NEWS

Superintendent of Schools

BRADFORD, Pa. — The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host “Rite in Ash,” an art exhibition by Pittsburgh-born artist Jeremy Tarr, from Feb. 19 through April 3 in the KOA Art Gallery in Blaisdell Hall.

The exhibition opens with a free public reception at noon Feb. 19.

“Rite in Ash” examines destruction as a form of creation through an installation exploring Devil’s Night in Detroit and its cultural impact across the rust belt. The work features abstracted images of house fires set by residents on the night before Halloween, framing them as acts of observance marking the collapse of the region’s social and economic ecosystem.

Tarr, who was raised in Pittsburgh’s working-class neighborhoods, draws inspiration from the Appalachian rust belt landscape and its mythologies. His practice centers on the presence of absence, the physicality of the immaterial and the complexities of unknowing as liberation.

The artist works as an instructor at Syracuse University, teaching digital sculpture in the studio arts concentration, and as a technical fabricator in the School of Architecture. He earned his Master of Fine Arts from Syracuse University and has exhibited in Pittsburgh, Berlin, Italy, New York City and Los Angeles.

Tarr has completed artist residencies at the Axel Haubrok Fahrbereitschaft in Berlin and Governors Island in New York City.

For more information, visit upb.pitt.edu/theArts or call 814-362-5113.

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 Saturday, February 14, 2026, through Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of the Presidents Day 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.

Geraldine Ella Howard                 “services slated”

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.—Family and friends may pay their respects to Geraldine “Ella” Howard, 99, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 12pm with The Rev. Russell J. Horning, former pastor of the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, officiating.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

A reception will follow the service at the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 at 1pm.

Ella’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

REMINDER: Live training opportunity tomorrow! There’s still time to register.

Don’t miss this live, virtual training opportunity! This training is available at no cost to all USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed lending partners.

*Click on Photo for Link

On January 20, 2026, members of the Coudersport Rotary Club visited Coudersport Elementary School third graders to distribute student dictionaries, continuing a tradition that has been part of Rotary’s commitment to literacy for more than a decade.

Each third-grade student received a personal dictionary to support reading, writing, and language development both in the classroom and at home. Rotary members spoke briefly with students about how to use the dictionaries and encouraged them to explore new words and develop a love of learning

The Coudersport Rotary Club thanks the elementary school faculty and staff for their continued partnership and support in making the program a success.

(Pictured with the Coudersport Elementary third grade students: Front row: Mikayla Sallade, Rotarian Pat Northeimer, Mary Kay Connoly and Rotarian Ruth Sallade)

Smethport School District will operate on a two hour delay, Monday February 9th.

 Prime Food Processing LLC Issues Allergy Alert and Safety Warning Regarding Uneviscerated Dried Croaker Fish

Brooklyn, NY – Prime Food Processing LLC is voluntarily recalling Dried Croaker Fish because the product was not adequately eviscerated, as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fish that are not properly eviscerated may retain internal organs that can harbor harmful bacteria or toxins, posing a potential health risk to consumers.

Recalled Products

• Item #AF1410 – Dried Croaker Fish- Expiration :12-28-27

Packaging:

• Clear Packaging with Green Trim

Distribution

The recalled products were distributed to Asian grocery stores in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, MA, MD, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA. WI.

Reason for Recall

The issue was identified during routine testing conducted by the New York Department of Agriculture. The recall was initiated after the product was selected and sent for regulatory testing. A subsequent investigation determined that the problem originated from an imported product manufactured in Vietnam. At this time, no illnesses or adverse reactions associated with the affected product have been reported.

View Full Recall

Last week in review: Another double-win week moved the women’s basketball team to within one victory of tying the program season win record of 19 set during the 2005-06 campaign. The 18-win mark has only been achieved twice in program history — 2004-05 and 2007-08, both before the college entered its NCAA era in 2014.

On the horizon: This coming Saturday will be a sweetheart of a day for Penn College athletics as the wrestling team will defend its title when it hosts the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championships starting at 10 a.m. at Bardo Gymnasium, the basketball teams wrap up their United East Conference regular seasons, the archery team competes in the USA Archery Indoor Championships at Lancaster, and the men’s lacrosse team is scheduled to open its season at Susquehanna University.

Last year at the AMCC Championship, the wrestling team, in just its second season in the conference, dominated the championships, sending 18 to the podium — eight of them champions — and finishing with 191 points in a five-team field.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Last week’s hometown highlights: In Wednesday’s 70-point win over Valley Forge, Gigi Parlante, of Williamsport, had a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double, while Mia Patterson, of Loyalsock Township, and Lexi Troup, of Huntingdon, both scored 16 points.

