*Wind Advisory issued January 8 at 1:19PM EST until January 9 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
* WHAT…Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Chautauqua and Southern Erie Counties. The strongest wind gusts on the northern slope of the Chautauqua Ridge along the LakeErie shore, including the New York State Thruway.
* WHEN…From 11 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
John J. Morgan, 84, of Horner Road, Wilcox, passed away Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026. In a rare and special full circle moment, John was born on the same family property where he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on April 11, 1941, in Wilcox, PA, to the late John and Martha Morgan. A lifelong resident of Wilcox, he was a 1960 graduate of Johnsonburg High School. John proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
On August 13, 1966, John married the love of his life, Bernice Wantuck, at St. Anne’s Church in Wilcox. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith and community.
John spent 39 years working for Windstream, where he was well known and respected by coworkers and friends. Outside of work, he was an active member of the Marine Corps League Bob Swanson Det. 1102, Wilcox Sportsmen’s Club, and the Wilcox American Legion.
John enjoyed traveling and spent many happy years exploring the country with his wife. Together, they visited all 50 states – a goal he was especially proud of accomplishing.
We are reaching out to the community for your support in a rewarding initiative to improve accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. The Kane Regional Ramp Ministry as a cooperative ministry of many churches in 7 counties of Pennsylvania has been building ramps for (12 years). We never charge anything for materials or labor in building ramps for those in need and once a ramp is no longer needed we can reclaim the ramp and reuse the materials.
Our goal is to build handicap ramps for residents who need safe and convenient access to their homes in these counties. However, because we have such a high demand for ramps each year, and most of our volunteers are retired older folks who while willing to volunteer time and resources, travel time is a major factor, and therefore our reach into Potter and McKean Counties is somewhat limited. With volunteer ramp crews working out of the Youngsville/Warren and Emporium areas, we are spread very thin and need your help.
Many individuals in our community face daily obstacles due to limited mobility. Sometimes disabilities are temporary and sometimes permanent, but accessibility is necessary either way. By volunteering your time and skills, you can make a meaningful difference in their lives and help foster independence and dignity.
Volunteer opportunities and why you matter.
We are seeking individuals who want to help make a difference in our communities to be part of our ramp crews and possibly help us to start additional crews in Potter and McKean Counties. No prior experience required; guidance and tools are provided.
Ramp projects for 2026 will be scheduled once the weather allows us to do ramp builds throughout this coming spring, summer and fall as needed.
How you can get involved:
Please contact us at 814-837-6115 or email info@kaneregionalramps.org to sign up or learn more go to www.kaneregionalramps.org . Together, we can make accessibility available to our brothers and sisters in need. If you aren’t able to help on a crew, you can also help by making donations to the Kane Regional Ramp Ministry, 18 2nd. Street, Youngsville, PA 16371 or online at www.kaneregionalramps.org/give .
Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve and make a lasting impact!
Jeffery Dane “Melvie” Galloway “beloved soulmate, son, father and grandfather”
ELDRED, PA—Jeffery Dane “Melvie” Galloway, 64, a longtime resident of Eldred, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, December 3, 1961 in Bradford, he was a son of James L. and Charlotte Johnston Galloway.
Melvie attended Otto Eldred High School. As a young boy, Melvie was a paperboy delivering both the Bradford Era and the Grit. While he was still in school, he was employed by the former Snow’s Garage in Duke Center. After attaining his GED, he worked for a Coca Cola distributorship in Bradford. He later was employed for over 20 years by Zippo in Bradford, retiring due to ill health.
He loved to race his number 30 stock car at Bradford Speedway and Smethport Speedway. He enjoyed going to his camp, taking his boat out, and fishing. He was an avid NASCAR, dirt track racing and Buffalo Bills fan. He also enjoyed hanging out with his close friends, of which there are too many to list. He also loved listening to Classic rock and enjoyed listening to old Country music.
Surviving are his beloved soulmate, Janine M. Plummer McClain of Eldred, with whom he shared many years of companionship and love; his parents, James and Charlotte Galloway of Duke Center; two sons, Dane J. (Brandy Mesler) Galloway of Shinglehouse and Jared W. (Crystal Haupt) McClain of Eldred; a daughter, Brittany R. (Kyle Canfield) McClain-Canfield of Portville, NY; two grandchildren, RaeAnna Canfield; a grandson, Henley Canfield; a brother, James “Stretch” (Danice) Galloway of Rock City, NY; three sisters, Jeannie (Mike) Farner of Kentucky, Jill (John) Gulnac of Bradford and Jan Burt of Smethport; and many nephews.
A celebration of Melvie’s life will be held on a date, place and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Melvie’s name may be made to Davita Bradford Dialysis, 665 E. Main Street, Bradford, PA 16701 or to TLC (EMS) Ambulance, 20 Grant Street, Duke Center, PA 16729.
Melvie’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Melvie, please visit www.virgilhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
The Zonta Club Bradford will award its first scholarships in 2026 through an endowed fund established at the McKean County Community Foundation. From left – Sharon Peet, Zonta Club Bradford scholarship committee member; Karen Buchheit, Zonta scholarship committee co-chair; Tiffany Boschert, McKean County Community Foundation Executive Director; Carma Horner, Zonta treasurer; Linda Gault, Zonta scholarship committee co-chair; and Carol Shannon, Zonta scholarship committee member.Zonta Club Bradford-Ruth B.
Fisher Scholarship to be awarded through MCCF The Zonta Club Bradford has established its scholarship as an endowed fund – the Zonta Club Bradford-Ruth B. Fisher Scholarship Fund – at the McKean County Community Foundation. The Zonta Club scholarship, along with more than 60 additional McKean County scholarship funds held at the Foundation, will be open for applications from January 15 through February 25, 2026. All scholarship applications are submitted through an online portal that can be accessed at the Foundation’s website at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org.
Bring the family out to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library on Saturday, January 10, 2026, for a nature-focused preschool story time! The story time will be led by an educator from Lyman Run State Park.
From 10 AM – 11 AM, explore what wild animals do during the long, cold winter. Read aloud stories about animals in winter, sing songs about winter animals, and make a craft to take home. Best for kids under 6 years old and their adults, but siblings welcome.
We’ll be reading Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, Hibernation by Margaret Hall, and Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle by Laura Purdie Salas. Questions? Contact the park at 814-435-5010 ext. 4 or email lymanrunsp@pa.gov.
Donald H. Keneske, 90, of Ash St. in Kane, passed away Sunday (Jan. 4) in the Warren Manor. He was born Oct. 21, 1935 in Kane, the son of the late Charles and Helen (Carlson) Keneske. He married Bonita “Bonnie” Schrecengost, who survives.
Don served full-time in the National Guard until 1976. He also served in the Army Reserves. Later in life, he worked as an agent for Prudential Insurance.
In addition to his wife he is survived by one daughter, Kim (Thomas “Rockie”) Bennett, of Pendleton, IN; one son, Keith Keneske of Seattle, WA; one sister, Carol Carson of Kane; one brother, Gerald “Bud” Keneske of Sarasota, FL; a granddaughter, Elicia (Matt) Ozimek ; a grandson, Kurt Keneske; two great-granddaughters, Olivia and Eleanor Ozimek and two great-grandsons, Erik and Lukas Ozimek.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sally Citro.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service which will take place at Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 10th at 11:00 with the Rev. David Pflieger officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Tabor Lutheran Church, 200 Dawson St. Kane, PA 16735, or the Kane Volunteer Fire Dept, P.O. Box 66, Kane, PA 16735.
Online condolences can be expressed at cummingsfh.com.
The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of services.
Smethport – Emogene Marinik, 97, a resident of the Bradford Ecumenical Home, formerly of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (December 16, 2025).
She was born July 24, 1928, in Smethport, the daughter of Frank Dragoone and Garnet (Bills) Dragoone-Ross. She was first married to Delwood Lang on July 20, 1957, until his passing on May 4, 1964. On November 18, 1965, she married Charles Marinik, with whom she shared many years until his death on July 14, 2009.
Emogene was a graduate of Smethport High School. Early in her career, she worked for Sylvania. After marrying Charles Marinik, they built, owned and operated the Gateway Lanes in Smethport, along with Joseph and Mary Marinik from 1965 to 1975. In 1976, she and her husband moved to Tampa, FL, and she resided there until 2018. At that time, she came back to Smethport to live with her niece, Toni Morris.
She was a life long member of St. Elizabeth Church in Smethport.
She is survived by:
One brother: Tom Dragoone
Nieces and nephews: Toni K. (Mike) Morris, Vicki L. (Desi) Swan, Louis J. (Beth) Dragoone, Cheryl (Dave) Avery, Rick Dragoone, David Dragoone, Kathy (Mike) Roberts, Tony Ross, Jacinta (Matt) Marum and Karen Sperrazza.
She had several great nieces and nephews and many great-great nieces and nephews.
Position Summary: The Austin Area School District is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Administrative Assistant / Assistant Business Manager to support district business operations and administrative functions.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
Preparing and processing bi-weekly payroll
Processing purchase orders and accounts payable
Assisting with general business office operations
Providing administrative support, including clerical and organizational duties
Working collaboratively with district staff to ensure accurate and timely financial operations
Qualifications:
Prior office or administrative experience is required (school or public-sector experience preferred)
Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
Proficiency with computer applications and office software
Excellent organizational, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills
Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field preferred
Clearances: Candidates must provide current Pennsylvania clearances, including Act 34, Act 151, and Act 114. All clearances must be dated within one year.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three letters of reference to:
Austin Area School District Attn: Kimberly Rees 138 Costello Ave Austin, PA 16720
BRADFORD, Pa. — Attack Theatre will present “Some Assembly Required,” a signature immersive performance experience first commissioned by the Carnegie Museum of Art in 1996, Jan. 14 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. and take place in and travel throughout the George B. Duke Information and Engineering Technologies Building, transforming the space into a living, collaborative work of movement, music and visual art.
Part performance and part conversation, “Some Assembly Required” blends dance, live music and visual art while inviting audiences directly into the creative process. Through dialogue, improvisation and interaction, the work challenges traditional boundaries between artist and audience, fostering deeper connection and shared ownership of the finished piece.
By stretching the line between observer and creator, the experience remains entirely alive, shaped in real time by those who participate.
This presentation marks Pitt-Bradford’s first pay-what-you-can performance, designed to ensure that cost is not a barrier for community members wishing to attend. To obtain tickets, visit upb.pitt.edu/TheArts and click on “Buy Tickets.” Audience members may choose the ticket price that best fits their budget by selecting their amount, adding the desired number of tickets and completing the purchase as usual.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door using cash or a check.
BRADFORD, Pa (December 31, 2025) — Journey Health System’s team is proud to appoint Board Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Mary Anne Albaugh, MD, as their new medical director. In addition to her new role, Dr. Albaugh will continue her work as a psychiatrist at Deerfield Behavioral Health and maintain her position as medical director of Dickinson Center, Inc., both affiliates of Journey Health System.
“We’re pleased that Dr. Albaugh will lead our talented group of psychiatric providers,” said Dr. Kim Fitton, Journey Health System’s Vice President of Clinical Services. “Our consumers will benefit from the exceptional skill set and the knowledge she will share with our providers, enhancing the overall quality of care we deliver.”
Dr. Albaugh began working within the Journey Health System at Deerfield Behavioral Health in 2015. She is a graduate of Gannon University and Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now Drexel University College of Medicine) and is double-board certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, she has dedicated her career to improving the mental well-being of communities throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.
Journey Health System, headquartered in Bradford, Pennsylvania, supports the following behavioral health affiliates: Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, Beacon Light Adult Residential Services, Deerfield Behavioral Health, Dickinson Center, Forest-Warren Mental Wellness Association and Stairways Behavioral Health. The Journey Health System Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from each organization which deliver mental health care to 20 counties across Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.journeyhealth.org.
BRADFORD, Pa. – Two of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s longest-serving staff members will retire this week from the Office of Admissions.
