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:

HEADLINE: Winter Weather Advisory issued February 5 at 12:44PM EST until February 7 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo NY

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…A combination of widespread snow and localized lake effect
snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches expected,
with locally higher amounts possible across the hilltops south of
Buffalo. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will create areas of
blowing and drifting snow.

* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and
Cattaraugus Counties.

* WHEN…From 7 AM Friday to 7 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS…Travel will be difficult. The hazardous conditions will
impact the Friday evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…An Arctic front will bring widespread snow
showers to the region Friday morning, which will then taper off to
more localized lake effect snow Friday night through Saturday.
Winds strengthening behind this front late Friday evening through
Saturday will resulting of blowing and drifting of the fresh
snowpack.

INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited
visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.

Submit snow reports through our website or social media.

Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY

Laurence R. Bailey, Jr., age 80 of Galeton passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Guy & Mary Felt Manor in Emporium.  Born July 23, 1945 in Olean, NY, he was the son of the late Laurence and Dorothy (Gardner) Bailey, Sr. 

Larry proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.  He married JoAnn C. Carlson on April 24, 1971 in Galeton and they shared 34 years together until her passing in 2005. 

He worked for 38 years as an installer for the telephone company, Bell Atlantic and then Verizon.  He was a member and served as cantor at the First Baptist Church of Shinglehouse, was a 36 year member and First Responder of the Galeton Hose Ambulance, served on the Galeton School Board and was an active member of both, the Galeton Moose Lodge and the Raymond Richar VFW Post #6611. Larry loved the outdoors; hunting and riding his 4 wheeler. 

He is survived by his children, Eric Bailey of Galeton, Kristin and Dan Martuccio of Emporium and Kevin and Tiffany Bailey of Wind Gap, PA; grandchildren, Gabrielle Martuccio of Erie, PA, Nicholas Martuccio of Emporium and Stella Bailey of Wind Gap; sister, Lyn and Jim King of Milton, PA and brother, Tim and Julie Bailey of Olean, NY.  Family will receive friends at the Galeton Hose Ambulance, 2 Union St., Galeton on Saturday, February 7^th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. 

A funeral service with military honors will be held immediately following at 12:00 PM with Rev. Clint Pearsall officiating.  Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Galeton Hose Ambulance. 

Arrangements are in care of the Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.  

The Cole Foundation recently received a donation from Rich Johnson’s family through the Honor Your Caregiver program, along with a message praising Dr. Andrea Heller’s outstanding care.

In memory of Rich Johnson, our family wishes to honor Dr. Andrea Heller for the exceptional palliative care she provided over the past 15 months.

Dr. Heller demonstrated deliberate thoughtfulness in her approach caring for Rich. During each visit, she engaged him on a personal level, discussing any and all issues that affected his quality of life, and she listened to his priorities. She guided and educated our family on the progression of his dementia and other health concerns, ensuring we always considered Rich’s personal wishes and treatment goals. She showed us an abundance of kindness, compassion, and knowledge.

Throughout this challenging time, Dr. Heller became a vital source of truth for our family. She instilled hope and confidence in us, reassuring us that we could meet Rich’s needs while honoring his wishes. She provided clarity and comfort as we navigated various medical options and potential outcomes. Her support brought great comfort to our family, and we will forever be grateful that Dr. Heller, affectionately known by Rich as “The Cute Minister,” was his physician.

Thank you, Dr. Heller, for being part of our dad’s team.

The Family of Rich Johnson

If you would like to make a donat ion to honor a caregiver, visit our website at

YourColeFoundation.org.

EXTREME COLD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING…

* WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below possible.

* WHERE…A portion of central Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday morning.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must go outside, dress in layers. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

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.   

Extreme Cold Watch issued February 5 at 12:49AM EST until February 8 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerous wind chills colder than 20 below zero possible.

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

* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS…The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…An arctic front will bring cold air and strong winds to the region Saturday morning. Below normal temperatures and blustery winds will result in wind chills dropping well below zero Saturday morning. Wind chills will remain below zero through the rest of the weekend.

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

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.

Issued By: NWS Binghamton NY

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Extreme Cold Watch issued February 5 at 1:01AM EST until February 8 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero possible. The coldest wind chills are expected to be late Friday night through Saturday.

* WHERE…Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties.

* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday morning.

* IMPACTS…Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could 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

The SkillsUSA Pennsylvania District 6 Competitive Events were held on Thursday, January 29th and Friday, January 30, 2026. Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel by providing educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.

Students throughout the central region of Pennsylvania traveled to the Pennsylvania College of Technology to compete in a variety of competitions. The results are in and the following students placed in their competitions:

1st- Reily Coopersmith, Port Allegany School District ~ Restaurant Services
1st- Jett Finch, Austin Area School District ~ Job Interview
1st- Jaiden Thomas, Smethport Area School District ~ Health Portfolio
2nd- Mackenzie Mack, Northern Potter School District ~ Culinary Arts
3rd- Aiden Collins, Smethport Area School District ~ Information Technology
We would also like to recognize all of this year’s competitors:
Melony Benson, Otto-Eldred School District ~ EMS
Melina Burford, Port Allegany School District ~ Basic Health Care
Skylar Burrows, Austin Area School District ~ Nurse Assisting
Autumn Ford, Oswayo Valley School District ~ Medical Assistant
Trinity Menteer, Kane Area School District ~ Criminal Justice
Cyrerra Neely, Port Allegany School District ~ Medical Terminology
Zachary Pitts, Oswayo Valley School District ~ Welding
Lillian Major, Cameron County School District ~ Early Childhood

We are very proud of all our students who took extra time to prepare and compete!! The state competition this year will be held in Hershey, Pennsylvania on April 8-10, 2026. State Gold Medalists from this event in April will advance to the National Leadership & Skills Conference.