Kick off holiday shopping online while supporting local artisans!!
Saturday, November 7th is this year’s date for the PA Wilds Makers Market, an annual online shopping event that features local artists from the 13-county region. The 24-hour period is the region’s official kick-off for promoting local gifts for the holiday season. Customers can visit Shop.PAWilds.com/Makers-Market to shop directly from the 14 participating artists who are offering special deals, new products and more for the signature event. In addition to the participating artists, shoppers will be able to find products from 40 sellers on the PA Wilds Marketplace all in one place, from the comfort of home. Some promotions being offered by Makers during the event include free shipping on select products, discounts, gift with purchase, bundles, and new product launches. Shoppers can “find their next WILD thing” and feel good knowing their purchase is supporting small businesses and the PA Wilds communities.
Charles F. CROOP, 79, of Port Allegany, PA, died Friday, October 30, 2026 in UPMC Williamsport. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
AUSTIN, PA—Clarence O. “Sonny” Pritt, 81, a longtime resident of Austin, formerly of Port Allegany, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.
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.
A technology driven manufacturing company is investing $100 million in its St. Marys, Pennsylvania, facility to expand its production capabilities.
The Planned expansion will enhance the sites ability to purify coat and produce high purity graphite, materials essential to the nuclear energy and semiconductor industries.
The investment will also strengthen the facility’s role in the domestic supply chain, supporting advanced manufacturing and energy production across the United States.
ELDRED, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Todd M. Taylor, 56, a longtime resident of Eldred, PA, at 2pm on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Richburg Firemen’s Clubhouse, Griffith Street, Richburg, NY.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the second person arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force in a raid on January 8th has been sentenced to state prison.
Dawn BUTERBAUGH appeared at a sentencing hearing on October 29th at the courthouse and was sentenced by the judge to a period in state prison for not less than 26 months to up to 64 months for Conspiracy Delivery of a Controlled Substance (5 deliveries of cocaine) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. BUTERBAUGH and her co-conspirator, Daivd DICKINSON, resided at a residence on Pike Street in Bradford. Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force learned of drug trafficking occurring at the residence and began an investigation which resulted in the execution of a search warrant in January.
After the initial arrests of the pair, DICKINSON was additionally charged with Contraband inside a Prison. He was sentenced on October 9th on both cases to serve at least 55 months to up to 120 months plus one year of supervision in state prison.
McKean County Drug Task Force Detectives Kolin Strawcutter and Seth Shephard were the lead investigators on the case.
The complaints filed against the pair charged that, on November 13th, 2025, November 21st, 2025, December 3rd, 2025, January 5th, 2026, and January 8th, 2026, DICKINSON and/or BUTERBAUGH, working together, communicated via communication device with an informant working under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force. The pair is accused of working together to commit the crimes over a period of time from November 13, 2025, and January 8, 2026. The sale of cocaine was the object of the conspiracy. An 8 year old child was in the vicinity of the drug activity.
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
The Northern Tier Community Action Corp. is celebrating 60 years of service to the residents of Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter counties. Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) presented a House citation honoring the achievement, sponsored by him and Rep. Mike Armanini (R-Elk/Clearfield). Pictured from left are Causer, the Rev. Paul Siebert; Tony Moscato, president of the board; Shawn McAulay, deputy executive director; and David Greene, executive director.
Check out this McKean County Community Foundation Scholarship Spotlight featuring 2017 Kane Area School District alumnus Sarah Carlson. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Sarah for sitting down with us to share the meaningful work the McKean County Conservation District is doing to advance agriculture and environmental education in our community.
Vitality Works Inc. of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is recalling one lot (lot number 2025-26227) of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules 120 count because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that 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 may experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organisms entering the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.
County: Carbon Municipality: Kidder Twp. Road Name: Interstate 80 Between: Luzerne County Line And Monroe County Line Type Of Work: Other Work Being Done By: PennDOT Maintenance Forces Type Of Restriction: Daytime Restriction: Lane restriction. Start: 11/03/26 Estimated End: 11/05/26 In Effect (time of day): 07:00 AM To 03:00 PM Will rain cause delays? No
Mass Timber Innovation Act: I recently introduced the bipartisan Mass Timber Growth and Innovation Act, which is legislation to provide targeted incentives to expand domestic production of mass timber. This innovative wood building material helps builders construct homes faster and at a lower cost. The northern tier of Pennsylvania has been a leader in timber production, and this important industry has done its part to drive local economies for generations. I am pleased to lead this commonsense bill that will strengthen the forest products industry by helping manufacturers build new plants and by rewarding research that brings costs down for all Americans.
