NEWS

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

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.

NYS Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert for PORFIRIO PERDOMO on November 24, 2025 at 01:54 am has been cancelled.

The New York State Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert on behalf of the Rochester City Police Department for PORFIRIO PERDOMO is now cancelled as of 07:18 am on November 24, 2025.

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 Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025-2026 Mini-Grant Program. In addition to at least $30,000 to be distributed in 2025 Mini Grant Funds by the Lumber Heritage Region, these grant projects will leverage more than $51,436 in local spending to build communities and improve life for residents and visitors.

The mini grant program is possible through the funding provided by DCNR’s partnership grant. The LHR was able to fund eight of the eighteen organizations that applied. “This year we received applications for more than $188,000 in leveraged projects – that’s incredible growth,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director at the Lumber Heritage Region. “It really shows the enthusiasm across our region and the impact our staff and partners are having in supporting local communities.”

Helen M. Newton, 85, of Emporium, PA, passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, following a brief illness. She was born May 13, 1940, in Ridgway, PA, a daughter of the late Bernard and Catherine Songer Bauer.

Helen graduated from Cameron County High School and devoted many years of service to Caldwell Corporation until her retirement in January 2022 at the remarkable age of 82.

Penn College Athletics at a Glance

Last week in review: The early-season fortunes of the basketball teams continued in opposite directions, with the women posting a 2-1 week and the men losing twice. Also, the wrestling team opened its dual match season, going 1-1.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Last week’s hometown highlights: Breana Valentine, of Fairfield, poured in 23 points, and Gigi Parlante, of Williamsport, scored 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as the Wildcats overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Penn State Altoona on Monday and extend their season-opening win streak to five. The victory was Penn College’s first against Altoona after five losses dating to 2021.

Seeking a program record-tying sixth straight win to open the season on Wednesday against Elmira College, and looking to end a 16-game drought dating to 2005 against the Soaring Eagles, Penn College fell just short on a game-ending, buzzer-beating trey. Parlante led the squad with 13 points, and Valentine added 10 points. The one-point loss was the closest final score ever between the two teams.

Elwood R. Reynolds, 72, of Warren, PA, died on Friday, November 21, 2025, in his home and surrounded by love. A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

United Way 2025 Campaign Video

Faith E. CARY, 86, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Potter Brook Road, Westfield, PA, died Thursday, November 20, 2025, in UPMC Cole.  Born January 10, 1939, in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of Howard Ellison and Rowena E. Little Stafford.  On November 2, 1957, in Potter Brook, she married Arnold E. Cary, who predeceased her on February 25, 2015.  

Faith was a remarkable woman.  She loved life and was a life-long learner.  Her hobbies included reading, painting, crocheting, sewing, hiking, Bible study classes and ancestry research, among other things.  A member of the Susquehannock Trail Club, she enjoyed hiking many of the beautiful Pennsylvania trails with other members.  Faith was known for her generosity, giving her time and financial resources.  She was a gifted artist, seamstress, knitter and crocheter.  She created afghans, quilts, bears, dolls and paintings that she donated to charities for fund raising.