(Washington, D.C., September 14, 2026) — U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith today announced $175 million available in the new Affordable Rural Cooperative Program (ARC) to boost rural nuclear power and strengthen the reliability of America’s electric power transmission.
“The directive from President Trump is clear: we must invest in stronger, broader, more reliable power to keep America at the forefront of growth and progress,” said Smith. “With this new program, USDA is helping our nation’s electric cooperatives expand American power generation with more efficient technologies. This investment ensures rural communities continue to benefit from affordable, resilient energy for decades to come.”
Williamsport, Pa., September 14, 2026 – Three UPMC hospitals in north central Pennsylvania have been recognized by the Gift of Life Donor Program through the 2026 Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge for their efforts to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. UPMC Williamsport earned a Titanium designation, while UPMC Muncy and UPMC Wellsboro earned Platinum designations.
“These recognitions reflect the meaningful work our teams do to honor donors, support families, and help more people understand the lifesaving impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation,” said Heidi Weeder, RN-BSN, co-chairman, Organ and Tissue Donation, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Every conversation about donation can make a difference for patients and families waiting for their life-saving gift.”
The annual challenge encourages Pennsylvania hospitals to increase donation awareness within their hospitals and communities. Participating hospitals are recognized for activities completed during National Donate Life Month, including employee education, community outreach, donor registration campaigns, and public communications.
According to HAP, hospitals earned titanium, platinum, gold, silver, or bronze recognition based on their efforts to support donation awareness. This year’s challenge was held in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the two organ procurement organizations serving Pennsylvania, the Center for Organ Recovery & Education and Gift of Life Donor Program.
To learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit UPMC.com/DonateLife.
BRADFORD, Pa. — The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and SheBe Marketing are partnering to bring local women together for SheBe Community Coffee: Women Building Business & Community on Tuesday, September 29 at 8:30 am at the Chamber office – 62 Main Street, Bradford.
The informal morning gathering is being created as an opportunity for women entrepreneurs, small business owners, professionals, organizational leaders and mentors to connect, share experiences and talk about what women need to build and grow businesses in rural communities.
The 60- to 75-minute gathering will include everyday challenges women face in business and marketing, opportunities to learn from other women’s experiences, and areas where additional resources or stronger connections could make running and growing a business a little easier.
“One takeaway from the Women in Business Expo is that women in our community want opportunities to connect with other women who understand the realities of running a business. Our audience really connected with Shelley’s talk on women and entrepreneurship,” stated Heidi Scrivo, President of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. “
The event is also about listening. What participants share during the morning will help SheBe Marketing and the Chamber better understand what local women are looking for and may help shape future SheBe Community opportunities, including practical workshops, shared learning and additional opportunities to connect.
Shelley Jack, founder of SheBe Marketing, is a business strategist and speaker with more than 25 years of experience helping businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations strengthen their brands and create lasting impact.
No presentation. No prep. Just coffee, useful conversation and community.
SheBe Community Coffee is open to women entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, organizational leaders, mentors and experienced or retired women leaders throughout the region.
The event will be held Tuesday, September 29, starting at 8:30 at the chamber office (62 Main Street). You don’t have to be a chamber member to participate. RSVP is encouraged: email Heidi@bradfordchamber.com.
On September 13, 2026, at approximately 1:59 a.m., officers with the City of Bradford Police Department were dispatched to the area of 12 Mechanic Street for a reported hit-and-run crash.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, a silver Jeep allegedly struck an occupied Mazda CX-9 and left the scene before officers arrived. Witnesses reported that the Jeep then traveled at a high rate of speed through the residential neighborhood and failed to stop for a red traffic signal at the intersection of Mechanic Street and West Washington Street. The operator was subsequently identified as Parker Michael Gorrell.
At approximately 3:52 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 63 South Kendall Avenue after McKean County 911 received multiple reports of a man in the roadway with a firearm. Officers from the City of Bradford, Foster Township and Bradford Township police departments responded.
Upon arrival, officers found Gorrell standing in the roadway with his arms raised. A Mossberg 20-gauge shotgun was located in the west lane of traffic.
According to witness statements contained in the affidavit, Gorrell’s Jeep had become disabled in the east lane of South Kendall Avenue. Witnesses reported that an altercation occurred after Gorrell exited the vehicle and approached a group of people who were walking home from a local establishment. Gorrell allegedly returned to his vehicle, retrieved the shotgun and approached the group while cycling the action of the firearm, causing the witnesses to fear that they would be shot.
Officers also reported locating a partially consumed open alcoholic beverage inside the Jeep. The affidavit alleges that Gorrell was under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
Gorrell was taken into custody and transported to the City of Bradford Police Department for processing. A criminal complaint was filed on September 13, 2026, charging him with:
Terroristic threats
Recklessly endangering another person
Simple assault by physical menace
Harassment
Disorderly conduct
Accidents involving damage to an attended vehicle or property
Restrictions on alcoholic beverages
Public drunkenness
Reckless driving
Careless driving
Obedience to traffic-control devices
Abandoning a vehicle on a highway
Obstruction of highways
Driving upon a sidewalk
Failure to stop, provide information and render aid
Magistrate David Engman arraigned Gorrell and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $250,000 straight cash bail. Preliminary Hearings are set in the matter.
The charges are allegations. Gorrell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
HARRISBURG – As part of its mission to foster connectivity, this week, Sept.13 through Sept. 19, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is supporting a national effort recognizing Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, a campaign to help income-eligible Pennsylvanians stay connected through the Lifeline Program.
“This week is an important reminder that there is support for digital connectivity and telephone access,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “In today’s increasingly interconnected world, telecommunications services provide a vital lifeline to emergency services, friends and family. The Lifeline Program brings crucial financial assistance to income-eligible Pennsylvanians so those most in need can stay connected.”
Lifeline Program Benefits
Lifeline is a federal program that provides a $5.25 per household, per month discount on your qualifying landline or wireless standalone voice service or a $9.25 per household, per month discount on your qualifying wireless or landline internet service or qualifying bundled telephone/internet service product from a landline or wireless provider. The discount appears in the form of a reduction to the bill you pay your se…
Coryville – Max Eugene Milliron, 82, of Coryville, passed away Saturday (September 12, 2026) surrounded by his loved ones at Pines Healthcare & Rehab Center, Olean, NY.
He was born March 28, 1944 in Olean, the son of Richard and Bertha (Cochran) Milliron. On July 29, 1967, in the Eldred Methodist Church, he married Linda S. Howell, who survives.
Max was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School, a graduate of Penn State University, as well as Rochester Institute of Technology. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 – 1971.
Mr. Milliron was a computer programmer employed at Dexter-Hysol, now known as Henkel Loctite Company of Olean, NY before retiring.
He was a member of the Eldred American Legion and a former school board member for the Otto-Eldred school district
In addition to his wife, Linda S. Milliron of Coryville, he is survived by:
Two daughters: Johanna L. (Matthew) Nieboer of Rochester, NY and Beth A. (Steve) Kach of Churchville, PA
Five grandchildren: Grace (Noah) McClarin, Jack (Laura) Nieboer, Sam Nieboer, Nathan Kach and Julia Kach
Sister Carolyn Russell of Eldred and sister Karen Jeannerette of Duke Center, PA
And many nieces and nephews
In addition to his parents, Max was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Donald Milliron and one sister Kay Amster.
Max was a man defined by quiet strength, dedication to family, and a deep, lifelong love for the great outdoors. A true outdoorsman, he felt most at home in the woods and trails near his home. Max believed life was best lived enjoying time with family, caring for his land, or working in his vegetable garden. He was generous with all his resources but found particular joy in coming alongside to add his own effort to lighten a burden of a friend or neighbor. Being a man who knew the value of hard work, he approached everyday with grit and pride in a job well done. Putting his heart and strength into each day, Max quietly showed us all how to love what is valued most.
A celebration of Max’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19th. Calling hours will be from 11AM to 12 noon in Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where services will begin at 12 noon with the Rev. Jack Gregg, pastor of the Regular Baptist Church of Smethport, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Smethport Area Honor Guard. Burial will be private at Moody Hollow Cemetery, Coryville.
Guests planning to celebrate Max’s life with his family on the 19th are encouraged to wear casual, comfortable attire perhaps even a flannel or some camo in his honor.
Freda Pauline BICE, 94, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, September 11, 2026 in her home surrounded by her family. Born March 21, 1932, in Adrian, NY, she was the daughter of Floyd and Bernice Randolph Towner. On November 19, 1949, in Mansfield, OH, she married David Andrew Bice, who predeceased her on April 24, 1997.
