MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Chairman Dush, the co-chairs and other PA AHT Caucus members will be available for in-person media inquiries immediately following Tuesday’s news conference.
BRADFORD, Pa. — Surrounded by alumni, friends and community members last Friday, The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford celebrated both its past and its bright future with the launch of a new $30 million fundraising campaign. The event, which was part of the university’s annual Alumni and Family Weekend festivities, provided key details on plans for the future of campus and efforts to elevate student success, research and scholarship, and economic and community growth in our region and beyond.
Shinglehouse, Pa., Sept. 28, 2026 – More than 340 local residents from 145 households received fresh food and essential resources during UPMC’s recent Fill Your Trunk, Feed Your Family event in Shinglehouse, helping families access nutritious foods close to home.
The event, part of UPMC’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity across Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier, provided fresh produce, fruit, meat, and other food staples directly to community members through the UPMC Mobile Health Center.
“No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and meeting other basic needs. We know many families across our region are facing challenges, and access to healthy food remains a real concern for too many of our neighbors,” said Kari Kurtz, director, Community Relations, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Through Fill Your Trunk, Feed Your Family, we’re able to meet people where they are, help ease that burden, and connect them with nutritious food and supportive resources. The strong turnout in Shinglehouse demonstrates both the need in our communities and the impact we can make when local organizations come together to help.”
The Shinglehouse event was made possible through the generosity of Shinglehouse Shop N’ Save, in partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and with ongoing support from the Cole Foundation.
Fill Your Trunk, Feed Your Family is part of a series of community outreach events held throughout the region to connect residents with healthy food options and other resources that support healthier lives.
PHOTO CAPTION: Community members receive fresh produce, fruit, meat, and other nutritious food items packed directly into their vehicles by UPMC staff and volunteers during a recent Fill Your Trunk, Feed Your Family event in Shinglehouse.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in Potter County the week of September 28. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in Potter County for the coming week is as follows:
Route 44 between Route 6 in Coudersport Borough and Route 49 in Eulalia Township. Monday, September 28, through Friday, October 2. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
All of Route 607. Monday, September 28, through Friday, October 2. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of September 28. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:
Bridge Maintenance & Cleaning
Route 346 at a bridge spanning an unnamed tributary to Foster Brook in Foster Township. Monday, September 28, through Friday, October 2. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Amanda Lee Stark, 39, 10413 Rt. 46, Smethport, passed away on September 25, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. Amanda left this life knowing how deeply she was loved and entered her eternal home in Heaven.
Amanda was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Richard Herbstritt; three sons, Jacob (Cloe) Bishop, Coltin Herbstritt, Mason Herbstritt, one grandson, Jasper Bishop, one brother, Jeremy (Annette) Stark, of Derrick City, her parents, Jon and (Kim) Stark of Eldred, and Sherry White-Stark of Bradford, maternal grandmother, Christina White, of Limestone NY, and paternal grandmother Pearl Stark of Bolivar NY, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Rev. Walter W. White, and paternal grandfather, Frealyn O. Stark.
Amanda will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her friendly nature, and the way she was always there for the people around her. She loved her family deeply and found joy in the simple things that made life feel like home. She loved spending time in her garden, especially growing cucumbers, and she loved her dog, Lukey, who was an important part of her family.
During Amanda’s illness, Richard cared for her with extraordinary love and dedication. He was by her side throughout her battle with cancer, supporting her, caring for her, and walking beside her through some of the hardest moments of her life. His devotion to Amanda was an expression of the deep love they shared.
