Coudersport, Pa., February 16, 2026 – UPMC Cole is taking a bold step toward a greener future. Beginning in early 2026, the hospital will break ground on a 5.5-megawatt solar farm, the first of its kind within the UPMC system. This project will transform the Coudersport campus and set a new standard for sustainability in health care.
“This project is more than an energy solution, it’s a reflection of our values,” said Ron Reynolds, president, UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro. “By investing in renewable energy, we’re reducing our carbon footprint, strengthening the local grid, and ensuring a healthier future for our patients, staff, and neighbors.”
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will begin its annual operations to stock approximately 3.2 million trout in hundreds of lakes and streams in preparation for the spring trout season.
Executive Director Tim Schaeffer will join staff and volunteers to stock the first trout of the season at Opossum Lake, Cumberland County, beginning at 10 a.m.
CLEARED:Crash on NY 417 both directions South Main Street; NY 19 (Wellsville) All lanes closed MVC SR 417 roadway closed Both EB/WB detour EB to Trapping Brook Rd to Truax Rd to SR 417/ WB to CTY Rte 28/ E State St T/ Wellsville
Crash on NY 417 both directions South Main Street; NY 19 (Wellsville) All lanes closed MVC SR 417 roadway closed Both EB/WB detour EB to Trapping Brook Rd to Truax Rd to SR 417/ WB to CTY Rte 28/ E State St T/ Wellsville
Shift 1 took advantage of the nice weather and performed a physical fitness drill. Each member performed the physical agility test to be put on the job. Each member was timed to the standard to get hired.
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Joe Fremer, predator hunter from Brockway, brought the first two coyotes to Rolfe’s weigh station on Sunday, 2/15. “I was spotting with a thermal scope Saturday morning near the Jefferson/Clearfield County line when the coyotes came out. I was able to harvest one of them at about 3:20 a.m. but the other coyote took off. I kept waiting and near 4:00 a.m. the second coyote came out into the field.”
Joe was hunting private land. He does not call, and instead uses a thermal spotting scope over fields. Joe shoots a .223 rifle. The first coyote harvested turned out to be an extremely large male coyote weighing in at 44.8#. The second coyote harvested was a female, also quite large, and weighed in at 33.0#.
Josh Bizzak of Wilcox brought in both a 11.0# female gray fox and a 10.6# male red fox. Josh hunted private lands in Elk County Saturday evening thru Sunday morning with a .17 Hornet and red lights. He harvested the male red fox at 12:30 am and the gray fox at 1:45 a.m. Josh was using an electronic call. “That was our Valentine’s Day date with my wife!” said Josh.
Hunters are reminded that if they choose to participate during the second weekend of this hunt or trap from 2/20-22, they must have their registration postmarked by Thursday, 2/19.
Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day. Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
Last week in review: Wins by the wrestling, women’s basketball and men’s lacrosse teams made for a super Saturday, while the season came to a close for the men’s basketball team.
On the horizon: With its victory, the women’s basketball team not only matched the program’s single-season win mark but also secured the United East Conference second seed and earned a first-round bye going into the playoffs. It will host the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 7 Lancaster Bible College and No. 10 Gallaudet University on Saturday at a time to be determined.
Also, this coming Saturday, the college’s baseball team steps into action for the first time this season, hosting Juniata College starting at noon in a doubleheader at Lycoming Valley Intermediate School.
WRESTLING
Last week’s hometown highlights: The Wildcats successfully defended their title in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championship, edging Penn State Behrend 152-150.5, while capturing three individual titles, six second-place finishes, and two fourth-place finishes.
Coudersport Area School District has assorted used weight room equipment for sale. To look at equipment or obtain a list of equipment available contact Steve Gerner via email – sgerner@coudyschools.net or phone – 814.274.9015.
Preference will be given to offers for the entire lot, but individual equipment offers will be considered.
Offers will be accepted until 3:00pm on February 27, 2026, and should be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent.
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Paul Costanzo brought the first predator to Rolfe’s weigh station on Friday, 2/13, a 6.8# female red fox. Paul was hunting the Johnsonburg area of Elk County Friday morning and was able to harvest this fox on private land. Paul usually shoots a .223 rifle with a thermal scope.
Josh Bizzak of Wilcox brought in a beautiful red fox, Saturday, to the weigh station. This female red fox weighed in at 8.8#. Josh shoots a .17 Hornet and was hunting private lands in Elk County when the red fox showed up at 3:30 a.m. Josh uses an electronic call and red lights. “It is really hard walking right now and there is so much light out there with all this snow so hunting conditions are just not ideal right now,” said Josh.
The February 3, 2026 regular meeting of Ceres Township Supervisors was called to order with 3 Supervisors, 3 residents, and secretary in attendance.
The FIN number for ordering the truck chassis was received and truck is ready for order
to be placed. New Business was addressed. Three quotes were received for outfitting of the grant award truck box purchase. Definite decision to be made at next meeting. Approval was given to order checks for JVB account that was started. Building permit for Zeruth was approved. Paperwork for FEMA violation was signed. Updated Labor Law Poster to be ordered. Approval given for secretary to attend training in Coudersport and PSATS dues to be paid as well as enrollment in PSATS library for webinars. A donation to Eldred Conservation Club was given. All agreed to go with Paychex for payroll service and Account Edge for accounting software. Roadmaster Reported that a great deal of plowing and sanding has been done as well as working on equipment and small truck repairs. Working on quotations for truck body. Mailbox issue with resident. Plan agreed upon to resolve issue. Public comment: DEP & County to be contacted regarding year old issue to be addressed. Coon Crossing is the only road bonded at present. The next regular meeting of Ceres Township Supervisors will be held March 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ceres Township Building.
THANK YOU TO ALL THAT ATTENDED THE SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER, DONATED ITEMS FOR THE CHINESE AUCTION OR MADE DONATIONS FOR JJ FUQUA ON FEBRUARY 1ST. YOUR DONATIONS WILL HELP HIS FAMILY SO MUCH.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 192 AND SPECIFICALLY THE AUXILIARY. WHAT A GREAT FAMILY TO BE PART OF.
Taylor Nickerson and Heather Galbraith are leading the free one-hour Deane Little Beans program at noon next Saturday, Feb. 21 in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
Both women are passionate about fine arts and performing arts for youngsters and adults.
Nickerson, owner of the West End Artisan Shop and one of its participating artists will show the youngsters how to create a snowflake. “They will use markers to color on pieces of paper. We’ll then wet the paper and watch all the colors fuse together to make a snowflake,” she said.
DAISY winners Emily Shelley, BSN, UPMC Muncy, and Christy Cooney, BSN, UPMC Williamsport, pictured with their awards.
Williamsport, Pa., February 11, 2026 – Emily Shelley, BSN, UPMC Muncy, and Christy Cooney, BSN, UPMC Williamsport, were recently recognized as recipients of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses.
Emily was nominated by a patient who shared:
“Emily made me feel heard and she made sure I was comfortable. She was so kind-hearted and understanding with my POTS flare-up. She did not just brush me off. She took the time to listen. The world needs more nurses like her.”
Christy was nominated by a patient who shared:
“Christy was extremely friendly and made me confident that ‘I could do it.’ She is extremely compassionate and caring. She is top-notch. There should be more nurses with her attitude.”
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in California by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in his memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of so many people.
UPMC is proud to be a DAISY Award partner. Nurses are nominated by patients, family members of patients, as well as other healthcare professionals. DAISY Awards are presented to nurses at UPMC in North Central Pa. monthly. Each DAISY Award Honoree is given a DAISY Award pin, a certificate of honor, and a stone sculpture entitled, A Healer’s Touch, handcrafted by a tribe in Zimbabwe. Anyone can nominate a nurse for the award including co-workers, patients, patient family members, or physicians. To nominate a nurse, visit UPMC.com/ThankaNurse.