Freda’s family meant the world to her. She loved having her house filled with loved ones. Freda was known for her warm and sweet disposition. She loved to go with family and take off on a day long adventure for lunch and shopping.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by an infant son, William Theodore Bice; a son-in-law, Gary Ragan; and two grandchildren, Rachael Bice Davis and Christopher Bice. She is survived by six children, 12 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; daughter, Deborah Ragan of Newark, DE, granddaughter, Candace (Thomas) Watson, great-grandchildren, Jaedyn, Ajah, and Thomas; daughter, Sandra (James) Hoopes of Ulysses, granddaughter, Christina Stager, great-granddaughter, Camila Stager, grandson, Preston (Chelsea) Hoopes, granddaughter-in-law, Michelle Hoopes, great-grandchildren, Alyssa (Austin) Davis, Madison, Kaden, Ariana, and Ace, great-great-grandchildren, Tucker, Rayla, and MaKayla, grandson, Patrick (Megan) Hoopes, great-grandchildren, Axton and Leighton; daughter, Terry (Jeff) Thomas of Rising Sun, MD, grandson, Michael (Cristina) Thomas, great-grandchildren, Caleb and Victoria, granddaughter, Susie (Dave) Bow, great-grandchildren, David and Keira, grandson, Kyle (Ashley) Thomas; son, David W. Bice of Landenberg, granddaughter, Tami (Scotty) Gagnon, great-grandchildren, Bella, Mia, Piper, and Emme, granddaughter, Stephanie (Corey) Bice, great-grandchildren, Edie and Willow; son, Scott (Nancy) Bice of Ulysses, granddaughter, Kayla (Bryan Simar) Kalasnik, great-grandchildren, Kinley and Rippin, grandson-in-law, Jared Davis, great-grandchildren, Lainey, Letty, and Judd, grandson, Cody (Abigail) Bice, great-grandchildren, Adeline, Jayce, Violet, Liam, and baby boy Bice; son, James (Tammy) Bice of Ulysses, great-grandchildren, Elijah, Amara, and Kayden, and grandson, Payden Bice; and dear friends, Ginny and Wayne Burrous of Ulysses.
Friends may call at The First Baptist Church of Ulysses, 603 South Main Street, Ulysses, PA on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, with a Memorial Service following at 4:00 PM. Rev. Samuel D. Seaman, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814 or online at www.cff.org/donate or to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620 or online at www.rmhcrochester.org. The family would like to extend thanks to Judy Tubbs, CRNP and staff of UPMC Wellsboro and Ashley Cowburn of UPMC Hospice for their wonderful care of Freda.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Wendy P. Holland, 59, of Shinglehouse, passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, Funeral Director/Owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Jim Pennington, Jr., President, announces the final results of Rolfe Beagle Club’s 10-day, Statewide Coyote and Crow Hunt offered from 9/3 thru 9/12. A record number of hunters registered for this fall 2026 hunt.
Hunters harvested 21 coyotes and eleven crows over the hunt.
Team Salter and Roys harvested five coyotes. The trio of Colby Nussbaum, Brady Nussbaum, and Reese Ehrensberger harvested seven coyotes over the timeframe. Reese also harvested two crows.
The largest coyote of the hunt was harvested by Team Salter and Roys, and was a male coyote that checked in at 47.0#. This male coyote would have been a 50+ pounder come February.
The largest female coyote was harvested by Colby Nussbaum and weighed in at 34.4#
Steve Krug won top prized for most crows harvested (9) and Reese Ehrensberger won the ghost coyote raffle.
Hunters are reminded that Rolfe Beagle Club’s Predator Hunt or Trap will take place over two weekends in February.
Smethport – Carolyn “Kay” H. King, 83, of Hummelstown, PA, formerly of Smethport, passed away Wednesday (September 2, 2026).
She was born November 9, 1942, in Tarentum, PA, the daughter of John and Helen Himes. On April 7, 1966, in Portville, NY, she married Ronald R. King, who died November 28, 2020.
Kay was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School and graduated from Clarion University with a Bachelor’s of Science in English.
She was a teacher in the Hamburg, NY, school system and later, for Smethport schools, from where she retired.
In addition to her parents and husband, Kay was preceded in death by an infant son, Alex King, in 1975.
Kay is survived by her two sons, Eric King and his partner, Beth Amacher, and Patrick King and his wife, Romina Divincenzo; and her cherished grandsons Kevin King, Jeremy King, and Gabriel Divincenzo. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Floyd “Buzz” Himes and his wife Rita Himes of Punxsutawney, PA.
