Second term will focus on energy affordability, grid reliability, workforce development and the future of Pennsylvania’s energy landscape
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today welcomed the unanimous confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate of Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss to a second term on the Commission and thanked Governor Josh Shapiro for nominating her for reappointment.
“Commissioner Zerfuss has been a thoughtful and dedicated member of this Commission. I look forward to continuing our work together as Pennsylvania’s utility industries navigate rapid change and while we remain focused on delivering safe, reliable and affordable utility service for every Pennsylvanian,” noted Chairman Steve DeFrank. “I am grateful to Governor Josh Shapiro for her renomination and to the Pennsylvania Senate for its unanimous confirmation.”
Commissioner Zerfuss begins her second term as Pennsylvania’s utility industries continue to evolve at a historic pace, driven by growing electric demand, changing energy markets, grid modernization, emerging technologies, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining safe, reliable and affordable utility service. These developments…
BRADFORD, PA – The City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Christopher James Colts following an extensive investigation into a series of fires, thefts, and related criminal activity occurring during the overnight hours of October 3–4, 2026, in the City of Bradford and on property associated with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Colts has been charged with multiple offenses, including Arson – Danger of Death or Bodily Injury, Arson – Reckless Placing of Another Person in Danger, Arson – Reckless Placing an Inhabited Building or Occupied Structure in Danger of Damage or Destruction, Arson – Reckless Placing of Property in Danger of Damage or Destruction, Risking Catastrophe, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Access Device Fraud, Identity Theft, and Theft by Unlawful Taking.
According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began after Bradford City Police and City of Bradford Fire Department personnel responded at approximately 2:13 a.m. on October 4, 2026, to Moonan’s Car Wash, 223 North Onofrio Street, for a structure fire involving a shed adjacent to residential properties.
Investigators allege that the fire was intentionally set and that the resulting fire placed nearby residences and occupants at risk. The criminal complaint alleges that an occupant of a neighboring residence was asleep at the time of the fire. The investigation further alleges that the fire spread beyond the original structure and damaged additional property.
During the same general time period, investigators identified additional suspicious fire-related activity at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sports Complex, including damage in the area of the softball field and loss of a tractor. Because portions of the investigation occurred on University property, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police Department participated in the investigation and co-signed the criminal charges filed in this case.
The investigation expanded significantly as officers began reviewing surveillance video from multiple locations, conducting interviews, examining physical evidence, and reconstructing Colts’ alleged movements during the overnight hours.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, surveillance evidence allegedly showed an individual in the vicinity of Moonan’s Car Wash shortly before the fire and subsequently in other areas connected to the investigation. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and other locations while working to establish a timeline of events.
The investigation further revealed that several vehicles in the area had allegedly been entered and property stolen. Investigators allege that stolen credit and debit cards were subsequently used or attempted to be used at several businesses and financial institutions. Additional property was also allegedly stolen from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sports Complex.
Through the review of surveillance footage, witness interviews, physical evidence, financial transaction information, and other investigative methods, officers developed evidence identifying Colts as the alleged individual involved.
At the time of these incidents, Colts was homeless, which added additional challenges to determining his location and reconstructing his movements during the period under investigation.
The City of Bradford Police Department considers the alleged conduct in this case particularly serious because of the danger intentionally set fires can present not only to property, but to sleeping residents, responding firefighters, police officers, and the community as a whole.
This investigation required officers to connect numerous events occurring at different locations and involving different victims over a relatively short period of time. What initially presented as separate incidents developed into what investigators believe was a connected series of criminal acts involving fires, thefts, stolen financial information, and property damage.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Bradford Police are currently reviewing other fires and suspicious incidents occurring during the same general time period to determine whether they may be connected to Colts. No determination has yet been made regarding his involvement in those additional incidents, and additional charges may be filed if supported by the evidence developed during the continuing investigation.
Colts was taken into custody and is currently being held in the McKean County Jail in connection with the charges filed in this investigation. Magistrate David Engman arraigned Colts and remanded him to jail on 1 million dollars bail. Preliminary hearings are set in those matters.
The City of Bradford Police Department would like to recognize the substantial amount of investigative work performed by the officers involved in this case. Officers worked through numerous crime scenes, surveillance recordings, interviews, financial transactions, evidence, and investigative leads to establish a timeline and connect incidents that initially appeared to be separate events.
“The alleged conduct in this case represented a serious threat to our community. Setting fires near occupied residences creates an obvious potential for catastrophic consequences, and our officers understood the importance of identifying the person responsible as quickly as possible. This investigation required our officers to piece together a large amount of information from multiple locations and multiple incidents. I am extremely appreciative of the persistence and hard work of the City of Bradford officers who worked this case and continued following the evidence until these incidents could be connected.”
The City of Bradford Police Department also extends its appreciation to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Campus Police Department, whose officers worked jointly with Bradford Police on the portion of the investigation occurring on University property and co-signed the charges in this case.
The Department additionally thanks the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Investigation Unit and Bradford Township Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.
The City of Bradford Fire Department and Bradford Township Fire Department are also recognized for their response, fire suppression efforts, and assistance associated with the fire investigations. The work of responding firefighters was critical to protecting surrounding property and residents and preserving the scenes for subsequent investigation.
POLICE SEEK ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND VIDEO
Because this investigation remains ongoing, Bradford Police are asking residents and businesses to review any available exterior surveillance, doorbell-camera, or security video from the overnight hours of October 3 into October 4, 2026.
Police are particularly interested in video or information showing Christopher Colts wearing a yellow-and-black jacket and walking or lingering around residences, vehicles, businesses, or other property during that time period.
Anyone who observed Colts, had property entered or disturbed, experienced suspicious activity, or possesses surveillance video that may assist investigators is asked to contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911.
Even information that may initially appear insignificant could assist investigators in establishing Colts’ movements and determining whether additional incidents are connected to this investigation.
This remains an active investigation. Additional charges may be filed as warranted by the evidence.
All criminal charges are allegations. Christopher James Colts is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Chief Michael P. Ward City of Bradford Police Department Bradford, Pennsylvania
Leader Formulas, LLC. of Tomball, TX, is voluntarily recalling one (1) lot of RAPTURE Pre workout, a dietary supplement powder because it was found to contain 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) and sold at the consumer level. Using DMAA can result in elevated blood pressure and could lead to cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest.
The product is used as a dietary supplement and is packaged in 450g round plastic containers with red and black lettering and a rhinoceros print seal on top of the container. The affected RAPTURE Preworkout lots include the following lot number (260327-4). The product can be identified by the following:
PRODUCT
UPC
Rainbow Twist
710154236506
Electric Lemonade
710143 236513
Berry Mojito
710154236544
RAPTURE Preworkout was distributed between 1/29/25 to 5/25/26 Nationwide to retail and via internet through the company website (www.leaderformulas.com).
The issue was discovered in the product during testing by the FDA. Leader Formulas, LLC. is notifying its distributors and customers by mail and is arranging for return of all recalled products. Consumers who have purchased the RAPTURE Preworkout products which are being recalled should stop using the products and return to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Leader Formulas, LLC. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
WALTHAM, Mass., October 5, 2026 – Nova Biomedical initiated a global Medical Device Correction on July 24, 2026, for the StatStrip® Glucose Hospital Meter System due to a software issue that may cause a glucose result to be associated with the wrong patient. When a patient ID barcode is scanned, prior patient information may remain on the meter screen, which, if accepted, will lead to glucose result being assigned to the wrong patient’s medical record. If not recognized, healthcare providers may make clinical decisions based on another patient’s glucose result, potentially leading to delayed treatment, unnecessary treatment (including inappropriate insulin administration), and/or failure to treat the intended patient. The severity of harm depends on the patient’s actual glucose status and clinical condition.
