WELLSBORO – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is inviting residents of the 68th Legislative District to join him for a telephone town hall meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. to discuss a variety of state and local issues.
“This is a great opportunity to talk about the issues that matter most to us, both in Harrisburg and here at home,” Owlett said. “I will share information about a variety of topics, including the state budget and education issues, as well as energy, broadband and more.”
A telephone town hall meeting works very much like a traditional town hall meeting, but it allows many more people to participate because they can do so from the comfort of their own homes.
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.
Dave married his beloved wife, Sue, on August 24, 1991.
Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 5-7pm at the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 1pm at the Park United Methodist Church, 15 East Third Street, Coudersport. The family suggests memorial contributions in Dave’s name be made to the Cole Foundation, 1001 East Second St., Coudersport, PA 16915, or to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Ln, Coudersport, PA 16915. To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Montoursville, PA – With winter weather forecasted Monday, December 1, 2025 through Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 3 is advising motorists in north central Pennsylvania to be aware of changing weather conditions and limit travel if possible.
The department is prepared and has plenty of salt and anti-skid on hand. Crews will be pre-treating major routes throughout the nine-county region which includes Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (December 1) – Never miss an opportunity for outdoor adventure when you purchase your 2026 Pennsylvania fishing license, launch permit, or gift vouchers – available now!
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission reminds anglers and boaters that beginning December 1, 2025, licenses, permits, and vouchers for the upcoming 2026 season can be purchased easily at Huntfish.pa.gov or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2026 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.
Customers can choose from annual or multi-year licenses and permits with 3, 5, and 10-year options. All documents may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession.
While in-person retail purchases remain popular, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 4, 2026. For added convenience, customers can choose an auto-renew option at the time of purchase.
In addition to licenses and popular add-ons such as the Trout Permit, Lake Erie Permit, and Trout/Lake Erie Combo, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
Once again for the 2026 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year’s button features the vibrant and colorful pattern of Pennsylvania’s beloved state fish, the Brook Trout. In 2026, a limited-edition production of 10,000 buttons will be produced, and customers will receive a randomly numbered button between 00001-10000. Please note that buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
Responding to the tragic death of 2-year-old Oakley Hedlund in Bradford earlier this year, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has introduced legislation that would better protect children against convicted child abusers.
House Bill 2075 would impose a mandatory period of post-release supervision for any offender convicted of a crime involving a minor child, even if the offender has served the maximum term of imprisonment imposed by the court.
Mary Lou Ross, 97, of Lewis Run, peacefully passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center. She had been a resident at The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on March 28, 1928, in Gifford, PA, she was the daughter of the late David A. and Ethelyn Leola (Newton) Pytcher.
On October 16, 1948, she married Michael A. Ross, in Our Mother of Perpetual Help rectory in Custer City. They were married for 73 years.
Donna R. Nickeson “beloved mother and grandmother”
AUSTIN, PA—Donna R. Nickeson, born January 12, 1949, to Margaret Barr and Harold VanWhy, passed away after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Donna lived her life with strength, deep love, and unwavering resilience. She faced every hardship with fiery spirit, and her charm touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
November 2025 was a somewhat normal November. It was wetter and colder than normal. We had 17 days with reportable precipitation.
Morning temperature readings were mainly in the 30.s and a few high 20’s. We did have a reading of 42 on the 26th. The days were mostly cloudy with windy conditions. We had damaging winds on the 6th.We had 4 very foggy mornings.
We received 2.44″ of rainfall and melted snow. We measured 4.4″ of snow. We recorded 2 days with one inch or more of snow on the ground, with the 2″ reading on the 11th. We had a trace of snow on the ground for 5 days. Last year, we received 2.57″ of rain and melted snow with 3″ of snow. Pine Creek is still low.
It has been a dry year thus far. Get ready for winter. The NWS predicts a colder than normal December with some interesting snowfall readings starting off the new month.
