*Winter Weather Advisory issued January 10 at 1:11PM EST until January 12 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches in the most persistent lake snows. The highest amounts will be across the Boston Hills and Chautauqua Ridge. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow.
* WHERE…Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties.
* WHEN…From 7 AM Sunday to 1 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds will down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
INSTRUCTIONS: Lake effect 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.
WARREN, Pa. – Scott Olewine of Warren County joined the Board of Trustees at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College on Friday, January 9. He was sworn into his position at the Board of Trustees’ first meeting of 2026, held at the institution’s Administrative Center. His experience and knowledge will be great additions for the institution going forward.
Olewine is an experienced business professional with a strong background in finance. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and holds several professional designations from The American College. Olewine is the Founder and Managing Partner of Olewine Financial Group, LLC in Warren.
Kennel position available. Position includes cleaning kennels, feeding dogs, doing laundry, dishes and walking dogs. Approx 20-30 hours a week. Am, Pm shifts, some weekends and some holidays.
$11 an hour. Must have reliable transportation and be reliable.
Please call 814-203-6532 if interested or with any questions.
Vicki Hazen, 71, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 7) in the Lutheran Home at Kane, where she had resided. She was born Oct. 25, 1954 in Kane, the daughter of the late Jack and Joyce (Spence) Bundy.
She retired after many years of employment at Warren State Hospital, where she worked in several different positions.
Vicki is survived by two sons, Bob (Jessica McKeirnan) Hazen of Crosby and Ken Wilson of Kane; two grandsons, Jacob and Levi Hazen; a granddaughter, Riley Hazen; a sister Marsha Morrison of Kane; a daughter-in-law Tessa Hazen and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, James M. Hazen; a sister, Bonnie Orinko and two brothers Jack and Mike Bundy.
Walter Arthurs, 73, of Bridge St. in Mt. Jewett, passed away Sunday (Jan. 4) at his residence. He was born June 27, 1952, in Kane, the son of the late Stanley and Anna (Lilley) Arthurs.
Walt had worked at the tannery in Mt. Jewett and then at Northern Hardwood Rounds. He then worked at and retired from the Allegheny Particleboard plant.
He is survived by one daughter, Leslie Arthurs of Bradford; one granddaughter, Leah Arthurs; two grandsons, Levi and Liam Arthurs; three sisters, Jane (Richard) Armstrong of Lantz Corners, Sandy (Dennis) Davis of Warren and Bonnie (Brian) Sees of Mt. Jewett; three brothers, Robert (Mary) Arthurs and James (Anna) Arthurs, both of Mt. Jewett and Paul (Pam) Arthurs of Hazel Hurst and several nieces and nephews.
Elizabeth Durnell, 89, of South Settlement Road, passed away Tuesday (January 6, 2026) with her loving family by her side.
Born January 18, 1936, in Kane, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Selma (Carlson) Mohney. On July 9, 1955, she married Ira “Herk” Durnell, who survives. Together they shared 70 wonderful devoted years of marriage.
Elizabeth was a graduate of Kane High School and was employed throughout her lifetime by Sears, US Forest Service and Ham Dam products. Her most important role in life was being a homemaker and a caring loving wife, mother, “NaNa”, sister and friend, as well as a special aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
Liz loved gardening and grew beautiful flowers. Up until the end, Liz maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends and expressed her gratitude for her long life.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, Ira, are a daughter, Cindy (Ricky) Smith; a son, Steve (Jackie) Durnell, all of Kane; four sisters, Ann (Dave) Kearney, Patricia (John) Moore, Sandy (Harry) Spaulding and Sue (Tim)Mishic; a brother, Henry (Dotty) Mohney; five grandchildren, Kyle (Allie) Durnell, Jacob Durnell, Vanessa Hannah, Tyler (Brooke) Smith, Zachary (Shelby) Smith; and three great-grandchildren, Chase Ira, Willow Mae and Blair Elizabeth, with a fourth great-grandchild on the way in April. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Firefighters of Star Hose Company #1 were on the scene early this morning for a vehicle accident on Hickory Street. The accident was originally reported by an iPhone notification.
When crews arrived, they found one vehicle overturned with no occupants in or around the vehicle. Pennsylvania State Police were notified and took over the investigation. Fire and EMS units then returned to service.
On Friday, January 2, 2026, Kevin J. Dusenbury, Coroner, was sworn into office as Potter County Coroner by the Honorable Stephen Minor, for his ninth term in office.
Kevin states in these years he has been very thankful to the voters who have overwhelmingly supported him. He has made many friends in the day to day operation of the office with members of every fire and ambulance department, law enforcement, nurses and physicians, and the lab at UPMC Cole, along with his colleagues at the Erie County Coroner’s Office, and Dr. Todd, the pathologist at the Erie County Coroner’s Office.
The Coroner’s Office also is happy to share that through grants made available to the Coroner’s Offices throughout the Commonwealth, we have, over the years, received over $80,000.00 to use for expenses relevant to our office—at no expense to Potter County residents.
Dusenbury thanks each of the Deputy Coroners who serve with him. Kevin states he has an amazing group of partners who bring a wide range of talents to the office, from law enforcement, fire and EMS backgrounds, but is most especially thankful for the friendships he shares with each of them.
It is his sincere prayer that no family needs our services, but rest assured our office motto remains the same as day one, “qualified, experienced, available and caring, yes very caring.”
With Best Regards, Kevin J. Dusenbury, Potter County Coroner
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Buffalo man is facing drug charges after a traffic stop in the county early this morning. Lamero GOSSOM is accused of Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Deliver it (Felony); Driving Under the Influence; Resisting Arrest; False Identification to Law Enforcement Officer; Small Amount of Marijuana; Possession of a Controlled Substance; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and traffic violations.
Trooper John Jones, Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run, filed the charges after initiating a traffic stop on the vehicle operated by GOSSOM near Miller Street in Bradford. GOSSOM was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $250,000. All accused are innocent until proven guilty.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that one of the people arrested during a drug sweep by the McKean County Drug Task Force in July has pled guilty. Nateka SHUGARS, formerly of Bradford, pled guilty before a judge at the McKean County Courthouse on January 8th.
SHUGARS pled guilty to delivering cocaine on three occasions between March 27, 2024, and July 24, 2025. SHUGARS was under surveillance by the Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force. Sentencing was scheduled for March. Please report suspected drug activity to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a man arrested following a lengthy drug investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force in July has pled guilty. The drug detail resulted in the arrest of several individuals. One of those arrest, Guy SIMMONS, JR., formerly of Bradford, pled guilty before a judge at the McKean County Courthouse on January 8th. SIMMONS pled guilty to conspiracy delivery of methamphetamine.
SIMMONS was under surveillance by the Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force. Sentencing was scheduled for March. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognized the work of the McKean County Drug Task Force Detectives and the collaboration of the City of Bradford administration at the time of the arrest.
Betty L. Evingham “beloved mother and grandmother”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Betty L. Evingham, 94, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Born on Saturday, July 11, 1931 in Bradford, she was a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth Monroe Hosmer. On June 22, 1952 in Rixford, she married Emery J. “Jug” Evingham, who passed away on January 31, 1997.
Betty was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School. She was employed by the former AVX Corporation in Olean, NY and was also employed at the former Howard’s Hardware in Shinglehouse, the former Westons Shoppers City in Westons Mills, NY and later went back to AVX Corporation until her retirement.
Betty had many different names, including Mom, Grandma, Great-grandma, Meme, aunt or friend. She had a personality that made everyone smile. She made everyone she came in contact with feel special and welcomed.
In her younger years, Betty loved to dance, having been a fantastic dancer with her husband. She often commented about how her love of dance began with square dancing in school. She also talked about fun times with her friends.
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a reopening celebration for the Blue and Gold Market (formerly the Marilyn Horne Café) at noon, Jan. 14.
The community is invited to attend the event at the market in Marilyn Horne Hall on Veterans Square in downtown Bradford.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the market, enjoy complimentary samples from the new and expanded menu, and hear welcoming remarks from President Rick Esch.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY RECOGNIZES THE SACRIFICE AND SERVICE OF MCKEAN COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT – LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY (McKean County, Pennsylvania; January 9, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognizes our Officers on this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “January 9th is set aside to honor the sacrifices and recognize the service of our officers.