This issue only applies to the most recent model of the StatStrip Glucose Hospital Meter System, commonly referred to as the “Gen 2.0” model. This issue does not affect previously released models of the StatStrip Glucose Hospital Meter system, commonly referred to as the “Gen 1.0”, “Gen 1.75”,” “Gen 1.86”, or “Gen 1.87” StatStrip Glucose Hospital Meter systems.
On July 17, 2026, prior to the recall initiation, Nova Biomedical received one (1) report of an adverse event (AE) in the U.S. (none outside of the U.S.) associated with this issue. This AE involved inappropriate insulin administration to a patient based on a different patient’s glucose results. No serious adverse events related to this issue have been reported.
Pacific Health Sciences is voluntarily recalling one lot of Babies’ Magic Tea brand Baby Sleep Gripe Water dietary supplement.
Product Information
Product: Babies’ Magic Tea brand Baby Sleep Gripe Water
Lot Number: 25122bw
Best Before: 12/2028
Package: 4 fl oz (approximately 118 mL) amber bottle inside a blue cardboard box. The lot number appears on the bottom of the box and on a side panel of the bottle. An oral syringe is included in the box.
Reason for Recall
FDA testing of this lot identified ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol that were not declared on the product label. Measured levels were approximately 8.3% ethanol, 0.35% methanol, and 0.48% isopropanol. These substances were not listed on the label. Their presence may pose a risk depending on the amount consumed and the age and body weight of the person using the product.
To date, Pacific Health Sciences has received no reports of adverse events associated with this lot.
Barbara J Ernst, 83, of Port Allegany, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (October 6, 2026), at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
She was born on March 30, 1943, in Coudersport, PA, the daughter of Robert V. and Helen (Cromwell) Fessenden. She attended Port Allegany High School and on August 22, 1959 in Port Allegany, she married, Francis “Dee” Ernst, who survives.
Barb dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked in the Port Allegany High School cafeteria and cleaned homes for a few select families who held a special place in her heart. She was a devoted member of Sartwell Creek Union Church, where her faith was an important part of her life.
Above all else, Barb cherished her family. They meant everything to her, and she found great joy in bringing them together, especially around her kitchen table. She loved cooking for her family and creating the memories and traditions that will be treasured for years to come.
In addition to her husband, Dee, she is survived by two sons, Kevin (Marsha) Ernst of Port Allegany and Todd (Ann Marie) Ernst of Erie; daughter, Sandy (Scott) Thompson of Coudersport; five grandchildren, Steve (Rachel) Ernst, Sara Ernst, Ashley (Joshua) Mihelcic, Morgan Ernst, and Alyson Thompson; and great-grandson, Gregory Ernst. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will remember her with love.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert and Bruce Fessenden.
Barb will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love, faith, kindness, and the many memories she created with her family will remain in their hearts forever.
At Barb’s request, there will be no visitation. A memorial service will held privately with the family.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Port Allegany Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.
Greenlight Operation and Messiah University surveyed nearly 200 expert community stakeholders — including survivors, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, educators and social services providers — who participated in 10 regional policy forums presented across the Keystone State by Dush and Pine.
“Greenlight Operation’s goal for the forums and institutional review board study was to gather vital feedback from those who are regularly working in the field and survivors who have had to navigate the various systems post-trafficking,” said Pine. “This diverse feedback has highlighted key areas to which our commonwealth must give greater attention, including improved education and awareness about human trafficking, increased resources for anti-human trafficking efforts and expanded aftercare services for survivors. Acknowledging the barriers is simply the first step. Now we must act. These vital improvements will require a collective effort in each region of our commonwealth to prevent future cases and support survivors who are exiting exploitation, but together, we will make a difference.”
ST. LOUIS, MO. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) on Wednesday, September 23 as an approved institution of higher education for the training of veterans and other eligible persons. This approval will allow current and former members of the United States armed forces to be sponsored in their enrollment at the College.
This designation allows eligible veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and qualified military dependents to utilize their earned education benefits towards enrollment in eligible academic degrees, certificates, or career training programs at the College. Several, but not all NPRC degrees, certificates, and career training programs are eligible for VA sponsored enrollment. NPRC presently offers eight associate degrees, 10 academic certificate programs, and a growing number of workforce development opportunities that are both certificate and non-certificate pathways towards careers.
