NEWS

As temperatures drop, many people with arthritis notice their joints feeling stiffer, achier, or harder to move. While the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, colder weather, changes in barometric pressure, and reduced activity all contribute to increased discomfort. Fortunately, there are practical ways to manage symptoms and maintain mobility throughout the winter months.

Keep Your Joints Moving

Movement is essential for joint health. Regular, gentle activity warms stiff joints, improves circulation, and helps maintain flexibility. On cold days when outdoor activity may feel challenging, there are plenty of indoor options. Stretching, yoga, tai chi, or even walking in place while watching TV can help. Short, frequent movement breaks throughout the day often work better than longer sessions, especially for joints that tend to stiffen quickly.

Matching grant program funds up to $2500 for businesses, organizations and events for tourism marketing

Bradford, (Pennsylvania) – Trail Central | The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureauis pleased to announce the 2026 Marketing Project and Event Marketing Program. This program will fund eligible projects and events from January through June 30, 2026. Since its inception in Summer 2024, the Marketing and Event Grant Program has supported 40 events and marketing initiatives in McKean County totaling $55,000.

The Bureau’s semi-annual grant program aims to fund qualified McKean County organizations and businesses to strengthen our tourism products, increase the marketing, promotion and advertising of tourism related business and enhance the quality of events. 

John L. Mallery, 91, of Route 155, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport, PA.

John was born on July 9, 1934, in Chenango Bridge, NY, the son of Margaret and Edgar Mallery. On December 4, 1955, in Hancock, NY, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean E. Wormuth Mallery, who preceded him in death. They shared 57 years of marriage. On September 23, 2014, he married the Rev. Deborah Smith, who survives.

In addition to his wife Debbie, John is survived by two sons, Michael T. (Crystal) Mallery and Javan A. (Francine) Mallery; two daughters, Elizabeth M. (Sonnie) Brockwell and Margaret I. Mallery; daughter-in-law Tina L Mallery (Paul) and chosen daughter, Jamie L. McKenzie.

He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Michael (Christina), Alixandra, Paul (Mia), John (Rachel), Philip, Alexis, Ashlyn (Micah), Margaret, Anna (James), Javan II, Andrew (Carisa), Kathryn, Chase, and Levi; 16 great-grandchildren: Brayden, Baileigh, Myrin, Kaileigh, Preston, Lexi, Kaden, Gracie, Kenzi, Jaxon, Raymond, Maison, Micah Jr, Addison, Rowan, and River; and one great-great-granddaughter, Cyra.

John is also survived by his sister, June Mallery Flickinger, along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife Jean, he was preceded in death by his sons, John A. Mallery and Paul E. Mallery; his parents; and his siblings, Robert, Margaret, Mary, and Esther.

Kevin and Patty Dusenbury of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, announce that the 25^th Gift of Memory program has been an astonishing success, thanks to the many generous donors and supporters of this yearly event.

“We have donors from the first year that continue to donate and new donors every year. We had several donors who contributed very generous amounts of monies which allowed us to shop for specific needs to purchase items for the older children”.

Dusenbury, who is the owner and funeral director of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home in Shinglehouse and the Potter County Coroner stated, “we are once again amazed by the generosity of so many people. We truly THANK each person who donated, assuring that many less fortunate individuals and families will have a brighter and happier Christmas. We wish everyone a beautiful, blessed and very Merry Christmas.”

Delivering the toys to the Christmas House in Coudersport were Carl and Ronda Dickerson who have taken this program as one of their own to facilitate a happier Christmas for many children of Potter County, the Klesa family, who have graciously embraced the Gift of Memory program for many years to honor their son and brother, Jon, and Kevin and Patty Dusenbury.

BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, will be hosting community blood drives this December in partnership with ConnectLife, the region’s only community blood bank.

OGH will host its blood drive on Wednesday, December 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The drive will take place on the ConnectLife Bus, located at the Mildred Milliman Outpatient Surgery Center, directly across from the hospital. Anyone who would like to schedule an appointment can visit www.connectlifegiveblood.org and use sponsor code 000485, or call (716) 529-4270.

The BRMC blood drive is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby. To schedule an appointment, visit www.connectlifegiveblood.org and use sponsor code 000468, or contact Kim Murphey at (814) 362-8298.

Avian influenza is suspected to have caused the deaths of hundreds of snow geese found at a Northampton County quarry.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is coordinating a response to this incident that includes safe removal, testing and disposal of these birds.

Those encountering other sick or dead wild birds anywhere in Pennsylvania can report them to the Game Commission by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453). Any sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. If you have had contact with sick or dead birds and are not feeling well, contact your primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

The U.S. outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) began in January 2022 and has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state. In Pennsylvania, there was a sharp resurgence of HPAI cases in wild birds in late 2024 and early 2025. Impacts tailed off after several weeks, though the virus continued to be detected at lower levels.

Wild waterfowl and shorebirds are considered natural carriers for avian influenza viruses and might shed the virus in their feces and saliva despite appearing healthy. HPAI also can lead to sickness or death in raptors (hawks, eagles), avian scavengers (crows, gulls, ravens) and wild poultry (turkey, grouse).

The virus typically does not affect bird species that frequent backyard bird feeders. Exercise good hygiene when maintaining bird feeders and baths, emptying them every couple of weeks and disinfecting them with a 10% household bleach solution. If you notice multiple sick or dead birds over a short period of time, strongly consider leaving feeders down and baths empty to not make any potential outbreak worse.

Clinical signs of infection in wild birds are often non-specific, but might include neurologic dysfunction such as circling, head tilting, and difficulty flying.

HPAI can potentially infect humans, though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the current HPAI outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the general public.

People can help safeguard themselves against HPAI by always viewing wildlife from a safe distance, avoiding contact with wild birds or their feces and not handling wildlife unless you’re hunting, trapping or otherwise authorized to do so.

HARRISBURG – Two of the Pennsylvania Legislature’s leading advocates for offering kids whole milk at school praised congressional approval of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Reps. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and John Lawrence (R-Chester County) say the move is a win-win for PA kids and the dairy industry.

“After years of turning up their noses at skim milk, students across the country could soon have the option to enjoy a drink of whole milk or flavored milk as part of their school breakfast or lunch,” the lawmakers said. “Milk offers our kids 13 essential nutrients that support health and academic success – nutrients they’ve been missing out on because the Obama administration banned these options in favor of milks most kids would never even think of drinking.”

Port Allegany – Michael J. Hammond, 66, of Coudersport, passed away Monday (December 8, 2025) at UPMC-Williamsport.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from Noon  till 3PM in the Gospel Tabernacle Church, 420 US-6 Coudersport, PA at wich time a Celebration of Life for Mike will start at 3PM, with the Rev. Allen Young, Pastor of the East Smethport United Christian Church Officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Sheetz Family Christmas. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

Fredonia water customers, including those in the Town of Pomfret are on a boil water order due to lack of disinfection. You must boil all water used for cooking and drinking. There has been a disruption in the treatment process, making the water not safe to drink. Bring all water used for drinking or cooking to a rolling boil, then cool before using. You will be notified when it is no longer necessary to boil water. For more information call the Village at 716-679-2307 or the County Health Department at 716-753-4481

NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov

www.Alert.ny.gov

035-2025, E.A. Sween Company Recalls Pulled Pork Sandwich Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination (Oct 27, 2025)

Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Engineering District 3 team is wrapping up a successful construction season this year, which included 111 new contracts worth an estimated $312 million, to improve travel and safety on state highways and bridges across Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties. 

This investment included 41 miles of microsurfacing and high friction surface treatment, 495 miles of seal coat (oil and chip), in addition to the rehabilitating, reconstructing, and resurfacing of 167 roadway miles across the district using both contractor and department force crews. 

Statewide, PennDOT has been hard at work improving Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges throughout the year, improving more than 4,800 miles of road, including over 1,400 miles of paving, and beginning work to repair, replace, or preserve 368 bridges from January through October of this year.

Sharon Rook, 69, of Biddle St. passed away Friday (dec 12) in the Bradford Regional Medical Center.  Born March 2, 1956 in Ridgway, she is the daughter of the late Carl and Rosemond (Schilk) Wilson. She married Michael Rook, who survives, in Kane on April 6, 1974.

Sharon had worked at Kane Hardwood for thirty years, retiring in 2018.

In addition to her husband she is survived by two daughters, Laurie Rook and Cathy (Mike Shrubb) Rook; five grandchildren, Zane (Brianna) Hodgdon, Sarah (Harley) Hodgdon, Zach (Adia) Hodgdon, Evan Smith and Alexandra (Jake) Hodgdon; six great-grandchildren, Brynlee, Maisie, Beauden, Ellie, Lennox and Skylar; three brothers, Carl (Betty) Wilson, Mark (Mary) Wilson and Doug Wilson; four sisters, Karen Wilson, Virginia Wilson, Julie Wilson, and Beverly (Dan) Rook; and many nieces and nephews.

HEADLINE: Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert, 34 years old white/male wearing dark coat grey sweatshirt and green pants

DESCRIPTION: At the request of the Fairport Village Police Department, a New York State Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert has been issued relating to the disappearance of IAN SAMSON; age 34; from FAIRPORT, NY at 09:03 pm on December 14, 2025.

INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the link for further details. www.criminaljustice.ny.gov

Issued By: NYS-DCJS-MPC

Wayne A. Miller, 73, of Driftwood, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, (December 12, 2025) at UPMC-Cole in Coudersport, PA. He was born on July 7, 1952, in Renovo, PA, a son of the late John “Cub” and Martha McIsaac Miller.

Wayne was a graduate of Cameron County High School, where he enjoyed wrestling during his high school years. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. After returning home from military service, Wayne spent many years working as a logger, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and love of the outdoors.

In his free time, Wayne found great enjoyment riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and spending time outdoors. He especially loved golfing, hunting, and fishing, activities that brought him both peace and happiness throughout his life. Wayne was a devoted friend and cherished his friendships.

Wayne is survived by his longtime companion, Sally (McCoole) Purdy; his children: Ashley Mason (Steve), Kenny Miller (Karen), Amber Miller, and Tiffany Cook (Doug), all of Emporium; ten grandchildren; his brother, John Miller (Peggy) of Kersey; and his sister, Michele Myers of Emporium.

He was preceeded in death by his parents

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, there will be no visitation, and services will be private.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

POSITION VACANCY

The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for a General Cafeteria Worker – 5 hr./day effective immediately.

Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, application, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168) and resumé to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA  16915 by December 17, 2025.

POSITION VACANCIES

The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for the following positions:

HS Math Teacher (remainder of the school year)

Long Term Substitute Teacher for Kindergarten

Interested applicants should send a complete application package including a letter of interest, application, PA certificate, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168), resumé, and transcripts to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA  16915 by December 17, 2025.

McKean County is seeking a qualified and highly motivated applicant to perform the duties of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the County Jail. Based on candidate preference, this position can either be full or part-time.

Primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Conduct patient assessments, perform physicals, order medications, and provide healthcare as required for all inmates at the County Jail.
2. Conduct blood draws, urine samples, pregnancy testing, and strep testing as necessary.
3. Maintain an accurate filing system to ensure consistency and accuracy of treatment programs and the reports prepared for the physician.
4. Train inmates and staff on health issues, such as medication dispensation and what to look for in each inmate’s condition.
5. Work independently, as well as under direction; make critical decisions, often in stressful situations.
6. Assure accurate filing systems and compliance with record keeping requirements.
7. Serve on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week as needed.
8. At times must fill in for Mental Health provider, giving guidance and counseling to inmates.
9. Assist in managing and tracking the inmate prescription process to ensure appropriate care and eliminate the chances of medications abuse.
10. Identify and develop patient care planning and monitor the plan.
11. Schedule medical testing with the County Physician and/or hospital personnel.
12. Conduct research for inmate medical records.
13. Take physician orders and transcribe them.
14. Assist with other such duties as may be assigned for the successful operation of the department.

Requirements for Candidates:

• Minimum requirement as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
• One-year experience with adults in a treatment setting.

Qualified candidates can apply by completing a McKean County job application and submitting a resume to Michele Jubon, Director of Human Resources, McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749, via email to mmjubon@mckeancountypa.gov, or by applying online at indeed.com. Applications are available in the Human Resources Department at the Courthouse or online at www.mckeancountypa.gov. McKean County is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.

Potter County continues an extended “America250” celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spearheading the observance are the Potter County Historical Society (PCHS), represented by David Castano; and Allegewi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, represented by Ilene Altenhein. Commissioner Paul Heimel is county liaison with the America250PA organization. Those interested in becoming involved should contact PCHS (814-274-4410) or DAR/Allegewi Chapter (814-274-9798). Here’s a summary of upcoming events and ongoing activities:

Salamanca – On December 11, 2025, Jesse Martin, of Little Valley, was arrested for Criminal Contempt following a domestic incident on 12/10/2025.  He was arraigned in the Town of Little Valley Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Olean – On December 12, 2025 at 1:06 am, Tisha K. Hein, 20, of Olean NY, was taken into custody. Hein was located at 711 on W. State St. and was found to have an active felony bench warrant out for her arrest from a prior drug arrest. Hein was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail where she was held without bail pending further court proceedings.