Our area is not immune to the heroic sacrifice of police officers and we have to look no further than Kane to see the legacy of Patrolman Steven Jerman and we look to Bradford City for the honorable service of Sergeant David Distrola and we can look to Bradford Township to see the extraordinary career and devotion of Lt. Jeff Shade and we can look to the State Police for the highest honor of Trooper Jay Rougeau. Each of these men gave their life while protecting us. And in the same way we hold these Officers with the highest of esteem, we pray for and honor the officers that continue to protect us and deflect harm from us while accepting harm unto themselves.
The same officers you see at community events and off-duty enjoying time with their families are ever-ready to face life and death situations on behalf of us. The certainty that they will face violence yet report for duty is remarkable and nothing short of heroic. We honor all law enforcement officers – McKean County Detectives’ Bureau & K9 Unit, McKean County Drug Task Force, Bradford City Police & K9 Unit, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Otto Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Marshalls, , McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest, McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and the families of our Officers. God bless our Officers and their families. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, thank you”. – Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney
The student of the week nomination is Jaiden Thomas. Jaiden is a senior at Smethport Area High School. For the past three years, at the Seneca Highlands CTC Health Assistance Program, Jaiden has been an exemplary student who prides himself on his stellar academic achievements. In the classroom, he is always willing to assist his fellow students in any subject, especially math and science. He is a valued team member in the lab setting because of his willingness to try anything and to help anyone.
David “Russ” McCracken, 87, of School Street, Rixford, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Bradford Manor.
Born May 22, 1938, in Sayre, he was a son of the late Warren and Frances (Stedge) McCracken. Warren died and Frances remarried Ralph Deitz who raised Russ.
Russ attended Sayre High School. He joined the United States Navy on December 21, 1962, where he received his GED. He served in Korea and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on January 8, 1965.
On August 12, 1961, at the Church of the Epiphany Rectory in Sayre, he married Alice V. (Norton) McCracken who passed away on May 21, 2021.
Russ worked at Ingersol Rand Corporation in Athens, and then as a supervisor at Stowe Manufacturing in Binghamton NY. After he retired, he and his wife moved to Rixford to reside near their daughter. In his retirement he delivered tires for Stoney North, he also truly enjoyed singing and rebuilding small engines and tractors.
Jerry B. Bosworth, 104, formerly of North Street, Limestone, NY, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Bradford Manor.
Born June 14, 1921, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Otis and Isabelle Bosworth. Jerry was a 1940 graduate of Bradford High School.
In 1942, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army. He served as a Private First Class in with the 101st Infantry Regiment of the 26th “Yankee” Division. Serving under General Patton in the European Theater during WWII, Jerry was captured in combat near Metz, France, on November 23, 1944. He was held as a Prisoner of War at Stalag 12A in Germany which was later liberated by Russian forces in 1945. For his honorable service and sacrifice, he was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
Following his military service, Jerry owned and operated Bosworth Signs in Limestone, painting signs until his retirement at age 62. Upon retiring, he followed his true passion, becoming a full-time fisherman.
Surviving is one daughter, Tina M. (Jeff) Hendryx of Bradford; three sons, Jerry (CoiHoa) Bosworth of Ohio, Kenneth (Denise) Bosworth of Florida, and Timothy (Erin) Bosworth of Bradford. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jennie (Brock) Byerley, Kenneth (Sarah) White, Ray (Lindsey) Shively, Michael Bosworth, Emily Bosworth, Kenneth Bosworth II, and Gena Bosworth; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that today’s raid by the McKean County Drug Task Force was the conclusion of a several months’ long investigation into drug trafficking by two accused drug traffickers.
Dawn BUTERBAUGH and David DICKINSON, both of 3 Pike Street in Bradford, were charged by criminal complaint alleging several drug crimes and firearms violations. Detective Kolin Strawcutter and Detective Seth Shephard of the McKean County Drug Task Force filed the charges at the conclusion of the investigation which began with reports of drug sales by BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON out of the residence on Pike Street from November 13, 2025, to January 8, 2026. The defendants are accused of working together to deal in unlawful proceeds by selling cocaine and using the drug proceeds to fund additional drug transactions as well as living expenses.
Dawn BUTERAUGH is charged with 5 counts of Conspiracy Delivery of Cocaine (felonies); Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1); Conspiracy Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); Possession of Firearm with obliterated serial number (Felony 2); Possession of Firearm by a Person Not Permitted to Possess (Felony 2); 5 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor); and Endangering Welfare of a Child (Felony 3).