Amanda’s life ended far too soon, and she will be deeply missed by the family and friends who loved her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and that she is now at peace in Heaven. They will carry with them the laughter she brought into their lives, the kindness she showed to others, and the love she had for her family.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Homes, Inc., 33 South Avenue, followed by funeral services at 1 pm with Rev. Greg Mullin, Pastor of Community Gospel Church in Scottsville, NY, officiating. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Norwich Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 97, Crosby, PA 16724
James L. POLLOCK, 61, of Mills, PA, died Sunday, September 27, 2026 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, NY. Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Edith A. PIAQUADIO, 103, of Galeton, PA, died Saturday, July 18, 2026 in her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Friday, October 2, 2026 in St. Bibiana Catholic Church, Galeton. Memorials may be made to Goodyear Hose Company or the Galeton Fireworks Committee. Arrangements are with Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Marvin L. Burrows, age 64, of Westfield, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by his family at Corning Hospital. Born August 20, 1962, in Blossburg, he was the son of the late Melvin and Edna (Robbins) Burrows. Marv proudly served in the US Army. He was a jack of all trades, master of none, who enjoyed mechanics, driving a school bus, and working with wood, and was a retired tree trimmer with Ironwood. He loved to travel, dancing, especially the two step and chainsaw dance, and had a great sense of humor. Most of all, Marv loved his family. His greatest joy in life was being a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished grandpa and great-grandfather. Marv is survived by his wife of 38 years, Tia L. (Kio) Burrows; his daughters, Christina and Jason Wheaton of Westfield and their family, Grant and Ali, Jason Jr. and Destiny and daughter, Iris Marie, Johnny and Faith, Amanda and Joshua Wheaton of Little Marsh and their family, Ethan, Bentley and Hunter, April Burrows (Steven Dykshoorn) of Painted Post, NY and their son, Dimitri, Genny and Lee Pierce of Knoxville and their son, Tucker and Penny Burrows (Josh Potter) of Westfield and their family, Janaasa, Sylys, Genny and Aurora; his son, Marvin Burrows, Jr. (Grace Towner) of Huntington, WV; siblings, Diana Burton, Roy Burrows, Randy Burrows and Mary Lowe and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by a brother, Earl Burrows, and a granddaughter, Lilith. A Celebration of Marv’s Life will be held at the Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St., Westfield, PA, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 1:00 – 5:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to help the family with expenses.
Marcia Ann Saiers, 90, of State College died on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Juniper Village at Brookline in State College. Born May 22, 1936, in Houtzdale, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Charlotte Couser McHenry. She is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Saiers, whom she married on May 31, 1957, and two children, Jane Ann Saiers and her husband Darin Knapp of Chapel Hill, NC, and James Edward Saiers and his wife Lynn of Guilford, CT. She is also survived by two siblings, James McHenry and his wife Paula of Edinboro, and Mary Jane Helsel of Edwardsville, IL. She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas McHenry and her brother-in-law Ray Helsel.
Marcia graduated from Houtzdale-Woodward-Brisbin High School in 1953. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Lock Haven State College in 1957 and her master’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University in 1991.
Marcia loved teaching. She was an elementary school teacher in the Port Allegany School District for 33 years and later served as a substitute teacher in State College where she and Tom moved after retirement.
She was a devoted and faithful Episcopalian. At St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Port Allegany, she served as organist and choir director for more than 30 years. At St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in State College, she served as a member of altar guild, a steward of Parishioners’ Ministry, church office volunteer, and member of the vestry. She also completed a four-year course in Education for Ministry.
Marcia enjoyed playing the piano and organ and sharing the joy of music. The annual music programs she directed for her sixth graders were a highlight of their school year. Like her mother before her, she was an avid sports fan, remarking on the scores to her last days.
Marcia will be remembered for her passion for excellence and her buoyant spirit. She met life’s challenges courageously and without complaint. Her husband and children will know no greater love and devotion than hers.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 2 at 11am at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, Arnold Avenue, Port Allegany, followed by interment in Fairview Cemetery in Port Allegany. Friends and family are invited to a reception at the church parish hall following the interment.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the S.W. Smith Library at201 East Maple St, Port Allegany, PA 16743; to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church at 116 Arnold Ave, Port Allegany, PA 16743; or to a beneficiary of the donor’s choosing. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College, and Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Port Allegany. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.
Orry D. Murray “beloved son, father, brother, uncle and friend”
ROULETTE, PA—Orry D. Murray, 39, a longtime resident of Roulette, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Born on Sunday, October 19, 1986, he was a son of Christina E. Murray.
He had attended Coudersport High School and worked hard to attain his GED.
Orry enjoyed, as his family said, “the most offensive rap music”. He enjoyed shopping and loved his many animals over the years. He loved his “Mary Jane”.
Surviving are his mother of Roulette; a son, Collin Murray of Port Allegany; a daughter, Taya Potocek of Pittsburgh; a brother, Gabriel “Gabe” Weinberg of Roulette; a sister, Cassidy (Ryan) Grupp of Coudersport; seven nieces and nephews; an uncle, William Murray of Keystone Heights, FL; and his good friend, Eric Hensel.
Orry was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Dr. William Murray and Elsie Murray; an uncle, David Murray; and a nephew, Hunter Caskey.
There are currently no services planned.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Orry’s name may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Orry’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Orry, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
The Coudersport Area School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Central OfficeAssistant. The position is a 260-day salaried position with insurance and other benefits. Accounting experience preferred but not required.
Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, application, resume´, and Act 24, 31, 34, 151, and 168 clearances to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 by October 2, 2026.
Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries is hosting its annual low-cost pet vaccine and microchip clinic on Saturday, Oct. 3, 12-3 p.m. at the Tioga County (PA) Fairgrounds. No appointment is needed. The clinic is open to anyone, no matter their income level or where they live.
Rabies vaccines are $12, distemper combo vaccines are $15 and microchips are $20. Owners can register the microchip online themselves, or for an additional $5, Second Chance will register it. The microchip does not work unless it is registered (and kept updated) with an owner’s current contact information, and there is no additional annual fee for this chip’s usage. Cash or check only; no debit or credit cards accepted at the clinic. All proceeds benefit local abandoned, homeless and at-risk dogs and cats helped by Second Chance.
Dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks of age to participate in the clinic. Dogs are required to be on leashes and cats in carriers. Please bring water for your pet during your wait (in your car). No public restrooms will be available. The fairgrounds are at 2258 Charleston Rd., Whitneyville, parallel to Route 6 between Wellsboro and Mansfield. For questions or more information, contact Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries at 570-376-3646 or secondchanceas@yahoo.com.
About each of the clinic’s offerings:
Rabies vaccine – Rabies vaccines are mandatory for dogs and cats in both Pennsylvania and New York, as well as most other states. According to the World Health Organization, rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it is also 100% preventable through vaccination. At Second Chance’s clinic, rabies vaccines good for one year will be given unless proof of previous vaccine is provided, then one good for three years will be offered at the same price. Rabies vaccines are administered by Dr. Kristine Shaw, DVM, of Grand Canyon Veterinary Hospital of Wellsboro.
Distemper combo vaccine – The distemper combo vaccine protects against different things for dogs and cats. For dogs, the vaccine offered at this clinic protects against canine distemper virus, hepatitis, kennel cough and parainfluenza. For cats, it protects against feline panleukopenia (often called feline distemper), feline viral rhinotracheitis (caused by feline herpesvirus) and calicivirus.
Microchips – According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetimes, but microchips are the most permanent and effective way to get them back home. The chips are not GPS tracking devices. They are inserted with a needle only slightly larger than a vaccine needle between the animal’s shoulder blades. The chip works when it is scanned with a special scanner used by veterinarians, animal control, police, shelters, etc. The device displays the chip’s number, which is associated with the owner’s contact information. Owners can also report their pets missing via their microchip company. Microchips are only effective if registered with the owner’s contact info, and need to be updated each time a phone number or address changes, which can be done online or by contacting the microchip company. Some microchips require an annual fee, but the ones used at Second Chance’s clinic do not; they only require a one-time payment at the clinic.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse on September 24th, a Rew man was convicted of sexually assaulting a child. Shawn PRENTISS SR. was charged after an investigation by Smethport Borough Police Chief Kevin Seipp into allegations of sexual misconduct by PRENTISS against a juvenile female left in his care.
During the trial, the jury heard testimony that, while PRENTISS was babysitting the victim between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, while the child was under the age of 13-years-old, PRENTISS sexually assaulted her. The jury convicted PRENTISS of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse – victim under age 13 (Felony 1), Attempted Rape of a Child – victim under age 13 (Felony 1), and Indecent Assault of a Child (Misdemeanor 1). The Presiding Judge also found PRENTISS guilty of Harassment (a summary).
The District Attorney’s Office advised that it will seek an enhanced penalty as permitted under Pennsylvania law that allows the DA’s Office to seek an enhanced penalty that is higher than the standard range established by the legislature for the crime. In this case, the enhancements as found by the jury included the child’s age and the nature of PRENTISS’ contact with the victim. To allow for imposition of these enhanced sentences, the jury found that the victim was under the age of 13 at the time of the offenses and that the indecent assault was committed by the touching of the sexual or intimate parts of the victim and PRENTISS.
Upon the conviction, the Judge increased the monetary amount of PRENTISS’ bail on the motion of Second Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth..
Due to the sexual nature of the crimes, PRENTISS is required to be evaluated by the Sexual Offenders’ Assessment Board prior to sentencing to determine if he meets the definition of “sexually violent predator”. The Board has 90 days to complete the assessment. Sentencing will be announced by subsequent order after receipt of the evaluation.
If you suspect child abuse, please call 911 and Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
Sempio Food Services Inc., located in Cerritos, Calif., is recalling approximately 4,596 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken stew products that were imported from the Republic of Korea without the benefit of import reinspection into the United States.
Rushford, NY – When the Allegany County Democrats met for “Coffee with Democrats” recently, they collected non-perishable food and personal care items to be donated to the Cuba Council of Churches Food Pantry.
According to Pantry Director Claudia Little, “The Council of Churches pantry serves as a lifeline between our clients and a normal life. The food is important, but the interaction and the way it is handled blends respect, caring, and reality.” She goes on to say, “In this stressful economy, families have to make hard choices. We thank you so much for your donation, which allows more families to have food on the table.”
The Rushford Food Pantry is located at 17 South St., Cuba and is open by appointment. For anyone wishing to donate, the most needed items are cereal, canned pasta, meat and fruit, dry rice and pasta mixes, and personal care items. Those needing assistance can call 585-307-8821 for more information.
The next “Coffee with Democrats” takes place at the Alfred Union University Church Center on Saturday, November 14.
HARRISBURG – Earlier this week, Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) joined 20 state senators in submitting this letter to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) regarding the Shapiro Administration’s proposed regulations that would vastly expand the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s (DOH) authority to infringe upon our homes, our schools, our parental rights and our privacy.
This is in addition to the thousands of comments submitted to IRRC by the public.
“In May 2021 — more than a year after Gov. Tom Wolf locked down Pennsylvania’s economy with a swipe of his pen — Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly rejected Wolf’s emergency disaster declaration and other COVID-19 dictates in favor of our most sacred, God-given freedoms and liberties,” said Dush. “I am equally proud of the more than 5,000 private citizens who also went on public record with the IRRC in the hope of preventing Shapiro and the DOH from implementing these overreaching regulations that would drastically violate the personal privacy rights of every Pennsylvanian.”
Comments from both state lawmakers and the public were submitted asking the IRRC to reject the proposal, which would give the state more power to enter homes and businesses without a warrant, speak to students without parents present, access private health records, and much more.
“Imposing universal mask mandates, warrantless searches, extended quarantines and ‘vaccine passports’ via DOH regulations is merely another unilateral executive branch attempt to circumvent the checks and balances of your state legislature, our state constitution and the WILL OF THE PEOPLE,” Dush said. “Shapiro and the DOH should now listen to the people and withdraw this 502-page regulatory monstrosity. Pennsylvanians endured the previous governor’s Orwellian mandates during COVID-19 lockdowns, and we can never afford to go back.”
Galil Importing Corp of Hauppauge, New York is recalling Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/ body weight. If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other longterm health problems.
Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning (UPC 794711005484) was distributed to retail stores, grocery stores, delis, and supermarkets located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida & Illinois between 11/18/2025 and 09/07/2026.
The product is packaged in 90 g transparent plastic containers (case pk of 6units). The lot code GAP11304 can be found on the side of the container under the ingredient line.
Berlin Seeds, of Millersburg, OH, is recalling 950 lbs of Alfalfa Sprouting Seed because the seed has the potential to be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and/or Salmonella.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are organisms that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Escherichia coli (STEC) O26:H11, E. coli O103:H25, and E. coli O168:H8 are three members of this group of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. STECs cause an acute diarrheal illness (often bloody diarrhea) within a few days of ingestion of the bacteria. Most people recover within a week. However, a subset of infected individuals (especially children < 5 years of age, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals) may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness characterized by hemolytic anemia (red cell breakdown), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and renal failure. HUS can lead to death.
The most common clinical illness caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella infection is gastroenteritis, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, which typically begins 6–72 hours after ingestion of contaminated food or water. Salmonella gastroenteritis is usually a self-limited disease in the normal healthy individual. Patients at risk for more severe illness include neonates, infants, adults greater than 65 years, and patients with impaired immunity or immunosuppressive treatments. In these 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 septic arthritis.
The recalled product was sold by Berlin Seeds at their retail store in Millersburg, OH and through their company website from February 13, 2026 to August 23, 2026 to customers in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY.
The Berlin Seeds branded Alfalfa Sprouting Seed is packaged under the Berlin Seeds label in 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., 1 lb., 5 lb., and 50 lb. sizes. The 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., 1 lb., and 5 lb. sizes are packaged in resealable bags, while the 50 lb. size is packaged in a non-resealable poly woven bag. The 5 lb. and 50 lb. packages bear lot code SAL2-24JB located on the bottom right-hand corner of the label. The 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., and 1 lb. packages do not bear a lot code.
To date, one illnesses has been reported directly to Berlin Seeds in connection with this seed.
