NEWS

Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced fire and ambulance companies in Tioga County will collectively receive more than $282,000 in state grants thanks to the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

“Our fire and EMS personnel risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of our communities, and that mission has become more difficult for several reasons,” Owlett said. “As we work to adopt policies to encourage recruitment and retention of our first responders, these grants are a big help with the financial challenges our companies face.”

“Communities across our region are fortunate to have highly skilled and dedicated volunteers who step up to protect their neighbors,” Yaw said. “These investments will help ease the day-to-day strain on these organizations and ensure they have the tools and resources they need.”

The grants were awarded as follows:

McKean County PA to welcome giants: Troll sculpture phenomenon to enchant the Allegheny National Forest Region
 Trolls in the Forest features Thomas Dambo’s giant hand-built creatures to inspire visitation and resident pride

Bradford, PA | Something giant is stirring in the woods of McKean County in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, known as Trail Central, is thrilled to announce Trolls in the Forest in McKean County, a world class public art experience by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo is coming September 2027.

This ambitious project features three, giant hand-built troll sculptures crafted entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials that will be built with the assistance of McKean County residents. Standing as high as 40 feet tall, these guardians of nature will be Dambo’s first permanent installation in Pennsylvania, putting McKean County on the international troll hunting map.  

Fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded more than $506,000 in grants from the state, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) announced today.

“With fire and EMS companies struggling to keep their doors open, these grants go a long way toward helping to meet their financial needs,” Causer said. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who work so hard to protect our communities, and I am pleased we can continue to support them with this valuable funding.”

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC).

Since its inception, the program has provided more than $9.7 million in funding to fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, or reduction of existing debt.

Following is a list of local fire and ambulance companies and the amount of their grant awards. All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OFSC to receive their grants.

McKean Co Jail – On February 11, 2026 at 1:00 pm, Daniel P. Windnagle, 38, of Portville, NY was arrested on and transferred into our custody at the McKean County Jail due to three active warrants. Daniel was then transported to Olean City Court for arraignment and was released on his own recognizance.

Allegany – On February 11, 2026 at 1:20 pm, Keith K. Ellis, 31, of Olean, NY. Keith was located at Walmart in the Town of Allegany and was placed into custody on an active Violation of Probation Warrant. Keith was arraigned in Olean City Court and was remanded to the jail. Keith is scheduled to return to court on a later date.

The Shapiro Administration invests nearly $30 million annually in traffic safety as part of its commitment to safer travel for all Pennsylvanians.

Preliminary traffic fatality data for 2025 shows a decrease in traffic fatalities for the second year in a row – demonstrating that what the Shapiro Administration is doing is working.

The survey will be available through February 28.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking input from Pennsylvanians on traffic safety and driving behaviors through an online survey that will be available beginning today through February 28 at pa.gov/dotsafety. The survey will help inform PennDOT on how the Shapiro Administration can continue to improve traffic safety – and save lives – across the Commonwealth.

This Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14, is Ice and Spice Winter Weekend in downtown Wellsboro. If the cold weather holds, people will be able to see the seven ice sculptures from Ice Ice Baby weekend, along with this weekend’s new sculptures.

See 8 Ice Masterpieces for Free

Love will be in the air this Saturday, Feb. 14, as Valentine’s Day is celebrated with eight different ice sculptures symbolizing love and romance. Carved from 16 blocks of ice weighing 300 pounds each or 2.4 tons, these masterpieces will be on display on sidewalks in front of eight Main Street businesses. This is a free event.

Ice carvers Freddy Grosser and Lavelle Mcneal are transporting the ice from Elegant Ice Creations in Broadview Heights, Ohio to Wellsboro, where they will assemble three of the sculptures and do five live demonstrations. 

Chili & Chowder with a Chance for Chocolate is back with sweet and savory goodies on Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. during the Ice and Spice Winter Weekend in Wellsboro, Pa. Proceeds benefit Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries and go directly to help Tioga County animals in need.

Several local businesses (15 last year; this year’s TBA), will concoct and serve up chili and/or chowder. With the purchase of a tasting passport for $10, participants can visit each business to sample the creations, and enter to win a different chocolate-themed gift basket at each site. The passport comes with a map, and signs outside will mark each site, all downtown within walking distance. When done tasting, participants can vote for their top three favorite dishes, with those chefs being recognized at the end of the event.

Shapiro Administration Investment to Make Route 33 Safety Improvements Nearly Four Years Faster than Planned

Route 33 project will go out for bid in fall 2026 instead of spring 2030.

Following record $3.3 billion in construction contracts going out for bid statewide in 2025, the project will be part of another anticipated record-breaking year of construction bids.

Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration, 19,313 miles of roadway have been improved and work has advanced on 1,661 state and local bridges.

Stroudsburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll today announced that safety improvements on Route 33 in Monroe County will happen nearly four years faster due to a new $13.2 million federal funding commitment from the department.

Superintendent of Schools

This Friday, Feb. 13, come out for a night of laughs, fun, and goodies to benefit Tioga County cats and dogs in need. 

The Tioga County Cat Project is presenting “Comedy to the Rescue” featuring nationally touring stand-up comedian Clay Foley. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts, 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. 

The theatre doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the show will be available near those doors.

A cash bar will be open all evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the hallway right outside the Coolidge Theatre. 

In the theatre will be a Chinese auction with gift cards to area businesses and items available for viewing by show attendees. Among them are: a baby basket with a handmade quilt, a game from Pop’s Culture Shoppe, wind chimes, cat items from Tractor Supply, a basket of children’s books with two signed by author Kevin Coolidge, a Highland Chocolates gift card with a sampler box, etc.

