NEWS

​​After 34 years of dedicated service as medical director of HomeCare & Hospice, Dr. Gilbert Witte will retire on December 31, 2025.

After more than three decades guiding patients and families with medical expertise and empathy, Dr. Witte has left an indelible mark on hospice care in Cattaraugus County. His leadership at HomeCare & Hospice has long been defined by a philosophy of preserving dignity, providing comfort and fostering hope.

At a celebration for Dr. Witte’s retirement, HomeCare & Hospice CEO Melissa Sullivan remarked that Dr. Witte “has a remarkable way of connecting with people and has helped prepare patients and families for their final journey with grace, understanding and peace.”

Year-end message underscores the daily work, judgment, and care that support utility service for nearly 13 million Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Steve DeFrank today closed the Commission’s final public meeting of 2025 with a message of thanks to PUC employees and a reflection on the work performed throughout the year to protect consumers and ensure safe, reliable utility service for nearly 13 million Pennsylvanians.

“This work is not abstract,” Chairman DeFrank said. “It affects whether families have heat in the winter, clean water at the tap, safe transportation, reliable communications, and confidence that the systems they depend on will be there tomorrow. And in 2025, PUC staff delivered.”

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Protection has a new director.

Richard “Rod” Danley, who has worked for the Game Commission for more than 25 years, started in the role Sept. 27, overseeing and directing the agency’s law-enforcement operations.

“Wildlife Protection is a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly valuable bureau serving the agency’s core mission,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “Rod brings a wide range, and depth, of law-enforcement experience that is helping him excel in his new position.”

Danley started his career path at Unity College in Maine, graduating in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Law Enforcement degree. After graduation, he worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a Park Ranger, then a Forest Ranger. He joined the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1999 as a member of the 25^th Class of the Ross Leffler School of Conservation. 

Upon graduation, Danley was assigned to the Bureau of Law Enforcement’s Special Investigation Unit, serving in that role as a covert investigator from 2000 to 2005.  He transferred in 2005 to the Southern Huntingdon County Field District, handling the district needs from 2005 to 2011. 

In 2011, Danley was promoted to the Southcentral Regional Office as the Information and Education Supervisor and served in that capacity until he transferred to the Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Southcentral Region in 2012 and remained there until his promotion to Bureau Director for Wildlife Protection.

“I have had the privilege of serving in wildlife law enforcement for the majority of my career, but now having the opportunity to lead those efforts is truly an honor,” said Danley. “Pennsylvania Game Wardens have such a rich heritage and continue to lead the charge, nationally, when it comes to protecting wildlife.”

Danley resides in Mount Union, Pa. with his two dogs.

Check out our upcoming CEC Discover Lab and No School Day programs for the month of January!

Discover Lab:

Dates/Location/Times:

January 5, 2026-Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, 3:30pm-5:00pm (Grades 3-5)

January 13, 2026-Johnsonburg Public Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm (Grades 3-5)

January 26, 2026-Bennett’s Valley Community Center, 6:00pm-7:00pm (Grades K-8)

January 27, 2026-Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, 4:00pm-5:00pm (Grades 3-5)

Description: Unplugged Algorithms: Join us to uncover the secret codes powering your favorite tech and innovations!

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Thursday, December 25, 2025, in observance of the Christmas holiday. 

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

This is an important message from NY Alert

Please click here to acknowledge receipt of this message

Boil Order has been lifted for all Fredonia water customers, including those in the Town of Pomfret.  Disinfection has been restored.  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

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Severe Watches and Warnings for Roulette

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URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
147 AM EST Thu Dec 18 2025
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM FRIDAY TO 1 AM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE…Central Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…From 1 AM Friday to 1 AM EST Saturday.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

&&
For more information from the National Weather Service visit
weather.gov/StateCollege

Primavera Nueva Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select 4-Count Tamales Because of Possible Health Risk

Sonoma, CA — Primavera Nueva Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain lots of its 4-count tamales because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

All of November through the week before Christmas, the Potter County Farmers Market will move indoors to the Riley Gallery, next to the Crittenden, on SATURDAY from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The next market will be this Saturday, December 20th. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

[NOTICES: 

*  The market moves indoor from November 2025 through the end of April 2026, each SATURDAY through the end of December 2025, then the first SATURDAY of each month beginning in January 2026.

