NEWS

Heather Young, CRNP
UPMC Behavioral Health

Each September, we observe Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind one another that help and hope are always available. For many families and communities, suicide is not just a statistic but a deeply personal issue that has touched their lives. By speaking openly, we can bring light to a subject that too often remains in the shadows.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is still widely misunderstood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50,000 people lost their lives to suicide in 2022, and millions more struggled with serious thoughts of ending their life. Behind every number is a neighbor, coworker, parent, sibling, or friend whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void.

Gloria Jean Hayes, 67, of Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC Passavant, Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday (September 20, 2025) evening following complications from surgery.

She was born September 10, 1958 in Rockville Centre, New York a daughter of the late Gerard Matzen. She married Arnold Hayes, who survives.

She retired from Racoh Products where she had worked for many years. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She loved spending time with her family.

Sabrina Mikita, M.D.
UPMC Dermatology

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, sunscreen often gets pushed to the back of the cabinet. After all, if the sun does not feel as strong in September and October, do you really need to apply it daily? The truth is yes. Your skin still benefits from protection long after summer ends. Fall is a season when people often let their guard down, which can leave them vulnerable to sun damage that builds over time.

UV Rays Do Not Take a Break

WELLSBORO/COUDERSPORT, Pa., Sept. 17, 2025 — After a distinguished 40-year career in medicine, Dan Glunk, MD, interim president, UPMC Cole and UPMC Wellsboro, and chief quality officer, UPMC North Central Pa., has announced his retirement, effective December 31.   

Lillian Major is the Student of the Week for the week of September 22nd, 2025. She is participating in the morning session of the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Lilli is a senior enrolled at Cameron County High School. Upon graduation, Lilli plans on studying abroad.

Lilli is currently working to gain her CDA, a national credentialing program sponsored by the Council for Professional Recognition. She plans on taking the CDA (Child Development Associate) at the end of this academic year. She is volunteering in a clinical setting in the St. Mark’s Community Day Care Pre-K classroom to gain her required hours for her CDA. Lilli enjoys working with the children, watching them grow academically, as well as watching them grow friendships with one another. She has been involved with the student committee at the Career and Technical Center. She took PSY 111 last year as part of a dual enrollment program with Penn College of Technology to earn three college credits. She was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in the 2024-2025 school year. Lilli in her spare time is learning American Sign Language.

We look forward to her efforts paying off as she strives to attain her Child Development Associate credential. Lilli was chosen because her instructor, Mrs. Kim Mooney, finds her to be creative and listens well. Lilli is kind and has much to offer by selecting activities that are meaningful and fun for children!

Sheila M. Salerno, 74, of Warren, PA, formerly of Sheffield, PA, died on Monday September 15, 2025, in the Lutheran Home at Kane, after an extended illness.

She was born in Kane, PA, on July 23, 1951, the daughter of the late Harry and Florence Eck Hilyer. She was a graduate of Sheffield High School, Class of 1970.  Sheila has been a resident of Warren since 1975. She retired from Whirley Drinkworks and then went to work for the Warren Walmart.  Sheila enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her world, and she enjoyed time spent at the casino.   

Bradford, PA/Olean, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are excited to announce Cheryl Wier, MSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, NYSAFE, emergency room nurse at BRMC, as the third quarter Nightingale Award recipient of 2025. Wier, a registered nurse and board-certified as an adult and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), has been with BRMC since 2005.

“Cheryl has been a team member of BRMC for more than 15 years. During her time here, Cheryl has taken significant steps to expand her nursing role by becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). She has been instrumental in launching as well as growing the program while raising awareness of its importance in our community. Her work as a SANE nurse is challenging, but each case is approached with professionalism, dignity, respect and compassion with her goal of serving every patient to achieve the best possible outcome. She consistently goes above and beyond for her patients by providing comfort and patient education by explaining each step during her consultations.

Pastor B.J. Knefley

I recently had the opportunity to witness a challenging and delicate situation transform into a heartwarming story of neighbors coming together to support one another. In one moment, there was anger, distrust, accusations, fear, and hostility. In the next, there was peace, calm, and a desire to work together for a common good. I walk away with hope—hope for our communities and our world.

September 19, 2025, AquaStar (USA) Corp of Seattle, WA is recalling:

approximately 49,920 bags (net wt. 2lbs) of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp.
approximately 18,000 bags (net wt. 2lbs) of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp.
approximately 17,264 bags (net wt. 1.25lbs) of AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers because they may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with cesium-137 (Cs-137).

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., (September 19, 2025) — Olympus Corporation has announced a voluntary, global medical device removal action for ViziShot 2 FLEX (19G) EBUS -TBNA needles (“ViziShot 2 FLEX”) manufactured prior to May 12, 2025, after receiving reports of device components detaching during procedures.

The ViziShot 2 FLEX is protected by a hypotube and sheath. The hypotube protects the sheath from the needle tip and provides stability during transit and insertion. If damage to the sheath has occurred and the device continues to be used, the hypotube has the potential to eject from the device along with detached plastic components, which are not radiopaque. Damage may also occur during the manufacturing process. To improve the detection of device damage at the point of manufacturing, Olympus implemented an automated inspection procedure during assembly, a step that had been conducted previously through visual inspection.

Olympus assessed the issue after receiving complaints of adverse events involving patient injury, and one death. Potential consequences of a detached component of the ViziShot 2 FLEX include the risk of unintended device components within the tracheobronchial tree that may require bronchoscopic extraction or surgical removal.

View Full Recall

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a crack seal project continues on several routes in Lycoming and Tioga counties.

The week of Monday, September 22, 2025, the contractor, Kriger Construction, Inc., will continue to crack seal Route 15 in both directions between the Route 14 in Trout Run, Exit 148 and Liberty, Exit 162. Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions between the hours of 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM where work is being performed.

Additional work will take place on the following routes during daylight hours.

More than 100 roundabouts are now installed in Pennsylvania, with more than 30 under design or in construction.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that roundabouts continue to provide safe, efficient travel across the Commonwealth. Since 2005,104 roundabouts have been built to improve traffic flow and/or decrease crash severity, and more than 30 additional roundabouts are in various stages of design and construction across Pennsylvania.

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised of a lane restriction on Route 15 southbound south of Grangers Road in Monroe Township, Snyder County, due to a vehicle Crash.

Motorists can expect the right (driving) lane to be restricted. Travel delays should be expected. Motorists should seek alternate routes if possible.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution.

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised a repair project originally scheduled for September 4, 2025, will now take place this week on Interstate 80 westbound in Turbot Township, Northumberland County.

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, a contractor, Don E Bower, Inc., will remediate a water ponding issue on the bridge that carries the interstate over Route 254 at mile marker 215. Work will begin at daylight and is expected to take a few hours to complete.

Motorists can expect the right (driving) lane to be restricted in the work zone and should be alert, slow down, and drive with caution in the area.

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said drivers should expect to encounter flaggers in the roadway along Route 522 at the site of a bridge replacement project in Decatur Township, Mifflin County, on Wednesday, September 24, through Friday, September 25. Replacing the bridge, which spans Jack’s Creek about a mile southwest of Wagner, will enhance the ride quality and improve the structure’s overall condition rating from poor to good.

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad (BPRR) will close Route 4003 (Bingham Road) in Lafayette Township on Tuesday, September 23, to replace a railroad crossing. Replacing the crossing will improve rail infrastructure, ride quality, and enhance safety for motorists.

While the road is closed, traffic will follow a detour using Routes 646, 770, 219, and 59 around the closure. This is the same detour drivers followed in late August while PennDOT McKean County Maintenance crews replaced drainage pipes in the area.

BPRR expects to complete this work by Thursday, September 25, but all construction schedules are tentative due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

PennDOT reminds drivers to use caution in the work zone, remain alert for railroad operators and equipment, approach railroad crossings carefully, and “Always expect a train.”

BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been ranked in the Top 20 of four categories by U.S. News & World Report.

The collegiate rankings report, now in its 41st year, ranked Pitt-Bradford #9 in Best Value Schools in the North. Pitt-Bradford was the top-ranking public college in Pennsylvania in this category.

U.S. News & World Report also ranked Pitt-Bradford:

• #7 in Best Colleges for Veterans in the North
• #12 in Top Regional Public Colleges in the North
• #17 in Overall Top Regional Colleges in the North

Winners Announced for Fourth Annual Phil Fitch Memorial Chukar Challenge in NorthCentral Pa. Johnsonburg, Pa.:

Tommy Launer, Bird Dog Leader at the Rolfe Beagle Club, announces the winners of the Fourth Annual Phil Fitch Memorial Chukar Challenge on Saturday, 9/20, at the Rolfe Beagle Club in Johnsonburg, Pa.

The weather was perfect, the challenge was full, and dog handlers enjoyed the day – Phil would have planned it that way!

Phil Fitch was a dedicated member of the Rolfe Beagle Club and never missed a bird dog event at the club. Twenty-four dog handlers came from across the Commonwealth. The winners in the pointing dog category were:

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce All Fired Up Kickin Ash BBQ ready to kick off this weekend in downtown Emporium.

Competitors from the region will be looking to take home bragging rights and the $500 cash prize sponsored by Emporium Food Market for mystery meat!

Our Student of the Week for Heavy Equipment Maintenance is Isaac Postlewaite, a second-year 11th grader from Port Allegany.

Isaac has been a tremendous help in the shop, assisting with moving and repairing equipment. He is always willing to step up and take on any task asked of him. In addition to his contributions in class, Isaac is an active member of the Port football team.

He consistently brings a positive attitude, is highly inquisitive, and sets a strong example for others. Currently, Isaac holds 100% in both his grade and attendance for the year.

Annin Township is looking for a Part-Time Secretary-Treasurer.  Experience is a must in QuickBooks, Word & Excel, have knowledge to perform payroll, quarterly reports, budgets, accounts payable, banking and auditing.  Preparing agendas, attending monthly meetings and record minutes.  Understanding of Municipal Accounting is a plus.  Interested applicants should apply on Indeed, email resume to annintwp@zitomedia.net or mail to PO Box 143, Turtlepoint, PA 16750.  Any Questions call 814-642-7959

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Turkey Wrap Product Due To Possible Listeria Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a ready-to-eat (RTE) turkey wrap product due to concerns that the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

At our August 25, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill, Greg Brink introduced his guest speaker, Sheila Gabreski. Sheila has been coordinating the Penn State Cooperative Extension of Potter County for 15 years and has been a 4-H Leader for 20 years. Both Greg and Sheila are on the Community Garden Planning Committee.

The Community Garden is the brainchild of Dr. Mary Ann Rigas, a Pediatrician who became concerned about the health of children in our area. She wanted, not only to teach kids how to eat healthily from stores, but to teach them to grow healthy food.