The Wildcats are scheduled to open their season with a nonconference match on Saturday at Susquehanna University.

Last season: 14-5 overall, 4-2 all UEC, 3-1 UEC regular season.

Coach: Jordan Williams, sixth season. Career record: 48-31.

Top returnees (last season’s stats): Sophomore attack Elliot Dotson, of Wilmington, Delaware (96 points 43 goals, 53 assists); sophomore attack Owen Kupsey, of Chadds Ford (58 points, 54 goals, 4 assists); senior attack AJ Dotson, of Wilmington, Delaware (67 points, 28 goals, 39 assists); junior midfielder Aidan McFalls, of Gilbertsville  (39 points, 26 goals, 13 assists); junior midfield Will Ehret, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey (37 points, 23 goals, 14 assists); junior goalie Ryan Twist, of Great Meadows, New Jersey (175 saves, 146 goals allowed, 9.83 goals-against average, 13-5 record); senior long stick middle Austin Callahan, of Beaver Dams, New York; sophomore faceoff Levi Borkowski, of Norristown (142-216—65.7%); sophomore faceoff Antonio Santora, of Haskell, New Jersey  (127-189—67.2%);  junior defender Ian Stambaugh, of Red Lion; junior midfield Jake Small, of Bloomsbury, New Jersey (42 points, 19 goals, 23 assists).

Key losses: Walt Heiser, Mason Nestor and Gage McClune.

Pennsylvania pesticide applicators seeking recertification credits can earn two core and two category credits during an upcoming Penn State Extension workshop.

 The “Agronomic Pesticide Update” workshop will take place from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, February 19 at the Penn State Extension office, Gunzburger Building room 216, 1 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA. For directions or elevator access please call ahead at 814-274-8540.

 This session is designed for private applicators. This 2+2 update provides crucial training in pest management decision-making, pest identification, pest life cycles, control alternatives, and the safe, proper, and legal use of pesticides, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

 The registration fee is $10. Registering before the event is encouraged and appreciated. Register online at https://extension.psu.edu/agronomic-pesticide-update  or by calling 877-345-0691

The annual Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics hosted by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) get underway next week in Eldred, Smethport and Kane. The schedule is as follows:

• Eldred Senior Center, 169 Main St., Eldred: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 9-11 a.m.
• Smethport Senior Center, 119 W. Main St., Smethport: Wednesday, Feb. 18, noon to 2 p.m.
• Kane Senior Center, 100 N. Fraley St., Kane: Thursday, Feb. 19, 1-3 p.m.

The service is free, and no appointment is required.  

For a full schedule of upcoming clinics, visit www.RepCauser.com/events.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible residents 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older. This year’s income limit is $48,110 for both homeowners and renters; be sure to exclude 50% of Social Security or railroad retirement income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.

To file for the rebate, residents must have the following documentation to allow claims to be processed:

• Renters will need a 2024 PA Rent Certificate, completed by their landlord, or statement from HUD office; 2024 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate.
• Homeowners will need proof of 2024 paid property taxes to their county, municipality and school district; 2024 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed.

Applicants who wish to receive their rebates through direct deposit should bring a check for account information. If not, paper checks will be mailed. Disbursements should begin after July 1.

Assistance is also available at Causer’s offices in Bradford (78 Main St., 814-362-4400), Coudersport (279 Route 6 West, Office 2, 814-274-9769) or Kane (54 Fraley St., 814-837-0880). Residents may also apply online at mypath.pa.gov.

On February 9, 2026 at 8:19 pm, Tyler J. Kinney, 36, of Great Valley, NY was taken into custody stemming from a domestic incident that occurred in January of 2026 in the Town of Great Valley. Kinney was charged with Unlawful Imprisonment in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree. Kinney was transported to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released with an appearance ticket. Kinney is due to appear at Great Valley Town Court at a later date.

The To Fill A Backpack program is having a “12 Days Of Cash” raffle to benefit our 2026/2027 distribution.  Now reaching out to 9 different counties which will add approximately 500 to 600 additional children in need, we will need all the help we can get.

If you are interested, feel free to send your payment through one of the online payment options (Please see info in red) and be sure to note the Pay Code shown in the notes with your payment.  Please mark your payment accordingly so that we do not get charged fees if possible. Feel free to send a check to the following address:

TFABP
Attn: 12 Days

85 Burleson Av

Roulette, PA  16746

Or feel free to give us a call at (814) 544-5802 for more information

Andy KulpTo Fill A BackpackEmail: info@tofillabackpack.org

When we think about organ transplants, kidney transplants are often the most common and the most successful. General surgeons frequently encounter questions from patients and families who want to better understand what a kidney transplant involves, who it is for, and what life looks like afterward. Whether you are managing kidney disease, supporting a loved one, or simply expanding your health knowledge, understanding the basics can help make the process feel less overwhelming.

Why Kidney Transplants Are Needed

Kidneys play a critical role in keeping our bodies healthy by filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. When kidneys fail, most often due to conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic kidney disease, those vital functions are compromised.

For many patients with end-stage kidney disease, dialysis becomes a necessary, life-sustaining treatment. Dialysis performs important work, but it can be time-consuming and physically demanding. A kidney transplant offers another option by replacing a failed kidney with a healthy one from a donor. For eligible patients, a transplant can improve quality of life, increase energy levels, and provide greater flexibility compared to long-term dialysis.

Mahlon and Sylvia Davenport of Port Allegany celebrated 70 years of marriage on Tuesday, Feb. 10. In honor of this milestone event, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) presented the Davenports with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The couple has three children, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.