On February 18th 2026 at around 7:00pm The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, with the assistance of Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Echo, executed a search warrant on a vehicle in the City of Salamanca. As a result, Karen Fries of Allegany was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance 2rd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and three counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree. Ms. Fries was found to be in possession of more than 2 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, more than 7 grams of fentanyl, and more than 1 ounce of crack cocaine. Ms. Fries is being held pending arraignment.
The Southern Tier Regional Drug Taskforce is comprised of members of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, Salamanca Police Department and Olean Police Department.
Drivers urged to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel.
Go to 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the most up-to-date information on weather impacts and vehicle restrictions.
Harrisburg, PA – Ahead of snow expected across Pennsylvania starting Saturday night, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are planning to implement vehicle restrictions on Interstates and the PA Turnpike beginning at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 22. The agencies are also advising drivers to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel if possible and to exercise caution when driving.
Snow is expected across the Commonwealth starting overnight Saturday into Sunday, with potential snowfall rates of ¾” to 1 ½ “per hour.
Elk County, PA — Mark Saline, President of Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems, recently presented a $7,000 donation to representatives of the St. Marys Area United Way, including Doug Bauer, Leah Whitman, Shane Ford, and Doug Gaffey. This generous contribution helped the organization reach its ambitious 2025 fundraising goal of $200,000, supporting vital programs that address critical needs in health, education, and human services throughout the community.
Saline, who has served as a dedicated board member of the St. Marys Area United Way for several years, exemplifies the strong partnership between Gasbarre and the local community.
OLEAN, N.Y., February 2 – Four donor designated funds at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation have together supported $270,401 in grants to organizations designated by their donors so far this year.
34 organizations received grants from the Mildred Milliman Fund, established by Mildred Milliman, together totaling $246,364.
The largest of said grants, $198,815 to the Olean General Hospital Foundation, was designated for general support.
A new regional storytelling initiative focused on highlighting the landscapes, small towns, and outdoor recreation experiences that define the Pennsylvania Wilds while supporting sustainable tourism and strengthening rural economies launched today.
Led by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center), this initiative is being developed in collaboration with regional destination marketing organizations and other tourism partners across the PA Wilds footprint. Together, these partners are working to ensure the stories shared reflect the full breadth of the region: from public lands and water trails to local businesses and rural communities.
Exasperated by life’s many struggles, a young woman said, “Why can’t life be simpler?” I suppose we’ve all wondered the same thing when we’ve faced yet another trial or struggle. We want simple answers, but they’re not forthcoming. Sometimes we’re looking for someone to tell us what to do, but no one has the magic formula. What works for one doesn’t work for the other. Some say that life is simple; we make it complicated. I suppose that’s true, as we worry and project outcomes that become our fears and concerns.
Worry has a lot to do with the loss of our joy. It creates scenarios about our future that generate anxiety in our present. In our inability to control outcomes, we spiral into hopelessness as we feel a loss of power. We want things simpler because we tend to believe that simpler is better. But is it?
Life and the things of life shape who we become. Our experiences, both the good and the bad, have the potential to create great things in us. People who have gone through great trials have later shared that the experience helped them grow and that they were thankful for it. This aligns with James 1:2-4, which says, “when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
The simple fact is this. Life is not simple, and sometimes it’s just plain hard. It’s in these times that we need to stop and breathe. That’s right, breathe. Why? Breathing helps us sit back and relook at our circumstances. Rather than react, we can choose to respond. When we react, we often make the wrong choice because it’s born of panic and fear. Perhaps life would be simpler if we just learned to approach it more simply. Rather than panic, sit down, take a deep breath, and plan your next move. Think about it.
(Pictured: Rotarians Brad and Deb Rinehart, Rotary President Andrea Streich)
On February 9, 2026, members of the Coudersport Rotary Club met at A&W West End Grill, where Rotary President Andrea Streich presented Paul Harris Society pins to Deb and Brad Rinehart in recognition of their continued dedication to Rotary.
Both Deb and Brad received pins featuring five stones, signifying that each has earned Paul Harris Society recognition five times. During the presentation, Brad noted that it took the couple nearly 30 years to earn their first Paul Harris honor, underscoring the long-term commitment behind their generosity. Rotarian Ronnie Schenkein commented that “the journey of one thousand dollars begins with a single dollar”.
In addition to the recognition, Brad used his assigned program time to explain the club’s new sound system, noting that he will not be present each week to assist with setup. He provided members with a clear, self-explanatory handout to ensure the system can be easily used by all.
The Coudersport Rotary Club congratulates Deb and Brad Rinehart on this significant milestone and thanks them for their continued commitment and service to Rotary.
BRMC/OGH cancer care staff gathered on center court at the 2026 Pink Game.
OLEAN, NY – Each year Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, partners with St. Bonaventure University (SBU) Athletics to raise funds in support of local cancer care services. The annual Pink Game was held during the SBU Women’s Basketball game on Saturday, February 7, highlighting SBU’s commitment to supporting cancer care close to home.
In addition to the game, several fundraising and donation opportunities were offered to benefit local cancer care services, including a 50/50, raffles, t-shirt and pink ribbon cookie sales. These efforts contributed to a total of $2,400 raised during the event.
A Flood Watch has been issued for Steuben County through Saturday Evening due to reported ice jams.
Ice jams have been reported by county officials along the Canisteo and Cohocton Rivers due to ice breaking up and jamming downstream. The ice jam on the Canisteo River is located near West Cameron. The ice jam on the Cohocton River is located near the Route 4 bridge about 2 miles upstream from Coopers Plain.
During a flood, water levels and the rate at which 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.
Bradford, Pennsylvania – In a year defined by celebration, generosity, and extraordinary community spirit, the United Way of the Bradford Area is proud to announce it has not only reached — but exceeded — its 2025 Annual Campaign goal during its landmark centennial year, “A Century of Service — 100 Years United.”
With an original goal of $300,000, the campaign ultimately raised $307,000, thanks to widespread community support, proceeds from the February 6th Soup Lunch fundraiser, and some late gifts that helped carry the campaign over the finish line.
This milestone reflects the remarkable generosity of local residents, businesses, and organizations who continue to invest in the well-being of their neighbors. While community needs continue to evolve, this year’s success demonstrates that the Bradford area remains deeply committed to caring for one another.
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Bob Rankin was successful in Potter County by harvesting a 9.4# female red fox on private lands near 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Bob routinely enters the Rolfe hunts; this year he harvested the fox with a .223 rifle and a thermal scope. Bob usually hunts by scoping or over bait. Congratulations, Bob.
Hunters are reminded that the second weekend of Rolfe’s hunt or trap finishes the weekend of February 20-22. Hunters are also reminded that Rolfe’s next predator hunt for coyotes and crows will be ten days bracketing the Labor Day Weekend in September of 2026.
Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day. Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
Flood Watch issued February 20 at 12:47PM EST until February 21 at 8:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY
An ice jam may cause water to infiltrate the lowlands along the river.
WHAT…Flooding caused by ice jams is possible.
WHERE…A portion of central New York, including the following county, Steuben.
WHEN…Through Saturday evening.
IMPACTS…The combination of recent rain and snowmelt will result in increased flow along rivers and streams in Steuben County through Saturday. Ice on the rivers may break up, jam downstream and cause flooding along the river.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
Ice jams have been reported by county officials along the Canisteo and Cohocton Rivers. The ice jam on the Canisteo River is located near West Cameron. The ice jam on the Cohocton River is located near the Route 4 bridge about 2 miles upstream from Coopers Plain.
https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
INSTRUCTIONS: You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
Glenn P. Perkins “Bills fan and hunter; loving “G. Pa”
Glenn Paul Perkins, 70, of Oswayo, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Born on February 25, 1955, he was the son of Reuben and Ella Downs Perkins.
Glenn was employed at RAM Forest Products in Shinglehouse, where he retired after many years of service.
Surviving are a son, R. Kayle (Connie) Perkins of Shinglehouse; a granddaughter, Rubianne Perkins; three sisters, Patty (Bob) Burns, Myra (Mike) LaRock, and Karen (Randy) Stanley; and a brother Stephen Perkins; several nieces and nephews; and many loving friends who enjoyed coming to his “man cave”.
In addition to his parents, Glenn was predeceased by a brother, Mike Perkins; and a sister, Rita Kay Perkins.
In keeping with Glenn’s wishes, there will be no funeral services.
Flowers are gratefully declined.
Glenn’s son entrusted his 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 Glenn, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that one of the women arrested during a drug investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force has pled guilty. Tammy McMAHON of Bradford pled guilty during a plea hearing at the courthouse on February 19th. MCMAHON admitted that she had delivered crack cocaine while under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force and that she possessed methamphetamine.
She will appear for sentencing at a future date. Detective Kolin Strawcutter investigated the case. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer urges anyone who suspects illegal drug activity to contact Chief Ryan Yingling of the McKean County Drug Task Force at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
Cottonwood Heights, Utah (February 17, 2026) Go Raw LLC is voluntarily recalling a single lot of Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets, 10oz bag, lot code #C25288, Best Buy Date 10/15/2027, because it may contain low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1).
Cats fed diets low in thiamine over time may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats.
Symptoms of deficiency in an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, failure to grow, and weight loss.
District Attorney and McKean County Law Enforcement Remember Patrolman Steve Jerman (McKean County, February 20, 2026);
McKean County Law Enforcement honors the memory of Patrolman Steve Jerman, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop on February 20, 1999.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “On this solemn anniversary, we remember Patrolman Stephen Jerman’s heroic sacrifice. A true hero whose legacy will continue. He will forever be honored by McKean County Law Enforcement.
It is a life well-lived that lets us know how deep of an impact his death has made.
On this anniversary, we honor Patrolman Stephen M. Jerman and pray for his family.
On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office and the McKean County Law Enforcement community, I express our sympathy and respect. We vow to honor and remember our fallen officer Patrolman Steven Jerman.”
April 11, 2026, Sartwell Creek Union 11:00 am Religious Ceremony for family and close friends, officiated by Pastor Allen Long and Father Joe Daugherty, 12:00 pm.
Celebration of Life with testimonies from family and close friends, 1:00-4:00 pm.
Open House at the church or family farm, weather permitting.
All are welcome to attend to celebrate and share memories of Mr. Babcock with family and friends.
