NEWS

(Dickinson Center, Inc. employees pictured: Wenzday Koskey in the dark blue dress with upcoming kindergarten students & Deb Freeburg, in the flower dress.)

ST. MARYS, Pa — Dickinson Center, Inc., in collaboration with the Saint Marys Area School District and Johnsonburg Area School District, recently concluded its annual Kindergarten Readiness Program. During the six-week program, students built confidence, formed new friendships, and developed the skills needed for a successful transition to kindergarten.

Designed to prepare students for their first year of school, the program was offered at South Saint Marys Street Elementary School, Fox Township Elementary School, and Johnsonburg Elementary School. Students and their families were introduced to the school environment through fun, engaging activities led by Mental Health Liaisons Deb Freeburg and Wenzday Koskey, along with Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Summer Worker Terra Hnath.

As Pennsylvania’s elk rut approaches, wildlife enthusiasts can once again experience one of the most anticipated natural events in the state. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Elk Cam will go live on August 1 and will bring all the sights and sounds of the bugling bulls to your screen.

The cam is located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s elk range, an area totaling more than 220,000 acres including State Game Lands 311 and Elk State Forest. Video and sound from the camera will be livestreamed at www.pa.gov/pgc and viewers can expect not only to see elk, but turkey, deer and other wildlife, as well.  Elk, which in the coming weeks will ramp up activity – with bulls becoming more vocal and competing with one another for available cows – always seem to take center stage. Enjoying the show is just a few clicks away.

Rena M. BLISS, 92, of Eldred, PA, died Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Cuba Memorial Hospital, Cuba, NY.  Born March 16, 1934, in Port Allegany, she was the daughter of Floyd A. and Iva L. Harris Studer.  On April 28, 1952, in Duke Center, she married James Arthur Bliss, who predeceased her on May 5, 2019.  Rena was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver.  

Surviving are: a daughter, Cheryl L. (James) Scheffer of Apalachin, NY; a daughter-in-law, Peggy Bliss of Rogersville, TN; five grandchildren, Brian J. Bliss, Brandon M. (Michelle) Bliss, Bradley (Amanda) Bliss, Amy Jacobs, and Brandy Howe; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, James B. Bliss; three brothers, Floyd “Bud” Studer, Joseph Studer, and Fernley A. Studer; and six sisters, Clasa Studer, Mildred Ludwig, Donna Williams, Virginia D. Heany, Esther M. Ross, and Joan Y. Waid.  

Services will be private.  Pastor Chris Stavish will officiate.  Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.  Memorials may be made to Eldred Borough Fire Department.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Position Vacancy

Mathematics & Learning Innovation Teacher

The Austin Area School District is seeking an innovative, student-centered educator to join our team as a Mathematics & Learning Innovation Teacher beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

This unique position offers the opportunity to make an impact well beyond the classroom by supporting mathematics instruction while contributing to the district’s innovative educational initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach Middle School Mathematics (Grades 7 and 8)
• Teach one upper-level high school mathematics course (anticipated Geometry)
• Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen mathematics instruction across grade levels
• Support implementation of the district’s Enhanced Learning Academy through instructional collaboration and planning
• Provide instructional leadership and consultation to colleagues as appropriate
• Contribute to the continued growth and sustainability of Pathway Studios and other innovative district initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Principal

Qualifications

• Pennsylvania certification in Mathematics required (Middle Level and/or Secondary Mathematics preferred)
• Additional certifications are highly desirable
• Strong instructional knowledge and commitment to student growth
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work across grade levels
• Interest in innovative instructional models and personalized learning

Why Austin?

Austin Area School District is a small rural district with a big vision. We believe every student deserves opportunities typically found only in much larger schools. Through initiatives such as Enhanced Learning Academy and Pathway Studios, we are reimagining what education can look like in a rural community.

We are looking for educators who value:

• Building meaningful relationships with students
• Collaboration and continuous improvement
• Creative problem-solving
• Innovation in teaching and learning
• Being part of a close-knit school community where every staff member makes a difference

Salary and Benefits

Salary and benefits in accordance with the Austin Area Education Association Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

• Letter of interest
• Standard Pennsylvania teaching application
• Resume
• Pennsylvania certificate
• Transcripts
• Current clearances
• Three letters of reference

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please submit application materials to:

Kimberly Rees, Superintendent
Austin Area School District
138 Costello Avenue
Austin, PA 16720

Email: krees@austinsd.net
Phone: 814-647-8603

Austin Area School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for a General Cafeteria Worker – 5 hr./day effective with the 2026-2027 school year.

Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, application, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168), and resumé to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 by August 19, 2026.

Publix recalls all lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries Due to potential E. coli O145 contamination

LAKELAND, Fla., July 29, 2026 — Publix is recalling all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (E. coli O145). E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that can cause illness characterized by severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody) and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover within a week, some infections may result in a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), particularly in young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The recalled product was shipped to Publix retail stores throughout 8 states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. As of the end of June 2026, Publix immediately conducted an internal stop sale of frozen GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries. These products remain unavailable for sale.

A recall of GreenWise Organic Blueberries, 10-ounce, Lot Code 60401 was previously announced on July 3, by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile. Based on the public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological information, Publix is now taking further action out of an abundance of caution to recall all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.

