sacks (nee Ennis), 71
Jean Marie Van Hart Sacks (nee Ennis), 71 passed away on January 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Jean Marie was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late James and Susan Ennis Sr.
Jean Marie is survived by her husband Terry and was a devoted mother, Mom Mom, and Great Mom Mom of Jennifer (Brian) Vanat, Christina (Kalub) Hanchett, and Merle-Lynn (Matthew) Grabbitt, 18 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and sister Margaret Fath.
Jean Marie was a nurse for 50 years. Jean Marie loved to travel, read, and spend time with her family. She enjoyed the friendships created through her migraine support group.
Jean Marie was preceded in her death by her brother James (Diane) J. Ennis.
Jean Marie is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date to honor and remember Jean Marie.
UPMC Orthopaedic Surgeon: Avoiding Common Winter Injuries
UPMC Orthopaedic Care
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:
Charlene J. Blose, 59, of Roulette, PA
Charlene J. Blose, 59, of Roulette, passed away Sunday (January 19, 2025) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced.
Dean Andrew Scott, 61, of Galeton, PA.
Dean Andrew Scott, age 61 of Galeton passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Born April 4, 1963 in Philadelphia, he was the son of Walter and Carol (Bates) Scott. Dean served in the US Army under Choppin Charlie 3-187 infantry Rakkasans 101st Airborne Division. Dean was retired from Wireless Horizon and currently was the co-owner of Brown’s Produce in Wellsboro with his best friend, Matt. He was a member of the Turkey Federation and Galeton VFW. Dean enjoyed fishing, hunting, fly-tying, and raising puppies but most of all he enjoyed helping people, doing so without hesitation. Dean encouraged kids to experience the activities of nature, always giving tips, encouragement, and even lures to those he encountered. He was a great storyteller, handyman, and master of all trades. Dean was the most kind-hearted and caring man people have met, making friends with anyone he talked with.