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.
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.
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.
Russell M. “Mick” METZGER, III, 73, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, January 15, 2026. A gathering to celebrate Mick’s life will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 in Ulysses beginning at 1:00 PM. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. Condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Barbara J. Hackett, 98, formerly of 809 East Main Street, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born September 6, 1927, in Coudersport, she was the only daughter of the late Charles S. and Daisy Roena Davey. She was a graduate of Coudersport Area High School.
On February 2, 1946, in Wellsville NY she married Fred P. Hackett Jr. who preceded her in death on December 9, 1996.
Barb worked as a cashier and later in the office at Tops Supermarket for many years before retiring.
Barb was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was an avid bowler in several leagues in Bradford and was a good cook and baker. She and her husband traveled several years in their retirement, especially enjoying trips to Arizona to visit their son and daughter-in-law. She enjoyed going to bingo, visiting casinos, and having cats as house pets.
Surviving are two daughters, Linda (Dale) Bisker of Bradford, and Janelle (Joel) Hirst of Michigan, three sons, Jerry (Judy Petitt) Hackett of Glendale AZ, Jeffrey (Anthony) Hackett of Texas and Jon Hackett, of Bradford, four grandchildren Brian (Stephanie) Bisker, DeAnn (Mark) Persichini, Jordan Hirst, and Jeret Hirst. Four great grandchildren, Carli Persichini, Alyssa (Persichini) Nay, Blane Bisker and Conner Bisker.
At Barb’s request there will be no public services. Private services will be held for family at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Burial will follow in Sweden Hill Cemetery in Coudersport.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA PO Box 113 Bradford, PA 16701, The Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
January 22, 2026: K9s with the McKean County Detective K9 Unit and the City of Bradford K9 Unit conducted a planned search of Coudersport High School at the request of school administration. Coudersport Borough Police and Pennsylvania State Police-Coudersport assisted in the search.
Pictured are McKean County K9 Rigby and Detective Dakota Eaton, K9 LG, and City of Bradford K9 Duke and Detective Seth Shephard. Missing from photo is K9 handler Bob Rinfrette. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “The K9 Units of the McKean County Detective Bureau and City of Bradford regularly search schools and government buildings upon request. To request a search of your school or government building, please call McKean County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
Bryent Wayne JOHNSON, of Kane, has been charged with Theft for allegedly receiving money on behalf of his employer, PV Paving and Concrete, LLC, but not turning the funds over to the company.
McKean County Detective Todd Erickson filed a complaint against JOHNSON charging him with 2 counts Theft by Unlawful Taking (Felony 3) and 2 counts Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds Received (Felony 3). JOHNSON is alleged to have committed the crimes between September and November 2025.
JOHNSON is accused of bidding jobs on behalf of PV Paving and Concrete, LLC, obtaining materials and supplies on the accounts of PV Paving and Concrete, LLC, and receiving money from the customers without turning the money over to PV Paving and Concrete, LLC. JOHNSON was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge William Todd who set bail at $40,000 straight. JOHNSON is scheduled for central court next week.
JOHNSON, BRYENT WAYNE
THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING
THEFT BY FAILURE TO MAKE REQUIRED DISPOSITION OF FUNDS RECEIVED
Age 24 Gender Male
Presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford woman was convicted after a jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse on January 20th. Samantha HINCHMAN was charged by Bradford City Police Officer Hobie Milliron after a blind man reported three guitars stolen from his Orchard Apartments residence in 2024.
The victim testified that he had been communicating with HINCHMAN and the two made plans for her to spend the night at his apartment on February 5, 2024. After she arrived, she claimed that she had to go babysit in another apartment but she urged him to keep his apartment door open and, after text messages throughout the night and into the next day, he left the door unlocked and went to sleep.
He heard what he thought was his apartment door closing a few hours later, but no one was in the apartment. He later discovered that the guitars were missing. He kept them in a certain place within his apartment and he regularly handled them. He called the building manager to look for video footage of the guitar thieves.
The jury viewed video of the building showing HINCHMAN and her co-defendant Justin ANDERSON leaving the apartment with the guitars. Another resident of the building testified that he knew HINCHMAN from school and, when he saw her in the elevator of the building that day, she asked him for a ride and he did not think it was suspicious at the time. HINCHMAN then directed the man to take her and ANDERSON to various locations in Bradford including Kiwanis Court and then a parking lot in the rear of a Main Street apartment building where City cameras showed the man exit the vehicle in the direction of a known apartment, then return to the vehicle, and exit again with what appears to be the guitars.
Two of the three stolen guitars were then taken by ANDERSON to a music store in Jamestown, whose owner testified that the guitars were worth $3950. He agreed to buy them but cancelled the check after learning they were stolen and he turned the guitars over to Officer Milliron. HINCHMAN and ANDERSON were both charged in the case with Theft and conspiring to commit theft.
ANDERSON pled guilty to Theft (Felony 3) last year. The jury convicted HINCHMAN of Theft (Felony 3) (value more than $2000) and could not agree on a unanimous verdict on the Conspiracy charge so a verdict of hung jury was declared as to that count alone. HINCHMAN will be sentenced by the Judge for Theft on March 5.
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., (January 16, 2026) — Olympus Corporation has announced the expansion of a previous global medical device removal action for ViziShot 2 FLEX (19G) EBUS -TBNA needles (“ViziShot 2 FLEX”) after receiving and investigating complaints of device components ejecting or detaching during procedures. The complaints included adverse event reports of patient injury and one death. This expanded action includes all lots of the ViziShot 2 FLEX needles and supersedes the August 2025 notice in which only certain lots of the device were being recalled.
Potential consequences of a detached component of the ViziShot 2 FLEX include the risk of unintended device components within the tracheobronchial tree that may require bronchoscopic extraction or surgical removal.
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.
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service State College PA 206 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS MORNING… …WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON…
* WHAT…For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting 30 to 40 mph with isolated gusts over 45 possible. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations possible.
* WHERE…Blair, Somerset, Southern Centre, and Southern Clinton Counties.
* WHEN…For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM EST this morning. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon.
* IMPACTS…For the Winter Weather Advisory, slippery roads possible for the Thursday morning commute. For the Winter Storm Watch, roads and especially bridges and overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be difficult late Saturday night through Monday morning.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A few stronger snow showers are possible this morning with rapid reductions in visibility and a quick accumulation on roadways.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
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 or visiting 511PA.com.
*Winter Storm Watch issued January 22 at 1:58AM EST until January 26 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
* WHAT…Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow.
Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible.
* WHERE…Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The greatest accumulations will focus across western Chautauqua and far northwest Cattaraugus counties.