View Full Recall

Sayre, PA – The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT) is continuing to accept grant applications through its Northeastern Potter Economic Development Association (NEPEDA) Fund, which provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and charitable programs serving communities in 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.

Clearfield, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Highway Safety Network (HSN), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) joined Bellefonte Borough Police and Spring Township Police at Cold Stream Dam Recreation Park in Philipsburg to highlight enforcement efforts intended to curb aggressive driving and increase safety for all road users.

“Aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of serious fatal crashes,” said PSP Trooper Jake Rhymestine. “Through proactive enforcement, troopers are focused on identifying dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and reckless driving to improve roadway safety. Our goal is to reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and make Pennsylvania roadways safer for all motorists.”

FRIDAY VENDORS – July 31st – 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

VALLEY HONEY will be at the market on Friday. We will have various sizes of liquid honey, whipped honey, honey gift bags, honey sticks, and beeswax for sale. We accept cash payments. Hope to see everyone there!

WOLFPACK QUEEN ODDITIES will be there Friday. We will be bringing: jewelry, Beaded bookmarks, Beaded keychains, beaded Wristlets, beaded pens, Popsockets, Barrettes, Pins/Brooches, and Magnets. We accept cash & Cash App. You can find us on Facebook under Peggy Egolf.

SATURDAY VENDORS – August 1st – 11 am to 3 pm

No Saturday vendors this week

The Ulysses Municipal Authority regular scheduled meeting originally set for Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. has been postponed.

The meeting will now be held on Tuesday, August 11th 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Thank you for your understanding.

Ulysses Municipal Authority

BRADFORD, PA – The United Way of the Bradford Area is expanding its inaugural 814 Day of Action to provide more opportunities for community members to get involved in volunteer service.

While Friday, August 14, will continue to celebrate 814 Day through internal volunteer projects hosted by local businesses, organizations, schools, churches, and civic groups, the larger community volunteer projects will now take place on Saturday, August 15. The change was made to allow more individuals and families to participate without weekday work commitments preventing them from volunteering.

Efforts to restore a long-lost native fish species to the Three Rivers continued today, as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) stocked thousands of Blue Catfish.  These juvenile Blue Catfish are about 14 months old and measure only 10-to-12 inches now but can eventually grow to weigh more than 100 pounds.  Blue Catfish, which are the largest species of catfish in North America, are native to the Ohio River basin, including the Monongahela and lower Allegheny Rivers, but they mostly disappeared in the early 1900s due to poor water quality and habitat loss.  As water quality has improved, the PFBC began stocking Blue Catfish five years ago (2022) with hopes of restoring the once popular fishery to its native range.  While Blue Catfish are native to the Ohio River basin in western Pennsylvania, they are considered invasive in other parts of the state, and it is illegal to move the fish outside of their native range.  The PFBC’s Blue Catfish restoration plan is set to last 15 years, with the fish being distributed to new parts of the Three Rivers every five years.  In 2026, more than 10,000 Blue Catfish will be raised at the PFBC’s Tionesta State Fish Hatchery in Forest County and stocked into the Three Rivers.  Today’s stockings happened at Point State Park in Pittsburgh and at the PFBC’s access in Kilbuck Township, Allegheny County.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO:

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s5mSDtGN52di9M9s13uXpigzik7o-F5y/view?usp=sharing

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qzzbLcrQk6c

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a Steak, Cilantro, Lime Burrito product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product contains egg, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to egg products are aware that this product should not be consumed.

EMPORIUM, PA — Ready to dig into some prehistoric fun? The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is hosting a massive end-of-summer celebration to wrap up this year’s “Unearth A Story” Summer Reading Program. Local families are invited to celebrate their reading achievements with free pizza, drinks, and a thrilling, interactive live dinosaur show!

Ethel B. “Ellie” Lathrop, 82, of Smethport, formerly of Bradford, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Amaryllis Nursing and Rehab Center. 

Born on May 14, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, she was a daughter of the late Warren E. and Ada M. (Freythe) Berg.

Ellie was a 1961 graduate of the Griffin Institute in Springville NY. She attended the University of Buffalo and enrolled in the Nursing Program at the Rockland State Hospital. 

She worked as a clerk for the Martin Rouch Co. Ellie also worked in the Domestic Violence Department of the YWCA and was nominated for Volunteer of the year while there. She has worked at Gono’s Rest., Holiday House, the Warehouse, Lou’s Lounge, and the Vet’s Club.

Ellie was a member of and served as the Chaplain of the VFW Auxiliary. Was also an aux liars member of the Moose Club, Eagles Club, Marche Club, and the John Berg Memorial Post in Crosby.   

Surviving is one son, Sean A. (Laurie) Lathrop, of Port Allegany, nine grandchildren, Andrew Lathrop, Blaine Lathrop, Sean Lathrop, Jack Lathrop, Rebecca (Nate) Schwab, Allison (Nick) Marzo, Hannah Lathrop and Dustin Moran, two great grandchildren, Savannah Schwab and Brooke Schwab, one sister, Renee Meissner, of South Lima, NY,  and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Shane E. Lathrop, who died November 22, 2010, and her twin brother, Ted W. Berg.

A Celebration of Ellie’s Life will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 4 pm at the VFW in Bradford with Tom Cochran, Biblical Minister, officiating, a reception will follow until 7 pm. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to American Cancer Society or the Francis Sherman Auxiliary of the VFW. 

Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com