FREE Strengthening Families Program


Bradford, PA — The United Way of the Bradford Area is currently accepting applications for the fourth quarter of Quarterly Impact funding for 2026. Deadline to apply is November 2, 2026, award announcement on November 23, 2026; and fund distribution set for December 1, 2026, to award recipients.
Eligible non-profit agencies may submit a request for up to $1,500 for Quarterly Impact funds. Awards will be given to programs or initiatives with the potential to make an immediate impact on the local community while being essential to the agency’s mission. Priority will be given to those who have not received prior funding, who have supplied all necessary documentation, and request funding for programmatic costs.
Quarterly Impact applications may be found by visiting United Way’s website at uwbanews.com, the United Way office, or by request at sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org. Along with the application, it is being requested of applicants that a detailed budget of planned expenditure be included.
All applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of United Way Board members, with recommendations being presented to the full board for final approval. For more information regarding the application process, please contact the United Way.

BRADFORD, Pa. — Three University of Pittsburgh at Bradford groups will host a book event for Dr. Drew Flanagan, assistant professor of history and director of the history and political science program, celebrating his first book, “From Occupation to Integration: Recivilizing the French Zone of Post-Nazi Germany, 1945-1955.”
The event will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame Westerberg Commons at Pitt-Bradford. It is free and open to the public.
Flanagan will discuss a central thread of his book: the question of “Who is a European?” and the complexities of European identity in the post-World War II period as part of broader civilizational thinking and re-civilizing efforts. Following his talk, he will speak with Dr. Helma de Vries-Jordan, chair of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and associate professor of political science at Pitt-Bradford, about how this history informs current issues in Europe related to migration and belonging.

Harrisburg – The PUC will hold its regular public meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 on the second floor of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.
Livestream of the Public MeetingThe PUC will be streaming video of its regularly scheduled public meetings live on its website.
Public Meeting AgendaHere is the link for the Public Meeting Agenda for October 1, 2026.
Archived Audio and VideoA link to the archived audio will be accessible at the Public Meeting Video page and will be posted shortly after the conclusion of the public meeting.
For more information about the PUC visit our website at puc.pa.gov.

Olean, NY– Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is proud to announce that Mohaned Al-Humadi, MD, orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, has been awarded the second biannual 2026 Golden Stethoscope Award. Dr. Al-Humadi received numerous nominations showcasing his commitment to excellence and quality care.
The Golden Stethoscope Award is based on nominations from employees and is presented semiannually to a physician who exhibits an exceptional level of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork in caring for patients and families, as well as interacting with hospital staff members and fellow physicians. The award recognizes a physician across OGH and its physician practices who demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality patient care.

Over the years, I’ve encountered many who wonder about the purpose of their lives. For many, all their energy went into their work, hobbies, and families. But as retirement loomed, the family grew and hobbies waned, prompting questions about purpose and what to do with the rest of their lives. Sadly, many people don’t have a hope or vision beyond themselves. In other words, their focus is on temporal things that will pass, such as retirement, death, separation, and distance. Sometimes we just can’t do what we want to do. As we grow older, our abilities and stamina aren’t what they used to be. I used to run marathons. Running was a passion, but today, although I walk five miles a day, my running is limited.
I am a man of faith. What does that mean? It means I believe in God and that we are on this earth for a purpose. While there are purposes tied to our physical life, there is also a purpose tied to our spiritual life. When I refer to God, I’m specifically speaking of Christianity and Jesus Christ. To define it further, I’m a Christ follower, not perfect, but a follower. This means that life is not about what I do on Sunday, but rather about what I do every day of my life. As a follower, the Scriptures influence my thinking, behavior, and actions. As I said, I don’t do it perfectly. Sometimes I battle my own nature and make wrong choices. Like the Apostle Peter, just when I think I’m strongest in resisting my nature, I find that I can quickly fail.
Ultimately, I believe we’re on earth for a purpose. It’s greater than what we do in life, yet it’s connected to everything we do. I don’t believe that when we die, it’s the end. A spirit lives on. Faith is about purpose. Some call it believing in something greater than ourselves. I realize not everyone agrees with me, and I don’t agree with them either. But here’s the difference. The Scriptures command me to love them anyway because that’s what Jesus would do. It’s always about choice. Think about it.

BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Master of Social Work Alumni Network celebrated its 10th annual Pamela J. Cousins Excellence in Social Work award Friday, honoring clinical social worker and therapist Jennifer Moore of Kane.
Moore was nominated by her fellow alumna Cassie Kreckel of St. Marys for her endeavors in clinical social work practice, teaching, and mentoring. In her nomination, Kreckel said, “We all enter this field hoping to make a real difference in people’s lives. Jennifer embodies that hope. She consistently strives to help her clients, her students, and her fellow social workers grow and become the best versions of themselves.”

BRADFORD, Pa. — The City of Bradford Police Department has filed charges against Antwon L. Jacobs following an encounter on September 23, 2026.
According to the criminal complaint, Officer Colby Keane saw Antwon L. Jacobs AKA: Baby J, walking in the Chestnut Street area at approximately 2:58 p.m. Keane was aware of an active McKean County Adult Probation arrest warrant for Jacobs. The complaint alleges that, after Keane advised Jacobs of the warrant and told him he was detained, Jacobs fled on foot. Keane pursued and took him into custody.
Police allege that Jacobs had approximately 10.21 grams of crack cocaine (Schedule II) Controlled Substance packaged in 22 individual baggies, along with two packages containing marijuana.
Jacobs was charged with possession with intent to possess and deliver a controlled substance, flight to avoid apprehension, evading arrest or detention on foot, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use.
Magistrate Richard Luther remanded Jacobs to McKean County Jail on $125,000 cash bail.
The charges are allegations. Jacobs is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Sizerville State Park
Environmental Education Programs
Annual Autumn Festival 2026
Program Title: Annual Autumn Festival
Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

PennDOT’s online survey is open until October 20 for Pennsylvanians to submit feedback.
Under the Shapiro Administration, more than 21,800 miles have been improved statewide, and work has advanced on nearly 2,000 state and local bridges.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 20 by visiting 2026 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey.

The Bradford Chamber Foundation and Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Autumn Auction on Thursday, October 8, at The Bradford Club, bringing together local businesses and community members for an evening of dinner, bidding, and fun.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the auction begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and include dinner, music from DJ Benzo and signature drinks available for purchase.

HARRISBURG – Kicking off the fall legislative session, members of the PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus (AHT) today applauded two monumental legislative victories for victims, law enforcement and survivors.
Requested and fully supported by the Office of Attorney General, Act 41 of 2026 (Senate Bill 45) increases criminal penalties for those who prey upon vulnerable individuals who have been groomed, manipulated and forced into “The Life.” This new law relocates most prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code and places these offenses them under the jurisdiction of the Office of Attorney General.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 29) – Some of the best stocked trout fishing opportunities of the year are approaching on dozens of waterways across the Commonwealth!
Beginning October 1, 2026, and continuing through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will stock approximately 114,700 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout in 117 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will immediately replenish many popular fishing spots just as the fall season begins and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately.