URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
941 AM EST Wed Dec 11 2024
NYZ012-019-020-085-112245-
/O.CON.KBUF.LE.W.0007.241211T2100Z-241213T1800Z/
Wyoming-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Warsaw, Jamestown, Olean, Orchard Park,
and Springville
941 AM EST Wed Dec 11 2024
...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 1 PM EST FRIDAY...
* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 2
to 3 feet in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high
as 40 mph will produce considerable blowing and drifting snow and
near whiteout conditions at times.
* WHERE...Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie
Counties. The heaviest snow is expected across central and
southern Erie County, western Wyoming County, western Chautauqua
County, and far northwest Cattaraugus County.
* WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 1 PM EST Friday.
* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on
roads and very poor visibility. Areas of blowing snow will
significantly reduce visibility, with near whiteout conditions at
times. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commute
tonight, the Thursday morning, and Thursday evening commutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be
prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally
heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just
a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather,
visibility, and road conditions.
The holiday season is a wonderful time filled with family gatherings, festive decorations, and plenty of treats. But the season also brings certain risks for kids, from choking hazards to potential injuries with holiday décor. Here are some simple safety tips to keep your holiday joyful and your kids safe.
Decorations and Lights
Holiday decorations are often bright and appealing to children, but they can also be hazardous. If you have a Christmas tree, make sure it’s securely anchored so that it can’t tip over. Ornaments should be kept out of reach, especially small ones that could be swallowed or sharp ones that could break. Glass ornaments and those with small parts are particularly risky for young children, who might see them as toys.
Holiday lights add sparkle, but they also come with electrical dangers. Inspect all light strings for frayed wires or broken bulbs. Keep cords tucked away and ensure outlets are not overloaded. Battery-operated candles are a safe alternative to real candles, which can pose fire hazards.
Safe Gifts and Toy Selection
Choosing safe toys is essential for preventing injuries. Every year, nearly 200,000 children under the age of 15 years are seen in emergency departments for toy-related injuries; more than 500 every day. Always check age recommendations on toys and follow them closely. Small parts are a choking risk for children under age three, so avoid toys with small, detachable pieces. Be cautious with button batteries found in many toys and gadgets; if swallowed, these can cause serious internal injuries. Keep toys with strings, cords, or magnets out of reach as well, as they can be strangulation or choking hazards.
When setting up electronic gifts, follow all safety guidelines for batteries, and supervise young children when they’re using these toys. Toys with sharp edges or loud noises can also be risky and may frighten young children.
Photo by John Eaton A young lady meets a reindeer at Christmas On Main Street.
This Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11-15, Christmas On Main Street is celebrating the rich history of Wellsboro’s production of Christmas ornaments made from the late 1930s to the late 1950s and beyond when the town was known as “The Glass Ornament Capital of the World.”
Christmas ornaments made at the Corning Glass Works plant in Wellsboro are now on display at 38 locations, including Wellsboro businesses and the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center.
The guidebook and a passport to the display locations can be purchased for $5 at four different businesses. They are: Pop’s Culture Shoppe at 25 Main Street, the Penn Wells Hotel at 62 Main Street, Wild Asaph Outfitters at 71 Main Street and The Farmer’s Daughters at 11719 Route 6, all in Wellsboro.
The names of people who get their passports stamped at 10 or more display locations and turn them in no later than 6pm this Sunday, Dec. 15 will be entered in a raffle drawing being held later that night. The three winners will each receive a set of gift cards valued at $200 or more and need not be present to win.
Daily through Saturday, free public tours of Highland Chocolates Factory at 11724 Route 6 and free mini facials and Salt Cave Tours at Emerge Healing Arts at 129 Main Street are being given; and daily through Sunday, an opportunity to decorate and take home an ornament for $1 at Pop’s Culture Shoppe, 25 Main Street.
Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center’s computer systems networking and telecommunications shop is proud to announce Nicole Hockey as the SHCTC’s “Student of the Week.” A senior from Cameron County School District, Nicole stands out as a highly motivated and dynamic individual who embodies the spirit of excellence both in and out of the classroom.
In the networking classroom, Nicole consistently demonstrates a passion for learning, tackling challenges with determination and a positive attitude. Her academic achievements are nothing short of remarkable, maintaining high grades while balancing an impressive roster of extracurricular involvement. From student council to esports teams and community service initiatives, Nicole is a familiar face present at nearly every school activity.
Her dedication, leadership, and unwavering work ethic make Nicole a role model among peers and a shining example of SHCTC’s commitment to cultivating future leaders in technology and beyond.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation for Donald L. “Don” Serkleski, from 1pm to 2pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Millport Community Church, Canada Hollow Road, Millport, PA, where a Celebration of Don’s life will follow at 2pm, with Howard Wheeler of Jamestown, NY, Don’s brother-in-law, officiating.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the Millport Community Church.
Don’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
A Small Town Christmas was held Saturday on the Town Square and in the Star Hose Banquet Hall. Hayrides, an ATV/SxS Parade, visits with Santa, great food, shopping and more could be found at the second annual Small Town Christmas. Pictured at the event is Lindsay Isherwood counting votes for the Gingerbread House Contest. First place went to Brielle and Allison Saltsman; 2nd place – Heath and Hazen Jackson and 3rd place – Savannah Harmon. Small Town Christmas Committee, a part of the Port Allegany’s Women’s Club, with members led by Lindsay Isherwood. They were Lauren Jackson, Stacey Kinney, Sherry Main, Sylvia Cole, Dian Parish, Jennifer Taylor and Anna Fair.
Photo by John Eaton Julie Henry (left), executive director of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, is shown with Nancy Stamilio (center) and Bob Blair (right), representatives of the First Heritage Federal Credit Union. The First Heritage gift bags they are holding contain the 32 wooden ornaments Stamilio and Blair placed on the trees.
Each year for the past 19 years, including 2020, the year of Covid, the First Heritage Federal Credit Union with offices in Pennsylvania and New York has sponsored the purchase of the 16 Christmas trees that line Wellsboro Borough’s Main Street boulevards from East Avenue to Charles Street.
On Friday, Dec. 6, the First Heritage Federal Credit Union’s Wellsboro Branch Manager Nancy Stamilio and Bob Blair, chairman of the First Heritage Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. placed two special wooden ornaments on each of the 16 trees. Each ornament bears the words “Tree compliments of First Heritage Federal Credit Union.”
There is still time to make a difference in someone’s life.
The First Presbyterian Church of Wellsboro is encouraging support for 13 charitable organizations by holding the Alternative Giving Christmas Fair online for the public now through next Wednesday, Dec. 18.
The 13 charitable organizations are: Child Evangelism Fellowship of Tioga County, Diapers for Darlings, Harbor Counseling, Heart of Tioga, His Thousand Hills Christian Camp & Retreat Center, Humble Bumble Project, Medical Benevolence Foundation, Planted, Wellsboro Area Salvation Army, Samaritan House, Seeds of Hope Partners, Tioga County Homeless Initiative, and Wellsboro Area Food Pantry.
The fair is for those who have people on their Christmas lists who love a particular cause and for others that believe Christmas is too commercial.
Maynard “Flip” Gleason, age 73, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, December 6, 2024.
He was born on April 26, 1951 in Sayre, PA, a son of the late Raymond W. Gleason, Sr. and Lilah L. (Southard) Gleason and was married to the late Terry L. (Cummings) Gleason.
Flip was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the US Army and had worked at Truck-Lite, Wellsboro, PA.
A family graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the Middlebury Union Cemetery, Middlebury Center, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, named UPMC Williamsport as a 2025 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.
U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. Best Hospitals for Maternity Care assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family’s needs.
The Birthplace at UPMC Williamsport earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as severe unexpected newborn complication rates, birthing-friendly practices, and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.
Mike Foerstner (with orange KQDC hat in hand) of Erie with his hunting partners and the doe that generated the winning raffle ticket.
Bradford, Pa.: The second Saturday of firearms deer season on the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC) was a good day for Mike Foerstner from Erie, Pa. Mike harvested and then brought an antlerless deer to the KQDC Deer Check Station on SR 59 just at dark. He and his hunting partners fully understand the importance of harvesting does to keep the overall deer herd healthy, and they showed up with a truck full of deer at the Deer Check Station. Mike’s doe dressed out at 90#, and was found to be 6 and ½ years old, one of the oldest deer brought to the KQDC Deer Check Stations this season.
Each hunter that harvests an antlerless deer receives a raffle ticket for a $500 prize drawn after the Deer Check Stations close on the second Saturday. Mike’s raffle ticket was drawn on Sunday, 12/8, as the winner of the $500 antlered deer raffle prize. Congratulations, Mike.
Mike expressed his appreciation for the service the Deer Check Stations’ volunteers provide to hunters, and to the land managers that provide a quality place to hunt deer. He also indicated he would like to volunteer in the summer of 2025 to help the KQDC Team continue to provide quality hunting.
The KQDC is managed for Quality Deer and a Quality Forest Ecosystem to provide a Quality Hunting experience. Other goals are to provide quality forests for landowners to manage for timber products, local employment, numerous outdoor recreation activities, and quality habitat for all wildlife.
The Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative is an on-going demonstration, begun in 2000, of how hunting can be used to meet the goals of multiple publics for managing deer. A partnership of forest landowners, forest managers, biologists, hunters, and local businesses developed the program which relies on hunters to manage deer density on a representative forested area. The program is conducted on a 74,000-acre forested demonstration area in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Patricia L. Dawley, 90, of Smethport, went to be with her Lord on Monday (December 9, 2024).
She was born August 8, 1934 in Richburg, NY the daughter of Charles W. and Maude C. (Edmiston) Billsborough . On August 14, 1954, in Rixford, PA, she married Kenneth R. Dawley, who died August 26, 2013. They were married for 69 years.
On December 10, at 10:43 am Port Allegany Ambulance was dispatched to Ardagh Glass for a possible partially amputated finger. Bleeding is reported under control
What a great day today celebrating the reopening of the now-expanded Wellsboro VA Clinic at 1835 Shumway Hill Road. Our veterans have given so much of themselves to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. We owe them nothing but the best in the way of care and support!
You may remember the clinic and Veterans Affairs office were forced to move out nearly two years ago due to a water pipe that burst. Now the building is reopened and better than ever! Many thanks to the dedicated staff, as well as to our Tioga County PA Commissioners and Congressman Glenn Thompson, for helping to make this project a reality.
Check out tomorrow’s edition of the Community Connection for more information. Not signed up yet? Visit www.RepOwlett.com!
Attention snowshoe hare hunters, what color is your hare? We need your help this season!
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is tracking where snowshoe hares are found and if they are all white. Traditionally, snowshoe hares turned white to blend in with the snow, which helps them escape predators.
However, Pennsylvania is one of the few states where brown hares have been reported in winter and where unique winter pelt patterns, such as brown eye rings and brown ears, have been detected.
Join the agency’s snowshoe hare cooperator program and let us know where your hare was found and what it looked like. Here’s how to join: Email your CID number or name, mailing address, and phone number to hares@pa.gov.
Mr. Nick Wilfong is a Junior member of the Gator football team playing primarily cornerback and wide receiver. He has also played point guard on the varsity basketball team and shortstop and pitcher for the baseball team. He also spent one year competing on the Gator wrestling team. At this point Nick has earned 7 varsity letters in his athletic career.
Nick has been an all star in the North Allegheny Baseball League and the D9 Football League. He was also a Big 30 All star for football.
Outside of athletics Nick is involved in his church Youth Group and is a new inductee into the National Honor Society. His favorite classes are English and Gym. His favorite teachers are Mr. VanGorden and Mr. Clark.
Nick has looked up to his older brother and 2024 PAHS graduate, Levi. Levi played football, basketball and track & field in his years at PAHS. Nick’s favorite athlete is Tim Tebow because “he never gives up and is strong in his faith.”
From Coach Bienkowski:
“Nick Wilfong is a vital part of our success on the football field. He has established himself as a premiere cornerback in District 9. More importantly, his selfless attitude and ability to make adversity into a positive make him a stellar choice for this recognition. He’s an even better student and human being, which makes Nick an asset to any team or organization that he is a part of.”
A coaching message that has remained with Nick is to “listen to the message…not how it’s being delivered.”
His advice to future Gators is simple: “Hit the weight room.”
Nick plans to attend a 4-year college after his graduates from Port Allegany High School and play baseball.
December 14, 12pm-3pm–Santa in the Shay: Santa will be in the cab of our Shay locomotive to listen to all your holiday requests. Take an instant pic with St. Nick and make a special ornament for your tree. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served in the museum program room.