Bob Dilks, assistant vice president of enrollment management, will retire Friday after 36 years of service to the university, most of which were in admissions.
Jill Race, data entry specialist, retired Monday after 27 years at the university, the last five of which was in admissions.
Dilks began his career in admissions right after graduating from Pitt-Bradford in 1989 and was hired in the fall initially as a traveling admissions counselor. He said, “They gave me the keys to a silver Ford Taurus and said, ‘We’ll see you at Christmas.’ Back then we traveled with paper maps and no internet or GPS.”
Linda Lee Sears, 78, of Buffalo, NY, formerly a longtime resident of Marshburg, PA; passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at her daughter’s home.
She was born on December 18, 1947 in Salamanca, NY; the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Niver Price.
She was a 1966 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
She was a longtime employee of the former Corning Glassworks, Vishay Intertechnology, Bradford Electronics and finally Dale Electronics where she retired from.
She was a member of the First Wesleyan Church, Bradford. She was a former member of the Lafayette Township Board; a past member of LIFT; a past member of the Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department Board and a former member of the Lafayette Township Fire Department Auxiliary. Linda was known to be a “foodie”; she loved eating, cooking, baking and going out to eat. She also enjoyed travelling and watching fireworks.
She is survived by three children, Michele (Ken) Barger of Buffalo, Dawne Sears of Syracuse, NY and William (Lysa) Sears of Syracuse; six grandchildren, Amanda Musolino, Jesyca Musolino, Morgen Musolino, K. William Barger, Eva Facci and Gabi Sears; four great grandchildren, Marleyna Gray, Bryant Gray, Jr., Jonathan Delrio and Jasper Delrio; one niece, Patricia Price and one nephew Matthew Price.
Edwardene J. “Eddie” Schoonover, 74, of Limestone Run, Limestone, NY passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her residence
Born August 25, 1951, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Raymond J. and Doris “Jeanne” (Raught) Tingley.
Eddie was a 1969 graduate of Limestone Union Free School.
On October 21, 1971, in Limestone, NY she married John F. “Jack” Schoonover who preceded her in death on June 19, 2012.
Eddie was a stay-at-home mom who really enjoyed helping raise her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her greatest joy was just being with her family. She enjoyed camping, crafting, and quilting with her friends.
She was a member of the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department, she helped with the Fish Fry’s at Lent, the Dice Runs and anything else someone would ask of her.
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce hosting an open house for those that grow food on Wednesday January 28 from 4pm-7pm. It will be an opportunity for those wishing to grow their food businesses to see the chamber kitchen. Executive Director Tina Solak explained that the open house is timed to capture the growers before they plan gardens for the upcoming year.
“We sent invitations to those participating in the Cameron County Farmer’s Market, but the event is not limited to those folks,” Solak explained. The chamber 1500 square foot commercial kitchen is equipped with a dehydrator, steam jacket for fruit spreads, and soups, large mixer, induction stove, convection ovens and a flash freezer for preserving fruits, vegetables and baked goods. Another perk of using the facility is the availability of having retail space to sell the items. Items made in the chamber kitchen are displayed and sold from the markers market section of the artisan center. The chamber staff is available to answer questions or give an individual tour by contacting the office.
Making decisions is something we’re all faced with. Every day, we get up and decide what to wear. For some, this may be a major decision; for others, not so much. It is not unusual for me to try on one shirt and change it several times because I don’t like the way it looks or fits. We’re all plagued by decisions, and we all want to make the right one.
Years of counseling have shown me that many people want answers to their problems. Often, they want me to make the decisions for them, to tell them what to do. But that was never and is never my function. I suppose one reason we want someone else to make the decision for us is that if it goes wrong, we have someone to blame. No one wants to make the wrong decision, so we look for ways to make the best decision possible. So how do we do that?
Some say to pray, and although I agree with that, others and I often end up more confused than when we started. Why? Is it that God doesn’t care or that he’s not answering our prayers? Or is the request so mundane that God isn’t interested? The Scriptures state that God knows the number of hairs on our heads. In fact, he says, “You are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Luke 12:7). So, if all of this is true, then why do we struggle to make the right decisions? Can’t God give us a clear answer?