Cold Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 12:37AM EST until February 9 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Binghamton NY

* WHAT…For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills from 15 to 30 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills from 10 to 20 below.

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

* WHEN…For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 1 PM this afternoon to 10 AM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS…The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. Hypothermia is also possible from prolonged exposure to the cold.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The coldest wind chills are expected over the exposed, higher elevations this morning. Wind gusts gradually diminish today, falling below 25 mph for most locations. The coldest wind chills Sunday night into Monday should occur around sunrise.

INSTRUCTIONS: Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside or are traveling.

To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Issued By: NWS Binghamton NY

On February 4, 2026, the State College Police Department filed a criminal complaint charging Gavin McKenna with Felony Aggravated Assault, Misdemeanor Simple Assault, Summary Harassment and Summary Disorderly Conduct. The complaint alleges that the victim was punched twice on the right side of his face by the defendant following an exchange of words between the alleged victim’s group and the group of people with Gavin McKenna. The complaint further alleges that the victim sustained fractures to both sides of his jaw which would require surgery and that he was missing a tooth.

Follow-up by State College Police has confirmed that the victim suffered two fractures to one side of his jaw, as opposed to both sides of his jaw, and that he is not missing a tooth. The victim has had surgery and is recovering.

In order to establish probable cause for the crime of Aggravated Assault, the Commonwealth must establish that a person acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or acted recklessly under circumstances showing an extreme indifference to the value of human life. Both the District Attorney’s Office and the State College Police Department have reviewed video evidence of this incident and do not believe that a charge of Aggravated Assault is supported by the evidence. Accordingly, the District Attorney’s Office will be withdrawing the felony count of Aggravated Assault and correcting the record regarding the injuries suffered by the victim. A review of the video does not support a conclusion that Gavin McKenna acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or with reckless indifference to the value of human life.

It is important to remember that these charges are an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all cases, a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Prosecution will go forward with the misdemeanor Simple Assault and other summary charges as they relate to the serious injuries suffered by the victim.

Alfred Station, NY, February 4, 2026 – The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women (ACC FFW) announces the opening of its grant application period for 2026 on February 5, 2026. Grant applications will be accepted February 5 through March 20, 2026, with award notifications on or around April 30th, 2026.

These grants are awarded to women in the tri-county region to facilitate sustained economic self-sufficiency.  The amount awarded may vary from year-to-year, based on the number of applications and funds available, up to $1,000 per grant.   Grants are awarded based on demonstration of financial need and the applicants’ plan for how the grant funds will increase self-sufficiency.  Recipients in prior years have used the funds to purchase equipment, to support business start-up expenses, or to advance skills and training.   

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced $10.4 million in grant awards for organizations and projects across the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region that help to advance local efforts to grow the region’s tourism and outdoor recreation sectors in a sustainable way. 

The investments were selected through a statewide competitive process as part of the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), a grant program DCNR administers annually.

This year’s C2P2 grants in the PA Wilds region cover a range of projects and partnerships, from providing funding for regional organizations that are helping to coordinate outdoor recreation, tourism and heritage development partnership networks, programs, mini grant programs and other critical capacity, to specific projects in individual communities related to stewardship, planning, and developing tourism, recreation and heritage assets.

The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center) received a grant for $300,000 to coordinate and fund activities of the PA Wilds Conservation Landscape; and promote regional outdoor recreation, public lands, and conservation.

Pennsylvania pheasant hunters again will be getting a pleasant surprise for the season’s final weeks.

For the second consecutive year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission will be releasing approximately 8,400 pheasants, mostly hens, to provide additional hunting recreation in the last two weeks of pheasant season, which runs through Feb. 28.

“The Game Commission purchases the pheasant chicks raised on our game farms from a private-sector supplier,” said Wildlife Operations Division Chief Ian Gregg. “During the 2024 and 2025 production seasons, we requested our supplier to raise additional pheasants to be held through the fall and early winter as an ‘insurance policy’ against any disease issues that might arise in the supplier’s primary breeder flocks. With flocks presently healthy, it’s not feasible to hold onto these ‘backup’ birds, which will be released to provide late-winter hunting opportunities.” 

TO THE GALETON COMMUNITY:
We are sad to announce the closing of Galeton Drug Store effective February 13th. We know the store and its staff have served the community for many years.

Pharmacies are closing at a rate of 1 store/day in PA and without legislative change that trend will continue.

Please know that we understand how vital pharmacy services are to a community. We are committed to providing outstanding care to Galeton, hopefully with some familiar faces along the way. We’re excited to serve you and look forward to getting to know you.

• All prescription records will be transferred to Coudersport Pharmacy
• Starting February 16th, Coudersport Pharmacy will begin daily delivery services (Mon-Fri) to Galeton and surrounding areas.
• Coudersport Pharmacy phone# is (814)738-8383, Open Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM / Sat 9 AM-1 PM
• Coudersport Pharmacy offers a full line of Brand and Generic medications, including GLP1 and some brand name medications that may not have been available locally before the transition.
• We anticipate a high call volume initially, so we ask for your kindness and patience as we try to meet the needs of our communities.
• If your prescription is low on refills, please call your physician and have them electronically send us new refills. We will keep them on file in our system until you need them.

Stay tuned for further details as we work through the transition.

Sincerely,
Galeton Drug Store and Coudersport Pharmacy

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Thursday, February 12, is the last date to register for Rolfe Beagle Club’s 10^th annual Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap.  The hunt or trap is scheduled for two weekends in February, 2/13-15; and 20-22.  Your registration must be received or postmarked on Thursday, February 12, if you plan on hunting or trapping both weekends.

Registration must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, February 19, if you are going to participate in the second weekend only.  All registrations must be received at the Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845.  Registration must include a phone number or an email.  Questions may be addressed to wlhab9@gmail.com.

Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day.  Categories include coyote, fox, and largest female coyote, or largest female fox.  Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.

Special Weather Statement National Weather Service State College PA 507 AM EST Sat Feb 7 2026
…BANDS OF SNOW THIS MORNING…

Bands of snow showers will move across Central Pennsylvania this morning. These snow showers will quickly reduce visibility to less than one mile and may result in slick roads. Use extra caution while driving and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicles in front of you.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me….I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.”

Amazing Grace is a hymn written by John Newton, who penned the words from his personal experiences. Although raised to follow God, he lived contrary to everything he was taught. In fact, he had become quite a vile person and even denounced God and everything he had ever been taught about Him. During a terrible storm at sea, God began to work on his heart. As he came to the end of himself, he contemplated the grace of God. He wondered whether he was even worthy of His mercy. The rest of the story is history, as Amazing Grace was born from that experience.

Smethport – William D. “Bill” Rees, Sr., 82, of Smethport, passed away Wednesday (February 4, 2026) at Warren Manor, Warren, PA.

He was born February 28, 1943 in Olean, NY, the son of George Vernon and Mary (Moody) Rees. On May 8, 1971, in Eldred, PA, he married Jacqueline A. Bradt, who survives.

Mr. Rees was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1961 and attended Olean Business Institute, obtaining a business degree.

Bill worked for Interstate Amesite for many years before retirement. He went back to work at Erdman Anthony Consuting Engineers of Mechanicsburg, and worked there until he retired again in 2017.

Bill was an avid farmer and gardener. He had also owned “The Betty Blue” in Eldred from it’s beginnings. He coached Little League in Coryville for many years and enjoyed his time fishing and boating at Chautauqua Lake with his family. He was a member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club and the Eldred American Legion.

Extreme Cold Warning issued February 6 at 1:03AM EST until February 8 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo, NY

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero expected. The coldest wind chills are expected to be late tonight through Saturday.

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

* WHEN…From 1 AM Saturday to 10 AM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero will cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.

INSTRUCTIONS: This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 25 below zero or colder.

Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY

Extreme Cold Warning issued February 6 at 1:03AM EST until February 8 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30 below zero
expected.

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

* WHEN…From 4 AM Saturday to 1 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS…The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

INSTRUCTIONS: Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside.

To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to
drip slowly.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Issued By: NWS Binghamton NY

MANSFIELD, PA – C&N is pleased to highlight Kori Casselberry in her new role as Vice President & Mortgage Loan Originator. Her continued leadership, experience and commitment to community exemplify C&N’s relationship-based approach to banking.

Kori began her career at C&N in 2013 and has over a decade of experience in mortgage lending, underwriting and processing. She has served in several specialized roles, including Loan Origination Manager and Mortgage Loan Underwriting Team Leader. These roles strengthened her ability to anticipate challenges, streamline lending processes, and support both customers and colleagues with thoughtful, solution-focused leadership.

Pike Township will hold an Executive Session on Friday, February 6, 2026  at 5:00 PM.

The meeting will take place at 181 West Main St, Galeton, PA

Williamsport, Pa., February 5, 2026 – JayAnne Hall, patient care technician, UPMC Williamsport; Sue Minotti, supply specialist, Hospital Operations, UPMC Muncy; Shane Allen, support technician, Surgical Services, UPMC Williamsport; and Astacia Tyler, CNA, Muncy Place, wererecently recognized with the BEE Award for theiroutstanding support of nursing teams.

The BEE Award, meaning Be Extraordinary Every Day, recognizes the care team that supports nursing staff and works closely with them to provide patients with the compassion and care they need.

JayAnne was nominated by a patient who shared: