Allegany County,NY Ways and Means Agenda




Bradford, PA/Olean, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are excited to announce Sharon Walsh, RN, a nurse on the medical-surgical unit at OGH, as the 2025 fourth-quarter Nightingale Award recipient. Walsh has been a nurse at OGH since 1998.
“With more than 20 years of dedicated service as an overnight nurse, Sharon exemplifies the compassion, resilience and quiet strength that define the spirit of nursing. Working through the night requires a unique blend of clinical expertise, emotional steadiness and unwavering commitment. Throughout her career, Sharon has demonstrated all of these qualities and more. She is the calm in a moment of crisis, the reassuring voice for anxious families and the steady, skilled professional who ensures every patient feels safe and cared for during their worst times. She is dependable, knowledgeable and remarkably patient-centered. She is the person others look to for guidance, mentorship and support, especially new nurses who benefit from her depth of experience,” said her nomination.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the McKean County Drug Task Force has arrested three out of the same residence for drug crimes following a search warrant executed at 15 Belleview Avenue in Bradford on January 20, 2026. Raymond KELLEY is accused of three counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver (crack cocaine) – Felonies; 2 counts of Possession; and 2 counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver – Felonies.
KELLEY is charged with conspiring with Justina AMES and selling crack cocaine while under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force. Detective Seth Shephard accuses KELLEY of committing the crimes out of a residence on Belleview Avenue in Bradford over the last month.
KELLEY was arraigned by on-call magisterial district judge William Todd who set bail at $75,000 straight. KELLEY was remanded to the McKean County Jail and is scheduled for central court next week. If you suspect drug crimes, please report it to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford woman was arrested after the McKean County Drug Task Force arrested three out of the same residence for drug crimes following a search warrant executed at 15 Belleview Avenue in Bradford on January 20, 2026.
Patricia AMES is charged by Detective Seth Shephard with Possession with Intent to Deliver (crack cocaine) – Felony; Possession; and Criminal Use of a Communication Device (Felony 3). P. AMES is accused of setting up a drug sale and delivering crack cocaine in exchange for $100 while under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force earlier this month. P. AMES was arraigned by on-call magisterial district judge William Todd who set bail at $75,000 straight. P. AMES was remanded to the McKean County Jail and is scheduled for central court next week.
If you suspect drug crimes, please report it to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford woman is accused of selling drugs out of a residence at 15 Belleview Avenue arrested after the McKean County Drug Task Force arrested her and two others out of that residence on January 20, 2026.
Justina AMES is charged by Detective Seth Shephard with 3 counts of Conspiracy Possession with Intent to Deliver (crack cocaine) – Felonies; 2 counts Criminal Use of a Communication Device (Felony 3); Possession with Intent to Deliver (Felony); Drug Paraphernalia; and Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1).
Justina AMES is accused of setting up drug sales and conspiring with Patricia AMES and Raymond KELLEY to sell crack cocaine and possessing additional crack for sale while under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force. During a search warrant, additional crack cocaine was located along with scales and packaging material commonly used to package crack cocaine. In addition to directing drug sales of her co-conspirators, Justina AMES is accused of accepting cash for the sale of crack cocaine and using those drug proceeds to facilitate future illegal drug sales. Justina AMES was arraigned by on-call magisterial district judge William Todd who set bail at $150,000 straight.
Justina AMES was remanded to the McKean County Jail and is scheduled for central court next week. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer notes: “Drug tips by citizens and business owners often are the catalyst for a drug investigation that leads to an arrest and, with it, the removal of a suspected trafficker from the community.
Tips that have led to arrests and, ultimately, conviction have been received by the County Detective Bureau at the District Attorney’s Office from citizens across the county from Kane to Bradford. If you suspect drug crimes, please report it to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.”
All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
On January 20, 2026, at 1:35 P.M., Troopers out of SP Amity responded to a collision involving an Amish buggy on County Route 29 in the town of Willing. Investigation determined that the horse-drawn buggy was traveling on County Route 29 and turned into the path of a fully loaded 2009 International logging truck. The operator of the buggy, was transported to Jones Memorial Hospital and succumbed to his injuries. The horse had no injuries.
NYSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit assisted in this investigation.

Michael R. “Mick” Baker, 91, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (January 20, 2026) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
He was born June 1, 1934 in Eldred, PA, the son of Edwin and Alice (Billyard) Baker.
Mick served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Italy. He was employed by Owens-Illinois/Georgia-Pacific of Bradford, PA, for many years before retiring in 1996.
He was a member of the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, PA.
He is survived by:
Three sons: Michael L. Baker and Danny J. Baker, both of Smethport, and Brian K. (Kathy) Baker of Johnsonburg
Four daughters: Vanessa (Robert) Black of East Smethport, Billie (Tony) Barnish and Laurie (Robert) Kinniburgh, both of Smethport, Terry (Lane) Corbett of Crosby and Sandra K. Swanson of Mt. Jewett
Fourteen grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mick was preceded in death by one brother, LaVerne Baker; an infant sister at birth, Bertha Ann Baker; a son in law, Bradley C. Swanson; and a daughter in law, Kimberly Covert Baker.
In keeping with Mick’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

The Pennsylvania College of Technology coed archery team is scheduled to open its season on Saturday
in the Easton Collegiate Trophy Tournament at Manheim.
Last season: Two archers captured gold at the Indoor Nationals; the men’s compound and fixed pins
teams won gold at the East Region Outdoor Championships, with three individuals earning All-East
honors; and Casey Keiter became the college’s 44 th All-American as a result of his top 10 finishes at the
indoor and outdoor nationals.
Coach: Dustin Bartron, sixth season.

HEADLINE: Winter Weather Advisory issued January 21 at 1:45AM EST until January 22 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo, NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 2 to 5 inches.
Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will cause blowing and drifting
snow.
* WHERE…All of Western New York.
* WHEN…From noon today to 7 AM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning
commutes.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow will result in snow-covered roads and limited
visibility. Slow down and use caution while driving.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
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 1st, 2026
For more information, please call 814-848-9863
Resumes may be mailed to: Bingham Township
843 Bingham Center Road,
Genesee, PA 16923

For the free one-hour Deane Little Beans program at noon this Saturday, Jan. 24, Anja and Julian Stam, owners of Pop’s Culture Shoppe, are donating their time to bring games and activities for youngsters to enjoy.
To encourage children’s creativity and imagination, there will be stations, each including a craft and games, such as “Chicky Boom”, “Match Madness”, and “Swish,” in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
Deane Little Beans is for children three to 12 years old. Healthy snacks are being provided free by Brown’s Produce of Wellsboro.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by contacting the Deane Center at www.deanecenter.com or at 570-724-6220 between now and 3 p.m. this Friday, Jan. 23.
Sponsors of Deane Little Beans are: Horace B. Packer Foundation, Charles Knox & Margaret C. Etner Foundation, Earl W. & Ina G. Tabor Foundation, First Citizens Community Bank, and UPMC Health Plan.
Dqawn,

As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. But does it? Have you ever chased after something only to find the door keeps shutting? Do you keep trying, or step back, thinking the door might need to stay closed?
I must admit I’m stubborn. If something gets stuck in my mind, it’s hard to let it go. Like a bulldog, I hold on to things that should have died long ago. If a door closes, I’m the one trying to kick it down. Wisdom might say to walk away, but I’m not always the wise one. I’ve been trying to purchase an item for my truck. At every turn, I’ve been frustrated by a lack of follow-up calls or responses to my emails or other messages. I sit wondering whether to let the idea go or keep pushing. I must admit, the message is often to stop pushing. Or, as my wife might tell me, “God is trying to tell you NO.” Of course, the voices in my head are often louder than any other voices. Sometimes I miss the point and keep pushing on a shut door that needs to stay shut.
I don’t give up easily. Sometimes the only motivation I need is someone saying, “You can’t.” I see that as a challenge to prove I can. How does that work out for me? Yeah, sometimes the outcome of that stubbornness doesn’t turn out very well. So, if I already know this about myself, you’d think I’d get wise in my old age. But I don’t. I suppose much of this has to do with how I was raised. I’ve learned over the years that just because one door closes doesn’t mean the next door that opens is a good one. It may take us down a path we would never have chosen if we weren’t so intent on opening a door just because it was in front of us.
I try, with limited success, to follow the simple teaching of Jesus. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 633). Wouldn’t we all save ourselves a lot of heartache if we simply followed this teaching? Think about it.
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
152 PM EST Tue Jan 20 2026
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON WEDNESDAY TO 10 AM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Snow will begin early Wednesday afternoon. A period of heavier snow is possible from later in the day into Wednesday evening, where snowfall rates could briefly reach an inch per hour. Snowfall should trend lighter late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches.
* WHERE…A portion of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From noon Wednesday to 10 AM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
&&
For more information from the National Weather Service visit
weather.gov/StateCollege
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced $750,000 has been awarded to upgrade Park Hill Road in Tioga Township, Tioga County.
“Especially in rural areas like ours, our roads and bridges are vital to connecting us with economic and recreational opportunities, and to one another,” Owlett said. “This project is a major win for the community, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with Sen. Yaw and our local officials to make it happen.”
“Today’s award will enhance public safety and ensure our region’s infrastructure meets the needs of residents for years to come,” Yaw said. “I was pleased to join Rep. Owlett in advocating for this funding to help make these projects a reality.”

Mitzi P. HASKINS, 87, of Port Allegany, PA, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in ECMC, Buffalo, NY. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Olean, NY – Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is pleased to announce that the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center will undergo a significant advancement in the future of local cancer care. Beginning January 2026, OGH will upgrade the linear accelerator, the key piece of equipment in radiation therapy.
The radiation center will upgrade to a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator, the TrueBeam 4.1 system, enhancing OGH’s ability to deliver precise, advanced radiation therapy to patients in our region. This project represents a $4.1 million investment in state-of-the-art radiation therapy technology, funded largely through philanthropic support to advance cancer care services locally.
“This isn’t simply a replacement. It’s a comprehensive transformation of how patients will receive radiation therapy here in Olean,” said Roberta Truman, Manager of Radiation Therapy. “This upgrade brings cutting-edge technology to our community, allowing us to deliver safer, more precise and more efficient treatments. I’m excited, and our staff is excited — having this level of advanced equipment available locally is truly a game-changer for our patients and their families.”

The Coudersport Rotary Club met January 12, 2026, at A&W West End Grill and recognized students Jayden Widmeier and Caleb Wonderly through its Citizens of Tomorrow program.
Both students are highly involved in school activities and were honored for their leadership and positive contributions. Jayden Widmeier plans to pursue a career in psychology or mathematics, while Caleb Wonderly plans to train as a lineman after graduation.
The Citizens of Tomorrow program hopes to link students with career mentors to help them achieve their future goals.

Michael R. Baker, 91, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (January 20, 2026) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
A full obituary will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) today announced more than $2.2 million in grants have been awarded to six communities for infrastructure projects in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties.
“Whether it’s our roads and bridges or water and sewer systems, maintaining our infrastructure is important but costly,” Causer said. “I was happy to work with officials in these communities, along with Sen. Dush, to support funding for these much-needed improvement projects.”
“The Commonwealth Financing Authority’s statewide grant programs are vital tools for municipalities as they seek to cost-effectively improve or repair essential transportation or clean water infrastructure,” said Dush. “Thanks to this highly competitive financing local taxpayers and those living on fixed incomes will not have to bear the enormous price tag for these critical quality-of-life upgrades benefiting communities in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties.”
The projects are funded through two grant programs: the Multimodal Transportation Fund and the Small Sewer and Water Grant Program.
The multimodal grants were awarded as follows:
The water and sewer grants were awarded as follows:
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation is available in the Commonwealth. The Small Water and Sewer Grant Program helps with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects. Both programs are administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
On January 17th, 2026 at approximately 1:03am, Mary B. Place (51) of West Valley was arrested following a traffic stop in the City of Olean. Paraphernalia was observed in plain view leading to a search of the vehicle. Following a subsequent search of the vehicle and Place’s person suspected methamphetamine was located in the vehicle and on Place’s person. Place was taken into custody and transported to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Olean Substation for processing. Place was arraigned in the City of Olean Court and released under supervision.
On January 18th, 2026 at approximately 5:01am, Nicole A. Nodes was arrested on an active bench warrant from Chemung County following a traffic stop in the City of Olean. Nicole was taken into custody and eventually turned over to New York State Police.

Don’t miss this live, virtual training opportunity! This training is available at no cost to all USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed lending partners.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
On January 21, Join the Live Event Here!
What You’ll Learn:
Your participation and feedback are essential to ensuring we continue to improve service delivery and maintain a smooth loan processing experience for you and your clients.
If you have specific questions or topics you would like addressed during the event, please email them in advance to sfhgld.lenderpartner@usda.gov.
We look forward to connecting with you!

Lynn I. Rimer, 86, of St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born on May 31, 1939, in Johnsonburg, PA, a daughter of the late Robert and Virginia Russey Beimel.
On July 4, 1957, at Holy Rosary Church, she married the late Paul Rimer, who preceded her in death on December 19, 2003. Together, they shared more than 46 years of marriage.
Lynn was a member of St. Marys Church and a graduate of Johnsonburg High School. She retired from Sylvania after many years of service. An avid baker, Lynn loved making goodies for her family to enjoy. She also enjoyed playing cards and going to lunch with her friends. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
450 AM EST Tue Jan 20 2026
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
THURSDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 3 and
6 inches with locally higher amounts possible.
* WHERE…Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, McKean, Potter, and Warren
County.
* WHEN…From Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning
commutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A several-hour period of 1 inch per hour
snowfall rates is possible Wednesday evening, which could result
in rapidly-deteriorating road conditions across the Watch area.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.