NEWS

A special Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on September 23 at 10:00 a.m. for discussion on the 2027 Budget. 

HARRISBURG – PA State Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) are working together to advance state and federal legislation to protect private farmland from being forcibly confiscated through eminent domain.

Thompson stated in a recent press release announcing the introduction of the Not In My Barnyard Act (H.R. 10135) that “the loss of productive agricultural land when other viable sites exist directly threatens our nation’s food security and rural communities. The ‘Not In My Barnyard’Act protects America’s producers and ensures our working land is dedicated to feeding the country.”

Thompson’s bill would prohibit the federal government from initiating eminent domain proceedings on any agricultural land when a feasible alternative site exists, ensuring the U.S. has enough productive farmland to feed and fuel the country.

Currently languishing in the Democrat-controlled Pennsylvania House, Dush’s private property protection legislation (Senate Bill 225) was unanimously advanced by the Pennsylvania Senate in June 2025 to financially protect farm owners whose properties are seized through eminent domain and the corresponding loss of goodwill.

“Ultimately, the commonsense purpose behind both our respective bills is to make it far more difficult for government to confiscate private farmland,” Dush said. “Any life-sustaining family farm that has been meticulously cared for, cultivated, and enriched over generations has amassed a great deal of economic and community goodwill which is permanently destroyed whenever agricultural producers are forced off their land. This is especially true for Centre County farmers whose food-producing private properties are currently being targeted by PennDOT for the I-322 Connector project.” 

As chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, Dush convened a hearing on this issue back in 2024 where the committee heard from these Centre County farmers, which can be viewed here. 

By ensuring that farmers and businesses are fairly compensated for any property they are forced to sell, Dush’s legislation seeks to restore Pennsylvanian’s “inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing and protecting property and reputation, and of pursuing their own happiness” as stated in Article 1, Section 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Both Dush’s Senate Bill 225 and Thompson’s Not In My Barnyard Act are fully supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that the contractor for an embankment slide repair on Route 770 in Bradford Township, McKean County, will close the road on Thursday, September 10. This project will correct the slide by building a rock buttress while improving the ride quality and service life of the road by way of minor roadway and drainage improvements.

Starting Thursday, the contractor will close the road and implement a detour using Route 59 and Route 219. PennDOT anticipates this closure and detour remaining in effect until mid-October, but all construction schedules are subject to change without notice due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. is the contractor on this $1.4 million contract.

The new date is Wednesday, September 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Veterans Square.

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Were you able to read that? Apparently, some cannot; perhaps you are one of them. What I find interesting is that some, like me, can read it as easily as if it were spelled correctly. For me and others, this presents another problem. When I’m proofreading papers, I can’t see the mistakes because I read words that aren’t there. My mind corrects misspellings, so I don’t notice them.

Life, I have found, is interpreted by what we see. Note that I said by what we see, not by what is. In other words, our interpretation of our world depends on how we see it. We often interpret through the lenses of our experiences, both the good and the bad. I wear glasses, and if you were to put my glasses on, your world might appear blurry and distorted. Our experiences, like glasses, affect our ability to see things.

Today was one of those days when I had trouble seeing what was right in front of my nose. I was doing some carpentry work for my niece, and several times I found myself looking for the tape measure only to realize I was holding it. Later, I did the same thing with the pencil and hammer.

In the natural order of life, we all find ourselves looking for something that is right in front of us yet can’t see it. It’s the same with God. He can be working in our lives and the lives of others while we are oblivious to His presence. We can miss His message to us because our experience tells us something different. I know of only one way to experience God. It’s called practice. Think about it.

On July 15, 2026, BMC Medical Co., Ltd. (BMC), Beijing, China, retrospectively reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a recall of 20,160 Luna G3 APAP (Model LG3600) devices distributed in the United States due to firmware defect. This corrective action was not reported to customers. On August 19, 2026, the FDA classified this retrospective recall as a Class I recall (FDA Recall Number: Z-2979-2026).

BMC has identified that firmware version, G3-2.00.76 installed on these Luna G3 APAP (Model LG3600) devices contained a firmware defect. BMC conducted a firmware upgrade of these devices to version G3-2.00.77 for 20,160 affected devices at the U.S. importer’s warehouse from October through December 2024. After reporting the retrospective recall, BMC discovered that potentially up to 196 units did not receive the upgrade and identified that these devices may still contain firmware version G3-2.00.76.

If the affected device(s) operates simultaneously under high pressure, high respiratory rate, and high peak flow an “Error” message on the device display is triggered, followed by automatic shutdown resulting in a failure to deliver therapy.

The firmware defects could result in unintended serious adverse health consequences. To date, BMC has received no complaints or serious adverse reports associated with this firmware failure.

Impacted products were manufactured from September 11, 2024, to October 18, 2024, and distributed by BMC to its U.S. importer, React Health (RH), from September 20, 2024, to October 19, 2024. Impacted products were distributed nationwide between October 29, 2024, through July 6, 2026.

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El Eden Import Distributor Corp., a Long Island City, N.Y. firm, is recalling approximately 264 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.

Grant-Valkaria, Florida – SUPPLX.com is voluntarily recalling Business Pill and Branch Manager for Men, products marketed as dietary supplements for male sexual enhancement, because FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that both products contain yohimbine that is not declared on the product labels.

Yohimbine is a plant-derived alkaloid formulated for use as a prescription medication, generally as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It has also been studied for use to promote blood flow and support athletic performance. FDA found dangerously high levels of yohimbine in the recalled products. Yohimbine can cause severe hypertension, tachycardia, and possibly cardiac arrhythmia and myocardial infarction (heart attacks), especially if the consumer is taking other stimulants such as caffeine or ephedra-containing products or prescription drugs used to treat ADHD. Severe gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain are typical side effects of high doses. It can also cause acute neurologic and psychiatric effects, including anxiety, insomnia, mania, psychosis in schizophrenic patients, drowsiness, disorientation, tremors and seizures. Death has been reported in cases of severe overdose.

The recalled products were packaged in single-capsule blister cards and sold in 24-count retail boxes through SUPPLX.com. The recall covers all lots and expiration or best-by dates distributed from September 16, 2023, through June 11, 2026. Lot and expiration or best-by information appears on the back of each individual blister card. On Business Pill, it appears in the upper-right corner; on Branch Manager for Men, it appears directly above the barcode. No other SUPPLX.com products are included in this recall.

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Fi, of New York, NY, is recalling the supplements for dogs listed below because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella due to an ingredient supplied to Fi’s manufacturer. The manufacturer has suspended production while it investigates. Fi is promptly notifying all affected customers out of an abundance of caution.

Salmonella can affect the animals eating the product, and there is a potential risk to humans from handling contaminated products or from animal waste after the animals have ingested the product. This risk is greater if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having had contact with the products, surfaces exposed to these products, or animal waste.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in additional ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

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Foods Alive Inc of Angola, IN, is recalling its 8-ounce packages of organic moringa leaf powder because they have 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.

The recalled organic moringa leaf powder was distributed nationwide in retail stores and through online sellers including but not limited to www.foodsalive.com.

The product comes in an 8 ounce stand up pouch with a freshest by date of 110127 and the number 02726 below the date, and were shipped between January 27th and August 7th 2026.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 3, 2026 – New Albany, OH, American Regent, Inc. is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of three lots of Epinephrine Injection, USP 30 mg/ 30 mL (1 mg/mL) multi dose vials to the consumer level. Customer complaints were received for leaking and cracked vials, resulting in lack of assurance of sterility. The firm’s investigation also revealed the presence of particulate matter identified as Nylon, Cellulosic, Acrylic, Polyethylene and Glass.

Risk Statement: Intravenous administration of Epinephrine Injection, USP 30 mg/ 30 mL (1 mg/mL) containing particulate matter may lead to serious adverse health consequences. Particulate matter can cause blockage and clotting in blood vessels, which can cut off blood flow to vital organs, lead to a life-threatening blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause permanent organ damage or death. Additionally, these particles may cause local vein irritation, inflammatory reaction, aggravation of preexisting infections, and allergic reactions. Additionally, cracked vials can compromise the integrity of the container resulting in loss of sterility and potential contamination which can pose a serious risk for patients. To date, American Regent has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

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Huge 3 Day Estate Sale!

September 10, 11, 12 Thursday & Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm

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

Artwork, hand tools, power tools, welder, sand blasters, boat, RV, trailer, large model plane, bedroom furniture, living-room furniture, books, records, shelving, ladders, skiing items, bench, Stihl items, tool boxes, parts washer, Craftsman metal lathe, BMW bike items, parts books, collectibles, Micro-fiche machine, wood working items, some wood, large amount of split firewood, garden tools, Silver-plate items, dressers, welder, clothes, motorbike vehicle racks, rugs, piano, and more. The garage and house are full of everyday items and unique items.

We are busy with this sale and multiple others coming up, so we may not get back to all questions. Thank you for understanding.

Please follow signs the days of the sale, and this is a long paved driveway. Watch for cars and people.

HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Game Commission will again be hosting several wildlife habitat driving tours on state game lands for the public to enjoy from the comfort of their own vehicles this fall.

“These driving tours provide an overview of what’s available on our state game lands, while showcasing how the agency’s habitat work benefits various species of wildlife,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “For hunters, these tours highlight potential opportunities for the upcoming seasons, and for non-hunters, the beautiful Pennsylvania fall landscapes are second to none.”

All tours are free of charge, will be held rain or shine, and are only open to vehicles licensed for travel on public roads.

The 2026 Game Commission’s driving tours will occur as follows:

Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026

WELLSBORO, PA — Local bookstore owners Kasey and Kevin Coolidge are celebrating a major victory of the heart after reaching the finals of the national “America’s Favorite Couple” online competition. While the couple did not take home the $20,000 grand prize, they managed to capture the attention and affection of supporters worldwide, sharing updates and connecting with voters directly via their official page at facebook.com.

The owners of From My Shelf Books & Gifts, a beloved independent bookstore nestled in rural Tioga County, Pennsylvania, entered the contest expecting a modest local response. Instead, their campaign went viral on social media, drawing votes from across the United States—including California—and stretching across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom.

Between 8 a.m. and noon on Sunday, Sept. 6, a total of 1,038 people, including 962 adults and 76 youngsters, ages 4 to 8, attended the 49th Annual Canyon Pilots Association’s All-You-Can-Eat Labor Day Weekend Fly-In Breakfast held indoors at the commercial corporate hangar at the Wellsboro Johnston Airport, near Wellsboro.

The Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekend Fly-In Breakfasts were originally started by the Tioga County Civil Air Patrol in 1977-1978. When the Canyon Pilots Association was founded in 1988, the breakfasts became its responsibility. Sunday, May 30, 2027 and Sunday, September 5, 2027 will mark the breakfasts’ 50th year. 

This past Sunday, 12 airplanes and one helicopter landed at the airport for the breakfast. Costa Air Service provided rides over the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in two Cessna aircraft for a fee.

TROY – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is inviting area veterans to his upcoming Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 15, in Troy.

The free breakfast will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Troy Sale Barn, 50 Ballard St., Troy. Doors open at 9 a.m.

“Our veterans are an inspiring group of people who remain humble despite their extraordinary acts of service for us and our nation,” Owlett said. “Whether they served in times of war or times of peace, these men and women stepped up and helped shape our nation into what it is today.

“This breakfast is just a small token of appreciation for that service,” he added.

Breakfast speakers include Erwin “Butch” Baker, who was drafted into the United States Army in July 1967 and served until July 1969. During 1968-69, he served in the Vietnam War as a member of the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion. Baker attained the rank of sergeant (E-5) and served as a combat engineer, where they built and maintained roads, bridges, airstrips and other essential facilities.

Also speaking will be Tioga County Commissioner Sam VanLoon, a combat veteran with over 22 years of service in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He began his career in August 2000 and was assigned to Charlie Company 3rd of the 103rd Armor in Mansfield. In 2013, he transitioned from the Armor community to become a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the PA Army National Guard. He has deployed overseas four times in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The breakfast is open to veterans of the 68^th Legislative District, along with one guest each. RSVPs are required to ensure there is enough food for everyone. To reserve a seat, contact Owlett’s offices in Wellsboro (570-724-1390) or Troy (570-297-3045), or sign up online at www.RepOwlett.com/events.

The 68th Legislative District includes all of Tioga County, plus the following municipalities in Bradford County: Alba Borough, Armenia Township, Burlington Borough, Burlington Township, Canton Borough, Canton Township, Columbia Township, Franklin Township, Granville Township, Leroy Township, Monroe Borough, Monroe Township, North Towanda Township, Overton Township, Ridgebury Township, Smithfield Township, South Creek Township, Springfield Township, Sylvania Borough, Towanda Township, Troy Borough, Troy Township, Wells Township and West Burlington Township.

Joseph D. Szymanski, 85, of Rasselas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Synder Memorial Health Care in Marienville following a lengthy illness.

He was born on February 6, 1941 in Ridgway, PA, a son of the late Alex and Anna Koneski Szymanski.

On November 5, 1966, in Rasselas, PA, he married Nancy Lazzo Szymanski, who survives. Together they shared nearly 60 years of love and laughter.

Joe was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School and went on to earn his degree in mechanical engineering from Gannon University. A proud and devoted patriot, he served his country for more than 20 years in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he also served as commander of the United States Army Reserve unit in St. Marys. Joe later retired from Stackpole Carbon Company after many years as a mechanical engineer, a career well suited to his sharp mind, strong work ethic, and natural ability to understand how things worked. He was always happiest when he was working with his hands, whether woodworking, tending his garden, canning what he grew, or helping both his sons build their businesses. Over the years, Joe enjoyed collecting Winchester firearms, attending auctions, admiring Corvettes, enjoying Tennessee Walking Horses and raising Brittany Spaniels.  Joe also enjoyed time spent time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. For more than 15 years, he and his wife looked forward to escaping the Pennsylvania winters and snowbirding in Fort Myers. Yet, for all of his accomplishments and interests, some of Joe’s greatest joys were found in life’s simplest moments-a good cup of coffee, a worthwhile project, time spent with family, and especially the treasured moments he shared with his great-grandchildren. Joe lived a full and accomplished life, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, craftsmanship, devotion to family, and countless memories that will be cherished for generations.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, of 59 years, he is survived by two sons; Jesse (Sally) Szymanski of St. Marys and David Szymanski of Punxsutawney; and by four grandchildren; Laurel Syzmanski, Lacie (Tom) Goetz, Libby (Bryce) Bowser, and Logan Schloder, and by his beloved great-grandchildren; Isaac, Brynnlee, Wyatt, Arlow, Ridge, and was anticipating the birth of another great-grandchild.
He is also survived by two siblings; Robert (Diane) Szymanski of Rasselas and Annie Szymanski of Warren, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews and a brother-in-law, John Lazzo of South Carolina.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph D. Szymanski will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM at St. Marys Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Ignatius Camello as celebrant.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.

Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Parkinson’s Foundation, or to a charity of choice.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Consider a donation, as requested by the family.

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.

CRS State College: 

I was pleased to meet with members of the State College Chapter of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to discuss issues ranging from global humanitarian aid to hunger challenges at home and abroad. CRS is an international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the U.S. that works to assist the vulnerable around the world. CRS works in more than 90 countries, and it has programs that focus on health, agriculture, water, education, peacebuilding, and more. I am grateful to Jim Nolan and all the members of the CRS State College Chapter for their advocacy and commitment to assisting impoverished communities across the globe.

Loss of American Farmland:

The use of eminent domain on agricultural lands has long affected farmers across our country. The loss of productive agricultural land when other viable sites exist directly threatens our nation’s food security and rural communities. Last week, I introduced legislation to protect America’s farmland from eminent domain. The Not In My Barnyard Act safeguards American producers’ property rights by prohibiting the federal government from initiating eminent domain proceedings on any agricultural land when a feasible alternative site exists. Defending American producers and ensuring the United States has enough productive farmland to feed and fuel the country is a matter of national security.

Childcare Solutions Hearing: 

This week, the Committee on Education and Workforce held an Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee hearing titled “Supporting Working Families: State-Led Child Care Solutions.” This hearing was an opportunity to hear from states about the innovative ways they are approaching childcare for the benefit of families, businesses, and communities. Finding long-term solutions to childcare, which is often limited in rural regions, can strengthen our workforce and economy. In Pennsylvania, a shortage of childcare affects many rural communities. That’s why I introduced the Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act to update and reauthorize the Community Services Block Grant, a federal program that helps low-income families afford childcare and child development services. I thank the Committee on Education and Workforce for welcoming conversations surrounding childcare and potential solutions to the national shortage.

KANE – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) is reminding area seniors he will once again host his annual Senior Citizens Expo in Kane to provide area seniors and their family members and caregivers convenient access to a wide range of information in one convenient location.

The expo will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kane Community Center, 46 N. Fraley St., Kane.

“There are so many programs and services available to support our senior citizens, but it still can be difficult for people to find the help they need,” Causer said. “I hope area seniors will take advantage of the opportunity to gather a lot of helpful information in one place.”

Due to the expo, Causer’s offices in Kane and Bradford will be closed all day on Friday, Sept. 11. People in need of urgent assistance that day should contact the Coudersport office at 814-274-9769 or the Harrisburg office at 717-787-5075.

The event is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. State, county and local exhibitors will be on hand to distribute information and answer questions about a variety of issues. Health screenings will also be offered, and door prize drawings will be held.

Causer noted he will also hold another expo on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Roulette Fire Hall.

For more information about the expo, contact Causer’s Kane office at 814- 837-0880. Information is also available at RepCauser.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepCauser.