NEWS

Betty A. Jeffers Logue Cooney             “beloved mother and grandmother”

AUSTIN, PA—Betty A. Jeffers Logue Cooney, 99, a lifelong resident of Austin, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

Born on Saturday, October 30, 1926 in Jamestown, NY, she was a daughter of John H. and Vera Knapp Jeffers. In August of 1946, she married Earl T. Logue, who passed away on September 12, 1950. On June 27, 1953, she married Bernard F. Cooney, who passed away on March 2, 1992.

Betty was a graduate of Austin Area High School, Class of 1945.

For many years, Betty was employed at Emporium Specialties in Austin and later had been employed by the Potter Leader Enterprise.

Betty was a member of God’s Country Global Methodist Church in Austin, a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 7810, a member of the Get Together Club, and a member of the Austin Dam Association.

Betty loved camping, boating, bowling, and playing cards. Her greatest joy was watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participating in sports.

HEADLINE: Winter Storm Warning issued December 28 at 2:22AM EST until January 2 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet.
Winds gusting as high as 65 mph creating blowing and drifting snow
and whiteout conditions.

* WHERE…Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie
Counties.

* WHEN…From 1 PM Monday to 1 AM EST Friday.

Joseph A. VISMAN, Jr., 41, of Wellsboro, PA, died Monday, December 22, 2025 in UPMC Williamsport.  Born November 26, 1984, in Philadelphia, he was the son of Debra Ann Graber and Joseph A. Visman.  

A 2002 graduate of Galeton Area High School, he earned an associate’s degree in business from WyoTech in Indiana, PA.  He was employed by Concern as business manager and Navient as office manager.  Joe enjoyed music and played guitar and drums.  He was an animal lover.  

Surviving are: his mother, Debra Ann Graber of Wellsboro; two siblings, Kelly (Horace) McNeil of Levittown and Michael (Sarah) Graber of Galeton; nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

He was predeceased by his father.  A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2025 in Parker Hill Cemetery, Sunderlinville.  Rev. Brent Baker will officiate.  Memorials may be made to Galeton Area High School, 27 Bridge Street, Galeton, PA 16922. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.  

Robert A. “Charlie” Kneidel, Sr.,  passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 86, as a result of  being hit by a car on November 24, 2025. 

He was born on October 27, 1939 in St. Marys, to the late Ralph and Leona Fritz Kneidel. 

After 40 years, 3 months, and 28 days, he is finally reunited with his beautiful bride, Gloria Jean McAllister Kneidel. 

Robert enjoyed a full life. He was extremely loved by everyone in his family and will be forever missed. He graduated from Central High in St. Marys in 1957. He retired from Keystone Powdered Metals in 2001 where he spent his entire life when he started work right after high school graduation. 

He loved working in his garage making things and toys for his children and grandchildren. He was an amazing woodworker and there wasn’t much that he couldn’t do. 

He was a past member of the CMF and regularly bowled every Thursday.  Bob didn’t like to go too far away from home very often, but he always made sure he went to the State bowling tournament every year. 

One of his favorite things to do was to play Cinch. He loved it and played on Tuesday morning and Wednesday evenings at Sacred Heart. 

Lakeshore Flood Warning issued December 28 at 1:50AM EST until December 29 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo NY

WHAT…Significant lakeshore flooding expected. Rapid rises are
expected Monday morning with the highest levels late Monday
morning and afternoon.

* WHERE…Erie and Chautauqua counties.

* WHEN…From 5 AM to 10 PM EST Monday.

High Wind Warning issued December 28 at 1:44AM EST until December 30 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
* WHAT…Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph
expected.

* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, and
Chautauqua Counties.

* WHEN…From 4 AM Monday to 1 AM EST Tuesday.

Mountain West Food Group, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O26 Contamination

Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Last week in review: After a week off for the Christmas holiday, the basketball teams will close out the 2025 portion of their nonconference seasons early this week, and beginning on Saturday, will enter United East Conference play the rest of the way.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

UEC standings: Penn State Harrisburg 2-0, Cairn University 2-0, Notre Dame (Md.) University 2-0, St. Mary’s (Md.) College 1-0, Lancaster Bible College 1-0, Penn State Brandywine 1-0, Rosemont 1-1, Penn State Berks 1-1, Penn State Abington 1-1, Penn College 0-1, Gallaudet University 0-2, Wilson College 0-2, Valley Forge 0-2, Keystone College 0-2.

SCHEDULE/RECORDS

Overall: 1-9

UEC: 0-1

Monday, Dec. 29 — Eastern Holiday Invitational at Eastern Connecticut State University, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30 — Eastern Holiday Invitational vs. Nichols College or Wesleyan University, noon or 2 p.m. TBA

Saturday, Jan. 3 — at Notre Dame (Md.) University (UEC), 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 7 — at Keystone College (UEC), 5 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

UEC standings: St. Mary’s (Md.) College 2-0, Lancaster Bible College 2-0, Wilson College 2-0, Penn College 1-0, Notre Dame (Md.) University 1-0, Penn State Berks 1-1, Keystone College 1-1, Penn State Harrisburg 1-1, Penn State Abington 1-1, Gallaudet University 0-1, Penn State Brandywine 0-1, Valley Forge 0-2, Cairn University 0-2, Cedar Crest College 0-2.

SCHEDULE/RECORDS

Overall: 9-3

UEC: 1-0

Tuesday, Dec. 30 — at Centenary University, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3 — at Notre Dame (Md.) University (UEC), 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 7 — at Keystone College (UEC), 7 p.m.

WRESTLING

SCHEDULE/RECORD

Overall: 3-3

AMCC: 1-0

Thursday, Jan. 1 — vs. Roanoke College at Skyline High School, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10 — Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Duals at Alfred State College, 10 a.m.

For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website.

For more about the United East, visit the conference website.

Emporium, PA — The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is thrilled to announce a very special homecoming event featuring Hunter Prosper, beloved storyteller, social media creator, and author of the bestselling book Stories From a Stranger: Every Person Has a Story. The event will take place on Monday December 29 starting at 4:00 pm in the library’s Multipurpose Room located at 27 W. 4^th Street in Emporium.

High Wind Watch issued December 27 at 12:53PM EST until December 30 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY

* WHAT…Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
possible.

* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, and
Chautauqua Counties.

* WHEN…From late Sunday night through late Monday night.

* IMPACTS…Strong winds may blow down trees and power lines.
Shallow rooted trees in a saturated ground will be more
susceptible to falling. Scattered power outages are possible.
Travel may be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Strong winds will blow around unsecured objects, including outdoor
holiday decorations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Strong southerly winds will gust 45 to 55 mph
in favorable downslope areas, including the Chautauqua Ridge to
the Lake Erie shoreline first, late Sunday night, with winds
quickly veering to southwest and increasing in speed Monday behind
a cold front.

INSTRUCTIONS: Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. Secure or
shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of the strong
winds.

Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY

12/27 Update (Lifted) PennDOT Advises Trucks to Avoid Certain Roadways in North Central Pennsylvania

December 27, 2025 7:45 AM Update: The truck advisories on Routes 44 in Lycoming County and 54 in Northumberland County have been lifted.

Montoursville, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is advising that commercial trucks and large trucks avoid certain roadways due to steep grades in north central Pennsylvania.

Commercial and large trucks should avoid:

• Route 44 between Route 554 in Elimsport, Washington Township, and Route 654 in Limestone Township, just south of Jersey Shore Borough, Lycoming County.
• Route 54 between Route 487 in Ralpho Township and Route 61 in Mount Carmel Township in Northumberland County.

Roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.

Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has lifted the speed limit and right-lane-only commercial vehicle restrictions that were in place on several roadways in the region.

Due to the winter storm impacting the region, speed limits were reduced to 45 mph on Interstates 80 and 180 in the region. All speeds are restored to their usual posted limits.

PennDOT is still treating roadways in the area and will continue until roads are clear.

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Interstate 80 eastbound is closed at the Mifflinville/Mainville Exit # 242 in Mifflin Township, Columbia County due to a vehicle crash.

Eastbound motorists are able to utilize the Exit #242 on and off ramps for a short detour. The eastbound lanes are expected to reopen later this evening.

Motorists are urged to drive with caution in the area.

A Flood Watch has been issued for Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Erie, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties from Sunday December 28, at 1:00 p.m. to Monday, December 29 at 4:00 p.m. 

During a flood, water levels and rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don’t know how deep the water is. Even when water recedes, the ground may be unstable. 

• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown!
• NEVER drive through barricades. 
• Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle. 
• Stay out of floodwaters! Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris. 

For more safety tips visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/flood

Continue monitoring updates to the forecast via local media or your nearest National Weather Service Office by visiting www.weather.gov and search for your zip code. 

George C. Nelson, 65, of JoJo Road, passed away Tuesday (December 23, 2025) at his residence surrounded by his family.

Born March 13, 1960, in Kane, he was the son of Clifford “Skeeter” and K Jean Simpson Nelson. In 1998, he met his partner of 27 years, Sally Anderson, who survives.

A lifelong resident of Kane, George grew up working for the family business, CW Hardware, before becoming the owner. Outside of work, he could be found working in the garage or spending time with his family, of whom he was incredibly proud.

In addition to his partner, he is survived by his daughter, Jessie (Eric) Bond of Kane; his son, Kyle Nelson of Indianapolis, IN; three grandchildren, Mason Bond, Ava Bond, and Lucas Bond of Kane, four sisters, Cynthia (Wayne) Miller of Harrisburg, Mary Jean (Raymond) Butterfield, Lisa (Roger) Wilson and Amy (Ike) Erdman, all of Kane; his partner’s son, Calvin Pfeil, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private funeral services will be held at the Cummings Funeral Home, Inc with The Rev. William O’Brien officiating. Burial will be in St. Callistus Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Online Condolences can be expressed at cummingsfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George C. Nelson, please visit our floral store.

Montoursville, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:

• Interstate 80 between the Ohio state line and mile marker 247 (Columbia / Luzerne County line.
• Interstate 180 entire length.

On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.

Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, and they will not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

Martha R. DeFilippo, 84, of East Main Street Bradford, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born October 3, 1941, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Donald E. and Catherine (Place) Good. She was a 1959 graduate of St. Bernard School.

On May 19, 1962, in Smethport, she married Geno M. DeFilippo who preceded her in death on May 8, 2024.

Martha was employed at Zippo Manufacturing for over 25 years.

She enjoyed taking walks, reading and going to bingo. Her greatest joy was being with family, especially her grandchildren.
 
Surviving are four daughters, Kay Stull (John Perry), of Gerry NY, Christina DeFilippo, Cynthia (Dave) Robinson, and Regina Gann (Don Potts), one son, Anthony DeFilippo (Jennifer Pecora), all of Bradford, 22 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Clearfield, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that it expects Route 220 southbound in between the Lock Haven and Mill Hall/Flemington exits in Clinton County to remain closed for several hours due to a commercial vehicle rollover blocking both lanes of travel.

While the road is closed, traffic will exit Route 220 southbound at Lock Haven and follow Routes 120,150, and 2015 (Mill Hall Road) to reconnect with Route 220 southbound.

Although PennDOT crews are treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not complete free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops, the roads are clear, and the conditions warrant lifting the detour.

Denise A. Simmons, 64, of 943 Plymouth Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 25, 2025 at her residence with her sister-in-law, Beth Nissel, by her side.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Richard A. Hedlund, 85, of 2470 Hollywood Road, Weedville, passed away at UPMC Mercy Hospital following injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born March 7, 1940, in Ridgway, son of the late Carl and Elna Yort Hedlund.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, attended Kersey Schools, and retired from IPM after thirteen years with the company.

Richard is survived by two daughters: Darlene Gontero (Byron) of Weedville and Patricia Rung of Johnsonburg; a son, Jay Hedlund (Melinda) of Weedville; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; and three brothers: Wayne Hedlund (Jackie) Dennis Hedlund (Azelea), and Roger Hedlund.

Clearfield, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:

• Interstates 80 between I-79 and exit 133/Kylertown.
• The entirety of Interstate 99.
• Route 322/22 between State College in Centre County and Lewistown in Mifflin County.

On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these, or other roadways must move to the right lane.

Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, and they will not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

Clearfield, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is temporarily prohibiting Commercial Motor Vehicles more than 10,000 pounds in weight from traveling on Route 6 between Port Allegany and Smethport in McKean County to improve safety and avoid lengthy delays along Route 6.

The detour uses Route 155, Route 446, and Route 46. This restriction is being 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.

Although PennDOT crews are treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops, the roads are clear, and the conditions warrant lifting the detour.

Clearfield, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:

• Interstates 80 between I-79 and exit 133/Kylertown.

On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these, or other roadways must move to the right lane.

Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, and they will not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

The PA CareerLink Potter County closed early today due to the pending storm and weather conditions. Closed at Noon.
Thank you

Snow, Ice, High Winds, and Bitter Cold Forecast Across Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – With Pennsylvania and much of the Northeast facing a substantial post-Christmas winter storm – including heavy snow, ice, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures – the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents to prepare now for potential power outages and to take steps to stay safe during severe winter weather.

Residents are also reminded to use caution when traveling near utility crews working to restore service. Slowing down and giving crews plenty of space helps protect workers and the public during storm response efforts.

The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on arts & education.  The day started at the St. Marys High School with Superintendent Harley Ramsey and Assistant Superintendent Chrissy Kuhar.  The participants rotated through 5 activities related to leadership as well as teaching them useful facts about the St Marys Area School District.  They also received a tour of the many programs the school has to offer.  The class then traveled to the CEC to learn what the CEC has to offer as well as the Dickinson Center, Northern PA Regional College, and IU9.  Lunch was sponsored by Northern PA Regional College and provided by Taco Inc.