GLENN O HAWBAKER IS HIRING-MULTIPLE OPENINGS AVAILABLE
February 2026
Shaman Botanicals, LLC Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Alkaloids Chewable Tablets—White Vein Due to Undeclared Concentration of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 13, 2026 – North Kansas City, Missouri, Shaman Botanicals, LLC is voluntarily recalling one lot (Lot B# AAW.501.3) of Alkaloids Chewable Tablets—White Vein to the consumer level. Recent testing showed that the Alkaloids Chewable Tablets—White Vein product contains 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in an amount more than the declared value of 7.5 mg/tablet.
Risk Statement: Use of the Alkaloids Chewable Tablets—White Vein product could result in consumers ingesting a higher dose than intended, which could result in adverse health effects.
Shaman Botanicals, LLC has not received any reports of adverse events related to this lot of Alkaloids Chewable Tablets—White Vein.
FORMER BRADFORD SCHOOL BUS DRIVER PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX CRIMES
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a former Bradford Area School District bus driver has pled guilty to Child Porn, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse against a Child, and other charges after an investigation was initiated after the police received a report that he was photographing some of the children on the school bus after having them pose in provocative poses.
Sean Edward WILLIAMS, formerly of Duke Center but currently held at the McKean County Jail, pled guilty during a plea hearing held at the courthouse on February 19th to charges stemming from his acts on the school bus and other crimes.
WILLIAMS pled guilty to Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse against a Child (deviate sexual intercourse/oral sex), Tampering with Evidence, Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography -6 children under age 10), Corruption of Minors, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, and Endangering Welfare (6 children during a course of conduct). The District Attorney told the court that WILLIAMS was a school bus driver as well as a foster parent and, over a two-year period from January 1, 2024, to November 4, 2025, he committed the crimes. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer told the Court that WILLIAMS was a person responsible for the welfare of children on his bus, and he violated that duty of care to specific children on his bus by having them pose in photographs that were provocative for the purpose of his own sexual gratification and retained the photographs.
During the investigation, police discovered that WILLIAMS possessed six photographs of child pornography of children under the age of ten and he was intentionally in contact with a minor for the purpose of engaging in the crime of sexual abuse (child pornography).
The case was investigated by Officer Tony Lama of the City of Bradford Police. As a result of the investigation, Officer Lama was in consultation with the Pennsylvania State Police for crimes that occurred outside of Bradford City. Thereafter, by criminal complaint filed by Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Sierra Rooke, WILLIAMS was charged with Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse on a 1-year-old child for engaging in oral sex on the child while he was a foster parent.
WILLIAMS also removed and destroyed a camera and hard drive on his school bus for the purpose of removing the camera footage from availability for the criminal investigation. After the District Attorney read the facts into the record, WILLIAMS told the Judge he was guilty of the crimes.
The District Attorney gave notice that it was her intention to seek the higher sentence as provided for by two sentencing provisions of the sentencing code to seek the maximum penalty on WILLIAMS.
DA Vettenburg-Shaffer explained: “The crimes committed by WILLIAMS require a lifetime registration as a sexual offender under the law formerly known as Megan’s Law. The crimes require that, additionally, he undergo an evaluation with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board to determine if he meets the definition of a Sexually Violent Predator. The Board has 90 days to complete the evaluation which must be completed prior to sentenced.” Sentencing has been preliminarily set for June 4th.
DA Vettenburg-Shaffer urges anyone who suspects child abuse to call 911 and report it to Childline child abuse hotline at 1-800-932-0313. Services for victims are available by calling the YWCA of Bradford at 1-888-821-6325.
Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia Arrest In Bradford
ARREST City of Bradford Police Department Press Release On February 15, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department took Jason M. McCracken a 37-year-old male into custody on an arrest warrant for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia related to the use of Methamphetamines, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The individual, whose age is 37, was arraigned by Magistrate David Engman and remanded to McKean County Jail on $5,000 cash bail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe and addressing the ongoing issue of drug abuse. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat drug-related crimes and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
If you have any information about illegal drug activity, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911. Remember, if you see something, say something.
Assault Arrest In Bradford
On February 18, 2026, at approximately 1:04 p.m., City of Bradford Police responded to a report of a screaming female at 24 Orchard Place, Apartment 405.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with an adult female who was visibly bleeding from the face and injured. During the investigation, it was determined that the victim’s boyfriend, a 25-year-old male Jordan Stykemain, had struck her in the face during an argument, causing her injuries.
