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HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met today at the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters to hear public comment and conduct official business that included the preliminary approval of 2026-27 hunting seasons and bag limits, which are provided in a separate news release. Other highlights from today’s meeting follow.

MENTORED HUNTERS UNDER 7 TO RECEIVE TAGS

All mentored hunters – including those under 7 years old – will get antlered deer and turkey harvest tags with their permits beginning in the 2026-27 license year.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today voted to adopt a measure intended to improve access to the mentored hunting program and expand hunting opportunities within it.

The mentored hunting program allows young and inexperienced hunters to hunt under the guidance and supervision of a mentor if they obtain a permit and follow all program requirements.

Under the previous system, most mentored hunters received antlered deer, fall turkey and spring turkey harvest tags with their permits, but mentored hunters who are younger than 7 when they obtain their permits did not. If a mentored hunter under 7 harvested an antlered deer or turkey, they had to receive the appropriate big-game harvest tag from their mentor, meaning the mentor needed a valid tag to take them hunting.

Saturday afternoon City firefighters were dispatched on Box 1-3 to a Longfellow Avenue residence for a reported house fire. First due units arrived on scene to find a 1 story residential structure with smoke and flames showing. At that time a second alarm was requested by Captain 1-10(C.Mealy) bringing all of duty personnel and Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department to the scene. The fire was heavily involved in the crawl space at the rear of the house and extend to the first floor and attic space. First due units made a quick hit on the fire, extensive overhaul followed. Firefighting efforts were hampered by the extreme cold temperatures. Multiple hydrants were froze along with every other piece of equipment on scene. Squad 1 and Engine 1 both froze up and required light mechanical service before returning to quarters. City Fire was assisted on scene by City of Bradford Police, Derrick City VFD(RIT), City DPW, Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Penelec and Bradford City Water Authority. Chief 1(Butler) had Longfellow command.

Shout out to local mechanic Pete Falconi for coming out and servicing our fire apparatus so we could return to quarters.

Shoutout to Believers Chapel for bringing their RV over to keep the occupant of the home safe and warm (picture in the comments).

Smethport Schools will have a 2-hour delay tomorrow.

Allegany Township Board of Supervisors will be holding their Regular Monthly Meetings in Colesburg in 2026 on the first Thursday of the month starting at 4:30. Planning meetings will be held at the same time as needed. 

Kathleen Jean Minor, 94, of Coudersport, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, at UPMC – Cole, Coudersport.  She was born in Atwood, TN on April 4, 1931, the daughter of the late Cecil and Sophia (Springer) Minor.

Kathleen graduated from Oyster Bay High School, Long Island, NY. She worked for many years as an operator for Bell Telephone in Long Island and later was an ATA bus driver after she moved to Coudersport.  She was a lifelong member of the Gospel Tabernacle, Coudersport.  Kathleen enjoyed playing the piano and guitar, roller skating, bowling, and had a wonderful sense of humor.  She loved her family, loved the Lord, and was a wonderful sister and aunt. 

Kathleen is survived by a brother, Paul (Susan) Minor of Coudersport; sisters: Dorothy Ross of Mechanicsburg; Naomi Frombach of Coudersport; Mary (Bruce) Quimby of Lincoln University, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her brothers: Rev. David Minor, Sr., and James Minor, Sr.

Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 12 noon to 1:00 pm at the Gospel Tabernacle, 420 US-6 West, Coudersport. A celebration of Kathleen’s life will follow at 1 pm at the church, with Pastor John Minor officiating. A private burial will be held in Eulalia Cemetery at a later date.  The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Kathleen’s name to the Haven of Hope Foundation, 420 US-6 West, c/o Gospel Tabernacle, Coudersport, PA 16915. The family has entrusted her arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Snow Emergency

Centers will be closed January 26 and January 27.

Customers with road tests will be contacted to reschedule.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026, through Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to the predicted snow event this weekend.

Customers who have road tests scheduled will be contacted by PennDOT staff to reschedule their road tests, or they may go online to reschedule their road test.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

Weather Closure Alert

For the safety of staff and residents, the Pike Township Dump will be closed January 25, 2026 due to the winter storm.

The Bingham Township Supervisors are seeking applications for a part-time Secretary/Treasurer.  Experience in bookkeeping with QuickBooks, Computer skills, and Secretarial skills are needed.  Duties would include:

Payroll, Quarterly Taxes, Annual W-2’s, Reconciliations, Paying & Recording Invoices, Making Deposits, Balancing Bank Statements, State Reports, DCED Reports, Grant Applications, Attending monthly meetings, Taking & Recording Minutes, providing Financial Records, Assessment Building Permits, Driveway Permits, Road Bonds & Permits, Open Record Requests, and Budgets.

Position will begin June 1^st, 2026

For more information, please call 814-848-9863

Resumes may be mailed to: Bingham Township

843 Bingham Center Road,

Genesee, PA 16923

St. Marys, PA — With the 2026 midterm elections officially underway, the Elk County Democratic Committee is beginning the year with a renewed focus on organizing, outreach, and long-term planning. The Committee will hold its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. at its permanent headquarters, located at 210 Brusselles Street in downtown St. Marys.

Starting in January, the Committee will launch coordinated efforts centered on candidate recruitment, petition signature planning, grassroots fundraising, and the development of a clear, month-by-month strategy aimed at making 2026 a decisive year for Democrats. These efforts will focus not only on Elk County, but also on strengthening Democratic victories across Pennsylvania and the nation.

Committee leaders emphasized that meaningful political change often begins in rural communities—areas that have borne the brunt of harmful national policies in recent years. Rather than waiting for change to come from Washington, the Elk County Democratic Committee is committed to doing what Democrats have always done when democracy is at stake: organizing, mobilizing, and building power from the ground up.

The Committee’s goals for 2026 include reclaiming Democratic majorities in both chambers of Congress, as well as re-electing Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor and strengthening Democratic representation in the General Assembly. Locally, that means defending and expanding the Democratic majority in the Pennsylvania House and working to flip the Pennsylvania Senate, paving the way for the first fully Democratic legislature in more than a generation.

“This is a pivotal moment,” Committee leaders said. “The work ahead is ambitious, but achievable—if people engage and get involved.”

The meeting is open to all interested Democrats and community members. A remote Zoom option is available for all regular meetings. Those wishing to attend virtually are asked to request Zoom credentials at least 24 hours prior to the meeting to ensure availability. Requests will be accommodated up to approximately two hours before the meeting when possible. Zoom requests should be sent via email to elkcountydemocrats@gmail.com.

The Bingham Township Supervisors are seeking applications for a part-time Secretary/Treasurer.  Experience in bookkeeping with QuickBooks, Computer skills, and Secretarial skills are needed.  Duties would include:

Payroll, Quarterly Taxes, Annual W-2’s, Reconciliations, Paying & Recording Invoices, Making Deposits, Balancing Bank Statements, State Reports, DCED Reports, Grant Applications, Attending monthly meetings, Taking & Recording Minutes, providing Financial Records, Assessment Building Permits, Driveway Permits, Road Bonds & Permits, Open Record Requests, and Budgets.

Position will begin June 1^st, 2026

For more information, please call 814-848-9863

Resumes may be mailed to: Bingham Township

843 Bingham Center Road,

Genesee, PA 16923

In case you missed it, there is a large storm headed our way.

Here at Solomon’s, we are receiving regular updates on the storm. Arctic temps, strong winds, and significant snowfall are coming to sidewalks and roadways near you. All joking aside, these conditions can be dangerous and should be taken seriously.

Forecasts indicate that areas of New York will be hardest hit. PennDOT and NY Alert continue to update us on road closures, delays and cancellations, speed restrictions, and overall conditions. We will share this information with you as long as power and internet remain available.

Residents are being urged to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages in these frigid conditions. Please consider the following:

*Fill vehicles, snowblowers, and other gas-powered equipment ahead of time, and keep extra fuel on hand if possible.

*Gather medications and keep an updated list readily available.

*Take photos of your home before the storm, in case insurance documentation is needed.

*Drip your faucets to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

*Keep some cash on hand.

*Each person should have at least 2 flashlights with fresh batteries.

*Check on your neighbors and look out for one another.

This is not a complete list. If you have young children, elderly family members, or pets, be sure you have the supplies they may need. Above all, please avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary.

There will be a Meeting at the Firehall on Thursday, January 29th, at 6pm to discuss the L.L. Smith school building. (Human Services). We would like everyone in Roulette Township to come to the meeting with ideas and questions.

I am proud to recognize Jay Thompson as Student of the Week for his great work and representation of the Homeland Security Class at Seneca Highlands CTC. As a first-year student, he has shown strong effort and a positive attitude toward learning.

Jay has maintained high grades and does very well during hands-on activities. He pays attention, works hard, and sets a good example for his peers. Jay is an outstanding representative, the first, of the Northern Potter High School in the Homeland Security classroom.

Congratulations on earning this award. Keep working hard and doing your best—we are proud of you.

Due to the predicted severity of the winter storm forecast for Sunday, January 25, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced vehicle restrictions in North Central Pennsylvania in addition to those announced yesterday across the Commonwealth. The purpose of the restrictions is to help ensure roadways remain passable during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm, and PennDOT will remove them when conditions improve.

Starting at 1:00 AM on Sunday, January 25, the following restrictions will be implemented:

• Route 350 between Bald Eagle and Philipsburg in Centre County will be closed to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) traffic.
• The commercial vehicle chain-up site located along Route 153 northbound before Boone Mountain in Clearfield County will be activated.
• The CMV detour around Route 6 between Port Allegany and Smethport in McKean County will be implemented. The detour uses Route 155, Route 446, and Route 46 and adds approximately five minutes of travel time.
• The commercial vehicle chain-up site located along Route 322 westbound before the Milroy exit and Seven Mountains will be activated.

Signage is installed a mile ahead of each designated chain up area and will flash while activated. CMV drivers are required to pull off at these areas and equip their on-board chains to the tires on their drive axels before climbing Boone Mountain or Seven Mountains. Those without chains on board are required to choose an alternate route. A companion chain removal area is located at the summit of each mountain.

The Route 6 detour will be communicated via the variable message boards posted along the detour route and through the DriveWyze app, a mobile tool for professional drivers that offers free safety alerts.

WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
1020 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

…MAJOR WINTER STORM THIS WEEKEND…
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM SATURDAY TO 1 PM EST
MONDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 10 and 18 inches.

* WHERE…A portion of central Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…From 10 PM Saturday to 1 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Widespread and prolonged travel disruptions are expected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow will overspread the area late Saturday night, becoming heavy at times through Sunday with accumulation rates of one to two inches per hour at times. Frigid temperatures and wind chills are expected before, during, and after the winter
storm. Some blowing and drifting snow is possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.

God’s Country Church in Austin is cancelling worship service for January 25th at 9:30 Am due to the impending snow storm and frigid cold weather that is anticipated arriving Sunday morning.Please stay safe and warm and remember to check up on your neighbors.

    Thank you. Pastor Todd Lamer  

The Port Allegany United Methodist Church is canceling services for Sunday, January 25th at 11:00 AM due to the incoming winter storm. Stay safe and Stay warm!

HEADLINE: Cold Weather Advisory issued January 23 at 12:51AM EST until January 24 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Bitterly cold wind chills as low as 20 to 25 below zero expected.

* WHERE…Southern Erie and Wyoming counties and the western Southern Tier.

* WHEN…From 10 AM this morning to 10 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS…Bitterly cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero will cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.

INSTRUCTIONS: This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below
zero or colder.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY

The Bingham Township Supervisors are seeking applications for a part-time Secretary/Treasurer.  Experience in bookkeeping with QuickBooks, Computer skills, and Secretarial skills are needed.  Duties would include:

Payroll, Quarterly Taxes, Annual W-2’s, Reconciliations, Paying & Recording Invoices, Making Deposits, Balancing Bank Statements, State Reports, DCED Reports, Grant Applications, Attending monthly meetings, Taking & Recording Minutes, providing Financial Records, Assessment Building Permits, Driveway Permits, Road Bonds & Permits, Open Record Requests, and Budgets.

Position will begin June 1^st, 2026

For more information, please call 814-848-9863

Resumes may be mailed to: Bingham Township

843 Bingham Center Road,

Genesee, PA 16923

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Mark Charles Hackett entered a guilty plea to felony Delivery of Methamphetamine and a no contest plea to Criminal Solicitation – Murder of the First Degree on two consolidated Centre County cases.

The 64-year-old received a state prison sentence of 8 to 16 years and will serve approximately five additional years for violating parole from a prior state conviction.

Following a Centre County Drug Task Force investigation, Hackett was charged with drug delivery for selling several ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. He was jailed at the Centre County Correctional Facility.

While in jail, Hackett approached another inmate who was scheduled to be released and requested that he kill a cooperating witness from Hackett’s drug delivery case. The inmate instead alerted the Centre County District Attorney’s Office to Hackett’s plan.

Subsequent investigation by the State Police, coordinated by ADA Hunter Fedora,
confirmed that Hackett offered two inmates money and methamphetamine in exchange
for killing the informant using an injection of Carfentanil.

“By coming forward when Mark Hackett asked the inmate to kill another person, the inmate may well have saved a life,” Assistant District Attorney Matt Metzger said.

“Hackett’s attempt to kill an informant speaks to a dangerous methamphetamine-fueled thought process which, in conjunction with his drug dealing, put the broader community at risk. Thanks to the courage of cooperating witnesses and the diligent efforts of the Pennsylvania State Police, the community is now a safer place.”