FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Chicken Vienna-Style Sausage Products Illegally Imported From Jamaica
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for canned chicken Vienna-style sausages that were illegally imported from Jamaica, a country that is not eligible to export meat or poultry products to the United States. FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country.
Mark H. Cabisca “celebration of life slated”
ERIE, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Mark H. Cabisca, 62, of Erie, at 12 noon on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at site 007, Perry Monument, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA.
Mark passed away on July 17, 2026.
His family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
*ADVISORY—HARRISBURG—TOMORROW * Chairman Dush, Greenlight Operation to Reveal Key Findings of First-Ever PA Anti-Human Trafficking Survey
WHO: Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Jordan Pine, founder, president, and CEO, Greenlight Operation will host a news conference to reveal the key findings and policy implications of the first-ever, statewide Anti-Human Trafficking Survey.
Dush presently serves as Chairman of the PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus.
WHAT: To further enhance Pennsylvania’s anti-human trafficking prevention, protection and prosecution efforts, Greenlight Operation and Messiah University surveyed nearly 200 professionals, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders, including survivors and law enforcement, who participated in 10 regional policy forums — presented across the Keystone State by Dush and Pine.
The survey was completed as part of an Institutional Review Board Study and offers an evidence-informed, strategic roadmap to combat this scourge against all humanity.
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Capitol Media Center, 1 East Wing, State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg
LIVESTREAM: https://senatordush.com/2026/
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Dush, Pine and other state lawmakers will be available for in-person media inquiries immediately following Wednesday’s news conference.
Port Allegany High School Student Of the Week
Congratulations to Garrin Wright, who is the Student of the Week for the week of September 2, 2026! Garrin is a senior at Port Allegany High School and third year in the Welding program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Upon graduation, Garrin plans to go to Texas and work on the pipeline.
Garrin is an active participant in both baseball and football at Port Allegany. He demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities in his welding program at the SHCTC. Garrin takes his responsibilities seriously, demonstrates initiative, takes the time to help others, and remains polite towards others. He is studious and completes all assignments.
Congratulations to Mackenzie Mack, who is the Student of the Week for the week of September 28, 2026! Mackenzie is a senior at Northern Potter Junior/Senior High School and third year in the Culinary Arts program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center.
Mackenzie is a member of the Student Committee at the SHCTC. He has also participated in Skills USA. He placed 2nd at Districts last year and will be competing again this year. During his time in high school, Mackenzie has participated in both cross country and track. He has participated in Boy Scouts, which has allowed him to earn many service hours within his community.
Mackenzie has been nominated because he consistently works diligently, completes his assignments on time, and makes good use of his time. He stays focused on the work that needs to be done, keeps busy with the tasks required of him, and maintains a professional attitude in the classroom and kitchen. His ability to stay focused on his responsibilities is a good example of what we want students to develop in Career and Technical Education.
Congratulations to Katherine Kusnierz, who is the Student of the Week for the week of October 5, 2026! Katherine is a sophomore at Otto Eldred High School and a first year in the Engineering program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Katherine is a member of the FFA, as well as Pathfinders.
Katherine was nominated as student of the week due to great attendance and maintaining one of the highest grades in the program. She works hard and completes all tasks, putting forth full effort. Katherine demonstrates great leadership qualities.
Galeton September Weather Report
Galeton’s September weather was fairly normal. Morning lows were in the high 40s and low 50s. Daytime highs were generally in the 60s and 70s.
Total rainfall was 3.98″; last year we received 3.84″. Considering the rainfall for the past three months, the streams look quite healthy. The grass is growing quite nicely.
I am writing this report on October 6th, and today we received our first frost for the Fall. The grass was covered with a white coat of frost. I did, however, note a person on a lawn tractor cutting grass. Of course, with the white coating, one can see where you have cut the grass.
Henry W. Lush, National Weather Service Observer, along with Alyson Lush
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
This October, we encourage you to make life difficult for cybercriminals! Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global initiative every October that raises awareness about online safety and empowers individuals and businesses to protect themselves from cybercrime.
2026 Theme: Don’t Make It Easy for Them
Staying safe online isn’t about making one perfect decision. It’s about building habits and repeating them
consistently in the small moments that happen every day. In doing this, we can all make life difficult for
cybercriminals. Small actions make a big difference. We recommend starting with four easy steps anyone
can take to boost their online safety:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager.
- Turn on multifactor authentication
- Recognize and report scams
- Update your software. Spread the word! Register to become a 2026 Champion and receive a free Cybersecurity Awareness Month Toolkit you can use to help others stay safe online.
- SOURCE:
https://www.staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month
Run Past Cancer Events to be in Wellsboro on Saturday, Oct. 31
Register now for this year’s Run Past Cancer events being held on Saturday, Oct. 31. The start of the 5K and the One Mile Fun Run/Walk will be at the Patterson Park Trailhead at 32 Fellows Avenue in Wellsboro on the new section of the Pine Creek Rail Trail. The trailhead is not far from the Wellsboro House Restaurant on Charleston Street.
Run Past Cancer is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Tyoga Running Club.
The 5K and Fun Run/Walk will start at 9 a.m. on Oct. 31. Both will be out and back events. Participants will run half the distance and then return to the start.
To register, visit https://ultrasignup.com/
Those who register by Thursday, Oct. 29 will pay $20 to enter the 5K and $10 to enter the one-miler. On race day, the 5K entry fee will be $25 for the 5K and $15 for the one-miler. The maximum entry fee for a Fun Run/Walk family (immediate family members only) is $30 no matter how many there are. All checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society.
Families and individuals participating in the 5K and the Fun Run/Walk are encouraged but not required to wear costumes. Prizes will be awarded in seven categories for the 5K and for the Fun Run/Walk, including for Funniest, Scariest, Most Unusual, Cutest, Best Fictional Character, Best Group and Coolest Celebrity.
“Every dollar raised through these two events will be put toward the fight to eradicate cancer. We are hoping to raise $3,000,” said organizer Terry Borneman, an American Cancer Society volunteer. “I have had many family members and friends affected by cancer. My mother died of lymphoma and my father from leukemia. My brother was treated for prostate cancer and my mother-in-law for breast cancer. One of my best friends, a fellow teacher, died of cancer just after he retired. Other teachers I have worked with have also died of cancer. It is time for us to find a cure.”
Sponsors are: First Citizens Community Bank, Wild Asaph Outfitters, Partners in Progress, and the Mansfield VFW.
Event sponsorships are still available. Also available are race-day refreshment sponsorships. The names of companies that donate water, energy bars, trail mix, etc. will be displayed at the table where these items will be distributed. General donations to help offset race-day expenses are also welcome.
Completed sponsor forms should be mailed to Terry Borneman, ACS volunteer at 136 Mount Zion Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901.
For more information about participating in the 5K or One Mile Fun Run/Walk, donations or sponsorships, call Terry Borneman at 1-410-428-8615 or email him at tb1949@ptd.net.
National Bullying Prevention Month
Bullying is the aggressive use of power, targeting another person or group of people with repeated, unwanted words or actions, hurting them emotionally or physically. Bullying impacts the education, health, and safety of K-12 youth.
“The negative effects of bullying can last a lifetime,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. “Calling out bullying behavior and supporting those who are bullied can make a big difference for those who experience bullying.”
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center offers age-appropriate resources to help students, parents,
educators, and community members address bullying. The message is stronger when united by the common belief that bullying is wrong and shouldn’t happen to anyone. Opportunities to get involved include:
- Be informed. Watch the video overview by Medha, a student from Virginia.
- Take action of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month, created in 2021. Learn ways you can get involved through activities, conversation, or education.
- Inspire youth. Use the four-week student activity kit featuring theme weeks and classroom projects to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion
- Share information. Color our virtual world
- Celebrate Unity Day with a collection of downloadable promotional images the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month, with a simple call to action to wear and share the color orange to send a universal message that bullying is never acceptable.
- Order a free Unity Day poster or purchase the official Unity Day t-shirt.
For more information about National Bullying Prevention Month, visit our innovative websites for parents and professionals, middle and high school students, and elementary students. - SOURCE:
https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/spreadtheword/promote-nbpm/
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE OF PORT ALLEGANY WOMAN
(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 5, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the man convicted of 1st Degree Murder in the death of a Port Allegany woman in 2025 has been sentenced to life in prison following a sentencing hearing held today at the McKean County Courthouse.
KUCHINKA was charged by Trooper Whitney Boshart of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks after K-leigh Hill-Nelson was reported missing after not showing up for her work at a nursing home in February, 2025.
Brian KUCHINKA was convicted of 1st Degree Murder in August after a trial before a judge at the McKean County Courthouse. He had previously admitted to causing the death of K-leigh but denied his actions were premediated and intentional. The judge found that his actions showed that he acted intentionally and with premeditation to support a conviction of 1st Degree Murder. KUCHINKA shot K-leigh in the head.
At the sentencing hearing, family members of the victim and the District Attorney read statements about K-leigh and how her murder has impacted them and K-leigh’s young son.
KUCHINKA did not make a statement.
EAK Distribution LLC Recalls HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom Because of Possible Health Risk
October 2nd, 2026 – EAK Distribution of Casper, WY is recalling HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom was sold on Amazon.com to consumers nationwide between the dates of August 20th, 2026 and September 18th, 2026
HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom is in a cream colored pouch with the UPC code 850056627443. The top seal is embossed with the Production Lot Code of AUG172026.
There have been no reported illnesses from our product to date.
John E. Kuhn, 55, of Whitesville, NY
John E. KUHN, 55, of Whitesville, NY, died Friday, October 2, 2026, in his home. Born June 15, 1971, in Hornell, he was the son of Aaron L. and Joan E. Chambers Kuhn. He was a graduate of Whitesville Central School.
On October 16, 1993, in Andover, he married the love of his life, Teresa A. Coyle, who survives. John was employed by Herbert Cooper in Genesee, Whitesville Wood Products, L.C. Whitford in Wellsville, and Allegany County DPW for 29 years. John was a lifelong firefighter, serving with the Genesee Volunteer Fire Department and the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Allegany County Firemen’s Association and the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. Above all, family came first to John. He was a son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
Surviving besides his wife, Teresa, are: two children, Aaron John (Madge “Megan”) Kuhn of Whitesville and Sara (Logan) Lowe of Westfield, PA; two grandchildren, Aaron and Levi; two sisters, Deborah (Stephen) Murray of Friendship and Jennifer Foth of Smyrna, DE; mother-in-law, Sharon Coyle of Wellsville; four brothers-in-law, Tony Foth of Whitesville, Tom (Sandy) Coyle of Kingston, NC, Tim Coyle of Wellsville, and Todd (Mariann) Coyle of Cheyenne, WY; sister-in-law, Tami Coyle of Fairfield, OH; nieces and nephews, Peter (Jaime) Foth, Donald (Amanda) McNeely, Brandi (Tom “Frank” Smith) Murray, Matthew (Hannah) Ford, Dori Coyle Hall, Damien Coyle, and Josh (Jennifer) Lewis; grandnieces and grandnephews; and his adopted children in the fire service. He was predeceased by his parents; and his father-in-law, Francis Coyle.
Friends may call Friday, October 9, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, where a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be made to Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department, Genesee Volunteer Fire Department, or Ronald McDonald House.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
JOURNEY HEALTH SYSTEM HOLDS ANNUAL BOARD MEETING
BRADFORD, Pa (October 2, 2026)– Journey Health System (JHS) and its affiliated organizations held their annual meeting on October 2, at the JHS main office in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Over 40 Board members, executive leaders and guests attended, both in-person and remotely, to review the previous fiscal year, recognize goals and conduct the organization’s annual Board Elections.
This year’s meeting theme, “Transforming Behavioral Health Care,” reflected the organization’s continued focus on innovation, collaboration and accessible services for individuals and families across Pennsylvania.
WinCo Foods of Boise, ID is Recalling the Following Salsa Bean Dip Trays Due to the Inclusion of Recalled Peperoncini from G.L. Mezzetta
October 1, 2026 – WinCo Foods of Boise, ID is recalling the following Salsa Bean Dip Trays due to the inclusion of recalled peperoncini from G.L. Mezzetta.
- WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray Express with UPC 2-67173-#####, with a net weight of 54oz.
- WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray, 16 Inch Catering Tray(by special order only) with UPC 2-67240-##### with a net weight of 104oz.
The affected peperoncini may have been used as an ingredient on the bean dip trays with “Best If Used By” dates of Aug. 14, 2026 through Sept. 25, 2026.
Product was distributed in WinCo Foods retail stores in AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, and WA.
WinCo Foods was notified by G.L. Mezzetta that a single lot of their Golden Greek Peperoncini has been recalled due to potential pest inclusion, due to a video from another grocery chain circulating on social media. Peperoncini are used as an ingredient in the WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Trays.
WinCo Foods did not have or use any product with evidence of pests included in the jar, nor has the company received any complaints regarding potential pests or illness related to the bean dip trays to date.
Stewart’s Shop Corp. Recalls Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry Due to Possible Foreign Object
October 2, 2026, Stewart’s Shops Corp. of Saratoga Springs, NY, is recalling two flavors, Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry, of half-gallon ice cream due to the potential presence of metal.
The following products are subject to recall and were sold at all Stewart’s Shops locations in NY, VT, and NH between 7/17/26 and 10/2/2026:
| Brand Name | Stewart’s Shops | Stewart’s Shops |
| Flavor Name | Heavenly Medley | Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry |
| Best By Date | Feb.10.27 | Feb.11.27 |
| Sold At | Stewart’s Shops | Stewart’s Shops |
| Lot / batch code | All products are ready-to-eat ice cream and intended to be consumed at home by consumers | |
| Condition | Frozen | |
| Shelf life | 7 months | |
| Packaging | Paperboard Carton | Paperboard Carton |
| Size | One Half Gallon (1.89L) | One Half Gallon (1.89L) |
| UPC | 0 82086 44371 1 | 0 82086 44377 3 |
No injuries or illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
PennDOT Driver’s License, Photo Centers Closed for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day Holiday
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that all driver’s license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, October 10, 2026, through Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday.
Customers may obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver’s license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver’s license or vehicle insurance restoration fees; driver’s license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2026 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s Online Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.
Planning to fly domestically? You now need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card or other acceptable form of ID – like a passport – to board a domestic flight. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, our REAL ID online wizard may help with your decision. Visit pa.gov/REALID today for information on how you can get a REAL ID.
Dush Calls for AG Review, Maximum Transparency Following Kaleida Health’s Failure to Transfer Bradford Hospital Ownership
SMETHPORT – PA State Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) issued the following statement regarding the inability of Kaleida Health to complete an agreement that would have transferred ownership of the former Bradford Regional Medical Center campus to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM):
“The situation facing Bradford is unacceptable, particularly when you look at the promises and expectations that accompanied Kaleida Health’s entry into our community and the significant reduction in life-saving healthcare services that have occurred over time—most notably the closing of Bradford Regional’s emergency room.
“The people of Bradford and surrounding communities deserve a sustainable, long term healthcare system. Unfortunately, Kaleida Health is not protecting the public’s interest for the original charitable purposes associated with the former hospital. They are apparently attempting to restrict competition by potentially engaging in ‘refusal to deal as a local monopoly’ as defined in Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, through the application of ‘extreme barriers to entry.’
This is an Important Message from NY Alert
HEADLINE: Frost Advisory issued October 5 at 12:57PM EDT until October 6 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Temperatures in the mid 30s will result in frost formation.
* WHERE…Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Southern Erie Counties. Greatest coverage of frost will be inland from Lake Erie.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left unprotected.
INSTRUCTIONS: Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY
Robert James Swanson, 43, of Smethport
Smethport – Robert James Swanson, 43, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (October 1, 2026) at his residence in Smethport.
He was born December 16, 1982, in Kane, PA, the son of Russel and Joni (Johnson) Swanson.
Rob was a 2001 graduate of Smethport Area High School and obtained his Associate Degree in Petroleum Technology and Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford.
Mr. Swanson was owner/operator of his own pipeline consulting company.
Robert was happiest when he was in nature. He was an avid animal lover and supporter of veterans. He was often found tinkering on a number of projects.
He is survived by his father and mother, Russel and Joni Swanson of Smethport, along with his longtime girlfriend, Tammy L. VanGorder of Smethport. Also surviving are two brothers, Ryan (Stacey VanGuilder) of Olean, NY, and Bryan Swanson of Smethport, along with cousins, Uncles, and Aunts.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.