NEWS

Submission deadline for the tenth annual challenge is January 29, 2027.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that high school students from around the state are invited to participate in this year’s PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers. The Innovations Challenge is open to all Pennsylvania students in grades 9-12.

Pennsylvania’s transportation network includes thousands of bridges and tunnels that safely connect communities every day. However, many of these structures were built decades ago, when commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles (RVs), and truck trailers were significantly smaller than they are today. As vehicles have gotten larger, the risk of them striking low-clearance bridges and tunnels has increased. In recent years, more than 600 Pennsylvania bridges have been struck by over-height vehicles. Even when these incidents cause only minor damage, they often result in lane closures, traffic congestion, emergency response, expensive repairs, and disruptions for businesses, schools, emergency services, and the traveling public.

Bridge hits undermine the progress that has been made in improving Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration, 21,852 road miles have been improved statewide, and work has advanced on 1,988 state and local bridges. The Governor’s 2026-27 enacted budget will drive out an additional $775 million over the next two fiscal years for shovel-ready projects to repair state-owned roads across Pennsylvania.  

Settlement levies hefty civil penalty, directs numerous corrective actions and remedial measures for hundreds of failed fusions along gas service lines

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a joint settlement with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc. (Columbia Gas) related to past pipeline safety violations while completing main line replacement projects in Southwest Pennsylvania.

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the Recommended Decision of PUC Administrative Law Judge Jeffrey A. Watson – which recommended approval of a Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement filed on March 14, 2025, between the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and Columbia Gas. 

Today’s action resolves a formal complaint filed by I&E on Nov. 21, 2023, alleging that in 2019 and 2020 Columbia Gas and its contractor, Infrasource, violated state and federal regulations relating to visually unacceptable socket fusions along multiple main line replacement projects in Allegheny and Washington counties.  Gas service line fusion is a permanent method of joining plastic polyethylene (PE) gas pipes using controlled heat to melt and blend the materials into a s…

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(Coudersport, PA) – Do you have a private drinking water well, spring, or cistern? Are you interested in learning more about how to protect, test, and treat your family’s drinking water? Would you like to have your drinking water tested for bacteria and other pollutants? If so, here’s your chance!

In Pennsylvania, over one million homes and farms get their drinking water from a private source. These residents are voluntarily responsible for testing and treating their own water. About half of the private water systems fail at least one drinking water standard, but many pollutants have no obvious indicators. The only way to be certain that water is safe to drink is to have it tested routinely by an accredited laboratory.

Penn State Extension will be offering a Safe Drinking Water Clinic on September 23, 2026, from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Potter County Extension Office Conference Room, located at 1 N. Main St., Coudersport, PA. This workshop will provide education on proper location, construction, testing, maintenance, protection, and treatment of private water supplies. Additionally, free on-site water testing will be provided to a limited number of households. Water will be tested for bacteria, pH, total dissolved solids, and nitrate. Test results are for educational purposes only.

Registration for these workshops is limited and required by September 22, 2026. Register online at https://extension.psu.edu/safe-drinking-water-clinic or by calling 1-877-345-0691.

Support for these workshops is provided by the Master Well Owner Network grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. If you have any questions about the Safe Drinking Water Clinic, contact Danielle Rhea, Water Resources Educator, at 814-849-7361 or drs5277@psu.edu

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Recognizing Eagle Scouts: I was honored to recently attend an Eagle Court of Honor recognizing Adin and Gabe. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in Scouting, and participants must complete leadership requirements and develop a service project for an external organization or their community. For 116 years, Scouting America has encouraged generations of young Americans to commit themselves to serving God and country. I have personally been involved in Scouting for more than 50 years and serve as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Scouting America Caucus. Scouting has had a profoundly positive impact on my life, and I look forward to ensuring the legacy of Scouting will continue to grow for generations to come. Congratulations, Adin and Gabe, on this incredible achievement!

The Potter County Housing Authority will receive bids for Flooring Renovations for Freeman House Elderly Housing Project, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, at the office of the Owner, Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, until  12 P.M., E.D.T., Thursday, September 24, 2026, at which time and place all bids will be opened and read aloud.

The bid envelope shall be marked “Flooring Renovations for Freeman House Elderly Housing“, and marked to the attention of Mr. Richard Duzick. Bidders will be notified as to bid results and disposition of contract award. Proposed forms of contract documents are on file at the office of the Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915, and will be available for inspection.

Copies of the documents may be obtained by depositing $20 (nonrefundable) with the Potter County Housing Authority for each set of documents so obtained. Payment must be made before receipt of bid documents.

This flooring project requires PA prevailing wage rates. A set of current rates will be available with the bid package. Contact information for the PA Department of Labor Wage Rate Division will be available for questions.

By making a Bid, the Bidder represents that (s) he has visited the site, (site meeting date will be set), become familiar with local Conditions, under which the work is to be performed, and has correlated these observations with the requirements of the proposed Drawings and Specifications. Bidder also represents that (s) he has read and understands the Drawings and Specifications, and the Bid is made in accordance therewith. The Authority will contact Bidders with a date for a site walk through and to take any questions pertaining to the project.

Potter County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn without the consent of the Potter County Housing Authority.  The “invitation to bid” form is located on page IB-1 in the bid document. The Authority looks forward to receiving bids from Minority, and Woman-owned Businesses. Please feel free to contact Richard Duzick, Executive Director, at 814-274-7031 ext. 4, or pcha1@zitomedia.net with any questions.

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of September 14. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:

Bridge Maintenance & Cleaning

• Route 346 at a bridge spanning an unnamed tributary of Foster Brook in Foster Township. Monday, September 14, through Friday, September 18. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.

Pennsylvania has some of the oldest bridges in the country, with an age of more than 50 years on average. Preventive maintenance is vital in extending the life of the structures. As such, PennDOT maintenance crews perform some bridge deck patching and structural repairs.

Dellaquella Family at Rolfe’s Hunt  

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  John and Isaac Dellaquella, a well-known father/son predator hunting duo, brought a harvest to the Rolfe weigh station on Friday.  Isaac was doing the calling on their second stand of Thursday evening; and John was able to harvest a 30.0# male coyote near 8:30 pm from private lands in Elk County.

Isaac started with a pup call and then switched over to fawn in distress to entice the coyote.  John shoots a .243 rifle with a thermal scope and uses a Primos electronic call. 

Weigh-in is at 6:00 p.m. every day for this 10-day hunt.  Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.

Sayre, PA – The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT) is reminding nonprofit organizations and other eligible groups serving northeastern Potter County that there is still time to apply for funding through the Northeastern Potter Economic Development Association (NEPEDA) Fund.  Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The NEPEDA Fund provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and charitable programs working to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life throughout northeastern Potter County. 

Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, fire companies, ambulance associations, and other qualified charitable programs serving Allegany Township, Bingham Township, Genesee Township, Harrison Township, Hector Township, Ulysses Borough, and Ulysses Township.

Saturday September 12th 9am to 4pm

1 Hawks Springs Rd. Bradford, PA 16701 (out Interstate Parkway)

New working group will examine return on equity, rate case transparency and opportunities to modernize regulatory processes

HARRISBURG – Against a backdrop of rising utility costs, growing affordability concerns and significant changes across Pennsylvania’s utility sectors, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today launched a broad examination of key elements of the state’s utility ratemaking process.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Chairman Steve DeFrank, directing the creation of a Ratemaking Working Group (RWG) to examine potential improvements to longstanding ratemaking processes – with an initial focus on return on equity (ROE), transparency in rate case settlements and the methodology used to establish returns associated with Distribution System Improvement Charges (DSIC).

“The world around our utility system is changing, and our regulatory processes cannot simply stand still,” Chairman DeFrank said. “Our responsibility is to make sure every dollar recovered from customers is carefully scrutinized while ensuring utilities can make the prudent investments necessary to provide safe, reliable service. This is about examining whether our ratemaking pr…

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Acclaimed production comes to Pitt-Bradford on Sept. 17

BRADFORD, Pa. — “Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story” is a unique musical performance and personal memoir that celebrates the heroism, while acknowledging the loss associated with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that followed the event.

A performance of the production will be presented at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 in the Studio Theatre in Pitt-Bradford’s Blaisdell Hall.

The concert features the stories and recollections of retired New York City firefighter Bill Spade and U.S. military veteran Jaymes Poling. Spade is the sole survivor from FDNY Rescue Company 5, the first fire company on site at the World Trade Center on 9/11, while U.S. Army veteran Poling served three tours in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Set to a dramatic live musical score led by prominent jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, Spade and Poling reflect on their experiences, revealing an unexpected bond in strength, meaning, and the weight of what they continue to carry after their service.

                “Art gives us an opportunity to express emotions and honor our pain while celebrating the strength of the human spirit,” says Courtney Mealy, director of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford. “As we celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks and the 250^th anniversary of the United States, this deeply moving performance allows us to come together, remember and mourn.”

                Tickets are $20 for the public and $5 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Pitt-Bradford Arts at upb.pitt.edu/TheArts or call 814-362-5113.

Commission directs development of updated emergency load control rules and notices a Technical Conference on cost allocation

HARRISBURG – As rapid data center development adds significant new demand to the regional electric grid, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today took steps to examine Pennsylvania’s emergency load control procedures and the allocation of costs associated with large computational loads.

By a vote of 5-0, the Commission approved a motion by Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow directing PUC staff to develop proposed updates to Pennsylvania’s emergency electric load control regulations, including greater clarity regarding the order, criteria and circumstances under which customers may be curtailed during pre-emergency and emergency conditions.

“The combination of rapid load growth and tightening resource adequacy conditions requires us to carefully examine whether our existing regulatory framework is sufficient for the challenges ahead,” Vice Chair Barrow said. “We need clear and consistent procedures for managing load during pre-emergency and emergency conditions, while also examining how costs associated with large new loads should be allocated. These are…

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HARRISBURG, PA (September 10) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is now accepting applications for the Erie Access Improvement Program.  The application can be found on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).

Through this grant program, funding is available to support projects that provide public fishing access or protect or improve fish habitat for Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, their tributaries, and waters that flow into those tributaries.  Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, counties, municipalities, and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations such as land trusts, conservancies, and watershed groups.

HARRISBURG, PA (September 10) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is opening the next round of Boating Facility Grants to meet growing demand for public access and expand safe, accessible boating opportunities.  The application can be found on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).

The Boating Facility Grant Program supports the planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities. Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, counties, municipalities, and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations such as land trusts, conservancies, and watershed groups.

BTC presents its 6th Annual “Cruisin’ To Recovery Carshow” on September 19th. Registration is from 9am-1pm Judging will be at 3pm.

Categories that will be awarded are as follows:

*Car: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place 

*Truck: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place

*Motorcycle: 1st 2nd and 3rd place

*Best in show

*Kid’s choice 

* People’s Choice 

Join us for a fun day of Food, Raffles, and Vendors.

For more information and Registration,  please visit our website at www.breakthechainscoalition.com

*You can also contact us at 

breakthechainsfestival@gmail.com

or Call Mandy Miles-Rudolph 814 204 2276

Attention Annin Creek Residents: A tentative start date for the Annin Creek Paving Project will be 9/15 with GOH. The road will be closed to through traffic. Local traffic only. Paving will begin at Crowley’s oil tans and go approximately 7500’.

The Potter County Housing Authority will receive bids for Flooring Renovations for Freeman House Elderly Housing Project, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, at the office of the Owner, Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, until  12 P.M., E.D.T., Thursday, September 24, 2026, at which time and place all bids will be opened and read aloud.

The bid envelope shall be marked “Flooring Renovations for Freeman House Elderly Housing“, and marked to the attention of Mr. Richard Duzick. Bidders will be notified as to bid results and disposition of contract award. Proposed forms of contract documents are on file at the office of the Potter County Housing Authority, 109 Market Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915, and will be available for inspection.

Copies of the documents may be obtained by depositing $20 (nonrefundable) with the Potter County Housing Authority for each set of documents so obtained. Payment must be made before receipt of bid documents.

This flooring project requires PA prevailing wage rates. A set of current rates will be available with the bid package. Contact information for the PA Department of Labor Wage Rate Division will be available for questions.

By making a Bid, the Bidder represents that (s) he has visited the site, (site meeting date will be set), become familiar with local Conditions, under which the work is to be performed, and has correlated these observations with the requirements of the proposed Drawings and Specifications. Bidder also represents that (s) he has read and understands the Drawings and Specifications, and the Bid is made in accordance therewith. The Authority will contact Bidders with a date for a site walk through and to take any questions pertaining to the project.

Potter County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn without the consent of the Potter County Housing Authority.  The “invitation to bid” form is located on page IB-1 in the bid document. The Authority looks forward to receiving bids from Minority, and Woman-owned Businesses. Please feel free to contact Richard Duzick, Executive Director, at 814-274-7031 ext. 4, or pcha1@zitomedia.net with any questions.

​HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 9) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that public boat docks at the Mangan Cove Access on Lake Wallenpaupack, Wayne County, will be removed during the week beginning September 28, 2026.

While docks are typically removed from this location each fall in preparation for winter, the removal is happening earlier than normal due to low water levels associated with a partial drawdown underway at Lake Wallenpaupack.

Dependent upon a return to normal water levels and local weather conditions, docks are anticipated to be re-installed in late March 2027.

Through PennDOT, the Shapiro Administration created a process that allows municipalities or regional organizations that manage trail networks to request an ATV route designation, furthering opportunities to connect trails.

Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy has grown by $3.5 billion, supporting approximately 177,000 jobs.

Clearfield, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration announced six new All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Connector Routes in Elk and Potter counties, expanding connections to two regional trail networks and creating new opportunities for riders to safely access local communities and businesses. The new routes connect to the Elk County Trail of Dreams and Northcentral Regional ATV Trail.