Responding to the tragic death of 2-year-old Oakley Hedlund in Bradford earlier this year, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has introduced legislation that would better protect children against convicted child abusers.
House Bill 2075 would impose a mandatory period of post-release supervision for any offender convicted of a crime involving a minor child, even if the offender has served the maximum term of imprisonment imposed by the court.
November 2025 was a somewhat normal November. It was wetter and colder than normal. We had 17 days with reportable precipitation.
Morning temperature readings were mainly in the 30.s and a few high 20’s. We did have a reading of 42 on the 26th. The days were mostly cloudy with windy conditions. We had damaging winds on the 6th.We had 4 very foggy mornings.
We received 2.44″ of rainfall and melted snow. We measured 4.4″ of snow. We recorded 2 days with one inch or more of snow on the ground, with the 2″ reading on the 11th. We had a trace of snow on the ground for 5 days. Last year, we received 2.57″ of rain and melted snow with 3″ of snow. Pine Creek is still low.
It has been a dry year thus far. Get ready for winter. The NWS predicts a colder than normal December with some interesting snowfall readings starting off the new month.
The mowers may be put away until spring, however, I did note mowing taking place the last week of November. I am sure if the lawns remain snow free there will still be some mowing. It never stops. Get the snow shovels out. Henry W. Lush National Weather Service Observer
Last week in review: In a very light schedule due to the Thanksgiving break, the men’s and women’s basketball teams both secured victories.
On the horizon: The basketball teams step into United East Conference play for the first time on Wednesday, hosting Penn State Abington at Bardo Gymnasium.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Last week’s hometown highlights: Hosting Penn State Mont Alto on Tuesday, the Wildcats halted their season-opening loss string at six with Octavio Alexander, of Dallas, Texas, scoring 17 points and Landon Reeder, of Montoursville, adding 15 points.
SCHEDULE/RECORDS
Overall: 1-6
UEC: 0-0
Tuesday, Nov. 25 — host Penn State Mont Alto, W, 87-82
Wednesday, Dec. 3 — host Penn State Abington (UEC), 5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5 — at Elmira College, 6 p.m.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Last week’s hometown highlights: Gigi Parlante, of Williamsport, ripped the cords for 29 points and 11 rebounds, and Breana Valentine, of Fairfield, scored 18 points in Tuesday’s win at Penn State Berks.
SCHEDULE/RECORDS
Overall: 7-1
UEC: 0-0
Tuesday, Nov. 25 — at Penn State Berks, W, 84-42
Wednesday, Dec. 3 — host Penn State Abington (UEC), 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6 — host Penn State Schuylkill, 1 p.m.
WRESTLING
SCHEDULE/RECORD
Overall: 1-1
AMCC: 0-0
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 5-6 — at York College New Standard Invitational, 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Freshman Taryn Smith, of Edinburg, was named to the UEC All-Sportsmanship Team.
For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website.
For more about the United East, visit the conference website.
GLOW and Christmas in a Small Town – Galeton celebrated GLOW (Galeton Lights on the Water) and Christmas in a Small Town Saturday evening. The park decorations and lights were a joint effort by the Galeton Chamber of Commerce, The Galeton Library, Galeton Area elementary school students, and Galeton Parks and Recreation.
Theodore M. Schneider, 89, of 1245 Million Dollar Highway, Kersey, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Friday, November 28, 2025.
He was born March 19, 1936 in St. Marys, son of the late Leo and Anna Mertz Schneider. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1955. Following high school, Ted served two years as military police in the United States Army and after sixty years, he retired as a property manager in 2000.
On September 1, 1962, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ted married the late Veronica H. Hoffman, who preceded him in death on December 17, 2010.
James F. GOTSHALL, 91, of Port Allegany, PA, passed Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
A gathering to celebrate Jim’s life will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1:00 — 3:00 PM at the First Church of God, 142 South Main Street, Eldred, PA 16731. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, Port Allegany, PA 16743. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Carl D. CORNELL, 81, of Wellsville, NY, died Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born November 26, 1944, in Cuba, he was the son of Alvin and Virginia R. Sweet Cornell. On November 26, 1995, in Willing, he married Thelma Collins Capron Pressler, who predeceased him on December 27, 2021.
A 1962 graduate of Alfred-Almond High School, he was employed by L.C. Whitford for over 40 years. Carl was a past captain and member of the Wellsville Ambulance Corps in 1970’s, past member of the Alfred Station Fire Department in the 1980’s, and an active member of the Wellsville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Surviving are: two sons, Mike (Judy) Cornell of Batavia and Philip (Sarah) Cornell of Springwater; a daughter, Kimberly (William) Augustine of Victor; two step-sons, Paul “Richie”(Kathy) Capron of Watkins Glen and Timothy Capron of Newark; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Norilyn Patrick of Belmont; a brother, Gene (Joan) Cornell of Lake City, FL; nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Thelma, he was predeceased by a step-son, Joe Capron; a brother-in-law, Donald Patrick; and a sister-in-law, Sandy Cornell.
A public memorial service for Carl and Thelma will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the Wellsville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 115 Chamberlain Street, Wellsville, NY. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Bradford, PA — The United Way of the Bradford Area has awarded the fourth round of Quarterly Impact funding. This funding stream is available quarterly throughout the year.
“From 1968 to 1975, The Band was one of the most popular and influential rock groups in the world,” wrote Bruce Eder in an article published in the “All-Music Guide.” “Their music was embraced by critics as seriously as the music of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones,” Eder continued.
Next Friday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro, 14 musicians will recreate The Last Waltz, the 1976 Farewell Concert of The Band, a Canadian-American roots rock group formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1968.
One of the most spectacular events in rock history, their concert was on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1976 in the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, California. The Band’s show began at 9 p.m. and ended at 2 a.m. It was not only a celebration but also the last time they would ever all perform together live.
Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Muddy Waters were among the musical legends that performed with The Band that night.
The Leadership Cattaraugus Scholarship Fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation will be accepting applications from local leaders interested in joining the 2026 Leadership Cattaraugus cohort.
Applications will be accepted until January 1.
This scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals who live or work in Cattaraugus County and are participating in the Leadership Cattaraugus program. The scholarship, which awards up to 30% of program tuition, aims to support emerging leaders committed to making a difference in their community.
Leadership Cattaraugus was founded to foster and enhance leadership skills among local professionals, inspiring them to take an active role in the county’s future growth and development. The program provides valuable opportunities for networking, education and collaboration.
Applicants must live in and/or work in Cattaraugus County and be employed by a small (fewer than 100 employees) government entity, nonprofit or small business independently owned and operated in Cattaraugus County.
Applicants are judged by criteria including, but not limited to, the following:
The individual is an existing or emerging leader
Holds a leadership position in his/her organization or expects to move into a leadership position within his/her organization in the next six to 12 months
Serves as a formal or informal leader in his/her community. Examples include:
Serving as an elected official
Leadership in a civic or faith-based activity outside of the workplace
Coaching a sport
Coordinating a community activity/fundraising effort, etc.
Has a vested interest in creating sustainable, vibrant Cattaraugus County communities as demonstrated by community volunteerism and other similar activities
Engages in or expresses willingness to engage in community service activities (volunteerism, community campaigns, service on a board, etc.)
“Strong leadership is essential for the long-term success of our community,” said CRCF Executive Director Kirk Windus. “By making this program more accessible, the Leadership Cattaraugus Scholarship encourages aspiring leaders to advance their abilities and expand their impact.”
The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
* WHAT…Heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE…Potter County.
* WHEN…Until 1 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The heaviest snow will fall later tonight and Friday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.
Snow, high winds forecast for northwest PA starting tonight
Go to 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the most up-to-date information on weather impacts and vehicle restrictions
Harrisburg, PA–Ahead of anticipated winter weather in northern Pennsylvania starting Wednesday evening, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving. Additionally, PennDOT will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.
The storm will begin as snow Wednesday evening in the northwest and will spread eastward through the northern Pennsylvania Thursday into Friday. Snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour are possible in Erie and Crawford counties, along with wind gusts of over 30 miles per hour throughout the storm.
CARE for Children will host “Caring Santa,” a sensory-friendly holiday event, on Saturday, December 6, at the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center in Bradford. Visits with Santa will be held by appointment from 10 a.m. to noon. Children will have the opportunity to enjoy a quiet, inclusive visit with Santa and receive a holiday gift. The event is designed especially for children who may find a traditional Santa visit overwhelming.
The program is part of CARE’s therapeutic recreation program and is sponsored in part by the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc.
Light refreshments will be provided. Reservations are required, and space is limited. To register or learn more, call CARE for Children at 814-362-4621 or email reception@careforchildren.info.
CARE for Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children of all abilities through pediatric therapy, early learning, and child safety programs.