Officers searched the apartment and located the suspect, who had attempted to conceal himself inside a small cupboard in the kitchen. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the police station. The suspect was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.
The City of Bradford Police Department takes domestic violence cases extremely seriously and is committed to holding offenders accountable for their actions. Domestic violence is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. We urge anyone with information about this incident or any other domestic violence case to come forward and contact us at 814-887-4911.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please know that help is available. The City of Bradford Police Department is dedicated to providing support and resources to those affected by domestic violence. We encourage anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence to reach out to us or local support services for assistance. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For more information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911.
PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND WELLSBORO FILM FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
The Wellsboro Film Festival is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 20, 21 and 22 during Wellsboro’s Lights, Canvas, Action Winter Weekend. The public is invited to attend.
During the festival, 47 short films are being screened with 24 of them represented by attending filmmakers.
The filmmakers who submitted shorts this year are from Buenos Aires, Argentina and California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas in the United States.
“The festival requires that all short films be under 40 minutes long to compete,”said Thomas Verdi, executive director.
“Thomas Smith, my colleague and I were looking for a place to hold a film festival when I decided to visit the dark skies at Cherry Springs State Park. My GPS brought me through Wellsboro and I fell in love with this town – Main Street, the diner, the hotel…” Verdi said. The first Wellsboro Film Festival was held in 2025.
An entrepreneur and filmmaker, Verdi founded and runs Discontent Media Group, which owns The Film Fund that has awarded more than $150,000 to independent short film producers.
At this year’s festival, there are six competitive short blocks, representing five genres – horror, drama, comedy, music videos and documentaries.
At 4 p.m., eight documentary shorts will be shown: “Strouse Entertainment: Starting a Business from a Wheelchair,” “Time is an Ingredient,” Memphis Massacre,” “Fjallferd,” “The Shaver’s Creek Farmland Raptor Project,” “The Spirit of the People” and “You’ve Seen Us Before.” “50/10 Saul Turteltaub” is a documentary film about Saul who wrote comedy and produced television shows for 50 years. He wrote for “That Girl,” “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Sanford and Son.” He talks about how he broke into the world of television comedy and offers his opinions on comedy writing.
At 7 p.m. Saturday, 14 comedies will be screened: “Murphy,” “The Open House,” “Jerry Tarpini: Fitness Expert,” “Nub City,” “The Pitch,” “Dating Audrey,” “Behind the Signal: The Making of Blood Signal 4G,” “Fireflies in the Dusk,” “Trash Talk,” “Marry Me,” “Waiting for Bigfoot,” “Cart Bay Republic,” “Just Be Awesome” and “The Correction.”
For a description of “The Price of Milk” or the 47 short films or to purchase tickets or an all-access pass to see them or to attend the workshop, visit https://www.wellsborofilmfestival.com/tickets-and-schedule/.
Record-setting Penn College Women Look To Advance On Court
Through its first 25 games, the Penn College women’s basketball team has reached not only new NCAA era (since 2014) heights, but program marks, as well. Going into Saturday’s United East Conference quarterfinal, it looks to go even farther.
On Saturday at 1 p.m., the second-seeded Wildcats of coach Britni Mohney, 19-6 overall and 11-2 in the conference, will host No. 7 Lancaster Bible College, a 68-63 winner over No. 10 Gallaudet University on Wednesday. In the regular-season meeting against LBC, Penn College won, 63-44.
The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to a semifinal on Tuesday, with the conference championship game set for Saturday, Feb. 28.
Causer to Offer Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance in Oswayo Valley, Coudersport, Port Allegany, Mt. Jewett
The annual Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics hosted by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) continue with events in Oswayo Valley, Coudersport, Port Allegany and Mt. Jewett. The schedule is as follows:
- Oswayo Valley Senior Center, 128 Lyons St., Shinglehouse: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 9-11 a.m.
- Coudersport Senior Center, 200 W. Chestnut St., Coudersport: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 9-11 a.m.
- Port Allegany Senior Center, 216 N. Main St., Port Allegany: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Mt. Jewett Senior Center, 8 E. Main St., Mt. Jewett: Thursday, Feb. 26, 1-3 p.m.
