From the Office of: Glenn “GT” Thompson
The Good
Brews to Barns Act: American brewers generate nearly five million metric tons of spent grain each year, and many of them donate this by-product to local farmers and ranchers. To incentivize this relationship between agriculture and small businesses, I recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would establish an excise tax credit for brewers who donate their spent grain for local agricultural use. The Brews to Barns Act will help reduce input costs for our country’s producers, support small businesses, and strengthen local economies. I’m pleased to lead this legislation to provide relief to small breweries and farms across Pennsylvania.
Free Golden Afternoons Program to Feature Brandy Hirsh
Free Golden Afternoons Program to Feature Brandy Hirsh Teaching Chair Yoga Exercises on Tuesday, Nov. 17
At 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the Deane Center lobby at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro, the free one-hour Golden Afternoons program, open to men and women ages 65 and older, will feature Brandy Hirsh, instructor at the Seasons Yoga Room, teaching chair yoga exercises for seniors.
“I’m particularly drawn to gentle and restorative styles of yoga. In this fast-paced world I want to spread the message that rest isn’t something you earn, it’s something you practice,” says Hirsh.
“I began practicing yoga in 2009 and started working towards being a certified yoga teacher in 2018. I received my RYT 200 in 2019. This is the foundational 200-hour yoga teacher training credential recognized by organizations like Yoga Alliance. It is the baseline requirement to teach group and private yoga lessons. In 2021, I received an additional certification in Yoga for Mental Health with instructor Cindy Beers.”
Hirsh opened the Seasons Yoga Room at the Deane Center in September of this year. It is located on the third floor and accessible by elevator. She holds classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. and on Tuesday afternoons at 3:45 p.m. for $10 per class.
Chair yoga modifies standard yoga poses to be performed while sitting in a chair and/or using a chair to provide support while participants stand to do some of the exercises. Goals include building strength, reducing back pain and improving balance.
A typical class focuses on breathing, mobility, gentle strength, and relaxation and improving flexibility and lower-leg circulation.
Among the common chair yoga exercises and poses are: Centering and Warm-Ups, Seated Mountain Pose, Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing), Neck Rolls and Shoulder Circles, Seated Cat–Cow and Seated Side Stretch, Seated Spinal Twist, Seated Forward Bend, Seated Triangle/Extended Side Angle, Seated Leg Lifts and Extensions, Ankle Circles and Foot Flexes, Seated Figure-Four/Pigeon Variation, Chair-Supported Warrior Poses (Warrior I or II), Seated Tree Pose and Seated Shavasana.
Free light refreshments will be provided.
Golden Afternoons is sponsored in part by the Wellsboro Electric Company, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Hodrick Realty and La Pulga Tequila.
Those planning to attend Hirsh’s free Golden Afternoons program are asked to RSVP (preregister) by visiting the Deane Center’s website at deanecenter.com. For more information about Golden Afternoons, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220.
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Meat and Poultry Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE), meat and poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products contain sesame, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product labels. In addition, the beef product contains Worcestershire sauce that contains anchovy (fish), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product labels. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
Crafters and Vendors are Invited to Participate in the Tioga County Cat Project’s Meowy & Bright Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 12
Crafters and vendors are invited to participate in the Tioga County Cat Project’s Meowy & Bright Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Covington Community Center, 2150 North Williamson Road in Covington, PA. There is no setup fee, but it is requested that each vendor or crafter donate a raffle item to benefit this 501c3 non-profit organization.
Crafters sell items they make by hand, such as hand-knitted apparel, custom woodwork, or poured candles, while vendors sell anything from commercial goods to factory-made products, pre-packaged foods, vintage finds, or multi-level marketing/direct-sales merchandise like Tupperware or jewelry.
November Star Award Winner Recognized for Patient Advocacy
OLEAN, NY – Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is proud to announce the winner of the 2026 November Star Award. This month’s recipient is Karla Zielinski, a unit clerk in radiology. Zielinski has been with OGH since 1992.
“Karla consistently goes above and beyond to care for both patients and her team. Most recently, when a patient with a pacemaker needed an MRI, Karla spent several hours contacting hospitals in Florida to obtain the patient’s medical records and help ensure the implant could be verified as MRI-safe before the procedure. Her dedication and persistence did not go unnoticed, with colleagues from multiple departments recognizing her efforts,” said her nomination. “Other colleagues have expressed gratitude for Karla’s help, describing her as kind, helpful and extremely patient throughout the process. Karla is a true patient advocate and imaging is blessed to have her.”
Pamela D. Kellner, 73, of Port Allegany
Port Allegany – Pamela D. Kellner, 73, of Port Allegany, passed away Thursday (November 5, 2026) at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport, with her family by her side.
She was born April 7, 1953, in Port Allegany, the daughter of Harold and Evelyn (Engblom) Astel. On July 15, 1979, in Coudersport, PA, she married Robert L. Kellner, Jr., who survives.
Mrs. Kellner was a waitress, employed by several local restaurants including Ron’s Place and the Canoe Place Inn. She also worked at Emporium Specialties.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son; Jeremiah (Shanna) Amell of Port Allegany, PA,
Two Grandchildren; Drake (Allie) Amell and Isac Amell
One Great grandson Keaten Amell
One sister; Carol Principe of Smethport, PA
Several nieces and nephews
Pamela was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Harold and Skip Astle
There will be no visitation.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Port Allegany Veterans Memorial Home, 4743 Rt. 155, Port Allegany, with the Rev Max Simms as Celebrant.
Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.
Memorials may be made to the S.W. Smith Library, Port Allegany
Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Galeton, Pennsylvania, October 2026 Weather Report
October 2026 could be best described as a nice summer month. There were some frosty mornings, but for the most part the mornings were mild. The days were sunny, warm, and dry.
Last year (2025) we received 4.26″ of rain, and this year the reading was 1.69″. Pine Creek is low. If the old saying is correct, ” winter will not arrive until the streams are full”. It will be interesting to see if that holds true this year.
The foliage was not as colorful this year; however, the grass is growing, and the lawns are being mowed.
Perhaps Thanksgiving will be the stopping date. It is something to be thankful for.
Henry W. Lush, National Weather Service Observer
Alyson Lush Daily Observer
Alfred Eugene “Gene” SchramCHRAM, 90, of Allentown, NY
Alfred Eugene “Gene” SCHRAM, 90, of Allentown, NY, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026, in his home. Born July 16, 1936, in Allentown, he was the son of Clarence and Dorothy Oliver Schram. On December 19, 1964, he married Mary Ervin, who predeceased him on August 21, 2007.
Alfred graduated from Allentown High School in a class with two other students. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 20, 1955, and completed basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. He later graduated from the Military Police Training Center at Camp Gordon GA, going on to serve in Germany. He was honorably discharged on September 27, 1957. Alfred had several jobs over the years. He worked at BF Goodrich, owned and operated his own milk delivery service, and later retired from Air Preheater in 1998. His hobbies and interests included completing puzzles, listening to Willie Nelson music, watching old Westerns and other tv shows. More importantly, he loved racing, hunting, and collecting knives. Alfred never missed watching a NASCAR race and in is younger days was a frequent at the dirt track.
He more recently acquired a new hunting shack and side-by-side so that he could hunt this season. Fortunately, he had the chance to go hunting a handful of times before his passing. Alfred overcame many challenges throughout his life, but even during the toughest times, he remained strong and lived a fulfilling life.
Surviving are: two children, Timothy (Tammy) Schram of Scio and Cindy (Jon) Winchell of Allentown; five grandchildren, Amanda (Zach) Hamer and Tyler (Sara) Carlin; Matt Winchell, Taylor Winchell, and Kate (Cory) Waters; six great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Grayson, Cooper, Whitney, Leah, and Carson; nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two sisters, Donna Callighan and Peggy M. Foster.
Friends may call Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY, where Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Glen Layfield will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Wellsville American Legion Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
PennDOT Driver’s License, Photo Centers Closed for Veterans Day Holiday
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that all driver’s license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.
Customers may 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.
Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver’s license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver’s license or vehicle insurance restoration fees; driver’s license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
Making Beautiful Music for the Whole Community
Endowed fund supports organ performance and music education
BRADFORD, Pa. — A new endowed fund will enhance the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s long commitment to supporting arts programming and musical performances that can be enjoyed by many. The Evans & Fiorentino Organ Recital Endowment will support the University’s annual Advent & Christmas Organ Concert, a signature community event that welcomes audiences from across the region to campus each holiday season.
Thanks to the generous donation of Dr. K. James Evans and Dr. Lisa Fiorentino, the concert will remain a permanent community tradition, bringing acclaimed artists to campus while celebrating the beauty and power of organ music. The 15th anniversary edition of the recital will be held in Pitt-Bradford’s Harriett B. Wick Chapel, featuring its Sarah B. Dorn Pipe Organ, at Noon on Friday, December 4.
Pamela D. Kellner, 73, of Port Allegany
Port Allegany – Pamela D. Kellner, 73, of Port Allegany, passed away Thursday (November 5, 2026) at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport, with her family by her side.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany and will be announced.
PUC Approves Settlement with UGI Related to Plastic Natural Gas Pipe Installation Practices
Settlement resolves alleged pipeline construction and inspection issues while strengthening future oversight, quality assurance, safety reporting and accountability for plastic natural gas pipe installations
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement between the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and UGI Utilities Inc. – Gas Division (UGI) concerning alleged shortcomings in pipeline construction quality assurance and oversight related to plastic natural gas pipe installations in several eastern Pennsylvania communities.
Following a summer public comment period, the Commission voted 5-0 to adopt a Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement filed on March 20, 2026, by I&E and UGI. The approved settlement resolves the Commission’s investigation while establishing a series of measures intended to strengthen future construction oversight, enhance quality assurance, improve safety reporting and expand the use of operational data to support the continued safe and reliable operation of Pennsylvania’s natural gas distribution system.
The investigation did not identify any gas leaks, explosions, fires, proper…
Seneca Highlands CTC’s “Student of the Week”
Brock Marsiglio is the Heavy Equipment Maintenance student of the week for the week of November 2nd. Brock is a senior at Port Allegany and a 3rd-year student in the HEM program. Brock is a student who enjoys working on tractors and the challenges that come with working on equipment. Brock is a pleasure to have in class and in the shop. He has become a great example to those around him.
Getting Help Shouldn’t Create New Costs: PUC Approves Consumer Safeguards for Utility Assistance Enrollment
Chairman DeFrank motion clears path for more vulnerable Duquesne Light customers to receive bill assistance while protecting them from supplier fees and preserving payment plan rights
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved additional consumer protections championed by PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank as part of a plan designed to connect more income-eligible Duquesne Light customers with utility bill assistance.
The Commission’s action clears the way for Duquesne Light to automatically enroll certain participants in the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) into the utility’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP), while requiring new safeguards to protect customers from unexpected costs and ensure access to reasonable payment arrangements.
“Many families who qualify for utility assistance never receive the full benefits available to them,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “Automatically connecting eligible customers with assistance can help lower monthly bills and reduce utility debt, but it must be done in a way that protects consumers every step of the way. These conditions ensure customers receive the benefits of enrollment withou…
UPDATE: THE OWNERS HAVE BEEN FOUND!!! Lost Dogs!!!!
There are 2 dogs that my neighbors have seen on Birch Run. One has been captured; the other is still loose. If you know whose dogs these are, call Dustin at (717) 803-5737.
PA PUC Public Meeting Agenda for November 5, 2026
Harrisburg – The PUC will hold its regular public meeting on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 on the second floor of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.
Public Meeting AgendaHere is the link for the Public Meeting Agenda for November 5, 2026.
Livestream of the Public MeetingThe PUC will be streaming video of its regularly scheduled public meetings live on its website.
Archived Audio and VideoA link to the archived audio will be accessible at the Public Meeting Video page and will be posted shortly after the conclusion of the public meeting.
For more information about the PUC visit our website at puc.pa.gov.
