A UPMC Expert’s Year-End Health Checklist: Small Steps That Make a Big Difference
Williamsport Family Medicine Residency
As another year winds down, many of us start thinking about fresh starts and resolutions. But before you jump into planning for the year ahead, now is the perfect time to take stock of your health. A simple year-end review can help you catch potential issues early, stay organized, and enter January feeling prepared and empowered.
1. Review Your Annual Screenings and Preventive Tests
Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to protect long-term health. Take a moment to check whether you’re up to date on age- and risk-appropriate screenings. These often include blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, diabetes screening, colonoscopy, mammograms, Pap tests, and bone density scans.
If you’re unsure what you need, reach out to your primary care provider, we can help create a personalized schedule based on your age, family history, and health conditions.
2. Make Sure Your Vaccinations Are Current
Raymond L. Eidson, 94, of Bradford, formerly of Pleasantville
Raymond L. Eidson, 94, of Bradford, formerly of Pleasantville, passed away Sunday December 21, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born on September 27, 1931, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Nova (Chapman) Eidson. He was a 1950 graduate of Bradford High School.
On August 26, 1950, he then entered the United States Army, he served in Germany during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged on June 17, 1952.
On April 14, 1951, he married Donna (Woodley) Eidson who preceded him in death on January 9, 2009. On June 19, 2010, he married Audrey (Knight) Shaffer, who died December 27, 2022.
Mary Esther Holmberg, 53, of Coudersport, PA
Mary Esther Holmberg, 53, of Coudersport, passed away Friday, December 23, 2025, at her home after an extended illness.
She was born in Coudersport on October 12, 1972, the daughter of the late Jacob Frombach and Naomi (Minor) Frombach of Coudersport. She married Jason C. Holmberg on December 18, 1999, and just celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary.
McKean County Coroner’s Office
The McKean County Coroner’s Office is looking for the relatives of a Shinglehouse, PA woman who died at the Bradford Manor, Bradford, PA on December 20th.
Donna L. Castrechino, 75, may have ties to the Rochester, NY area. Anyone with any information can call Michael Mascho, McKean County Coroner at 814-558-9495.
Lawrence M. Skroback, 84, Genesee
October 31, 1941 — December 20, 2025
Genesee
Genesee- Lawrence Michael Skroback “Loving Husband, Father & Grandfather”
Lawrence M. Skroback, 84, of Deer Creek Road formerly of 339 N 8th Street, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Larry was born on October 31, 1941, in Olean, he was the son of Michael and Alice Curtis Skroback. On September 2, 1967, at Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, he married Mary F. Muhitch, who survives.
Larry was a 1959 graduate of Portville Central School. He attended Montana University. Larry worked at various different places including Kodak in Rochester before he returned to Olean and worked at Clark Brothers for a few years. Larry then began working at MOOG, where he worked for over 44 years before retiring on August 31, 2017.
Larry enjoyed dairy farming since he was a boy and tending to his large garden. He was a huge animal lover. Larry was very active in sports. He enjoyed coaching baseball, softball, and basketball. He was also a referee for soccer and basketball for over 20 years in Section 6 and Section 5. Larry was a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.
LATE DEER SEASONS TO BEGIN
This winter figures to be a bit busier in the deer woods, thanks to a mix of hunting seasons, old and new, that kick off soon.
Pennsylvania’s flintlock deer season runs Dec. 26-Jan. 24 in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2B, 5C and 5D and Dec. 26-Jan. 19 in the rest of the state. Archery deer hunting is open Dec. 26-Jan. 24 in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D and Dec. 26-Jan. 19 everywhere else in the state.
Extended antlerless firearms hunting, meanwhile, also is available Dec. 26-Jan. 24 in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, and Jan. 2-19 in WMUs 4A, 4C, 4D and 5A. Extended antlerless hunting is authorized on all Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) properties while in possession of a valid DMAP permit for that property, statewide Dec. 26-Jan. 24.
