VALENTINE’S❤️DINNER AT COUDERSPORT GOLF CLUB


Richard Walter Dennis Jr., 61, passed away on February 4, 2026, in the Philippines. Born on June 12, 1964, in Blossburg, Richard lived a life marked by devotion to his faith, his family, and the many passions that brought him joy.
A proud graduate of Galeton Area High School, Class of 1982, Richard carried with him the values of hard work and community throughout his life. He was a devoted Christian who found strength and purpose in his faith. Whether attending church services in the United States or in the Philippines, Richard remained steadfast in his belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Richard shared a deep and abiding love with his wife, Flordeles. Together, they built a life rooted in mutual respect and affection. In their later years, they retired to the Philippines, where Richard embraced a slower pace of life filled with meaningful service. He found great fulfillment volunteering within both his local community and church.

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced $10.4 million in grant awards for organizations and projects across the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region that help to advance local efforts to grow the region’s tourism and outdoor recreation sectors in a sustainable way.

The investments were selected through a statewide competitive process as part of the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), a grant program DCNR administers annually.
This year’s C2P2 grants in the PA Wilds region cover a range of projects and partnerships, from providing funding for regional organizations that are helping to coordinate outdoor recreation, tourism and heritage development partnership networks, programs, mini grant programs and other critical capacity, to specific projects in individual communities related to stewardship, planning, and developing tourism, recreation and heritage assets.
The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center) received a grant for $300,000 to coordinate and fund activities of the PA Wilds Conservation Landscape; and promote regional outdoor recreation, public lands, and conservation.

Pennsylvania pheasant hunters again will be getting a pleasant surprise for the season’s final weeks.
For the second consecutive year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission will be releasing approximately 8,400 pheasants, mostly hens, to provide additional hunting recreation in the last two weeks of pheasant season, which runs through Feb. 28.
“The Game Commission purchases the pheasant chicks raised on our game farms from a private-sector supplier,” said Wildlife Operations Division Chief Ian Gregg. “During the 2024 and 2025 production seasons, we requested our supplier to raise additional pheasants to be held through the fall and early winter as an ‘insurance policy’ against any disease issues that might arise in the supplier’s primary breeder flocks. With flocks presently healthy, it’s not feasible to hold onto these ‘backup’ birds, which will be released to provide late-winter hunting opportunities.”
TO THE GALETON COMMUNITY:
We are sad to announce the closing of Galeton Drug Store effective February 13th. We know the store and its staff have served the community for many years.
Pharmacies are closing at a rate of 1 store/day in PA and without legislative change that trend will continue.
Please know that we understand how vital pharmacy services are to a community. We are committed to providing outstanding care to Galeton, hopefully with some familiar faces along the way. We’re excited to serve you and look forward to getting to know you.
Stay tuned for further details as we work through the transition.
Sincerely,
Galeton Drug Store and Coudersport Pharmacy

Johnsonburg, Pa.: Thursday, February 12, is the last date to register for Rolfe Beagle Club’s 10th annual Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap. The hunt or trap is scheduled for two weekends in February, 2/13-15; and 20-22. Your registration must be received or postmarked on Thursday, February 12, if you plan on hunting or trapping both weekends.
Registration must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, February 19, if you are going to participate in the second weekend only. All registrations must be received at the Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845. Registration must include a phone number or an email. Questions may be addressed to wlhab9@gmail.com.
Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day. Categories include coyote, fox, and largest female coyote, or largest female fox. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.

Special Weather Statement National Weather Service State College PA 507 AM EST Sat Feb 7 2026
…BANDS OF SNOW THIS MORNING…
Bands of snow showers will move across Central Pennsylvania this morning. These snow showers will quickly reduce visibility to less than one mile and may result in slick roads. Use extra caution while driving and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicles in front of you.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me….I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.”
Amazing Grace is a hymn written by John Newton, who penned the words from his personal experiences. Although raised to follow God, he lived contrary to everything he was taught. In fact, he had become quite a vile person and even denounced God and everything he had ever been taught about Him. During a terrible storm at sea, God began to work on his heart. As he came to the end of himself, he contemplated the grace of God. He wondered whether he was even worthy of His mercy. The rest of the story is history, as Amazing Grace was born from that experience.

Smethport – William D. “Bill” Rees, Sr., 82, of Smethport, passed away Wednesday (February 4, 2026) at Warren Manor, Warren, PA.
He was born February 28, 1943 in Olean, NY, the son of George Vernon and Mary (Moody) Rees. On May 8, 1971, in Eldred, PA, he married Jacqueline A. Bradt, who survives.
Mr. Rees was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1961 and attended Olean Business Institute, obtaining a business degree.
Bill worked for Interstate Amesite for many years before retirement. He went back to work at Erdman Anthony Consuting Engineers of Mechanicsburg, and worked there until he retired again in 2017.
Bill was an avid farmer and gardener. He had also owned “The Betty Blue” in Eldred from it’s beginnings. He coached Little League in Coryville for many years and enjoyed his time fishing and boating at Chautauqua Lake with his family. He was a member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club and the Eldred American Legion.

Extreme Cold Warning issued February 6 at 1:03AM EST until February 8 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo, NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero expected. The coldest wind chills are expected to be late tonight through Saturday.
* WHERE…Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Southern Erie Counties.
* WHEN…From 1 AM Saturday to 10 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero will cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 25 below zero or colder.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY

Extreme Cold Warning issued February 6 at 1:03AM EST until February 8 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30 below zero
expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From 4 AM Saturday to 1 PM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside.
To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to
drip slowly.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Issued By: NWS Binghamton NY

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse on February 5th, a Port Allegany man was convicted of assaulting a child.
Garret HOMELL was charged after an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Bradley Walters who led the investigation into the cause of injuries to a 3-year-old child who presented at the emergency room covered in bruises.
Following the investigation, Trooper Walters charged HOMELL with Aggravated Assault of a Victim less than 6 years old, Endangering Welfare of a Child, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. During the trial, the jury heard testimony that the 3-year-old victim was left in the care and custody of HOMELL for the weekend of January 24, 2025, through January 25, 2025.
HOMELL was the sole caregiver of the child that weekend. When the child’s foster mother picked him up, he was covered in bruises. The child was taken to the Bradford Regional Medical Center emergency room for treatment. In the days following, the child was seen for follow up at BRMC, by his primary care physician and, ultimately, at UPMC-Pittsburgh.
The jury heard testimony from the victim’s foster mother, CYS caseworkers, HOMELL’s ex-wife, several members of the Pennsylvania State Police, and numerous medical professionals who saw the child. A doctor who is an expert in the field of child abuse pediatrics testified that her expert opinion is that the cause of the child’s injuries was child abuse.
The jury convicted HOMELL of Aggravated Assault of a Victim Less than 6 (felony of the second degree); Endangering Welfare of Children (felony of the second degree); Simple Assault (misdemeanor of the first degree); and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (misdemeanor of the second degree). The District Attorney’s Office will seek an enhanced penalty as permitted under Pennsylvania law for the child’s age and the nature of his injuries.
For these enhancements, the jury found that HOMELL both attempted to cause bodily injury and did cause bodily injury to increase the penalty for aggravated assault; that HOMELL created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury and the child was under six years of age to increase the penalty for Endangering Welfare of a Child; and that HOMELL both attempted to cause bodily injury and did cause bodily injury and the child was under the age of 12 to increase the penalty for Simple Assault.
The Presiding Judge also found Homell guilty of Harassment (a summary). Second Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “The nature of this case resulted in evidence that was hard to see, including photographs of the injuries to the young child.
Trooper Walters completed a thorough investigation and Second Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne led a successful prosecution in a case with a most vulnerable victim. Child abuse cases are difficult, yet no case is more important than one with a young victim. Their collective efforts and tireless work on the case are evident, and I thank them for working so hard for this child. Sentencing will be announced by subsequent court order. If you suspect child abuse, please call Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.

MANSFIELD, PA – C&N is pleased to highlight Kori Casselberry in her new role as Vice President & Mortgage Loan Originator. Her continued leadership, experience and commitment to community exemplify C&N’s relationship-based approach to banking.
Kori began her career at C&N in 2013 and has over a decade of experience in mortgage lending, underwriting and processing. She has served in several specialized roles, including Loan Origination Manager and Mortgage Loan Underwriting Team Leader. These roles strengthened her ability to anticipate challenges, streamline lending processes, and support both customers and colleagues with thoughtful, solution-focused leadership.

Meda M. SULLINGER, 54, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Oakwood and Van Wert, OH, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in her home.
Born April 11, 1971, in Defiance, OH, she was the daughter of Donald A. and Deloris “Jean” Wallick Weible.
On September 15, 2015, in Coudersport, she married Timothy W. Sullinger, who survives. A 1990 graduate of Paulding High School, she served honorably with the U.S. Army. Meda was employed by Eaton Aeroquip in Ohio and Truck-Lite in Coudersport.
Surviving are: her husband and companion of 20 years, Tim Sullinger; a son, Matthew Weible serving with the U.S. Army; three sisters, Michelle (Rob) Oller and Monica (Gary) Lloyd, both of Defiance, OH, and Melissa (Rob) Taylor of Napoleon, OH; six nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; and an infant son, Kurt Weible.
A gathering to celebrate Meda’s life will be held in Ohio on a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Lila J. McLaughlin “beloved mother and grandmother”
CYCLONE, PA—Lila J. McLaughlin, 83, of Cyclone, passed away with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after a lengthy illness.
Born on Saturday, June 27, 1942 in Farmers Valley, she was one of 13 children and the youngest daughter of Frank and Ethel Anderson Williams. In March of 1983, she married Ronald E. McLaughlin, Sr. who preceded her in death.
In her early years she was employed by Sena Kean Manor in Smethport as a nurse’s aide.
Lila enjoyed playing Bingo. Her greatest loves were her family and friends. She loved her many pets throughout the years.
Surviving are her four children, Bradley (Dawn) James of Cyclone, Cory (Laurie) James of Salamanca, NY, Tammy (Mark) Higgins of Coudersport, and Ronald E. (Tina) McLaughlin, Jr. of Cyclone; a stepson, Brian (Christie) McLaughlin of Winchester, VA; a stepdaughter, Shelly Battle of Tennessee; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Norman Williams of Cyclone; a sister, Dorothy Manning of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lila was predeceased by a son, Jeffery James; a daughter, Brenda Renko; a grandson, Heath Renko; a son-in-law, Joseph Renko; seven brothers; and three sisters.
A memorial service will be held on a date, time, and place to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lila’s name may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Lila’s family has entrusted her 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 Lila, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Pike Township will hold an Executive Session on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The meeting will take place at 181 West Main St, Galeton, PA

Williamsport, Pa., February 5, 2026 – JayAnne Hall, patient care technician, UPMC Williamsport; Sue Minotti, supply specialist, Hospital Operations, UPMC Muncy; Shane Allen, support technician, Surgical Services, UPMC Williamsport; and Astacia Tyler, CNA, Muncy Place, wererecently recognized with the BEE Award for theiroutstanding support of nursing teams.
The BEE Award, meaning Be Extraordinary Every Day, recognizes the care team that supports nursing staff and works closely with them to provide patients with the compassion and care they need.
JayAnne was nominated by a patient who shared:

HEADLINE: Winter Weather Advisory issued February 5 at 12:44PM EST until February 7 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…A combination of widespread snow and localized lake effect
snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches expected,
with locally higher amounts possible across the hilltops south of
Buffalo. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will create areas of
blowing and drifting snow.
* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and
Cattaraugus Counties.
* WHEN…From 7 AM Friday to 7 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Travel will be difficult. The hazardous conditions will
impact the Friday evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…An Arctic front will bring widespread snow
showers to the region Friday morning, which will then taper off to
more localized lake effect snow Friday night through Saturday.
Winds strengthening behind this front late Friday evening through
Saturday will resulting of blowing and drifting of the fresh
snowpack.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited
visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY

Laurence R. Bailey, Jr., age 80 of Galeton passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Guy & Mary Felt Manor in Emporium. Born July 23, 1945 in Olean, NY, he was the son of the late Laurence and Dorothy (Gardner) Bailey, Sr.
Larry proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He married JoAnn C. Carlson on April 24, 1971 in Galeton and they shared 34 years together until her passing in 2005.
He worked for 38 years as an installer for the telephone company, Bell Atlantic and then Verizon. He was a member and served as cantor at the First Baptist Church of Shinglehouse, was a 36 year member and First Responder of the Galeton Hose Ambulance, served on the Galeton School Board and was an active member of both, the Galeton Moose Lodge and the Raymond Richar VFW Post #6611. Larry loved the outdoors; hunting and riding his 4 wheeler.
He is survived by his children, Eric Bailey of Galeton, Kristin and Dan Martuccio of Emporium and Kevin and Tiffany Bailey of Wind Gap, PA; grandchildren, Gabrielle Martuccio of Erie, PA, Nicholas Martuccio of Emporium and Stella Bailey of Wind Gap; sister, Lyn and Jim King of Milton, PA and brother, Tim and Julie Bailey of Olean, NY. Family will receive friends at the Galeton Hose Ambulance, 2 Union St., Galeton on Saturday, February 7th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
A funeral service with military honors will be held immediately following at 12:00 PM with Rev. Clint Pearsall officiating. Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Galeton Hose Ambulance.
Arrangements are in care of the Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Linea M. Taylor
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.”
Linea M. Taylor, 81, of Ceres, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Born on Tuesday, September 12, 1944, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of Harold A. “Ole” and Helen D. Cornelius Olson. On April 6, 1963, in Obi, NY, she married Garry D. Taylor, who survives.
Linea was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. Linea was formerly employed at the former Jack and Mary’s Restaurant in Rushford, NY. Previously, she had been employed at a knitting mill in Fillmore, NY.
She was a life member of the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse. Linea was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—taking care of her family was one of her greatest joys. She loved to cook and bake. She found joy in painting later in life with friends in Shinglehouse. She loved knitting, crocheting, reading, Western square dancing, and round dancing. Her greatest loves were her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was the best friend anyone could ever want.

The Cole Foundation recently received a donation from Rich Johnson’s family through the Honor Your Caregiver program, along with a message praising Dr. Andrea Heller’s outstanding care.
In memory of Rich Johnson, our family wishes to honor Dr. Andrea Heller for the exceptional palliative care she provided over the past 15 months.
Dr. Heller demonstrated deliberate thoughtfulness in her approach caring for Rich. During each visit, she engaged him on a personal level, discussing any and all issues that affected his quality of life, and she listened to his priorities. She guided and educated our family on the progression of his dementia and other health concerns, ensuring we always considered Rich’s personal wishes and treatment goals. She showed us an abundance of kindness, compassion, and knowledge.
Throughout this challenging time, Dr. Heller became a vital source of truth for our family. She instilled hope and confidence in us, reassuring us that we could meet Rich’s needs while honoring his wishes. She provided clarity and comfort as we navigated various medical options and potential outcomes. Her support brought great comfort to our family, and we will forever be grateful that Dr. Heller, affectionately known by Rich as “The Cute Minister,” was his physician.
Thank you, Dr. Heller, for being part of our dad’s team.
The Family of Rich Johnson
If you would like to make a donat ion to honor a caregiver, visit our website at
EXTREME COLD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below possible.
* WHERE…A portion of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday morning.
* IMPACTS…The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must go outside, dress in layers. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

Alfred Station, NY, February 4, 2026 – The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women (ACC FFW) announces the opening of its grant application period for 2026 on February 5, 2026. Grant applications will be accepted February 5 through March 20, 2026, with award notifications on or around April 30th, 2026.
These grants are awarded to women in the tri-county region to facilitate sustained economic self-sufficiency. The amount awarded may vary from year-to-year, based on the number of applications and funds available, up to $1,000 per grant. Grants are awarded based on demonstration of financial need and the applicants’ plan for how the grant funds will increase self-sufficiency. Recipients in prior years have used the funds to purchase equipment, to support business start-up expenses, or to advance skills and training.

Extreme Cold Watch issued February 5 at 12:49AM EST until February 8 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerous wind chills colder than 20 below zero possible.
* WHERE…All of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
* IMPACTS…The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…An arctic front will bring cold air and strong winds to the region Saturday morning. Below normal temperatures and blustery winds will result in wind chills dropping well below zero Saturday morning. Wind chills will remain below zero through the rest of the weekend.
INSTRUCTIONS: Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.
Issued By: NWS Binghamton NY
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Extreme Cold Watch issued February 5 at 1:01AM EST until February 8 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero possible. The coldest wind chills are expected to be late Friday night through Saturday.
* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties.
* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday morning.
* IMPACTS…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 25 below
zero or colder.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY