Sinnemahoning State Park, December Public Programs


12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M –All About Otters– Stop by the Wildlife Center anytime during the program hours to learn where and when to look for otters in the park, and their status in Pennsylvania. A park naturalist will be on hand to present mounts, pelts, and other biofacts as well as answer any questions you may have. There will even be an Otter craft for kids to make and take home!

Operation Safe Holiday runs through January 1 with crackdown on impaired drivers and unbuckled occupants
Over 1,100 crashes, 31 fatalities from drug and alcohol related crashes last holiday travel season
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) came together to remind drivers to wear their seat belts, drive sober, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.
Operation Safe Holiday kicked off on November 10 with the “Click It or Ticket” (CIOT) Thanksgiving Enforcement Mobilization running through November 30. The Holiday Season Impaired Driving Campaign began November 19 and runs through January 1.

Whitesville- Jerry Lyle Smith
Jerry L. Smith, formerly of 183 Shamrock Road in Rexville, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Elderwood in Hornell.
Born and raised in Whitesville, Jerry was a proud 1967 graduate of Whitesville Central School, where he competed in cross country, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, he returned home to take over the family’s dairy farm, beginning a lifelong devotion to Registered Holsteins. A respected member of the Holstein community, Jerry bred more than 30 Excellent cows during his career.

The McKean County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer has filed a legal notice that the District Attorney’s Office will seek the death penalty against Tyler PRESCOTT. PRESCOTT is charged with Criminal Homicide, Rape of a Child, and other charges in the death of his minor child in August.
The document advises the defendant that the Commonwealth is seeking a sentence of death if he is convicted of Homicide by 1st degree Murder.
Pennsylvania law identifies 18 factors that support a sentence of death if an offender is convicted of Murder in the 1st degree (premeditated/intentional killing). The only other possible sentence other than death for an offender convicted of Murder 1st is life in prison. Murder 1st is the only crime for which death is a possible sentence in Pennsylvania.
The Commonwealth lists the following factors from the statute that it will submit for sentencing upon a conviction for murder 1st in the case: (1) The victim was a child under 12 years of age; (2) the killing occurred while the defendant was in the perpetration of a felony; (3) the death was committed by means of torture; and (4) the killing occurred while the defendant was committing a felony under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.
… * WHAT…Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches with locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE…McKean and Warren Counties.
* WHEN…From 1 AM Thursday to 1 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations
12 to 20 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow.
* WHERE…Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie
Counties.
* WHEN…From 1 AM Thursday to 1 AM EST Saturday
IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact Thanksgiving holiday travel. Gusty winds will down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
INSTRUCTIONS: Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.

Dave K. Lush, of Coudersport, died at his home on November 21, 2025, with his wife holding him, family and the Hospice Chaplin praying over him. He was born on November 15, 1958, the son of the late Frank Lush and Inez Lush, who survives.
Dave graduated from Galeton High School, Class of 1977, and received his BS in science from Allegheny College in 1981. Dave was also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie School for Public Speaking.
Dave married his beloved wife, Sue, on August 24, 1991.

30-day public comment period now open through December 22, 2025
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced that its Tentative Order proposing a model tariff for Large-Load Customers — including data centers and other high-demand electric users — has been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, officially starting a 30-day public comment period that runs through December 22, 2025.
The Tentative Order was adopted by the Commission on November 6, 2025, and represents the next step in the PUC’s ongoing effort to address the unprecedented growth of very large loads across Pennsylvania. The proposal outlines a statewide framework to help ensure that large energy users can connect to the grid quickly and responsibly, while also protecting existing ratepayers, preventing cost-shifts, and supporting long-term reliability.
About the Tentative Order

Encourages All Customers — Especially At-Risk Households — to Contact Utilities Early and Explore Affordability Options Before Winter Bills Rise
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers that energy supply prices for all PUC regulated electric utilities will adjust on December 1. These seasonal changes matter: during the winter heating months, the cost of electricity can account for more than half of a typical customer bill.
The PUC urges consumers who are worried about winter heating bills to act early and Call Utilities Now to discuss affordability options and assistance programs that will help them to stay connected.
Why December 1 Price Changes Matter – Understanding Your Bill

Elwood R. ‘Corky” Reynolds
Elwood “Corky” Reynolds, of Warren PA, passed away on November 21st 2025, at 72 years old, in his home. His passage was in accordance with his wishes, at home in the caring company of loved ones, and in peace.
Corky was uniquely respected, appreciated, and adored by all who knew him. He was generous beyond words, brave, and a devoted father and family member who led his life in alignment with his clear and unwavering values. His thoughtful and caring nature was contagious, and inspired all those who had the unique privilege of knowing him.

Leonard J. Imperial III, 72, of Warren, PA, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, November 22, 2025, at home with his family after a battle with cancer.
He was born in Warren, PA, on November 4, 1953, the son of the late Leonard Jr, and Marcia (Holst) Imperial. Lenny was a lifelong resident of Warren and graduated from the Warren Area High School. After high school he served with the United States Marine Corp. from 1971-1975, serving during the Vietnam War. After his service he worked and retired from United Refining Co. after 37 years of employment.
Lennie had a love for being outdoors, he loved animals and was a very hard worker and would do anything for anyone. He was a man with a true ‘heart of gold’.
Available Position: Full-time IT Support Technician in the Port Allegany School District
Overview:
Seneca Highlands IU9 is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic IT Support Technician to join our team supporting Port Allegany School District. This position offers an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in technology within an educational environment.
Job Title: IT Support Technician
Location: Port Allegany, PA
Type: Full-time
New clearances upon hire and Pre-employment drug testing will be required for successful employment.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide first-level technical support for devices, networks, apps, and classroom technology.
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues.
Assist in maintaining and updating IT documentation and inventory.
Ensure excellent customer service by being courteous, polite, and service-oriented.
Collaborate with other team members to enhance overall IT support.
Qualifications:
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
A positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Basic troubleshooting skills for devices, networks, and classroom technology, or the ability to learn these skills quickly.
Any questions regarding this position, please email Mr. Ed Bell at: ebell@iu9.org EOE

The Pike Township Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 79 Germania Street, Ramp Entrance, Galeton, PA 16922. The Special meeting will be called to order at 4pm to discuss regular business items pertaining to end of year fiscal year closeout and consideration of appointed Secretarial positions.

Hazel L. Shugars, 73, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, of Rew, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Olean General Hospital.
Hazel was born in Westline, on August 14, 1952, she was a daughter of the late James J. and Betty (Colvin) Shay. She attended M.J. Ryan Elementary School, and graduated from Bradford High School.
She was united in marriage to Robert L. Shugars on August 28, 1969, in Olean, NY, with Rev. Fred Moore officiating.