( L to R: Journey Health System’s recent Chairperson Joseph Yaros with the new Chair Kathy Jones)
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.
October 1, 2026 – WinCo Foods of Boise, ID is recalling the following Salsa Bean Dip Trays due to the inclusion of recalled peperoncini from G.L. Mezzetta.
WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray Express with UPC 2-67173-#####, with a net weight of 54oz.
WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray, 16 Inch Catering Tray(by special order only) with UPC 2-67240-##### with a net weight of 104oz.
The affected peperoncini may have been used as an ingredient on the bean dip trays with “Best If Used By” dates of Aug. 14, 2026 through Sept. 25, 2026.
Product was distributed in WinCo Foods retail stores in AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, and WA.
WinCo Foods was notified by G.L. Mezzetta that a single lot of their Golden Greek Peperoncini has been recalled due to potential pest inclusion, due to a video from another grocery chain circulating on social media. Peperoncini are used as an ingredient in the WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Trays.
WinCo Foods did not have or use any product with evidence of pests included in the jar, nor has the company received any complaints regarding potential pests or illness related to the bean dip trays to date.
October 2, 2026, Stewart’s Shops Corp. of Saratoga Springs, NY, is recalling two flavors, Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry, of half-gallon ice cream due to the potential presence of metal.
The following products are subject to recall and were sold at all Stewart’s Shops locations in NY, VT, and NH between 7/17/26 and 10/2/2026:
Brand Name
Stewart’s Shops
Stewart’s Shops
Flavor Name
Heavenly Medley
Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry
Best By Date
Feb.10.27
Feb.11.27
Sold At
Stewart’s Shops
Stewart’s Shops
Lot / batch code
All products are ready-to-eat ice cream and intended to be consumed at home by consumers
Condition
Frozen
Shelf life
7 months
Packaging
Paperboard Carton
Paperboard Carton
Size
One Half Gallon (1.89L)
One Half Gallon (1.89L)
UPC
0 82086 44371 1
0 82086 44377 3
No injuries or illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that all driver’s license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, October 10, 2026, through Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday.
Customers may obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver’s license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver’s license or vehicle insurance restoration fees; driver’s license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
Planning to fly domestically? You now need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card or other acceptable form of ID – like a passport – to board a domestic flight. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, our REAL ID online wizard may help with your decision. Visit pa.gov/REALID today for information on how you can get a REAL ID.
“The situation facing Bradford is unacceptable, particularly when you look at the promises and expectations that accompanied Kaleida Health’s entry into our community and the significant reduction in life-saving healthcare services that have occurred over time—most notably the closing of Bradford Regional’s emergency room.
“The people of Bradford and surrounding communities deserve a sustainable, long term healthcare system. Unfortunately, Kaleida Health is not protecting the public’s interest for the original charitable purposes associated with the former hospital. They are apparently attempting to restrict competition by potentially engaging in ‘refusal to deal as a local monopoly’ as defined in Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, through the application of ‘extreme barriers to entry.’
Smethport – Robert James Swanson, 43, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (October 1, 2026) at his residence in Smethport.
He was born December 16, 1982, in Kane, PA, the son of Russel and Joni (Johnson) Swanson.
Rob was a 2001 graduate of Smethport Area High School and obtained his Associate Degree in Petroleum Technology and Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford.
Mr. Swanson was owner/operator of his own pipeline consulting company.
Robert was happiest when he was in nature. He was an avid animal lover and supporter of veterans. He was often found tinkering on a number of projects.
He is survived by his father and mother, Russel and Joni Swanson of Smethport, along with his longtime girlfriend, Tammy L. VanGorder of Smethport. Also surviving are two brothers, Ryan (Stacey VanGuilder) of Olean, NY, and Bryan Swanson of Smethport, along with cousins, Uncles, and Aunts.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.
After 123 years of service, Pennsylvania’s Deputy Game Warden Program has come to an end.
Established in 1903, the program provided approximately 140 to 145 part-time deputy game wardens across the Commonwealth. In August, the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that the program would be discontinued. Deputies were required to turn in their equipment, and as of October 1, Pennsylvania no longer has deputy game wardens.
Wildlife enforcement is now handled entirely by the state’s approximately 155 full-time game wardens.