The mowers may be put away until spring, however, I did note mowing taking place the last week of November. I am sure if the lawns remain snow free there will still be some mowing. It never stops. Get the snow shovels out. Henry W. Lush National Weather Service Observer
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Superior Court has affirmed the conviction of the Smethport man for Rape of a Child, Incest of a Minor, and other sex crimes against a young boy. Robert TANNER is currently incarcerated serving a state sentence of at least 20 years for his crimes. After his conviction, the Judge sentenced TANNER to a period of incarceration of at least 20 years to 40 years plus 3 years of consecutive probation.
After TANNER was charged, the District Attorney gave notice of her intention to seek an enhanced sentence that is permitted under the sentencing code for Rape on a victim under 13 and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse on a victim under 16. The enhancement allows the Judge to impose a sentence higher than that provided for in the sentencing guidelines and the Judge imposed the enhanced penalty in this case.
TANNER appealed his case to the Superior Court and, by Opinion filed December 1, 2025, the Court affirmed his conviction. Trooper Eric Thompson, Pennsylvania State Police, investigated the case. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Last week in review: In a very light schedule due to the Thanksgiving break, the men’s and women’s basketball teams both secured victories.
On the horizon: The basketball teams step into United East Conference play for the first time on Wednesday, hosting Penn State Abington at Bardo Gymnasium.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Last week’s hometown highlights: Hosting Penn State Mont Alto on Tuesday, the Wildcats halted their season-opening loss string at six with Octavio Alexander, of Dallas, Texas, scoring 17 points and Landon Reeder, of Montoursville, adding 15 points.
SCHEDULE/RECORDS
Overall: 1-6
UEC: 0-0
Tuesday, Nov. 25 — host Penn State Mont Alto, W, 87-82
Wednesday, Dec. 3 — host Penn State Abington (UEC), 5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5 — at Elmira College, 6 p.m.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Last week’s hometown highlights: Gigi Parlante, of Williamsport, ripped the cords for 29 points and 11 rebounds, and Breana Valentine, of Fairfield, scored 18 points in Tuesday’s win at Penn State Berks.
SCHEDULE/RECORDS
Overall: 7-1
UEC: 0-0
Tuesday, Nov. 25 — at Penn State Berks, W, 84-42
Wednesday, Dec. 3 — host Penn State Abington (UEC), 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6 — host Penn State Schuylkill, 1 p.m.
WRESTLING
SCHEDULE/RECORD
Overall: 1-1
AMCC: 0-0
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 5-6 — at York College New Standard Invitational, 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Freshman Taryn Smith, of Edinburg, was named to the UEC All-Sportsmanship Team.
For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website.
For more about the United East, visit the conference website.
GLOW and Christmas in a Small Town – Galeton celebrated GLOW (Galeton Lights on the Water) and Christmas in a Small Town Saturday evening. The park decorations and lights were a joint effort by the Galeton Chamber of Commerce, The Galeton Library, Galeton Area elementary school students, and Galeton Parks and Recreation.
Theodore M. Schneider, 89, of 1245 Million Dollar Highway, Kersey, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Friday, November 28, 2025.
He was born March 19, 1936 in St. Marys, son of the late Leo and Anna Mertz Schneider. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1955. Following high school, Ted served two years as military police in the United States Army and after sixty years, he retired as a property manager in 2000.
On September 1, 1962, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ted married the late Veronica H. Hoffman, who preceded him in death on December 17, 2010.
James F. GOTSHALL, 91, of Port Allegany, PA, passed Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
A gathering to celebrate Jim’s life will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1:00 — 3:00 PM at the First Church of God, 142 South Main Street, Eldred, PA 16731. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, Port Allegany, PA 16743. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Carl D. CORNELL, 81, of Wellsville, NY, died Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born November 26, 1944, in Cuba, he was the son of Alvin and Virginia R. Sweet Cornell. On November 26, 1995, in Willing, he married Thelma Collins Capron Pressler, who predeceased him on December 27, 2021.
