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.
A late-night caller says a grandchild has been arrested and needs money immediately. The voice sounds distressed. The instructions are urgent: send the money now, and don’t tell anyone. It is a scenario families should discuss before anyone receives that call. As relatives gather for the holidays, a conversation about fraud can help older adults and their loved ones recognize warning signs, verify unexpected requests and feel comfortable asking for help. Julie Lane, fraud risk analyst at C&N, recommends three steps before responding to a suspicious request: pause, verify and talk. “Scammers thrive in secrecy,” Lane says. “The more people involved in the conversation, the harder it is for a scam to succeed.”
Recognize the pressure
Scams targeting older adults take many forms. A caller may impersonate a bank employee or government official and claim an account is at risk. A computer pop-up may warn of a security problem and direct someone to fake technical support. An online acquaintance may build a relationship before introducing a fraudulent investment.
The stories differ, but several warning signs recur:
Pressure to act immediately.
Instructions to keep the situation secret.
Threats of arrest, account closure or lost benefits.
Requests for passwords or sensitive financial information.
Demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency or gold.
Promises of guaranteed investment returns.
An unexpected request to wire money or send a payment also deserves independent verification, particularly when it comes with urgency or secrecy.
Agree on a plan before a suspicious call happens
Families can start with a simple question: “If someone called saying I was in trouble and needed money, how would you check?” Agree to end the call and contact the person directly using a number already saved or otherwise known to be correct. If that person cannot be reached, contact another trusted family member. Do not rely on a phone number supplied by the unexpected caller. The same approach applies to someone claiming to represent a bank or government agency. Contact the organization through a trusted number, such as the number on a bank card or statement. Taking time to verify a request can interrupt the pressure a scammer is trying to create.
Make asking for help easier
A family fraud-prevention conversation should offer support and respect. Agree on someone each person can contact when a message, investment opportunity or request for money feels suspicious. Make clear that asking for a second opinion is welcome, even if someone has already responded or sent money. Fear of judgment should not keep a person from getting help. “Fraud can happen to anyone,” Lane says.
Act quickly if something goes wrong
If money has been sent or financial information shared, contact the bank or payment provider immediately. Explain what happened and ask what steps may be available to stop or recover the payment. Change passwords on affected accounts and seek appropriate help if a scammer accessed a device. Report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Internet-related fraud can also be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Families do not need to become experts in every scam. Having a shared plan to pause, verify and talk gives them a practical place to start.
Julie Lane is a fraud risk analyst at C&N and a featured expert on Behind the Firewall, C&N’s podcast covering cybersecurity and fraud prevention.
HAIFA SMOKED FISH of QUEENS, NY is recalling approximately 560 lbs. of Cold Smoked Sprats, due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
RIDGWAY, Pa— During the month of October, Dickinson Center’s Employment Support Services celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year, Dickinson Center’s Employment Support Services (E.S.S.) is proud to announce the fifth annual Joseph Goff Memorial Distinguished Worker Award.
In April of 2021, Joe Goff, passed away suddenly. Joe was a colleague of Dickinson’s E.S.S. team who worked for years at the St Mary’s driver’s license center for B&T Building Services. Joe enjoyed his job, gardening, photography and spending time with his friends.
Dickinson Center’s E.S.S., is proud to present the 2026 Joe Goff Memorial Distinguished Worker Award to Krystal Stover. Krystal has been employed at the St. Marys Dollar Tree over the last year. During this time Krystal has been able to achieve her vocational goals through hard work and dedication to her job. Krystal’s coworkers and job coach are very encouraging and supportive of Krystal which helps contribute to her success. The Joe Goff award is given to someone who has shown strides in improving their life by achieving their personal and vocational goals. Krystal is truly an inspiration to all with her achievements to overcome her obstacles and succeed with her life goals. Krystal is an example of how to hard work and determination can change someone’s life path. E.S.S. is very proud of Krystal and all of her vocational and life accomplishments.
Founded in 1958, Dickinson Center, Inc. (an affiliate of Journey Health System) stands as a leading rural behavioral health provider in northwestern Pennsylvania. With nearly 200 dedicated employees, Dickinson Center, Inc. serves communities across Elk, Cameron, Potter, McKean, Forest, Warren, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
For more information about Dickinson Center’s services, please visit www.dickinsoncenter.org .
October 24, 2026, Tonight We Ride, LLC of Lakeville, Minnesota, is voluntarily recalling all lots of Ultimate Forza Male Supplement capsules to the consumer level because it has been found to contain undeclared Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Dapoxetine.
The presence of Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Dapoxetine in this product renders them unapproved drugs for which the safety and efficacy have not been established.
To all our customers and vendors who supported the farmers market in all seasons.
This market has been in existence for almost 20 years. It started out with only a few fruit and vegetable vendors, and over the years, it grew by leaps and bounds. In recent years, we have lost produce and craft vendors due to gas prices, growing older, farm stands at home, health issues, and changes in lifestyles, from farming, food, and plants. A huge thanks to the vendors that stayed with us even when sales were low.
Thanks to all of you who have supported us throughout the tides of change. This winter, we do not have an indoor space for a monthly winter market. We will be working on revitalizing the market in Coudersport in 2027.
Please watch for our craft and soap vendors attending festivals in the area.
Any comments or questions, call or text 814-698-0649.
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the courthouse lawn every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, October 30th. THIS IS THE LAST MARKET FOR 2026. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
*. THE FINAL MARKET FOR 2026 IS OCTOBER 30TH.
* Market times have been established after many trial times over the years. If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly. They are willing to try to accommodate your request.
* If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-598-0649netrabaker2@gmail.com]
VALLEY HONEY will be at the market on Friday. We will have various sizes of liquid honey, chunk honey, whipped honey, honeycomb, honey sticks, honey gift bags and beeswax. We accept cash payment. This will be the last market of the year. Hope to see everyone there.