Finally, hunters with Agricultural Deer Control Permits can take antlerless deer on the properties for which their tags apply through April 15.
Antlerless licenses still remain available for WMU 4A; all other WMUs are sold out. DMAP permits remain available for various properties across Pennsylvania. Hunters can check for those at https://www.pgcapps.pa.gov/Harvest/DMAP.
Enjoying the different opportunities in different places this season might mean adhering to some different requirements.
If the extended season is open within a WMU, a hunter may use a WMU-specific antlerless license to take an antlerless deer within that WMU. If the extended season is not open within a WMU, hunters on DMAP properties need a valid DMAP permit for the property they’re hunting to take part in the season.
Late archery and flintlock hunters can harvest antlerless deer with a valid antlerless license or DMAP permit, or an antlered deer with a valid, unused antlered deer harvest tag. Flintlock hunters can take an antlerless deer with their unused antlered deer harvest tag, as well.
ATTEMPTED CRIMINAL HOMICIDE – NEW CHARGES AGAINST MAN ACCUSED OF SHOOTING AT CAR IN GIFFORD
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the man accused of shooting at a vehicle as it was driving away from a residence in Gifford has now been charged with Attempted Criminal Homicide. Matthew LUKE is incarcerated on $1million bail after he was charged by Corporal Sierra Rooke (PSP-Lewis Run) following an emergency dispatch of Troopers to a residence for a report of shots fired on December 6th. LUKE is now charged with Attempted Criminal Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Burglary and other charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.
Clifford L. Green, 77, of St. Marys
Clifford L. Green, 77, of St. Marys, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Penn Highlands DuBois following a brief illness.
He was born on October 17, 1948 in St. Marys, a son of the late Arthur and Dorothy Brown Green.
On July 8, 2002, he married the late Patricia Anderson Green, who preceded him in death on January 15, 2012.
Cliff was a lifelong resident of the area and served more than 40 years in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was employed by Motion Control for many years and also worked for some time as a security guard. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Ever the jokester, Cliff enjoyed making others laugh and always had a funny joke to share. One of his favorite things to do was sitting around a campfire with family and friends, enjoying a cold beer and reminiscing.
RECENT LEGISLATION WILL HELP DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ENFORCE DUIS WHILE FOCUSING ON TREATMENT FOR MANY FIRST-TIME DUI OFFENDERS
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer explains how a new bill (HB 1615 which was passed by Senate and House and signed by Governor) will help District Attorneys enforce the DUI statute while offering sentencing alternatives for some first-time DUI offenders.
A few court decisions have greatly impacted DUI sentences in Pennsylvania. One of the tools prosecutors have is the ARD program (or Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition). ARD is a program that allows prosecutors to offer a probationary sentence for most first-time DUI offenders with a focus on treatment by identifying first-time DUI offenders who are at low risk of reoffending. The probation allows the first time DUI offender to receive a sentence that does not include jail or house arrest and requires minimal license suspension. An appellate court decision greatly impacted the ARD program in Pennsylvania.
To Those With Whom God Is Pleased
Pastor B.J. Knefley
“To Those With Whom God Is Pleased”. What does that mean, and where does it come from? I’m glad you asked.
The passage comes from the Christmas story as told in the Gospel of Luke. Specifically, it is from Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” It is also what the angels said to the shepherds. I think many have focused on the “peace on earth” part, but did we notice “with whom God is pleased”? We all want peace in some form or another, perhaps in our world, our home, or even with loved ones. We have heard that Jesus came to bring peace, but did he? This is what Jesus said in Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Doesn’t sound like peace to me, does it to you?
The peace spoken of in this passage has a direct bearing on who God is pleased with. Perhaps you’re thinking, but isn’t God about love? The answer is an astounding YES! So let me put it another way. I love my children, but I am not always pleased with them. You see, love is unconditional, but being pleased is not. That’s the part we often miss.
CRCF-supported programs bring holiday joy to hundreds across Cattaraugus County
“Growing Good” isn’t just the mantra of the Community Foundation – it’s the driving force behind holiday generosity reaching those who need it most.
This year, CRCF-supported programs, along with dedicated nonprofit and community partners, helped hundreds of children and families celebrate the holidays through gift-giving initiatives including The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, Interfaith Caregivers’ Gift Tree and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Santa Sheriff program.
After a decade-long hiatus in the Angel Tree program, overwhelming community support ensured that every child enrolled in the program was adopted. Angel Trees were emptied quickly, with some being emptied multiple times. The trees were placed at local businesses, with organizations, churches and families stepping up to meet every need.
Jeanette M. Watts, 98, of Bradford, PA
Jeanette M. Watts, 98, of Bradford, passed away Monday December 22, 2025.
Born February 4, 1927, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late David and Myrtle (Manry) Walb. She was a graduate of Bradford High School.
On February 14, 1947, she married Dalph E. Watts who preceded her in death on December 26, 2002.
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING
National Weather Service State College PA
217 AM EST Wed Dec 24 2025
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING…
* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations between one tenth and three tenths of an inch possible.
* WHERE…A portion of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From Friday morning through Saturday morning.
* IMPACTS…Hazardous travel conditions are likely. Plan on slippery road conditions. Power outages and tree damage are possible due to the ice. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
APPEALS COURT AFFIRMS MURDER CONVICTION OF FENTON
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has affirmed the conviction of convicted murderer, Anthony FENTON. FENTON was convicted after a jury trial in 2024 in the death of Tammy PROSSER in 2021 in an apartment on Main Street in Bradford.
On May 10, 2021, City of Bradford Police Chief Michael Ward and Patrolman Jason Putt (now retired) and other officers and paramedics with Bradford City Fire Department responded to the apartment for an unresponsive female.
During an interview with Chief Ward and Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling, FENTON alleged that Tammy had fallen down the stairs the night before, walked across the street to Top’s Supermarket to buy a case of beer, and then succumbed to the injuries from the prior fall. This interview became critical to the case, according to DA Vetttenburg-Shaffer.
Video evidence from stores in the area disputed many of FENTON’S claims as did the Top’s clerk who testified that Tammy was fine while she was at the store, and he did not notice any injuries. An expert retained by the District Attorney’s Office testified that FENTON’S explanation of a stair fall was not possible due to the number and layout of the stairs and the amount of inertia that would have been required to go from the top of the stairs, across a landing and down another set of stairs and, further, the injuries did not match a stair fall. A medical examiner from Buffalo, Bradford paramedics and BRMC nurses also testified to the extraordinary injuries to Tammy’s body – all consistent with intentional infliction of trauma rather than stair fall. FENTON was convicted and appealed various court rulings from prior to the trial.
The District Attorney also appealed the sentence asserting that the Trial Court gave FENTON credit for more days served in jail prior to trial than he was entitled to. The Superior Court denied all of FENTON’S claims including that the trial court erred in admitting his statements to Ward and Yingling finding that he never asked for a lawyer and citing the long-standing law in Pennsylvania that a suspect must unequivocally request an attorney.
This Is An Important Message From NY Alert
Winter Weather Advisory issued December 23 at 1:16AM EST until December 23 at 4:00PM EST by NWS Binghamton NY
* WHAT…Snow and mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations around
a light glaze.
* WHERE…Steuben County.
* WHEN…Until 4 PM EST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute.
INSTRUCTIONS: Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be
obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Issued By: NWS Binghamton NY
Kathy A. Lebon, Of Warren, PA
Kathy A. Lebon, of Warren, Pa, died in the early morning of Wednesday Dec. 17, 2025, after a long-fought battle with cancer. She passed away at home, with her loved ones. She was born December 30th, 1956, in Washington, Pa. She graduated from McGuffey high school in 1974 and continued her education at Penn Commercial. After completing her education, she was employed by 84 Lumber in Eighty Four, PA as a supervisor in their financial department. She then moved to Revere, Massachusetts and worked with her family. In 1989 she relocated to Warren, PA and worked in the financial department for Forrest Warren Human Services until June of 2025. She was also the YWCA Board President from 1995 to 1997 and on the Board of Directors at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center in 1999.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, hiking and anything else outdoors. She always put others before herself and loved to brighten up someone’s day. For many people she was the light that guided them through the dark times and was always there when it mattered the most.