Bridge Grades: I am honored to receive an “A” from Bridge Grades in recognition of my efforts to always reach across the aisle. I believe in bringing everyone to the table and remain encouraged by the good bipartisan work that is still possible in Congress. Bridge Grades is an objective, non-partisan group that uses third party data to compile grades for Members of Congress. These grades demonstrate a member’s commitment to collaboration and bipartisanship. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for the remainder of the year on our shared priorities.
The Bad
Ghost Fraud: The Department of Justice uncovered more than 830,000 potentially fraudulent student aid accounts that used stolen or counterfeit identities to collect millions in taxpayer-funded loans and grants. These fraudsters used Americans’ identities to pose as students, applied for and extracted federal financial aid, and then vanished with the funds. For too long, hardworking Americans have been forced to foot the bill for these bad actors. Earlier this year, I was pleased that my legislation, the Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act, was included in a package that passed out of the House in June. This legislation would establish strong safeguards to prevent student aid fraud. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this legislation across the finish line and signed into law in order to protect taxpayer money and ensure deserving Americans continue to have access to college classrooms.
The Local
Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce: It was a pleasure to spend the morning with members of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce to hear firsthand about developments in the region and discuss my work in Congress. These members, many of whom are small business owners, are committed to keeping our community strong and ensuring the area remains a place where people love to work and live. For more than 100 years, the Chamber has provided resources for members of Lycoming County and supported local economies. I applaud Jason Fink, President and CEO of the Chamber, for his leadership and for helping our businesses and workforce in the region succeed. I look forward to learning more about the Chamber’s accomplishments in the future.
Galeton’s Goodyear Hose Company received a check from Nittany MiniMart, headquartered in State College, PA. Once again, this proves the value they place in the Volunteer Fire companies throughout the area where Nittany MiniMart’s are located.
As stated in the letter that was received with their check, Nittany stated that the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of the volunteers does not go unnoticed, and they are sincerely grateful for everything they do.
For 2026, they distributed $182,840.56 in support of 40 local volunteer fire companies collected during their spring fundraiser. Goodyear Hose Company of Galeton was the fortunate recipient of $8,046.44.
A monetary portion of each gallon of fuel sold at the Galeton MiniMart during their designated time period was set aside for their “Fuel the Cause Program” fundraising program.
This marked their 7th year of Fuel the Cause along with the incredible generosity of their customers, employees, sponsors and community partners.
We’re really pleased to recognize Aaron Warofka (grade 11, KASD) as our Student of the Week for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Aaron has shown impressive technical skills and the professional, real-world attitude essential in the IT field.
He stands out for his dedication to finishing tasks, working through our Ascend A+, Tech+, and Net+ material with high attention to detail—from basic safety to complex networking concepts. Beyond his own work, Aaron is always ready to jump in and help his classmates with tricky lab challenges. By pairing high-level technical ability with a helpful, proactive mindset, Aaron perfectly models the standards and communication skills we look for in a future technician.
SLR Food Distribution Inc. of Hicksville, New York, is voluntarily recalling Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.
Short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. Increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms 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 exposure, as well as the age and body weight of the individual. If a child is exposed to enough lead for a prolonged period of time, such as weeks to months, permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems.
The Potter County Artisan Center celebrates the change in seasons with exciting holiday themed classes for adults and children.
Looking for a fun activity for your child to do on Friday, November 6 while off from school? We have just the experience! Master Quilter, Brenda Bonczar, will be teaching a beginner sewing class for students, ages 9 and up. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn to use a sewing machine while making a fun pillow with handles for carrying and a pocket for their favorite book (or snack!). Great to use while traveling to visit family over the holidays or to be given as a Christmas gift. Price of the class is $35.00.
OLEAN, NY — Patients in the Southern Tier will now have access to more specialized cancer care close to home through the Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic at Olean General Hospital’s (OGH) Barry Street Health Center in Olean, featuring nationally-renowned oncologist and cancer researcher Roberto Pili, MD. The first clinic will be on Friday, November 6.
Dr. Pili is medical oncology director for Kaleida Health Cancer Care and an award-winning physician and researcher known for his work in cancer treatment and research. He also serves as a professor of medicine, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology, and associate dean for cancer research at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (October 30) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds boaters, anglers, and hunters that beginning Sunday, November 1, 2026, the annual cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect.
From November 1 through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters.
(Pictured: Kim Ruffner, Cody Shirey, and Rotarians Greg Brink, Lynne Ruffner, John Abplanalp, Bob, Kuhl, Michael Rigas, and Jim Babcock)
Coudersport Rotary Club Continues Roadside Cleanup Tradition
The Coudersport Rotary Club continued its longstanding commitment to community service on September 29, 2026, with its semiannual roadside cleanup along Route 6.
Rotarians gathered to pick up litter and help keep the highway clean and welcoming to residents and visitors. The club has maintained this tradition for more than 25 years, conducting roadside cleanups every spring and fall.
The project is one of the many ways Coudersport Rotarians demonstrate their commitment to community improvement and put Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” into action.
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) was awarded $500,000 to expand its existing registered pre-apprenticeship program to increase awareness and preparation for careers within Pennsylvania’s heavy highway industry. These grant dollars will be used to strengthen the partnership between the College and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Western Pennsylvania through The Pathway 2 Build pre-apprenticeship program.
On Tuesday, October 20, The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Education (PDE) announced that they will invest nearly $12 million in 27 Pennsylvania educational institutions across 21 counties through the first round of the PennDOT Career and Technical Education Grant Program.
The new competitive grant program supports career pathway education, technical training, industry certification, and on-the-job learning in the highway industry for middle school, high school, and college students. Eligible educational institutions will be able to use this funding to expand or create new education programs geared toward many skilled jobs in the industry, such as construction inspector, mechanic, laborer, electrician, stonemason, welder, painter, cost estimator, and surveyor.
“These grants will help schools start or expand programs to expose students to the trades that will continue building Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We’re proud to support the important work that Pennsylvania’s educational institutions do every day to prepare the next generation for whatever career path they choose.”
The grant program was developed following Governor Josh Shapiro’s July 2023 executive order that created the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program (CWTP), a first-in-the-nation job training program that provides workforce development investments to ensure companies, contractors, unions, and others who are working to build Pennsylvania’s infrastructure have the skilled workforce they need.
“Career and technical education programs are preparing learners to fill critical workforce gaps in Pennsylvania,” said PDE Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe. “These investments will help to uplift schools across the Commonwealth, in turn helping students prepare for in-demand jobs in Pennsylvania’s highway industry.”
This grant funding will be used to support the College’s Workforce Development division in The Pathway 2 Build Program, a pre-apprenticeship program managed by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Western Pennsylvania. NPRC is an educational provider for much of the program, which includes students earning National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)10, and First Aid/CPR certifications after concluding the pre-apprenticeship.
The program is open to high school students and adult learners throughout Pennsylvania, as it is not location dependent. The program will feature hands-on opportunities in person, with lectures conducted both in-person and remotely. Students can learn from their high schools, Career and Technical Centers (CTC), or at an existing lab space at NPRC or ABC.
The Pathway 2 Build Program features NCCER CORE curriculum to prepare students with the foundational safety, technical, and employability skills needed for success in the construction industry, while providing stackable credentials and a direct pathway into Registered Apprenticeship programs and employment. The OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR certifications support the learning by providing safety training for learners to use on the job.
Businesses, CTCs, and high schools that are interested in helping students enroll or supporting the programming should contact the College’s Director of Apprenticeships and Customized Training, Nicole Zaun via email at nzaun@nprc.edu to learn more about the programming and how it can help their communities and learners.
Vice President of Workforce Development at NPRC Adam Johnson shared, “This grant funding permits NPRC the opportunity to expand Pathway 2 Build and, through our partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Western Pennsylvania, create stronger connections between education, apprenticeship, and employment. We’re investing in hands-on learning and industry-recognized skills that can open doors for our students, while helping build the skilled workforce needed to support our communities and Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.”
Zaun added, “I’m incredibly excited about what this funding will allow us to bring to our region. Being able to connect individuals with hands-on training and strong, in-demand career opportunities, while also helping meet the workforce needs of our local employers, is exactly the kind of impact we at NPRC want to make in our communities.”
For more information about the grant funding issued via the PennDOT Career and Technical Education Grant Program, visit https://shorturl.at/4vJw6.