David DICKINSON is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of Cocaine (felonies); Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1); 5 counts Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); Possession of Firearm with obliterated serial number (Felony 2); Possession of Firearm by a Persons Not Permitted to Possess (Felony 2); and 5 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor).
The complaints filed against the pair allege that, on November 13th, 2025, November 21st, 2025, December 3rd, 2025, January 5th, 2026, and January 8th, 2026, DICKINSON and/or BUTERBAUGH, working together, communicated via communication device with an informant working under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force.
The pair is accused of working together to commit the crimes over a period of time from November 13, 2025, and January 8, 2026. On some of the occasions, a minor child over whom BUTERBAUGH owes a duty of care was present in the house at the time of the drug transactions. Following a drug transaction on January 8th that was under surveillance of the Detectives, BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON attempted to drive away from the residence. A team of the McKean County Drug Task Force Detectives, McKean County Drug Task Force Officers, City of Bradford Police Officers and Bradford Township Police Officers forced a traffic stop and took
BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON into custody while other Detectives maintained surveillance and security of the residence and executed a search warrant at the location. Upon execution of the search warrant, Detectives located a loaded .32 caliber handgun hidden under a pillow in the bedroom where the drugs were sold. The gun’s serial number was scratched off and unable to be read.
Both BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON are prohibited from possessing a firearm. DICKINSON and BUTERBAUGH were arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David Engman who set bail at $200,000 on each of them. Both are scheduled for central court next week.
If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call McKean County Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org. All accused are innocent until proven guilty.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer recognizes our Officers on this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “January 9th is set aside to honor the sacrifices and recognize the service of our officers.
Our area is not immune to the heroic sacrifice of police officers and we have to look no further than Kane to see the legacy of Patrolman Steven Jerman and we look to Bradford City for the honorable service of Sergeant David Distrola and we can look to Bradford Township to see the extraordinary career and devotion of Lt. Jeff Shade and we can look to the State Police for the highest honor of Trooper Jay Rougeau.
Each of these men gave their life while protecting us. And in the same way we hold these Officers with the highest of esteem, we pray for and honor the officers that continue to protect us and deflect harm from us while accepting harm unto themselves. The same officers you see at community events and off-duty enjoying time with their families are ever-ready to face life and death situations on behalf of us.
The certainty that they will face violence yet report for duty is remarkable and nothing short of heroic. We honor all law enforcement officers – McKean County Detectives’ Bureau & K9 Unit, McKean County Drug Task Force, Bradford City Police & K9 Unit, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Otto Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Marshalls, , McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest, McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and the families of our Officers. God bless our Officers and their families. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, thank you”. – Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney
* WHEN…From 7 AM this morning to 10 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Strong downsloping south winds are expected this morning and into the afternoon hours. There may be an abrupt cutoff between the strong south winds over far southern Oneida County versus much lighter east winds funneling down the Mohawk Valley at times. As the front approaches, westerly winds will increase across the advisory area late this afternoon and early this evening.
INSTRUCTIONS: Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
HEADLINE: High Wind Warning issued January 9 at 12:45AM EST until January 9 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…South to southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph through this morning. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph late morning through the early evening.
* WHERE…Chautauqua and Southern Erie Counties. Strongest gusts through the morning will be downslope regions of the Chautauqua Ridge to the Lake Erie shoreline. Strongest gusts late morning and through the evening hours will be region-wide.
* WHEN…Until 10 PM EST this evening. Peak gusts likely between 3 pm and 7 pm.
* IMPACTS…Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Wind gusts this morning will be perpendicular to the New York State Thruway, making for challenging travel for high-profile vehicles.
INSTRUCTIONS: Avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.
MCKEAN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE ARREST PAIR IN RAID – DRUG AND GUN VIOLATIONS (MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: January 8, 2026):
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that today’s raid by the McKean County Drug Task Force was the conclusion of a several months’ long investigation into drug trafficking by two accused drug traffickers.
Dawn BUTERBAUGH and David DICKINSON, both of 3 Pike Street in Bradford, were charged by criminal complaint alleging several drug crimes and firearms violations. Detective Kolin Strawcutter and Detective Seth Shephard of the McKean County Drug Task Force filed the charges at the conclusion of the investigation which began with reports of drug sales by BUTERBAUGH and DICKINSON out of the residence on Pike Street from November 13, 2025, to January 8, 2026.