BAIL INCREASED TO $3MILLION, ADDITIONAL CHARGES AGAINST LEWIS RUN MAN
Following a preliminary hearing held in front of Magisterial District Judge David Engman, charges were bound over against the Lewis Run man charged with sex crimes. Ray COAST of Lewis Run was previously charged with Rape, Child Pornography and additional charges following investigation by Trooper Richard Obermeyer. Today, the Commonwealth added 270 additional counts of sex crimes including 90 additional counts of Rape, 90 additional counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, and 90 additional counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault.
During a bail hearing following the preliminary hearing, bail was increased to $3 million. By separate complaint, COAST is charged with stalking. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police at (814) 368-9230 or 911.
Alwin “Dutch” Ingalls, 68, of Coudersport, PA
Alwin “Dutch” Ingalls passed away December 19th at UPMC Cole surrounded by his loved ones following a brief battle with Cancer. Dutch will be remembered for his gentle nature, devotion to his family, and love of music.
He was born in Coudersport on September 14, 1957, the son of the late Alwin D. Ingalls and Patricia M. (Barber) Ingalls of Coudersport. Dutch is a graduate of Northern Potter High School. He most recently worked for Ram Forest Products and previously worked at Ulysses Lumber and several other local lumber yards as a Lumber Inspector. He also owned and operated the former God’s Country Music store on Main St., Coudersport. Dutch was a former member of the Gospel Tabernacle where he played in the praise band for over 35 years. While attending the Gospel Tabernacle he traveled to Romania to help in the church and orphanage project. He loved playing and teaching guitar, and music played an important part of his life. He was also a car enthusiast, an avid outdoorsman and president of PEWA.
One of his greatest joys was his family, he was a doting grandfather who took immense pride in watching his family grow.
Clare M. “Babe” Horchen, 96, Formerly of Maple Street, St. Marys
Clare M. “Babe” Horchen, 96, a resident of Silvercreek Terrace and formerly of Maple Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Friday, December 19, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born April 18, 1929 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Frank and Marie Zimmerman Bucheit. She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1947, and an employee of Sears, Roebuck and Co., where she retired.
On May 30, 1953, in Sacred Heart Church, Clare married the late Paul Horchen, Jr., who preceded her in death on October 24, 2015.
Babe is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen Frank (Raymond) of St. Marys; sons, James Horchen (Laura) and David Horchen (Sallie), both of St. Marys; five grandchildren: Charles Frank, Corey Frank, Emily Kleps, Kyle Horchen, and Jaclyn Williams; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Abigail Horchen; two half-sisters: Charlotte Vollmer and Frances Hillebrand; eight half-brothers: Louis, John, Richard, Andrew, Leon, Bernard, Walter Bucheit, and Frank A. Heinkel.
Ruth G. (Zbierowski) Davis, 99, Of Morris, Formerly Of Medford, OR
Ruth G. (Zbierowski) Davis, 99, of Morris, formerly of Medford, OR, passed away Saturday December 20, 2025 at Broad Acres Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born November 24, 1926, in Milwaukee, WI, to Frank and Barbara (Hodan) Zbierowski. She graduated from high school, and worked as a quality control supervisor for Halcyon Communications in San Jose, CA. Ruth loved animals, especially dogs and cats.
She is survived by her son: Allen Meldrum of FL; a daughter: Marje Seiler (Keith) of Oregon Hill; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Robert Allen Davis, and a sister: Marian Mullen who passed away December 15, 2025.
In accordance with her wishes there will be a private graveside service at the convenience of her family. Burial will be at Oregon Hill Cemetery, and her arrangements have been entrusted to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA 16901. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.