The service is free, and no appointment is required.
For a full schedule of upcoming clinics, visit www.RepCauser.com/events.
William D. “Bill” McKean, 83, of Smethport
Smethport – William D. “Bill” McKean, 83, of Smethport, passed away Monday (February 16, 2026) at UPMC-Hamot, Erie, surrounded by his family.
He was born December 2, 1942 in Kane, PA, the son of Robert and Marion (Bloomster) McKean. On June 24, 1967, he married Judith L. Rice, who survives.
Bill attended Smethport Schools and graduated in 1961. He served in the U.S. Army.
Bill worked for National Fuel Gas for 32 years, retiring in 1998, as a foreman.
He was a life member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport and the VFW Post #2497 of Smethport.
In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by:
One daughter: Jennifer (Shawn) Nielsen of Smethport
One son: Matthew (Heather) McKean of Smethport
Two grandchildren: Aiden and Madelyn McKean
And many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two sons: Kirk and David McKean; one sister, and four brothers.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb.19, from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, at 10AM in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, with the Rev. Joseph Dougherty, pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
APPALACHIAN TRANSPORT CDL DRIVERS/DIESEL MECHANIC WANTED
FREE CONCERT WITH CHORD OF 3 STRANDS
Join us for a night of fellowship and great music at the Port Allegany CMA church located at 414 E Mill st. Port Allegany. The date is February 21st 6pm-8pm. This is a free event with music by Christian artists, Michael and April Prutsman of the band, “Chord Of Three Stands” You can find out more about their ministry at https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQ5N7Fjhq/
Light Refreshments will be served following the concert.
A love offering will be collected.
Please invite your family and friends! It is sure to be a great night.
CRCF Community Fund Grant Application Process Is Now Open
OLEAN, N.Y., February 17 – The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation’s Community Fund grant application process is open, with grant applications due April 15.
The Community Fund makes possible two rounds of annual funding, one in May and one in November, for unrestricted grants intended to support projects and initiatives that respond to the changing needs of the community.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations or a government entity or school district.
Bradford Regional Medical Center Transitioning To Outpatient Care Center
BRADFORD, PA — Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) submitted a formal closure notice to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania effective today, with anticipated closing of inpatient, emergency, and long-term care services bymid-2026, pending Pennsylvania Department of Health approval.
The region’s declining population and severely reduced patient census that was already minimal in 2019 combined to create financial losses averaging $10.1 million each year since 2021.
Nancy Lynn Benedict, 83
In Elmira, NY, on August 4, 1942, Nancy Lynn Benedict was welcomed into this world by Byron & Elouise Benedict. She then ascended into heaven on February 16, 2026, as a result of a decision to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.
Nancy grew up on the family farm in Whitneyville, PA with her two brothers, John T. Benedict (deceased) and Robert E. Benedict. She helped with the farm chores and enjoyed driving the tractor as she helped mowing down hay on various fields for the Federal soil bank program, as well as haying at other local farms. She continued to enjoy driving tractor all through her life.
Graduating from Wellsboro High School in 1960, she continued to Mansfield Teachers College, earning her degree in Elementary Education in 1964. While in college, she worked at the local Drive-In Theatre selling popcorn and taught guitar lessons in Mansfield. Upon graduating from Mansfield, she worked for 10 years (1964-1974) teaching 2nd Grade students at Portville, NY Central School District. During these years, she also worked to earn her Master’s Degree at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY.
In 1974, she was asked to serve as a summer missionary with Child Evangelism Fellowship (C.E.F.) of Tioga County, PA. During that summer, she experienced an intensive and fruitful training by teaching and evangelizing with C.E.F. She then made the decision to follow God’s leading and to serve full-time as a Missionary for C.E.F., Inc.
Nancy served 35 years with C.E.F., starting as a summer missionary teaching 5-Day Clubs in Tioga County, PA. She then continued on as a C.E.F. local director in Northumberland, PA (1974-1989) with her best friend Welda Bell. Then they accepted new positions in C.E.F. as co-director of the state of Maryland (1989-1994). From 1994 until November 2001, Nancy served at the International Headquarters of C.E.F. in the United States of America Ministry Department in Warrenton, MO. From 2003-2009, she returned to Maryland serving as the State Director of C.E.F., training volunteers to teach God’s word to boys and girls.
