HARRISBURG – Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Jordan Pine, founder, president and CEO, Greenlight Operation, hosted a state Capitol news conference today to reveal the key findings and policy implications contained in the first-ever, statewide Anti-Human Trafficking Survey.

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.

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.

More information on PFOS and other PFAS chemicals

More information on fish consumption advisories

Water Quality Contaminants of Emerging Concern

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. 

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.

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.

Dush presently serves as Chairman of the PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus.

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

LIVESTREAM: https://senatordush.com/2026/10/02/anti-human-trafficking-100726/

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:

1. Use strong passwords and a password manager.
2. Turn on multifactor authentication
3. Recognize and report scams
4. 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.
5. SOURCE:
   https://www.staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month

Register now for this year’s Run Past Cancer events being held on Saturday, Oct. 31. The start of the 5K and the One Mile Fun Run/Walk will be at the Patterson Park Trailhead at 32 Fellows Avenue in Wellsboro on the new section of the Pine Creek Rail Trail. The trailhead is not far from the Wellsboro House Restaurant on Charleston Street.

Run Past Cancer is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Tyoga Running Club. 

The 5K and Fun Run/Walk will start at 9 a.m. on Oct. 31. Both will be out and back events. Participants will run half the distance and then return to the start.

To register, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.apex?did=136535 anytime between now and 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29 or pick up a registration form in person at Wild Asaph Outfitters at 71 Main Street in Wellsboro now until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Those who register by Thursday, Oct. 29 will pay $20 to enter the 5K and $10 to enter the one-miler. On race day, the 5K entry fee will be $25 for the 5K and $15 for the one-miler. The maximum entry fee for a Fun Run/Walk family (immediate family members only) is $30 no matter how many there are. All checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society. 

Families and individuals participating in the 5K and the Fun Run/Walk are encouraged but not required to wear costumes. Prizes will be awarded in seven categories for the 5K and for the Fun Run/Walk, including for Funniest, Scariest, Most Unusual, Cutest, Best Fictional Character, Best Group and Coolest Celebrity. 

“Every dollar raised through these two events will be put toward the fight to eradicate cancer. We are hoping to raise $3,000,” said organizer Terry Borneman, an American Cancer Society volunteer. “I have had many family members and friends affected by cancer. My mother died of lymphoma and my father from leukemia. My brother was treated for prostate cancer and my mother-in-law for breast cancer. One of my best friends, a fellow teacher, died of cancer just after he retired. Other teachers I have worked with have also died of cancer. It is time for us to find a cure.”

Sponsors are: First Citizens Community Bank, Wild Asaph Outfitters, Partners in Progress, and the Mansfield VFW. 

Event sponsorships are still available. Also available are race-day refreshment sponsorships. The names of companies that donate water, energy bars, trail mix, etc. will be displayed at the table where these items will be distributed. General donations to help offset race-day expenses are also welcome.

Completed sponsor forms should be mailed to Terry Borneman, ACS volunteer at 136 Mount Zion Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901.
 
For more information about participating in the 5K or One Mile Fun Run/Walk, donations or sponsorships, call Terry Borneman at 1-410-428-8615 or email him at tb1949@ptd.net.

Bullying is the aggressive use of power, targeting another person or group of people with repeated, unwanted words or actions, hurting them emotionally or physically. Bullying impacts the education, health, and safety of K-12 youth.

“The negative effects of bullying can last a lifetime,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. “Calling out bullying behavior and supporting those who are bullied can make a big difference for those who experience bullying.”

PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center offers age-appropriate resources to help students, parents,
educators, and community members address bullying. The message is stronger when united by the common belief that bullying is wrong and shouldn’t happen to anyone. Opportunities to get involved include:

• Be informed. Watch the video overview by Medha, a student from Virginia.
• Take action of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month, created in 2021. Learn ways you can get involved through activities, conversation, or education.
• Inspire youth. Use the four-week student activity kit featuring theme weeks and classroom projects to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion
• Share information. Color our virtual world
• Celebrate Unity Day with a collection of downloadable promotional images the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month, with a simple call to action to wear and share the color orange to send a universal message that bullying is never acceptable.
• Order a free Unity Day poster or purchase the official Unity Day t-shirt.
  For more information about National Bullying Prevention Month, visit our innovative websites for parents and professionals, middle and high school students, and elementary students.
  
• SOURCE:
  https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/spreadtheword/promote-nbpm/

(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 5, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the man convicted of 1^st Degree Murder in the death of a Port Allegany woman in 2025 has been sentenced to life in prison following a sentencing hearing held today at the McKean County Courthouse.

KUCHINKA was charged by Trooper Whitney Boshart of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks after K-leigh Hill-Nelson was reported missing after not showing up for her work at a nursing home in February, 2025. 

Brian KUCHINKA was convicted of 1^st Degree Murder in August after a trial before a judge at the McKean County Courthouse.  He had previously admitted to causing the death of  K-leigh but denied his actions were premediated and intentional.  The judge found that his actions showed that he acted intentionally and with premeditation to support a conviction of 1^st Degree Murder.  KUCHINKA shot K-leigh in the head.

At the sentencing hearing, family members of the victim and the District Attorney read statements about K-leigh and how her murder has impacted them and K-leigh’s young son. 

KUCHINKA did not make a statement.

October 2nd, 2026 – EAK Distribution of Casper, WY is recalling HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which 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 often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom was sold on Amazon.com to consumers nationwide between the dates of August 20th, 2026 and September 18th, 2026

HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom is in a cream colored pouch with the UPC code 850056627443. The top seal is embossed with the Production Lot Code of AUG172026.

See attached pictures.

There have been no reported illnesses from our product to date. 

View Full Recall

BRADFORD, Pa (October 2, 2026)– Journey Health System (JHS) and its affiliated organizations held their annual meeting on October 2, at the JHS main office in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Over 40 Board members, executive leaders and guests attended, both in-person and remotely, to review the previous fiscal year, recognize goals and conduct the organization’s annual Board Elections.

This year’s meeting theme, “Transforming Behavioral Health Care,” reflected the organization’s continued focus on innovation, collaboration and accessible services for individuals and families across Pennsylvania.