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.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of September 14. 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 of Foster Brook in Foster Township. Monday, September 14, through Friday, September 18. 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.
Pennsylvania has some of the oldest bridges in the country, with an age of more than 50 years on average. Preventive maintenance is vital in extending the life of the structures. As such, PennDOT maintenance crews perform some bridge deck patching and structural repairs.
John and Isaac Dellaquella with their 30.0# coyote.
Dellaquella Family at Rolfe’s Hunt
Johnsonburg, Pa.: John and Isaac Dellaquella, a well-known father/son predator hunting duo, brought a harvest to the Rolfe weigh station on Friday. Isaac was doing the calling on their second stand of Thursday evening; and John was able to harvest a 30.0# male coyote near 8:30 pm from private lands in Elk County.
Isaac started with a pup call and then switched over to fawn in distress to entice the coyote. John shoots a .243 rifle with a thermal scope and uses a Primos electronic call.
Weigh-in is at 6:00 p.m. every day for this 10-day hunt. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
Sayre, PA – The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT) is reminding nonprofit organizations and other eligible groups serving northeastern Potter County that there is still time to apply for funding through the Northeastern Potter Economic Development Association (NEPEDA) Fund. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
The NEPEDA Fund provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and charitable programs working to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life throughout northeastern Potter County.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, fire companies, ambulance associations, and other qualified charitable programs serving Allegany Township, Bingham Township, Genesee Township, Harrison Township, Hector Township, Ulysses Borough, and Ulysses Township.
Freda P. BICE, 94, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, September 11, 2026, in her home. Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Stark A. Shrubb, 83, of St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following a battle with Alzheimer’s illness.
He was born on March 13, 1943 in Kane, PA, a son of the late Harlan Shrubb and Alice Stark Bizzak.
On October 23, 2001, in St. Marys, he married Virginia Sennett Shrubb, who survives of St. Marys. Together they shared nearly twenty-five years of love, laughter, and marriage.
A proud veteran, Stark honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1960 until 1964 aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61), an experience that remained an important part of his life. Following his military service, he built a long and dedicated career as a construction electrician with the IBEW Local #5. Away from work, he was a man who found happiness in the simple, familiar things in life. He enjoyed stopping at the Corner Restaurant, listening to music from the 1950s, reading, drafting, and spending a quiet day fishing. He had a special place in his heart for animals of all kinds, especially dogs, birds, and fish. Some of his favorite times, however, were those spent alongside his wife. Whether they were catching a movie, going out for a good meal, doing a little shopping, or simply enjoying each other’s company, he treasured the life they shared together. He will be remembered as a hardworking and devoted man who appreciated the simple pleasures, loved his animals, and was happiest spending time with the woman he loved.
In addition to his spouse, Virginia, he is survived by two stepchildren; Eric (Carrie Wehler) Sennett of Brentwood, TN and Paul (Hilary Nagelberg) Sennett of Cherry Hill, NJ, three children; Stark (Debbie) Shrubb II of Farmingdale, NY, Timothy Shrubb of Bradford, PA, and Wally Shrubb of CO, ten grandchildren; Maeve, Camille, Lilly, Evie, Brewer, Alyssa, MacKenzie, Hunter, Jacob, and Rachael, and by two great grandchildren; Asher and Briella. He is also survived by two siblings; Victor Bizzak and Linda Payne, both of Kane.
In addition to his parents, Stark was preceded in death by his brother; Stanford Shrubb.
A Memorial Service for Stark A. Shrubb will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Serviceman’s Burial Detail.
Family and Friends will be received at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Dubois Village Personal Care Community, 282 S 8th Street, DuBois, PA 15801 or Penn Highlands Adult Day Services, 625 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Stephen J. Eckert, 75, of Grandview Road, passed away in his home on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in St. Marys.
He was born on February 1, 1951, in St. Marys, a son of the late James and Margaret “Bugs” Schneider Eckert.
Steve was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1969. He was a simple, hardworking man who never needed much to be happy. Steve spent many years working as a contractor, earning a reputation as someone who knew the value of an honest day’s work and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. When he wasn’t working, he was happiest spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy. Being a father and grandfather were roles he treasured more than anything. Steve enjoyed hunting and fishing, following the NFL-especially cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers-and could often be found watching a baseball game or a round of golf on television. Some of his best days were the simplest ones: sitting on the porch, enjoying the outdoors, visiting with family, and watching the world go by. He worked hard, loved his family deeply, and found happiness in the ordinary moments of life. In the end, those simple things are exactly what made his life so meaningful.
He is survived by his wife; Marguerite “Peggy Jo” Eckert; by three children; Stephanie (Brian Cogar) Eckert of Pittsburgh, Jason (Alex Garner) Eckert of St. Marys, and Emily (Hayley Schafer) Eckert of Pittsburgh, and by his three beloved grandchildren, Adam, Garrett, and Taylor. He is also survived by three brothers; Gary (Carol) Eckert, Kenneth Eckert, and Timothy (Candace) Eckert, all of St. Marys.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his nephew, Jeff Eckert, and by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Eckert.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Stephen J. Eckert will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA, 15857, with Fr. Paul Siebert as celebrant.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to your favorite charity.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
New working group will examine return on equity, rate case transparency and opportunities to modernize regulatory processes
HARRISBURG – Against a backdrop of rising utility costs, growing affordability concerns and significant changes across Pennsylvania’s utility sectors, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today launched a broad examination of key elements of the state’s utility ratemaking process.
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Chairman Steve DeFrank, directing the creation of a Ratemaking Working Group (RWG) to examine potential improvements to longstanding ratemaking processes – with an initial focus on return on equity (ROE), transparency in rate case settlements and the methodology used to establish returns associated with Distribution System Improvement Charges (DSIC).
“The world around our utility system is changing, and our regulatory processes cannot simply stand still,” Chairman DeFrank said. “Our responsibility is to make sure every dollar recovered from customers is carefully scrutinized while ensuring utilities can make the prudent investments necessary to provide safe, reliable service. This is about examining whether our ratemaking pr…
Acclaimed production comes to Pitt-Bradford on Sept. 17
BRADFORD, Pa. — “Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story” is a unique musical performance and personal memoir that celebrates the heroism, while acknowledging the loss associated with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that followed the event.
A performance of the production will be presented at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 in the Studio Theatre in Pitt-Bradford’s Blaisdell Hall.
The concert features the stories and recollections of retired New York City firefighter Bill Spade and U.S. military veteran Jaymes Poling. Spade is the sole survivor from FDNY Rescue Company 5, the first fire company on site at the World Trade Center on 9/11, while U.S. Army veteran Poling served three tours in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division.
Set to a dramatic live musical score led by prominent jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, Spade and Poling reflect on their experiences, revealing an unexpected bond in strength, meaning, and the weight of what they continue to carry after their service.
“Art gives us an opportunity to express emotions and honor our pain while celebrating the strength of the human spirit,” says Courtney Mealy, director of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford. “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and the 250th anniversary of the United States, this deeply moving performance allows us to come together, remember and mourn.”
Tickets are $20 for the public and $5 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Pitt-Bradford Arts at upb.pitt.edu/TheArts or call 814-362-5113.
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…
HARRISBURG, PA (September 10) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is now accepting applications for the Erie Access Improvement Program. The application can be found on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).
Through this grant program, funding is available to support projects that provide public fishing access or protect or improve fish habitat for Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, their tributaries, and waters that flow into those tributaries. Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, counties, municipalities, and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations such as land trusts, conservancies, and watershed groups.
HARRISBURG, PA (September 10) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is opening the next round of Boating Facility Grants to meet growing demand for public access and expand safe, accessible boating opportunities. The application can be found on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).
The Boating Facility Grant Program supports the planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities. Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, counties, municipalities, and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations such as land trusts, conservancies, and watershed groups.
Jean F. Vickery, 100, of Langmaid Lane, Bradford, went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 8, 2026, with her daughter, Lori, by her side.
Born August 25, 1926, in Cyclone, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Eliza (Grant) Granger. Jean attended Bradford Area schools.
On December 19, 1957, in Bradford, she married Carl R. Vickery, who preceded her in death on March 11, 1999.
Jean worked at various jobs, but spent most of her working years at Corning Glass, retiring in 1987.
Jean was a very dedicated wife and mother. Her Godly love for her family was extraordinary. Her children remember her singing old, lighthearted ditties such as “Mairzy Doats” and “Long Boy,” and other songs that were always a joy to hear because of her beautiful voice. She enjoyed crocheting clothes and Afghans, working all kinds of puzzles, and was very competitive at board games. She and her husband, Carl, once traveled across the country in a van, stopping to visit their many friends and relatives along the way.
Together, they were members of the Star Lanes bowling league, and both won several trophies. Most recently, Jean bowled with the Ladies Koffee Cup league at Byllye Lanes. She also frequented the Senior center where she enjoyed playing Bingo and competing in the Senior Games. Over the years, she won blue ribbons for bocce, basketball, bowling, and croquet. Jean frequently attended card parties with some of her many friends, and she was always loved by all.
Surviving are four daughters; Deanna (Neale) Garey, Debra Berrones, Carla (Greg) Rudichuk, all of the Houston area, and Lori (John) Belleville of Bradford; two sons; James Claypoole and Brett Vickery, also of the Houston area; and one step-daughter, Judy Davis Armstrong of Hinsdale, IL; 15 grandchildren, several great- and great- great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Carl, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Swezey McLaughlin and Harriet (Claude) Springer; one brother, John (Della) Granger; one son, John Claypoole; and her cherished dog, Shadow, whom she called her baby.
To her children and many others who knew and loved her, Jean’s life can be summed up in Proverbs 31:27-31: 27 She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates. Special thanks to Amy and the other wonderful nurses at Penn Highlands who provided exceptional care and support for Jean and Lori.
At Jean’s request, there will be no service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the Bradford Senior Center or a charity of the donor’s choice.