*  Market times have been established after many trial times over the years.  If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly.  They are willing to try to accommodate your request.

 *  If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-598-0649 netrabaker2@gmail.com]

ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Saturday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products and some gift options available. If you need a unique gift item stop by the Riley Gallery on Saturday 11am to 2pm. 

Marvin Jess BUTTS, 73, of Allentown, NY, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.  A longtime resident of Allentown, he was born December 7, 1952, in Cuba, NY, the son of Martin DeYoe and Edith “Lorraine” Case Butts. 

 On August 15, 1975, in West Clarksville Baptist Church, he married the love of his life, Donna May Vincent, who survives.  Marvin was raised in West Clarksville, graduated from BOCES and Richburg Central School in 1972, and attended Mohawk Valley Community College.  He was first employed by Bentley Drilling Company.  He then started a 31-year career with American-Olean Tile Company in Olean as a mural designer.  In 2006, he joined his nephew, Eric Jones, as an artist with Give-A-Caricature for 18 years, retiring in 2024.  He was a former member, trustee, deacon, and AWANA teacher with the West Clarksville Baptist Church.  He became a member of the Allentown United Methodist Church in 2006.  

BRADFORD, Pa. — Gabe Slocum is proof that internships pay off – literally.

Slocum, a mechanical engineering student who graduated Saturday from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, served as a manufacturing engineering intern at W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Co. in Bradford during his last semester. The folks at Case were so impressed by his performance that they offered him a job – which he accepted and starts next month.

Slocum, who is from Holland, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is one of the first graduates of Pitt-Bradford’s four-year mechanical engineering technology program, which began alongside a new program in energy engineering technology in the Fall semester of 2022. The first few graduates have been those who were able to transfer into Pitt-Bradford from other programs.

• Join us for a Holiday Paint n Sip on Friday, December 19 from 6:00-8:00.  Price of the class is $30.00.  All supplies included. 

• The Potter County Artisan Center is hosting a Christmas Open House with Santa on Sunday, December 21 from 2:00-5:00pm.  Bring the kids for a special visit with Santa, a hands-on activity and holiday treats.  Be sure to bring your camera or phone to capture a memorable holiday photo with Santa!  No registration required.

• A Young Artisan New Years Eve Open Studio will be held on Wednesday, December 31 3:00-4:30 pm. Price of the class is $15.00.  Choose from a selection of projects and materials, from painting to crafts, while enjoying a New Years Eve celebration!  Celebratory snacks and materials provided. 

To register for these classes or events, please call the Potter County Artisan Co-op on 814-274-8165.  The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street.  The co-op’s hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00-5:00. 

Need an activity while visiting the area?  Potter County Artisan Co-op can arrange a private group class for you and your friends at your convenience.  Just call ahead or message us on Facebook.

Events and classes are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Elk County Council on the Arts, state agencies funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

I recently wrote about the idea of the unexpected. The unexpected are, of course, those things that happen that you didn’t expect. They can come in the form of death, illness, job loss, and natural disasters, or through a host of other avenues you didn’t see coming. Since my latest event, I have joined an online group called The Zipper Club. This refers to those people who have experienced open-heart surgery for a variety of reasons and have joined together as a support group to share their experiences to help others. 

I’m a strong believer that you are more affected by how you respond to what happens to you than by what happens. It aligns with the question, do things happen to us or for us? The more we can stay out of the victim role, the better we will weather the storm. As a result of what I’ve experienced, I have learned and am learning a side of life I never knew existed. It has also opened up a whole new understanding and empathy for people I have never met but who share a common experience. 

This is an important message from NY Alert

Wind Advisory issued December 17 at 12:37PM EST until December 20 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Binghamton NY
* WHAT…Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.

* WHERE…Portions of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…From 7 PM Thursday to 1 AM EST Saturday.

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

The SHCTC Networking and Security instructor, Mr. Bryant, is proud to announce the Student of the Week, Ayden Blair. Ayden is a 12th grader at Smethport Area School District and a third-year student at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center.

Ayden is an example of a student who overcomes adversity and achieves what he sets his mind to. Ayden exhibits an outstanding work ethic in shop labs, on theory assignments, and in earning certifications such as Chromebook Repair Academy.

White Castle Frozen Food Division Recalls Frozen 4-Count Cartons of Original Sliders Due to Undeclared Milk and Soy

COLUMBUS, Ohio — White Castle Frozen Food Division has initiated a recall of 1,021 cases of its retail frozen 4-count cartons of Original Sliders due to undeclared milk and soy. The carton may contain Jalapeño Cheese Sliders. Jalapeño Cheese Sliders contain milk and soy, allergens that are not on the Original Slider carton label. Consumers with an allergy or sensitivity to milk or soy run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.

For the 89th consecutive year the Kiwanis Club of Bradford held their Christmas party for the children of Beacon Light Behavioral Health System (BLBHS), an affiliate of Journey Health System (JHS). This year’s luncheon was held at Beacon Light’s main campus where Kiwanis Club members, children from BLBHS, and staff attended to sing carols, watch kids open presents from the Kiwanis.

“We’re truly grateful to the Kiwanis Club for being a steadfast partner in our mission,” stated Jennifer Gesing, BLBHS Executive Director.

The Kiwanis Club contributes money every year to buy gifts for the clients of Beacon Light’s programs. Kiwanis President Stacy Williams and over a dozen Kiwanis members attended the holiday giving event and presented a donation check.

After the gifts were unwrapped, the kids received refreshments and they will enjoy a variety special activities throughout the holiday season thanks to the Kiwanis’ generosity.

BARNESVILLE, Pa. (December 16) – Frozen lakes mean great ice fishing opportunities for anglers across Pennsylvania.  Today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocked more than a 1,000 Rainbow Trout at Locust Lake State Park in Schuylkill County.  It’s one of the final trout stockings of 2025.  While most people think of trout fishing in the spring when 3.2 million trout are stocked statewide, the PFBC stocks about 130,000 trout into 100 popular waterways during fall and winter.  Anglers are reminded to be safe when venturing out onto the ice. If you are new to ice fishing, it is best to go along with an experienced angler to learn how to stay safe and catch fish. Anyone venturing onto the ice should wear a life jacket or coat with flotation built in. For ice safety tips and to find great places to fish, visit Fishandboat.com.

Trout were also stocked into Kaercher Creek Lake, Berks County today.

The Elk County Cruisers Car Club and the St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail recently installed a new United States Flag Retirement Receptacle in front of the American Legion Post #103 on Center Street in St. Marys. The project was completed with support from the Doris E. Stackpole Foundation, Shop 14 Muscle Cars in St. Marys, and the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF).

The new receptacle will make it easier for the public to drop off worn and tattered American flags for a respectful and proper disposal. Flags should not be deposited in bags or boxes as these materials clog the receptacle opening and make it difficult to empty. The Detail gathers the flags and conducts a ceremonial burning every summer at Bear Run.

In 2025, the Cruisers established a donor-advised fund at ECCF to raise funds to support projects like this in Elk County. This year, they made donations to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, Christian Food Bank, Crystal Fire Department and St. Marys Municipal Airport. They also collaborated with the Servicemen’s Detail and American Legion Post #103 for the construction of the new flagpole and veterans’ monument at Shawmut Park. Donations to the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund of any size are gratefully accepted at the Elk County Community Foundation, PO Box 934. St. Marys, PA, 15857.

The Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies is the parent company of the Elk County Community Foundation and the McKean County Community Foundation. Funds established by charitable donors support our communities through the awarding of grants and scholarships. For more information on how you can help support important community programs please contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.