Achieving VA approval marks a key milestone in NPRC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the military community. By offering access to programs funded through the GI Bill® and other VA educational assistance initiatives, the institution expands its mission to deliver flexible, high-quality, and affordable education to residents across Pennsylvania. “GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.<http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Since NPRC was granted approval as an accredited institution by the Middles States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) this spring, the team began the process of being able to aid service members and veterans in this way to help enhance their educational experience and make the cost associated with their NPRC experience that much more affordable.
NPRC President Susie Snelick shared, “We are honored and deeply grateful to now be able to offer educational benefits to our veterans. It is a privilege to give back to those who have given so much to our country. Supporting their educational goals is one small way we can recognize their service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation.”
What This Means for Students
Current and potential NPRC students eligible for VA education benefits should begin by completing their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on the official VA Education Benefits Portal online. After this step, it becomes as simple as applying to NPRC and enrolling in an approved program. Joint Service Transcripts or Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support may also be eligible for prior learning credit/assessment. Benefits can help cover tuition, fees, and related educational expenses depending on the specific tier of individual eligibility.
Program eligibility can be discussed with the VA and NPRC’s financial aid office. The College’s financial aid office can be contacted via email at financialaid@nprc.edu or by phone at 814-788-4701.
Gina B. Chirillo Baker, 62, of Bradford, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026 at her home.
She was born on January 14, 1964 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Egidio “Gino” and Dorothy “Dottie” Gennocro Chirillo.
She was a 1981 graduate of the former Bradford Central Christian.
She was a member of the Bradford Fraternal Order of Eagles. Gina enjoyed going on motorcycle rides, camping, playing computer games, watching gameshows and listening to music; especially classic rock. She had a love of wolves and collected many different items that had wolves on them. She was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR fan.
She worked at her parent’s restaurants: Togi’s Old Barn, Dante’s at the Bradford Mall, Gino’s at the former Howard Johnson’s, Gino’s Steakhouse and Gino’s at the DeSoto Motel. Later in life she was employed by Evergreen Elm for many years; while working there she came to realize that she had a passion for serving others in need which she continued throughout her life. She also was employed as a bartender at the Edge.
She is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth (Matt) Johnston of Bradford; two sisters, Anna Marie (John Matthews) Chirillo of Bradford and Angela Shearon of New Kensington; four grandchildren, Steven (Alexis Steuben) Knowlton, Gabriella Anderson, Taylor Anderson and Evan Johnston; two great grandsons, Egidio “E.J.” Powell and Calum Knowlton; companion, William “Herbie” Vibbert; four nephews, one niece, four great nieces and two great nephews.
In addition to her parents; she was also preceded in death by one brother, Anthony Chirillo and one brother-in-law, Thomas Shearon.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. with funeral services to be held at the funeral home on Sunday at 11:00 AM with the pastor Dan Mills, of the Hillsdale Baptist Church, Tampa, FL, officiating.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Faye D. KINLEY, 91, of Coudersport, PA, died Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in her home.
A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (October 7) –The Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Health and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) have issued a “Do Not Eat” advisory for all species of fish in the Wissahickon Creek Basin, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, due to the high levels of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS). PFOS, a “forever chemical,” was found in sampled fish tissue above the 0.04 parts per million “Do Not Eat” advisory level.
The “Do Not Eat” advisory extends to all species of fish within the entire Wissahickon Creek basin.
Because of this consumption advisory, the PFBC has canceled a trout stocking that was scheduled for October 15, 2026, on Wissahickon Creek, Section 04, in Philadelphia. To address the loss of angler opportunity on this stream and gather public input on future options for stocked trout management on Wissahickon Creek, the PFBC will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, located at 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128.
PFOS is one of a group of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances (PFAS) that readily build up in fish tissue. Pennsylvania’s Fish Consumption Advisory Program has been evaluating sport-caught fish in Pennsylvania waters for various contaminants, including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and heavy metals. Pennsylvania recommends different quantities and frequencies for fish consumption based on the species and where it is caught. Pennsylvania began collecting fish tissue samples to test for PFOS to incorporate those findings into the recommendations. Levels detected in fish tissue sampled from Wissahickon Creek were over the 0.04 parts per million (40.0 ng/g) “Do Not Eat” advisory level.
How well do you know your heart? How well do others? I believe most, if not all, keep much of their heart hidden from others. Why? We’re afraid that if they really knew us, they wouldn’t like us. In fact, there are things about us we don’t even like.
Within all of us is a hidden part we keep secret. We store away our thoughts and fears. Sometimes it’s because we’re ashamed, or because we feel guilty. It’s not that someone told us we were guilty or that we should feel shame; we just do. To compound the problem, that hidden part sometimes controls everything we do. It tells us what to think and feel about situations and even about other people. We hide it from others because we’re convinced that if they really knew that part of us, we’d be rejected and abandoned.
Jesus spoke about the heart in Matthew 15:19 when he said, “For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.” The potential is the same for everyone. From the same heart that evil comes from, good can also come. We might not realize it, but we can control our hearts and, consequently, what comes out of them. It starts with admitting what’s in them. Part of admitting that is aligning what’s in our hearts with what is true. We do this because who we are today is the culmination of everything we’ve been. Every event and every experience has been interpreted and stored within our hearts. But not every interpretation is correct or true. We can have many false interpretations and beliefs that keep us prisoners.
When Jesus talked about setting captives and prisoners free, what do you think he was referring to? Isn’t it about those held captive and imprisoned by their own hearts? Confession is nothing more than admitting what God already knows. He, above all others, knows the condition of your heart and all that is in it. Freedom starts with admitting where you are. Every journey begins with a starting point; it’s where you are that determines where you go next. Think about it.
Helen C. Parisi, 78, of Kersey, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
She was born on December 21, 1947 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late John and Anna Heindl Fleming.
On October 24, 1975, she married the late Louis Parisi, who preceded her in death on November 19, 2021. Together they shared more than 46 years of marriage.
Helen was a faithful member of St. Boniface Church and a 1965 graduate of Elk County Christian High School. She retired from Keystone after many years of dedicated service. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found great comfort in prayer and treasured her collection of rosaries. Helen had a special place in her heart for animals, especially cats, and her beloved cat, Clark, was a favorite companion. She enjoyed going to lunch with her friends, spending time with her family, and especially looked forward to hosting her family each Christmas Eve, a tradition that brought her great joy. Helen loved a good thrift-store find, listening to Neil Diamond, and settling in to watch her favorite game shows and crime shows. A bit of a hippie at heart, she loved peace signs, had a style all her own, and could often be found wearing her favorite color-black. Above all, Helen will be remembered for her deep faith, her love for her family and animals, and the unique spirit that made her unmistakably herself.
Helen is survived by several beloved nieces and nephews who took great care of her and were very special to Helen, including Lisa (John) Snelick of Canal Fulton, OH, Tracy (Rich) Ross of Ridgway, Bob (Laurie) Taylor of St. Marys, Todd (Kim) Taylor of St. Marys, Troy (Becki) Taylor of St. Marys, and Ryan (Kim) Swackhammer of Kersey, as well as by numerous great nieces and nephews whom she cherished immensely. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law; Ida Canton of Kersey and Roseanne Goblieski of Florida.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her beloved sister; Lynda Taylor, and by her step-son; Retired Sergeant Major Todd Parisi.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Helen C. Parisi will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Boniface Church, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 with Fr. Christopher Beran, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received at the St. Boniface Church on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 9:15 AM until the time of the mass.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Humane Society.
Krise Family Funeral Homes is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
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.
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.
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.
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
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Dush, Pine and other state lawmakers will be available for in-person media inquiries immediately following Wednesday’s news conference.
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’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
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.