The Game Commission says ending the program is part of an effort to maintain the most efficient and effective professional workforce and streamline operations. The Commission has also expressed confidence that its full-time wardens can handle the responsibility.
A recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision concerning game wardens entering private property was also a factor in the decision. The ruling changed the legal landscape surrounding access to certain private lands and wildlife-law enforcement.
But former deputies and advocates have raised concerns about what the loss of more than 140 additional trained officers could mean—particularly for rural Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania is a large state with thousands of acres of farmland, forests, hunting camps and remote roads. A local deputy game warden often lived in the community he or she served and knew the area, the roads and the people.
Now, those local deputies are gone.
That raises some important questions:
Will response times increase? Will full-time wardens have larger areas to cover? Will rural communities have the same level of wildlife enforcement and local presence?
The end of the program does not automatically mean public safety will decline. The Game Commission maintains that its professional full-time workforce is capable of fulfilling its responsibilities.
But after 123 years, Pennsylvania has eliminated a network of more than 140 locally based officers.
Only time will tell whether the change creates greater efficiency—or whether rural communities will eventually discover that something valuable was lost.
For more than a century, deputy game wardens served Pennsylvania. Their service may be over, but the questions surrounding their absence have only begun.
Ayeisha MOHAMED, 16, of Westfield, PA, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026 in her home. She was born December 2, 2009, in Hershey, PA.
Ayeisha was an 11th grade student at Williamson High School. Ayeisha loved listening to music which could be heard throughout the house. She took joy in all things Disney, her Disney babies, and glow sticks. The love she shared with her Mommy sustained them both.
Surviving are: her parents, Lacy Shuemaker Mohamed and David Nahum; grandmother, Lana Marisa; siblings, Lily Nahum, Brandon (Pamela) Nahum, Alexander (Lauren) Nahum, Patricia Nahum, and Zoe (Jordan Gomez) Nahum; uncles, Chad (Melanie) Shuemaker and Joshua (Sarah) Shuemaker; great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins.
Friends may call at the Harrison Valley C&MA Church on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM. Rev. Kevin Cornish will officiate. Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House at www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/donate.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 09, 2026, Inexport Logistics LLC, a Miami, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 189 pounds of potato chip products containing chicharrón (pork cracklings) because they were produced in the Republic of Colombia, a country that is not eligible to export meat products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
BRADFORD, Pa. — Pitt-Bradford Arts has played a major role in enhancing community access to high-quality performances and nationally-recognized dancers, musicians and theatrical professionals, while expanding educational opportunities for students in a wide variety of fields. That legacy and impact will continue to grow thanks to the creation of the Patty M. Colosimo Arts Endowment Fund, which will provide essential support for innovative programming, community engagement and education in the arts.
The fund is made possible thanks to the generosity ofJeanieSatterwhite ’64-‘66, a Pitt-Bradford alum and long-time university volunteer and supporter of Pitt-Bradford Arts. It is named in honor of Patty Colosimo, Satterwhite’s friend and colleague, who spent 23 years at Pitt-Bradford, including 10 years as director of arts programming, before retiring in 2022.
This is one of the many cartoons included in Gale Largey’s newest film.
Gale Largey is trying something new.
He is well-known for his documentary films on local topics, such as George Washington Sears (Nessmuk), a Wellsboro girl who became an actress, the Austin Dam and the Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival.
“For the past 10 years, I’ve been collecting cartoons about patients in therapy and therapists offering advice to patients,” Largey said. They were originally published in the New Yorker, a magazine; the Wall Street Journal, a newspaper; and Funny Times, an independent, ad-free American humor and satire newspaper.
“On Oct. 20, I will be hosting two free showings of my new 20-minute film titled “On The Couch: Cartoon Commentaries on Therapy”, said Largey.
“I included more than 115 cartoons. They are meant to be amusing but also serve as commentary on how mental health professionals and therapy are perceived,” Largey said. In other words, the cartoons may provoke discussion. “I have invited a therapist to attend each showing to share their feelings about the cartoons,” said Largey.
The first showing will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20 during the Deane Center’s free Golden Afternoons program for men and women 65 and older. Also attending will be Mental Health Therapist, Traci Allen who is from Crossroads Counseling.
The second free showing at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 is open to the public and will be followed by observations by Dr. Lisa Feil, a local psychologist with extensive experience as a therapist.
The film was written and directed by Largey, edited by Mark Polonia, and narrated by Michael Capuzzo. The “Chief Psychiatrist” is voiced by R.”Bud” Voorhees. Other local people also did voiceovers for the film.
Port Allegany—Memorial Services for John Daniel “Jack” Benson, Sr., who passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 in St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 116 Arnold Ave, Port Allegany, with Pastor Joann Piatko as celebrant.
A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held from 1-4 at the Port Allegany Fire hall following the services.
Carlton W. CALCOTE, 88, formerly of Whitesville, NY, died Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. Born November 1, 1937, in Mills, PA, he was the son of Carlton W. and Margaret E. Whitney Calcote.
A 1955 graduate of Northern Potter High School, he served honorably with the US Air Force from 1956 – 1959. On June 9, 1961, in Wellsville, he married Mary E. Slack, who predeceased him on January 14, 2014. Carlton was employed by Ingersoll-Rand in Painted Post, NY, in the 1960’s for ten years and then by Air Preheater in Wellsville, NY, for 20 years. In retirement, he drove a school bus in the Whitesville Central School District for seven years. He was a member of Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 in Ulysses. During his retirement years, Carlton and Mary would travel to numerous NASCAR races across the country, continuing after Mary’s passing until this last Memorial Day in Charlotte. His independent spirit led him through the ups and downs in life.
Surviving are: a daughter, Kelly (Andy) Fry of Charleston, SC; a son, Kevin Calcote of Painted Post; four grandchildren, Erin (Evan Carter) Fry, Nolan (Jessie) Fry, Kevin Calcote, and Jon (Kalei) Calcote; four great-grandchildren, Cameron, Cooper, Sandra, and Sofia; a brother, Berwyn D. (Ileta) Calcote of Mills, PA; two sisters-in-law, Suzanne Calcote of Genesee, PA and Julie Calcote of NC; nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Paul E. “Gene” Calcote and Philip N. Calcote.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 11, 2026 in the Whitesville United Methodist Church, 446 Main Street, Whitesville, NY. Burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard.
Randy S. LANDVATER, 66, of Westfield, PA, formerly of Halifax, died Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in his home. Born May 30, 1960, in Harrisburg, he was the son of Arthur E. and Carole Y. Miller Landvater.
A graduate of Halifax High School and Dauphin County Technical School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army. He was employed as a landscaper, iron worker, fabricator, and telecom cable installer. Randy was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Surviving are: a daughter, Holly Landvater of Duncannon; a granddaughter, Marissa Faust; two brothers, Arthur E. Landvater, Jr. of Westfield and Jeffery (Jerri) Landvater of Snow Camp, NC; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father in 2015. His mother also died on September 30, 2026. A gathering to celebrate Randy’s life will be held in the Halifax area.
Carole Yvonne LANDVATER, 89, of Westfield, PA, formerly of Halifax, died Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in her home. Born May 24, 1937, in Halifax, she was the daughter of Paul M. and Sara C. Mattis Miller.
She was a 1955 graduate of Elizabethville High School. On October 15, 1956, in Halifax, she married Arthur E. Landvater, who predeceased her on November 5, 2015. Carole was a member of Fisherville Lutheran Church, Halifax, now Messiah Lutheran Church. Surviving are: two sons, Arthur E. Landvater, Jr. of Westfield and Jeffery (Jerri) Landvater of Snow Camp, NC; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers, Lee M. Miller, Benjamin W. Miller, and Gary E. Miller, all of Halifax, and Terry Lee Miller of Millersburg; nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, Randy Landvater; and two brothers, Kenneth M. Miller and Dennis J. Miller.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, October 9, 2026, in Riverview Memorial Gardens, Halifax. Memorials may be made to Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948 or any local hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Fun with Cats, a free Deane Little Beans program for youngsters ages 3 to 12, is next Saturday, Oct. 10 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Deane Center lobby. Free snacks will be provided.
Eight healthy kittens being fostered by Jill Hall of the Tioga County Cat Project will be ready for play time and cuddles.
Catnip toys and treats will be provided so youngsters can have fun with the kittens. They will also learn unique and interesting facts about cats and, if there is time will play Cat Bingo for prizes, such as lollipops.
By Oct. 10, the kittens will be between 12 and 14 weeks old, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and available for adoption.
The four males are: Lil Burrito, all black; Blizzard, white with a spot of gray and blue eyes; Avalanche, white with long fur; and Aladdin, a gray tiger with four white feet.
The four females include: Jasmine, all black; Aurora, a tortoiseshell with four white feet; and two orange cats, Elsa (marbled with swirl patterns) and Anna (tiger-striped).
“Those who want to adopt a kitten can start the process by visiting the Tioga County Cat Project website to download and fill out an application or take one during the Fun with Cats program to fill out,” Hall said.
“The eight kittens are from three different litters and three different feral cat colonies, one in Blossburg and two in Roseville. Lil Burrito was rescued in Roseville during a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. He was suffering from Giardia and Coccidia. Both can be deadly for kittens as they cause infections and severe dehydration. Supportive care and medication were provided and Lil Burrito is doing well.”
Anna, Aladdin, Jasmine, Aurora, and Elsa were also rescued in Roseville. “Laura Clarson, our president, spent several hours in the rain coaxing these kitties out from under a shed,” said Hall. “The colony caretaker told us they were quite friendly and would make great pets. After a foster home was secured, the kittens were brought into our organization, treated for worms and eye infections, and have all recovered.”
Avalanche and Blizzard were trapped during a TNR program in Blossburg. They had severe upper respiratory infections and fleas that would have caused death if they had not received supportive care. They are in great health and enjoying being indoor kitties,” she added.
“Had we not rescued them, all of the kittens would have died because they did not have a home. Everything they had was preventable,” Hall said.
Deane Little Beans is sponsored by the UPMC Health Plan, C&N Bank, First Citizens Community Bank, the Horace B. Packer Foundation, Charles Knox and Margaret C. Etner Foundation and the Earle W. and Ina G. Tabor Foundation.
October 02, 2026. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile expands its previously initiated recalls on July 3, 2026 and September 3,2026 recall of frozen organic IQF blueberries and berry blends to include additional lots of Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend 10 OZ, Great Value frozen Organic Blueberries 10 OZ and one Lot of Trader Joe’s frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend because of potential contamination with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (E. coli O145).
Gias Foods of New York, NY, is recalling all lot codes of Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine was distributed nationwide at Walmart stores.
Christopher R. Wright, age 61, of Smethport, Pennsylvania, passed away on the 2nd of October, 2026. Born in Olean, New York, on the 7th of June, 1965, to Lewellyn (Sarge) and Leatrice (Mickey). On the 11th of September 1993, he married his wife, Tammy. He spent his years enriching the lives of those around him with his warmth and wit.
Christopher was preceded in death by his daughter, Christina; his brother, Tim; his mother, Leatrice (Mickey); his father, Lewellyn (Sarge); and his brother-in-law, Allen (Butch). He is survived by his loving wife, Tammy, his son Brandon (Brianna), and his three cherished grandchildren, Eris, Eli, and Ezra. He also leaves behind his sister, Sandy, his sister Marsha (Harry), his brother, Brian (Trisha), and many loving nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.
Christopher spent many years working at Isadore’s Dairy, building a reputation for hard work and dedication. He retired from PennDot in June 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service and integrity. He enjoyed hunting and collecting guns, hobbies that reflected his love for the outdoors and his appreciation for craftsmanship. A social member of VFW Post 976 in Smethport, PA, Christopher was always ready to lend a hand or share a story.
Christopher was known for his witty humor and his love for his family and friends. His strong connection with his wife and son was apparent to all who knew him, and his caring, giving nature made him a beloved figure in his community. He was known for his strong will, a trait that saw him through many challenges and endeared him to all who knew him.
Christopher’s life will be celebrated at a later date at the VFW in Smethport, PA, following cremation at Steen Funeral Home in Ashland, KY. The date will be announced, giving those whose lives were touched by Christopher an opportunity to share their memories and pay their respects.
In his memory, we are reminded of the importance of family, the strength of a loving community, and the impact one person’s kindness can have on the lives of others. As we celebrate Christopher’s life, we also celebrate the love, humor, and strength he brought into our lives. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire us all.