A 1962 graduate of Alfred-Almond High School, he was employed by L.C. Whitford for over 40 years. Carl was a past captain and member of the Wellsville Ambulance Corps in 1970’s, past member of the Alfred Station Fire Department in the 1980’s, and an active member of the Wellsville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Surviving are: two sons, Mike (Judy) Cornell of Batavia and Philip (Sarah) Cornell of Springwater; a daughter, Kimberly (William) Augustine of Victor; two step-sons, Paul “Richie”(Kathy) Capron of Watkins Glen and Timothy Capron of Newark; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Norilyn Patrick of Belmont; a brother, Gene (Joan) Cornell of Lake City, FL; nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Thelma, he was predeceased by a step-son, Joe Capron; a brother-in-law, Donald Patrick; and a sister-in-law, Sandy Cornell.
A public memorial service for Carl and Thelma will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the Wellsville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 115 Chamberlain Street, Wellsville, NY. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Betty J. BAER, 74, of Port Allegany, PA, died Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport. Born May 7, 1951, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Harland W. and Leola K. Hardes Mericle.
A 1969 graduate of Port Allegany High School, she was employed by Pittsburgh Corning Corp., Port Allegany. She was a member of VFW Auxiliary #6391, Port Allegany and Port Allegany Lodge #460, Loyal Order of the Moose. Betty enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, watching every game. Over the years, she enjoyed shooting darts, putting puzzles together, crosswords, collecting carousel horses, and seeing her friends at the Park Hotel. Betty was passionate about her care for others. She spent time in nursing school and later in life served as a caregiver for a family friend until his death. She cared deeply for those she loved.
Surviving are: two daughters, Sue (Mike) Speed and Millie (Chris) Knauer; six granddaughters, Desiree, Jessica, Shanna, Vanessa, Brooke, and Bryana; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Gay Mericle Glenn; nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Karen Walker. She was predeceased by a son, Kevin J. Baer; a sister, Bonnie L. Sheerer; and two brothers, David Mericle and William Mericle. A gathering to celebrate Betty’s life will be held on a later date. Memorials may be made to Port Allegany Moose Lodge #460, 35 Pearl Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
On November 27, 2025, at 2111 hours, officers responded to a reported domestic disturbance on Kennedy Street. Upon arrival, officers encountered the female involved, later identified as Victoria Zamberlan, outside the residence. Zamberlan appeared disoriented and emotional, showing signs that she may have been under the influence of alcohol. Officers also observed evidence of a physical altercation outside and inside the home.
Officers spoke with the occupants of the residence and ultimately arrested Zamberlan for simple assault and harassment. Zamberlan was arraigned before District Judge David Engman, who set bail at $2,500, straight. Unable to post bail, Zamberlan was remanded to the McKean County Jail.
Leon Paul Edmiston, 77, of Warren, PA., passed away on Wednesday morning, November 26, 2025, at his residence. He was born May 1, 1948, in Warren, PA. He was the son of Foster and Dorothy Kemmer Edmiston.
Leon was the most honest man you’d ever meet. He never told a lie, even a tiny one. He believed in telling the truth no matter what. He was a very quiet man of few words; his favorite saying was “keep it simple stupid.” That often got him in trouble when someone thought he was calling them stupid! Leon attended Lincoln Elementary School, Beaty Jr. High School and was a 1966 graduate of Warren High School, Warren, PA.
Bradford, PA — The United Way of the Bradford Area has awarded the fourth round of Quarterly Impact funding. This funding stream is available quarterly throughout the year.
Carolyn M. Stuckey, 77, of Emporium, PA, passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois on Thursday morning, November 27, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born October 14, 1948, in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Frank D. and Kathryn Bierly Wolfanger.
Carolyn was a 1966 graduate of Cameron County High School. For most of her life she devoted herself to being a homemaker and babysitter, roles she treasured and fulfilled with great love and care. She was a member of the Vets Club and enjoyed creating wood crafts, crocheting, and spending time with the children she cared for over the years. Above all, Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family and the little ones whose lives she touched.