About NPRC: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is authorized by the PA Department of Education to award associate degrees and certificates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. NPRC is an open-admission, two-year institution of higher education. The College’s mission is to put learners first by providing affordable and accessible education and career pathways to sustainable income. NPRC brings affordable education to a 10-county region (Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, and Warren). With flexible scheduling options at numerous instructional locations as well as remote attendance options, attending Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is an excellent option for individuals interested in furthering their education close to home or who need flexibility in their educational journey. With a growing team of high-quality industry-leading instructors directing our classrooms, students are empowered by a welcoming community to change their lives and brighten their futures. Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is an approved VA Educational Benefit facility. Please work with the VA to determine eligibility and then contact NPRC’s Financial Aid Office to review what VA Educational benefit you may qualify for and are eligible to utilize. NPRC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). https://nprc.edu.
Under the Shapiro Administration, more than 22,600 miles have been improved statewide, and work has advanced on over 2,000 state and local bridges.
State College, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll joined local and state officials to highlight a more than $3.6 million state transportation investment in Centre County to address safety concerns, improve traffic flow, and support continued economic growth along the Shiloh Road corridor in College Township.
The Shiloh Road improvements are made possible by $2.7 million in Transportation Infrastructure Investment Funds (TIIF) and a $925,000 investment through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF). The TIIF program is administered in cooperation with PennDOT and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), and the MTF grant is one of 50 that Governor Josh Shapiro announced will invest nearly $54 million in infrastructure projects across Pennsylvania.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his administration have invested over $197 millionthrough the MTF to support transportation projects that improve safety, connect communities, and grow local economies across Pennsylvania.
“State College and its surrounding communities are seeing a surge in economic growth, and the Shapiro Administration is once again demonstrating its commitment to supporting every community as they pursue a safe and efficient transportation system that drives the local economy,” said Carroll. “PennDOT is eager to work with every community to address their transportation needs, and I urge them to seek and apply to Commonwealth grant programs as they develop their plans.”
This project will improve safety and traffic flow along the Shiloh Road corridor through a coordinated, corridor-wide set of road and traffic control improvements. There will be fewer traffic stoppages and conflicts between through and turning traffic due to new and extended turn lanes at key intersections and site access points. The project is anticipated to begin in 2027.
“TIIF funding helps communities address critical transportation needs and advance projects that might otherwise be difficult to fund,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “The $2.7 million TIIF investment in the Shiloh Road corridor will support important safety and traffic flow improvements while helping College Township accommodate continued growth. By partnering with local leaders to invest in infrastructure, we can strengthen transportation networks, support economic development, and deliver lasting benefits for Pennsylvania communities.”
In addition to this project, two other local MTF grants were awarded under the Shapiro Administration:
Patton Township: $255,500 for the Vairo Boulevard Rehabilitation Project, which will rehabilitate 0.16 miles of Vairo Boulevard by milling the existing pavement, installing paving fabric to preserve the roadway, and then paving the road to bring it into good condition. Construction is anticipated to begin in the 2027 construction season.
Rush Township: $78,000 for the Medical Center Drive Improvement Project, which includes stormwater management and paving improvements to address flooding issues on Medical Center Drive, which serves an increasing number of residents. Physical work on this project finished the week of October 19.
Additionally, PennDOT District 2’s nine-county region, which includes Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties, will receive $51.9 million Rapid Deployment Project funds Governor Shapiro recently announced to improve and repair roads.
“These funding streams allow us to take on more substantial projects to preserve our infrastructure than we could through our cyclic maintenance program alone,” said PennDOT District 2 Executive Thomas Prestash. “As a result, we can address crucial infrastructure needs more quickly, enhance the safety and efficiency of our transportation network for residents, and make better use of our maintenance dollars by reallocating resources where they are needed most.”
BELLEFONTE, Pa. (October 29) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that a portion of Shiloh Road in Benner Township, Centre County, will be restricted, temporarily, beginning November 9 through November 13, 2026, so that road maintenance can be completed. The restrictions are as follows:
November 9: The portion of Shiloh Road located between the Interstate 99 Interchange and Benner Spring State Fish Hatchery, which also provides access to State Game Lands (SGL) 333, will be closed to all vehicular access.
November 10: Vehicular access to Shiloh Road will be limited to the area of the interstate 99 Interchange to the parking area on SGL 333 to accommodate the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s scheduled pheasant stocking.
November 11 (Veteran’s Day): Shiloh Road will be fully accessible.
November 12-13: Shiloh Road will be partially restricted, but vehicles will be permitted to access SGL 333 under direction from traffic control personnel (flaggers).
The PFBC thanks the public for their patience and understanding as this project is completed.