Let me say that any decision I make must align with the Scriptures. If I’m in conflict with my neighbor, Scripture is clear that I’m to love them (Mark 12:31). Yet that may also mean holding them accountable for their actions. It’s a balance to maintain. But deciding to change jobs or buy a new car may not be as easy. In those cases, we must take the time to weigh all the factors while separating ourselves from the emotions that so easily drive our decisions. Where are the biggest problems found? Emotions. If emotions are driving your choices, don’t make them. Please wait until you can think through them clearly. Think about it.
Dale W. Bliss, 80, of 204 Glen Mayo Rd., Johnsonburg, passed away late Monday night, January 5, 2026, at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, following a brief illness. He was born July 31, 1945, in Johnsonburg, a son to the late Verne and Esther McAninch Bliss. On October 18, 1969, in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, he married Catherine Vavala and she survives.
A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Dale was a 1963 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. He attended the University of Maryland before enlisting in the US Army. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church and the Johnsonburg Senior Center.
Dale loved his children and was the ultimate Girl Dad. He was so proud of all their accomplishments. He also adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed any of their events. He was an avid sports fan of all the Pittsburgh Sports teams and all things Johnsonburg. Dale was an excellent baseball player from age 9 thru high school and was known for being a great pitcher. He loved to play golf, especially his Tuesday Golf Games with Steve, Jude and Paul and he enjoyed playing cards at the senior center.
Fredrick Vincent Lehman was born to parents Balie Lehman and Serene Duke.
Wellsboro Pa., Jan. 6, 2026 – UPMC Magee-Womens staff recently celebrated the first newborn to arrive in the new year at The Birthplace at UPMC Wellsboro. Fredrick Vincent Lehman was born to parents Balie Lehman and Serene Duke of Ulysses on Saturday, Jan. 3. Fredrick weighed 6 lbs., 4 oz., and measured 17.75 inches long.
“Everyone is always so excited about the new year, and what better way to start things off that by welcoming a newborn,” said Khara Martin, unit director, The Birthplace, UPMC Wellsboro. “Sharing these moments with families is a special part of our work. The experience really matters to us across our UPMC Magee-Womens teams, and these systemwide celebrations are a great way to show a united front of world-class maternity care delivered at each participating labor and delivery unit.”
To learn more about UPMC Magee-Womens services in north central Pennsylvania, visit UPMC.com/CaresForWomen.
The Game Commission is asking for the public’s help finding turkey flocks for ongoing research.
Pennsylvanians are encouraged to report the location of any turkey flocks they see across the state. Information is being collected online at https://pgcforms.pa.gov/TurkeySightingSurvey now through March 15.
Among other things, visitors to that webpage are asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen.
Game Commission crews will assess sites for the potential to trap turkeys. Just like the last six winters, the Game Commission will put leg bands on male turkeys statewide. Turkeys will not be moved; they’ll simply be leg-banded and released on site.
Trapping turkeys during winter is part of the Game Commission’s ongoing population monitoring.
As the calendar flips to a new year, so many of us set bold goals to exercise more, stress less, eat better, and live with a bit more balance. But here’s an energizing truth to kickstart your year: improving your sleep might be the single most powerful change you make. Quality rest strengthens memory, focus, mood, metabolism, immune function, and even motivation, which helps every other resolution stick.
The best part? You don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent routines can transform the way you sleep, night after night.
Build a Rhythm Your Body Can Count On
Our bodies love predictability, especially when it comes to sleep. A steady sleep-wake cycle anchors your internal clock, improves deep sleep, and boosts alertness during the day.
Try this:
Pick a bedtime and wake-up time you can keep most days, even weekends.
Ease into it by shifting your schedule in 15-minute increments every few days.
Your brain responds quickly to consistency, and within a couple weeks, you may notice you’re falling asleep faster and waking up more refreshed.
Create a Wind-Down Ritual You Actually Look Forward To
