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BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a reopening celebration for the Blue and Gold Market (formerly the Marilyn Horne Café) at noon, Jan. 14.

The community is invited to attend the event at the market in Marilyn Horne Hall on Veterans Square in downtown Bradford.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the market, enjoy complimentary samples from the new and expanded menu, and hear welcoming remarks from President Rick Esch.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY RECOGNIZES THE SACRIFICE AND SERVICE OF MCKEAN COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT – LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY (McKean County, Pennsylvania; January 9, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognizes our Officers on this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “January 9th is set aside to honor the sacrifices and recognize the service of our officers.

Our area is not immune to the heroic sacrifice of police officers and we have to look no further than Kane to see the legacy of Patrolman Steven Jerman and we look to Bradford City for the honorable service of Sergeant David Distrola and we can look to Bradford Township to see the extraordinary career and  devotion of Lt. Jeff Shade and we can look to the State Police for the highest honor of Trooper Jay Rougeau. Each of these men gave their life while protecting us. And in the same way we hold these Officers with the highest of esteem, we pray for and honor the officers that continue to protect us and deflect harm from us while accepting harm unto themselves. 

The same officers you see at community events and off-duty enjoying time with their families are ever-ready to face life and death situations on behalf of us.  The certainty that they will face violence yet report for duty is remarkable and nothing short of heroic. We honor all law enforcement officers – McKean County Detectives’ Bureau & K9 Unit, McKean County Drug Task Force, Bradford City Police & K9 Unit, Pennsylvania State Police,  Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Otto Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Marshalls, , McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest,  McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and the families of our Officers. God bless our Officers and their families. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, thank you”. – Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/mckean/da/136029/post/district-attorney-recognizes-sacrifice-and-service-mckean-county-law-enforcement-law

The student of the week nomination is Jaiden Thomas. Jaiden is a senior at Smethport Area High School. For the past three years, at the Seneca Highlands CTC Health Assistance Program, Jaiden has been an exemplary student who prides himself on his stellar academic achievements. In the classroom, he is always willing to assist his fellow students in any subject, especially math and science. He is a valued team member in the lab setting because of his willingness to try anything and to help anyone.

HEADLINE: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued January 9 at 4:37PM EST until January 9 at 5:30PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY

DESCRIPTION: SVRBGM

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for…
Yates County in central New York…
Steuben County in central New York…

* Until 530 PM EST.

* At 436 PM EST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Honeoye to near St. Bonaventure, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include… Hornell, Bath, Penn Yan, Starkey, Campbell, Benton, Urbana, Canisteo, Potter, and Wayland.

INSTRUCTIONS: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Issued By: NWS Binghamton NY

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognizes our Officers on this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “January 9th is set aside to honor the sacrifices and recognize the service of our officers.

Our area is not immune to the heroic sacrifice of police officers and we have to look no further than Kane to see the legacy of Patrolman Steven Jerman and we look to Bradford City for the honorable service of Sergeant David Distrola and we can look to Bradford Township to see the extraordinary career and  devotion of Lt. Jeff Shade and we can look to the State Police for the highest honor of Trooper Jay Rougeau.

Each of these men gave their life while protecting us. And in the same way we hold these Officers with the highest of esteem, we pray for and honor the officers that continue to protect us and deflect harm from us while accepting harm unto themselves.  The same officers you see at community events and off-duty enjoying time with their families are ever-ready to face life and death situations on behalf of us. 

The certainty that they will face violence yet report for duty is remarkable and nothing short of heroic. We honor all law enforcement officers – McKean County Detectives’ Bureau & K9 Unit, McKean County Drug Task Force, Bradford City Police & K9 Unit, Pennsylvania State Police,  Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Otto Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Marshalls, , McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest,  McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and the families of our Officers. God bless our Officers and their families. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, thank you”. – Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney

** Wind Advisory issued January 9 at 1:07AM EST until January 9 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY

* WHAT…South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Winds shift to westerly this evening and remain strong with gusts up to 45 mph.

* WHERE…Madison, Northern Oneida, Onondaga, Schuyler, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Southern Oneida, Steuben, and Yates Counties.

* WHEN…From 7 AM this morning to 10 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Strong downsloping south winds are expected this morning and into the afternoon hours. There may be an abrupt cutoff between the strong south winds over far southern Oneida County versus much lighter east winds funneling down the Mohawk Valley at times. As the front approaches, westerly winds will increase across the advisory area late this afternoon and early this evening.

INSTRUCTIONS: Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Issued By: NWS Binghamton NY

HEADLINE: High Wind Warning issued January 9 at 12:45AM EST until January 9 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo NY

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…South to southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55
mph through this morning. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts
up to 60 mph late morning through the early evening.

* WHERE…Chautauqua and Southern Erie Counties. Strongest gusts
through the morning will be downslope regions of the Chautauqua
Ridge to the Lake Erie shoreline. Strongest gusts late morning and
through the evening hours will be region-wide.

* WHEN…Until 10 PM EST this evening. Peak gusts likely between 3
pm and 7 pm.

* IMPACTS…Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines.
Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult,
especially for high-profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Wind gusts this morning will be perpendicular
to the New York State Thruway, making for challenging travel for
high-profile vehicles.

INSTRUCTIONS: Avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees. If possible,
remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and
avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY

MCKEAN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE ARREST PAIR IN RAID – DRUG AND GUN VIOLATIONS (MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: January 8, 2026):

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that today’s raid by the McKean County Drug Task Force was the conclusion of a several months’ long investigation into drug trafficking by two accused drug traffickers. 

Dawn BUTERBAUGH and David DICKINSON, both of 3 Pike Street in Bradford, were charged by criminal complaint alleging several drug crimes and firearms violations. Detective Kolin Strawcutter and Detective Seth Shephard of the McKean County Drug Task Force filed the charges at the conclusion of the investigation which began with reports of drug sales by BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON out of the residence on Pike Street from November 13, 2025, to January 8, 2026.

*Wind Advisory issued January 8 at 1:19PM EST until January 9 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY

* WHAT…Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE…Chautauqua and Southern Erie Counties. The strongest wind gusts on the northern slope of the Chautauqua Ridge along the LakeErie shore, including the New York State Thruway.

* WHEN…From 11 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY

We are reaching out to the community for your support in a rewarding initiative to improve accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. The Kane Regional Ramp Ministry as a cooperative ministry of many churches in 7 counties of Pennsylvania has been building ramps for (12 years).  We never charge anything for materials or labor in building ramps for those in need and once a ramp is no longer needed we can reclaim the ramp and reuse the materials. 

Our goal is to build handicap ramps for residents who need safe and convenient access to their homes in these counties.  However, because we have such a high demand for ramps each year, and most of our volunteers are retired older folks who while willing to volunteer time and resources, travel time is a major factor, and therefore our reach into Potter and McKean Counties is somewhat limited.  With volunteer ramp crews working out of the Youngsville/Warren and Emporium areas, we are spread very thin and need your help.

Many individuals in our community face daily obstacles due to limited mobility. Sometimes disabilities are temporary and sometimes permanent, but accessibility is necessary either way.  By volunteering your time and skills, you can make a meaningful difference in their lives and help foster independence and dignity.

Volunteer opportunities and why you matter.

We are seeking individuals who want to help make a difference in our communities to be part of our ramp crews and possibly help us to start additional crews in Potter and McKean Counties.  No prior experience required; guidance and tools are provided. 

Ramp projects for 2026 will be scheduled once the weather allows us to do ramp builds throughout this coming spring, summer and fall as needed. 

How you can get involved:

Please contact us at 814-837-6115  or email info@kaneregionalramps.org to sign up or learn more go to www.kaneregionalramps.org . Together, we can make accessibility available to our brothers and sisters in need.  If you aren’t able to help on a crew, you can also help by making donations to the Kane Regional Ramp Ministry, 18 2^nd. Street, Youngsville, PA 16371 or online at www.kaneregionalramps.org/give .

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve and make a lasting impact!

Fisher Scholarship to be awarded through MCCF The Zonta Club Bradford has established its scholarship as an endowed fund – the Zonta Club Bradford-Ruth B. Fisher Scholarship Fund – at the McKean County Community Foundation. The Zonta Club scholarship, along with more than 60 additional McKean County scholarship funds held at the Foundation, will be open for applications from January 15 through February 25, 2026. All scholarship applications are submitted through an online portal that can be accessed at the Foundation’s website at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org.

Bring the family out to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library on Saturday, January 10, 2026, for a nature-focused preschool story time! The story time will be led by an educator from Lyman Run State Park.

From 10 AM – 11 AM, explore what wild animals do during the long, cold winter. Read aloud stories about animals in winter, sing songs about winter animals, and make a craft to take home. Best for kids under 6 years old and their adults, but siblings welcome.

We’ll be reading Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, Hibernation by Margaret Hall, and Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle by Laura Purdie Salas.  Questions? Contact the park at 814-435-5010 ext. 4 or email lymanrunsp@pa.gov.

Position Summary:
The Austin Area School District is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Administrative Assistant / Assistant Business Manager to support district business operations and administrative functions.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Preparing and processing bi-weekly payroll
• Processing purchase orders and accounts payable
• Assisting with general business office operations
• Providing administrative support, including clerical and organizational duties
• Working collaboratively with district staff to ensure accurate and timely financial operations

Qualifications:

• Prior office or administrative experience is required (school or public-sector experience preferred)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
• Proficiency with computer applications and office software
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills
• Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field preferred

Clearances:
Candidates must provide current Pennsylvania clearances, including Act 34, Act 151, and Act 114. All clearances must be dated within one year.

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three letters of reference to:

Austin Area School District
Attn: Kimberly Rees
138 Costello Ave
Austin, PA 16720

or email materials to: krees@austinsd.net

Application Deadline:
Position open until filled.