Through her years of service, she considered it a privilege and joy to conduct training classes for teachers, as well as plan and orchestrate Vacation Bible Schools, Good News Clubs, Day Camps, and Overnight Camps.
Nancy’s hobby and joy was camping (glamping). She spent many winters in Florida camping with family and friends.
Nancy is a member of Bell Run Church and has enjoyed ministry in several capacities. Surviving is her life-time best friend, co-worker and confidante, Welda Bell. We wish to thank the Bell Family of Shinglehouse (Welda Bell, Ed Bell, and Nani Bell, and Patsy Colbey) for their adoption and un-ending love and care for Nancy.
Also surviving are her brother, Robert (Cynthia); nieces, Tammy Mengee and Maria Frank (Dan), both of Wellsboro, PA; nephew, Tyler Benedict (Tammy Jo) of Mansfield, PA; eight great nieces and one great nephew; and seven great-great nieces and nephews; cousins, Donald Benedict (Helen) of Mainesburg, PA, Donna Baker of Roseville, PA, and Joy Kerr of Phoenix, Arizona.
Donations may be made to C.E.F., to help continuing Nancy’s mission, resulting in more children hearing the Good News (https://www.cefonline.com/get-involved/ways-to-give), or to the charity of your choice.
A life celebration will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 Mansfield, PA. A service will follow at 2:00 P.M. with Edward Bell officiating. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com
PFBC Begins Annual Trout Stocking Operations Ahead Of Spring Fishing Season
If you love trout fishing, there was a sure sign of spring today, as annual trout stocking operations got underway ahead of Pennsylvania’s spring trout season! Opossum Lake in Cumberland County received the first stocking of the year, which included cutting a hole into the ice with a chainsaw. This year, the Fish and Boat Commission, with the help of volunteers, will stock 3.2 million trout into 684 streams and 130 lakes. Trout stocking occurs in all 67 counties.
The most common species being stocked is Rainbow Trout, but anglers will also have the chance to catch Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and golden Rainbow Trout.
All waters managed as Stocked Trout Waters are now closed until 8 a.m. on the Opening Day of Trout Season on Saturday, April 4, with the exception of Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 28th.
For the 2026 trout stocking schedule, regulations, and more information on trout fishing, visit Fishandboat.com.
2026 PA Wilds Dinner and Awards to be held at DuBois Country Club on July 30
PA Wilds Champion Award nominations due by April 6
The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. (PA Wilds Center) is pleased to announce that DuBois Country Club in DuBois, Clearfield County, will be the location for the 2026 PA Wilds Dinner & Awards. Planned for Thursday, July 30, this special event is the premier networking opportunity in the Pennsylvania Wilds. The theme for this year’s event is “The Power of Partnerships.”
Located along the I-80 Frontier landscape within the Pennsylvania Wilds region, the DuBois Country Club served as the venue for the annual PA Wilds Dinner in 2017 and 2019. The nonprofit will return to the venue for 2026, using its spacious facilities and convenient location as the backdrop for the night’s celebration.
PA Route 6 Alliance Accepting Nominations for 2026 “Do 6” Awards
Recognizing outstanding people, groups, and communities along PA Route 6!
The PA Route 6 Alliance is requesting nominations for their 16th Annual “Do 6” Awards, which recognize
individuals, groups, projects, and communities that exemplify and advance the Alliance’s mission of
protecting, preserving, and promoting the scenic, cultural, historic, and recreational resources across
the 11-county corridor of PA Route 6.
Holly Harvests McKean County Coyotes At Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote And Fox Hunt Or Trap
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Ron Holly, new hunter at Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap this year, showed he was having a good time at his camp in McKean County over the last weekend by bringing in three coyotes. Ron shoots a .243 rifle with a thermal scope and uses a Fox Pro electronic call. He hunts private lands predominantly.
Ron started off Friday evening near 9:00 p.m. by harvesting a female coyote weighing in at a hefty 37.6#. On Saturday evening near 10:00 p.m. he was able to harvest a pair of coyotes that came in together. The male coyote weighed in at 33.0# and the female weighed 33.8#. Congratulations, Ron.
Hunters are reminded that if they choose to participate during the second weekend of this hunt or trap from 2/20-22, they must have their registration postmarked by Thursday, 2/19.
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.