At the request of the family, a private service for Kay will be held on Friday, Sept. 18th at 11AM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport. Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Susan M. Eberly, 68, of N. Main Street, Limestone, NY, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo NY.
Born February 9, 1958, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Alvia Greek and Caroline (Pinkerton) Greek-Maben.
Susan was a 1977 graduate of Limestone Union Free School.
On August 29, 2002, in the hall at St. Patrick Church in Limestone, she married Lawrence B. Eberly, who survives.
Susan worked in the medical transport field for four years before retiring in 2024.
She enjoyed crafts, camping, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Surviving, in addition to her husband Larry of 24 years, are three sisters, Shirley (the late John) Morris of Pittsburgh, Debra (Bryan) Woods of Limestone, NY, and Michele Myers of Limestone, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather John Maben, two sisters, Karen Kornacki and Connie Cramer, and one brother, Jerry Greek.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11 am to Noon at the Limestone Community Center. At noon, a Celebration of Susie’s Life will be held with Pastor Dr. Eric Kesell of the Bradford Baptist Church, officiating.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Geraldine “Joan” Heller, 94, known to family and friends as “Joan” or “JoAnn”, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, in Manassas, VA.
Born on January 30, 1932, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Amos and Martha (Yount) Shaffer.
Joan was a quiet, but determined woman, whose life was grounded in prayer, faith in Jesus Christ, and service to her community. She worked for Montgomery County Public Schools, MD, where she ran a school kitchen and touched the lives of many through her dedication and care. In her younger days she enjoyed bowling (high score 161). One of her first jobs was working at the Bradford Hospital as a candy-striper. She was a member of the 1951 graduating class of Bradford High School. She married, fellow Bradford High School alumni Ray Heller, in 1953.
Joan enjoyed hot black coffee, shrimp, and red was her favorite color.
She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Earl, Mike, and Craig; Craig’s wife, Jodi, who are parents to her grandchildren, Kaitlin (married to Blake), Kyle, and Kevin. Also, she will be missed by her brother Henry Shaffer and sisters Marilyn Gross, Reenie Shaffer, and Carol Steele. She will also be remembered by many other family members, friends, and members of her church and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, Raymond Heller, and four sisters, Gloria Oleska, Bea Welch, Linda Oden, and Norma Wells.
Her steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and determination will remain an enduring part of the lives she touched.
Graveside service will be on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10 am at McKean Memorial Park, 7569 Mount Alton Road, Lewis Run, PA 16738, followed by a Celebration of life at 11:30 am at Asbury Global Methodist Church, 385 East Main Street, in Bradford.
The Heller family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joan be made to Asbury Global Methodist Church, with a memo to G. Joan Heller
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Photo 1 – Bryan and Kohlson Uhl with coyote. Photo 2 – Colby and Brady Nussbaum with four coyotes. Photo 3 – Steve Krug with four crows.
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Despite the pouring rain, predator hunters steadily entered Rolfe’s parking lot to access the weigh station for the last day of the Coyote and Crow Hunt.
Bryan and Kohlson Uhl harvested a 21.4# female coyote on Saturday morning near 12:30 am. The father/son duo was hunting private lands in Elk County. Kohlson was calling with a Hot Dog Howler diaphragm call interspersed with a little lip squeak. Bryan shoots a .223 rifle with thermal scope.
Colby Nussbaum harvested a male coyote weighing 35.2# Saturday morning near 3:30 am. He was hunting on private lands in Elk County. Colby shoots a .243 rifle with a thermal scope. No calling at all for this coyote.
Brady Nussbaum harvested three coyotes while hunting with Colby. Two of them were harvested at the same time as Colby’s coyote. One male coyote weighed in at 30.0#. The second male coyote weighed in at 28.2#.
On Friday near 11:00 pm, Brady used an electronic call, and called in a male coyote weighing 37.0#.
Steve Krug brought the last harvests to the weigh station with his four crows. Steve was hunting private lands in Elk County and harvested two crows on Friday and two crows on Saturday. Steve shoots a 12-gauge pump shotgun for crows.
Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
The free Deane Little Beans program for youngsters ages 3 to 12 is being held next Saturday, Sept. 19, from 12 p.m to 1 p.m. in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Free snacks will be provided.
Featured will be a Sing-Along with fun songs led by Hamilton-Gibson’s Children’s Treble Choir with singers in grades 5-8 and Choir, Too with singers in grades 2-4.
“Both choirs will assist youngsters attending the program in learning several popular, family-friendly action songs so they can sing them,” said Director Thomas Putnam. “Some of the songs they may already know and others may be new to them,” he said. “All of the tunes and words will be easy to teach and just as easy to learn. They are echo songs, meaning the same words are repeated.”
Commission directs development of updated emergency load control rules and notices a Technical Conference on cost allocation
HARRISBURG – As rapid data center development adds significant new demand to the regional electric grid, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today took steps to examine Pennsylvania’s emergency load control procedures and the allocation of costs associated with large computational loads.
By a vote of 5-0, the Commission approved a motion by Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow directing PUC staff to develop proposed updates to Pennsylvania’s emergency electric load control regulations, including greater clarity regarding the order, criteria and circumstances under which customers may be curtailed during pre-emergency and emergency conditions.
“The combination of rapid load growth and tightening resource adequacy conditions requires us to carefully examine whether our existing regulatory framework is sufficient for the challenges ahead,” Vice Chair Barrow said. “We need clear and consistent procedures for managing load during pre-emergency and emergency conditions, while also examining how costs associated with large new loads should be allocated. These are…
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports one of the people arrested during a raid in January has pled guilty. January’s raid at a Pike Street residence was the conclusion of a months’ long investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force into drug trafficking in McKean County. The residents of the Pike Street home – Dawn BUTERBAUGH and David DICKINSON – were arrested during the raid.
At a plea conference at the courthouse yesterday, Dawn BUTERBAUGH pled guilty to Conspiracy Drug Delivery for conspiring with DICKINSON to deliver cocaine five times between November and January in amounts between .56 gram to 12.18 grams. BUTERBAUGH also pled guilty to Endangering the Welfare of a Child (course of conduct). She will be sentenced in October.
DICKINSON pled guilty in two cases last week to Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Felony); Possession of a Firearm by Persons Not to Possess (Felony 2); Dealing in Unlawful Proceeds (Felony 1); and Possession of a Controlled Substance by an Inmate (Felony 2). He will also be sentenced in October.
Detective Kolin Strawcutter and Detective Seth Shephard of the McKean County Drug Task Force led the investigations into the pair.
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.
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) today made the following statement regarding the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks:
“On this, the 25th anniversary of the most devastating terrorist attack on American soil, it is – and always was – easily understood that the destruction and loss of life was perpetrated by the personification of evil obsessed with destroying the fabric of our way of life. Anyone who has difficulty grasping that well-settled history does the future of this country and the memory of those lost on that day little service.
“It is my sincere belief that the best way we can honor the memory of those killed and injured as a result of this infamous and unnecessary violence is to recommit ourselves to the ideals of American greatness and ensure we live in an America stronger and more prosperous than ever.”
At 1 p.m. this coming Tuesday, Sept. 15 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 a presentation by Zack Buck about Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods located across the street at 91 Main Street.
Free light refreshments will be provided.
“My wife Tracy and I are the owners of Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods in Wellsboro,” Zack said. “On Sept. 15, I will be talking about how we got here, the things we’ve done in the past and our plans for the future, as well as the impact we have had on our community and the impact the community has has on us.”
“We held our grand opening for Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods on October 4, 2024, almost two years ago. In our store, we provide information about George Washington Sears who wrote under the pen name, “Nessmuk”, lived on Central Avenue in Wellsboro, died on May 1, 1890 at the age of 68 and was buried in the Wellsboro Cemetery on Nichols Street.
Submission deadline for the tenth annual challenge is January 29, 2027.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that high school students from around the state are invited to participate in this year’s PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers. The Innovations Challenge is open to all Pennsylvania students in grades 9-12.
Pennsylvania’s transportation network includes thousands of bridges and tunnels that safely connect communities every day. However, many of these structures were built decades ago, when commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles (RVs), and truck trailers were significantly smaller than they are today. As vehicles have gotten larger, the risk of them striking low-clearance bridges and tunnels has increased. In recent years, more than 600 Pennsylvania bridges have been struck by over-height vehicles. Even when these incidents cause only minor damage, they often result in lane closures, traffic congestion, emergency response, expensive repairs, and disruptions for businesses, schools, emergency services, and the traveling public.
Bridge hits undermine the progress that has been made in improving Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration, 21,852 road miles have been improved statewide, and work has advanced on 1,988 state and local bridges. The Governor’s 2026-27 enacted budget will drive out an additional $775 million over the next two fiscal years for shovel-ready projects to repair state-owned roads across Pennsylvania.
Settlement levies hefty civil penalty, directs numerous corrective actions and remedial measures for hundreds of failed fusions along gas service lines
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a joint settlement with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc. (Columbia Gas) related to past pipeline safety violations while completing main line replacement projects in Southwest Pennsylvania.
The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the Recommended Decision of PUC Administrative Law Judge Jeffrey A. Watson – which recommended approval of a Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement filed on March 14, 2025, between the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and Columbia Gas.
Today’s action resolves a formal complaint filed by I&E on Nov. 21, 2023, alleging that in 2019 and 2020 Columbia Gas and its contractor, Infrasource, violated state and federal regulations relating to visually unacceptable socket fusions along multiple main line replacement projects in Allegheny and Washington counties. Gas service line fusion is a permanent method of joining plastic polyethylene (PE) gas pipes using controlled heat to melt and blend the materials into a s…
(Coudersport, PA) – Do you have a private drinking water well, spring, or cistern? Are you interested in learning more about how to protect, test, and treat your family’s drinking water? Would you like to have your drinking water tested for bacteria and other pollutants? If so, here’s your chance!
In Pennsylvania, over one million homes and farms get their drinking water from a private source. These residents are voluntarily responsible for testing and treating their own water. About half of the private water systems fail at least one drinking water standard, but many pollutants have no obvious indicators. The only way to be certain that water is safe to drink is to have it tested routinely by an accredited laboratory.
Penn State Extension will be offering a Safe Drinking Water Clinic on September 23, 2026, from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Potter County Extension Office Conference Room, located at 1 N. Main St., Coudersport, PA. This workshop will provide education on proper location, construction, testing, maintenance, protection, and treatment of private water supplies. Additionally, free on-site water testing will be provided to a limited number of households. Water will be tested for bacteria, pH, total dissolved solids, and nitrate. Test results are for educational purposes only.
Support for these workshops is provided by the Master Well Owner Network grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. If you have any questions about the Safe Drinking Water Clinic, contact Danielle Rhea, Water Resources Educator, at 814-849-7361 or drs5277@psu.edu
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Recognizing Eagle Scouts: I was honored to recently attend an Eagle Court of Honor recognizing Adin and Gabe. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in Scouting, and participants must complete leadership requirements and develop a service project for an external organization or their community. For 116 years, Scouting America has encouraged generations of young Americans to commit themselves to serving God and country. I have personally been involved in Scouting for more than 50 years and serve as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Scouting America Caucus. Scouting has had a profoundly positive impact on my life, and I look forward to ensuring the legacy of Scouting will continue to grow for generations to come. Congratulations, Adin and Gabe, on this incredible achievement!
The Potter County Housing Authority will receive bids for Flooring Renovations for Freeman House Elderly Housing Project, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, at the office of the Owner, Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, until 12 P.M.,E.D.T., Thursday, September 24, 2026, at which time and place all bids will be opened and read aloud.
The bid envelope shall be marked “Flooring Renovations for Freeman House Elderly Housing“, and marked to the attention of Mr. Richard Duzick. Bidders will be notified as to bid results and disposition of contract award. Proposed forms of contract documents are on file at the office of the Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915, and will be available for inspection.
Copies of the documents may be obtained by depositing $20 (nonrefundable) with the Potter County Housing Authority for each set of documents so obtained. Payment must be made before receipt of bid documents.
This flooring project requires PA prevailing wage rates. A set of current rates will be available with the bid package. Contact information for the PA Department of Labor Wage Rate Division will be available for questions.
By making a Bid, the Bidder represents that (s) he has visited the site, (site meeting date will be set), become familiar with local Conditions, under which the work is to be performed, and has correlated these observations with the requirements of the proposed Drawings and Specifications. Bidder also represents that (s) he has read and understands the Drawings and Specifications, and the Bid is made in accordance therewith. The Authority will contact Bidders with a date for a site walk through and to take any questions pertaining to the project.
Potter County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn without the consent of the Potter County Housing Authority. The “invitation to bid” form is located on page IB-1 in the bid document. The Authority looks forward to receiving bids from Minority, and Woman-owned Businesses. Please feel free to contact Richard Duzick, Executive Director, at 814-274-7031 ext. 4, or pcha1@zitomedia.net with any questions.
