The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated dairy ingredients that may be contaminated with Salmonella. FSIS expects additional downstream products will be identified as this ingredient recall progresses. As more information becomes available, FSIS will update this public health alert. Consumers should check back frequently.
Dr. Drew Flanagan’s new book, “From Occupation to Integration: Revitalizing the French Zone of Post-Nazi Germany, 1945-1955,”
BRADFORD, Pa. — As Europe reconsiders its security and trade structure amid changing American attitudes, Dr. Drew Flanagan, assistant professor of history at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has published a book shedding light on the creation of the post–World War II order on the continent.
“From Occupation to Integration: Revitalizing the French Zone of Post-Nazi Germany, 1945-1955” is now out from LSU Press and available in both hardcover and e-book formats.
Flanagan’s research traces how the French occupation zone became an early laboratory for the kind of cross-border economic and cultural integration that would eventually define the European Union. “This is one of the first places you see cross-border economic integration between France and Germany, albeit under circumstances of occupation,” he said.
WARREN, Pa. – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) has announced students who achieved Dean’s List recognition for the Spring 2026 term.
Students take classes at one of our over 20 different instructional locations or online and include:
Cameron County EMPORIUM – Amanda Crumrine
Clarion County SHIPPENVILLE – Hillary Truitt
Crawford County HARTSTOWN – Sarah Shearer MEADVILLE – Carley Glatch TITUSVILLE – Lacey Frisch, Sanahdy Gaspard, Suelahny Gaspard, Elijah Perez, and Odalis Rowe TOWNVILLE – Bree Neely
Elk County JAMES CITY – Kylie Blankenship JOHNSONBURG – Sofiya Cherry KERSEY – Anna Babcock RIDGWAY – Hunter Bish SAINT MARYS – Brynn Allison, Gerald Donachy, Olivia Meyer, Rachael Streich, Kristin Wileman, and Angelic Zuchowski WEEDVILLE – Makenna McCall
Erie County CORRY – Jade Kaltenbach, Megan Walker, and Brynley Watrous ERIE – Leah Bittner, Karleen Fenstermaker, Rachel Lasecki, Sarah Lawrence Farrell, and Melinda Taylor WATERFORD – Brandi Cornell and Callie Driscoll
Forest County TIONESTA – Conner Summerville
Luzerne County WEST HAZELTON – Joanna Pimentel
McKean County BRADFORD – Hailey Taylor and Tiuana Fox KANE – Carol Miller SMETHPORT – Katie Watson
Monroe County CRESCO – Samuel Oh
Potter County COUDERSPORT – Mia Gee and Karrie Page ULYSSES – Bambi Coates
Venango County FRANKLIN – Blake Alexander, Elizabeth Coyer and Nikki Hall TITUSVILLE – Christian Thayer
Warren County PITTSFIELD – Graham Haight and Marie O’Leary RUSSELL – Stephanie Nelson SHEFFIELD – Kasidy Robinson TIDIOUTE – Peyton Hulse WARREN – Emily Hecei, Tristan Lally, Nicholas Menard, Sydney Sidon, Lindsey Thompson, Heather Williams, Brianna Wright, and Jordan Young YOUNGSVILLE – Nicole Cope, McKenzie Harrington, Allison Pavlock, and Jenneifer Upton
The Dean’s List recognizes the academic achievements of students who remained in good academic standing and earned a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) or greater during the Spring 2026 term. This outstanding scholarship contributes to the high reputation for excellence at NPRC. The official press release can also be found online at https://nprc.edu/deans-list-spring-2026/.
POTTER COUNTY ARTISAN CO-OP UP-COMING EVENTS AND CLASSES
A basket class is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 9:30-3:30 pm. Offered are red, white and blue options and include the choice of a Casserole Carrier ($50.00), Travelin’ Tote ($50.00), Divided Basket ($50.00), or a Little Round ($30.00). Bring a snack and a beverage. All supplies included.
On Sunday, May 17 from 1pm – 5pm, Brenda Bonzcar is teaching a ‘Tote bag Sewing Class’. Price of the class is $35.00. Recommended for ages 14 and up. All supplies included.
On Friday, May 22 from 6:00-8:00, and again the same class on May 30 from 1:00-3:00, Laurie Angood will be teaching a Watercolor Class (the same class on both days). Recommended for ages 14 and up. The subject is an “Americana Wreath’. Price of the class is $35.00 and includes all materials.
The Potter County Artisan Center Announces TWO Summer Sewing Day Camps for Kids!
First, A Quilt Camp will be held from June 2-5 from 9:30-2:00 pm for ages 12 and up. Students will make a quilt 55” x 55” with numerous colors and patterns available. Price of the class is $145.00 and includes all supplies and equipment.
Second, A Sewing Camp, for ages 9+ will be offered from August 3-5, from 10am – 1pm. During this class students will learn to use a sewing machine and be able to create several projects, including flannel pajama pants and an animal stuffy. Price of this class is $75.00 and includes all supplies and equipment.
Need an activity while visiting the area? Potter County Artisan Co-op can arrange a private group class for you and your friends at your convenience. Just call ahead or message us on Facebook. To register for these classes or events, please call the Potter County Artisan Co-op on 814-274-8165. The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street. The co-op’s hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00-5:00. Events and classes are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and- the Elk County Council on the Arts, state agencies funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Description: Join the park educator to look for macroinvertebrates, like stoneflies and crayfish, in the stream, along with learning their importance. Short talk followed by exploring the stream – expect to get wet so bring along water shoes, swimsuits, and a towel!
Description: Come out to this program to listen and learn about some common sounds/calls animals make all around us. Short talk followed by a bingo game to test your memory!
Description: Join state park volunteers and experienced bird banders, David and Fay Hauber, as they attempt to band common songbirds right here in Sizerville State Park! We will have a short introduction on birds followed by instructions on what to do and expect during the demonstration. Closed toe shoes and long pants are recommended due to the program taking place in high grass/shrub areas. Feel free to bring a water bottle, bug spray, and binoculars.
Description: Come down to the ELC and join the park educator for a short story followed by a make and take craft. This week’s topic will be caterpillars!
Description: Join the park educator for a fun, water-themed program to celebrate the opening of the pool. Short talk on all the different critters that live in our local streams, lakes, and rivers. You can even demonstrate your fishing skills as well. Come join us as we open the summer 2026 pool season!
To register for a program, go to the DCNR Calendar of Events website, search Sizerville State Park, find the program listed, and click on the Register button right under the program date, time, and location. For more information or questions about registering, please contact the Environmental Learning Center at (814) 486-5609.
In case of thunder, lightning, or extreme weather conditions, programs may be moved or cancelled.
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park office at (814) 486-5605.
With a minimum of one week’s notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.
Additional programs and events can be found on the DCNR website by clicking on the Events tab or go to https://events.dcnr.pa.gov and search Sizerville State Park. For more information or questions about programs at Sizerville State Park, please contact the Environmental Learning Center at (814) 486-5609.
Community Education Center of Elk & Cameron Counties, and Artist John Schlimm are Partnering with the Elk County Commissioners to Create 30,000 Powdered Metal “U.S. Flag Coins” to Celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States
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(Elk County, PA – March 2026) – The creative collective of St. Marys Area High School’s Dutch Manufacturing (DM) students, Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties (CEC), and international award-winning author, artist, advocate, and educator John Schlimm (JS) has partnered with the Elk County Commissioners—Fritz Lecker, Matt Quesenberry, and Greg Gebauer—to design and produce “The U.S. Flag Coin.”
BRADFORD, PA — Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) is reminding the community that its Emergency Department (ED) will officially close, Sunday morning, May 17, at 12 a.m. — as Saturday turns into Sunday — as part of the ongoing transition of services.
While emergency and inpatient hospital services are ending, BRMC will continue serving the community through a wide range of outpatient primary and specialty care services that will remain available locally. Hospital leaders emphasized that maintaining access to care close to home remains a priority throughout the transition.
Patients will continue to have access to primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, cardiology, orthopaedics and sports medicine, general surgery, urology, medical oncology, pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation services at BRMC. Additional services remaining open include Upbeat, laboratory: blood draw, imaging services including bone densitometry (also known as dexa services), mammography, x-ray and ultrasound, the Anita Herbert, MD, Occupational Health Center, and The Pavilion skilled nursing facility.
“While this transition marks the end of emergency and inpatient services, BRMC will continue to play an important role in supporting the healthcare needs of the region,” said hospital leaders. “Healthcare—especially rural healthcare—continues to face many challenges. Over the 139-year history of the hospital, healthcare delivery has changed with the most recent shifting significantly toward outpatient services. We remain committed to building a sustainable model that continues meeting as many of the community’s healthcare needs as possible.”
Beginning at Sunday morning, May 17 at 12 a.m., patients experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or go to other nearest emergency departments. Emergency medical services (EMS) will continue transporting patients to the most appropriate facility for care.
Hospital leaders recognize this is a significant change for the community and expressed gratitude to the many employees, providers, EMS agencies, patients and families who have supported BRMC throughout the years.
“We are deeply thankful for the trust this community has placed in BRMC and for the dedicated healthcare professionals who have cared for generations of patients,” leadership said.
Patients with questions about services, office locations, service hours or where to seek care are encouraged to visit the BRMC transition webpage at www.brmc-ogh.org/BRMC-transition/ for updated resources and information.
Your favorite bit of nostalgia is back again with Mrs. Strycula’s Ham & Cheese Fundraiser at the Barbara Moscato Brown Library
Friday, May 15, 2026
Emporium, PA – The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is excited to bring back our wildly successful Ham & Cheese Sandwich Fundraiser, inspired by none other than the legendary creations of Mrs. Strycula, a beloved former teacher whose sandwiches are still fondly remembered by her former students.
From May 18, to June 4, 2026, community members can preorder one of these classic ham and cheese sandwiches—stacked on a fresh Kaiser roll with mustard —for just $6. Sandwiches will be ready for pickup on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the library.
Local businesses are invited to join in by requesting a group signup sheet and enjoying free delivery to their location on the day of the event.
To place an order or arrange delivery, patrons can call the library at 814-486-8011, visit the library’s Facebook page, or their website at https://barbaramoscatobrownlibrary.org/.
“This fundraiser brought such joy and nostalgia to everyone who ordered sandwiches last year,” said Librarian, Yelena Kisler. “Mrs. Strycula’s sandwiches were legendary among her students, and now everyone has a chance to enjoy them again—while supporting the library!”
Special thanks go out to Emporium Food Mart for generously providing all the ingredients.
The library is also seeking volunteers to help make and pack sandwiches on the morning of pickup. Anyone interested in helping out can contact the library directly.
All proceeds from this tasty fundraiser will help support the library’s growing lineup of community programs and events.
For more information or to get involved, please contact the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library at 814-486-8011.
USDA Taking Applications for Grants to Build Community-Oriented High-Speed Internet Network for People in Rural Areas
(Washington, D.C., May 13, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites grant applications to build community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas.
USDA Rural Development is making approximately $17 million available under the Community Connect Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not exist.
Community Connect funds may be used for:
The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service.
The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to critical community facilities for two years.
The improvement, expansion, construction or acquisition of a community center that provides public access to high-speed internet (up to 10% of the award amount or $150,000 may be used for this purpose).
Award recipients must agree to provide high-speed internet service at community-serving institutions free of charge for up to two years. These institutions include schools, libraries, fire stations and other public safety sites.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits, for-profit corporations and limited liability companies.
Applications must be submitted electronically no later than June 29, 2026. Additional program information is available on the Community Connect Program website. Interested applicants are encourage to contact their Telecom Program General Field Representative (GFR) and may submit questions using the Community Connect Contact Us Form.
HARRISBURG – State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and State Rep. Clint Owlett (R-68) today announced nearly $1.08 million has been awarded to Westfield Borough for a sidewalk replacement project.
The funding will be used to construct new sidewalks, curbing, ramps and crosswalk access along the southern side of Main Street from Riverside Park to the eastern border of the borough.
“The current sidewalks are in disrepair, which creates a safety hazard for anyone walking in that area,” Owlett said. “Westfield is a wonderfully welcoming community, and I’m pleased to work with Sen. Yaw to support this much-needed improvement to the town.”
“Today’s award will improve pedestrian safety and modernize aging infrastructure in Westfield Borough for years to come,” Yaw said. “I was pleased to work alongside Rep. Owlett in supporting this funding.”
The funding was awarded through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Surface Block Grant Program.
TASA provides funding for projects and activities defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities; infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility; community improvement activities; environmental mitigation; trails that serve a transportation purpose; and safe routes to school.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or Rep. Owlett’s website at www.RepOwlett.com.
In conjunction with Coudersport’s America250 celebrations, the Coudersport Public Library will host “Stitched Stories: A Quilt Show” on Saturday, June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at First United Presbyterian Church of Coudersport.
All are invited. Quilts for judging by an experienced panel of quilters will be on show, in addition to heirloom and historical quilts. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded for First and Second places in all categories, along with Best of Show and People’s Choice prizes. A light lunch will be available by donation.
All are invited. Admission is $5.00. Deadline for entry form submission is Friday, June 5. Space may be limited; entries will be accepted on a first-come basis.
Detailed entry forms for both Judged and Display pieces are available at the Library, Potter County Artisan Center, various quilt and sewing shops and at public libraries throughout the area. They may also be obtained by clicking on the link in the Quilt Show article at Coudersportlibrary.org.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Coudersport Public Library’s general operating fund.
Smethport—-Frank P. Leonard of Falls Church, Virginia passed away on Monday May 11, 2026 at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Frank, with his wife, Mary (Placer) Leonard, owned L & M Printing, Inc. for over 40 years.
Frank is survived by his wife Mary, son Bart, daughter-in-law Amanda, two grandsons Hunter and Anthony Leonard; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Anthony Leonard, and his siblings, Rodell, Richard, Nannie Sue, Bonnie, and Linda.
Visitation will be in Smethport, PA on Monday May 18, 2026, at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport, starting at noon and services beginning at 1PM.
Frank was a life member of American Legion Post 130 in Falls Church, Virginia. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing pool, and going to the horse races.
Wellsboro, Pa., May 12, 2026 – Newborns at The Birthplace of UPMC Wellsboro, a UPMC Magee-Womens facility, buzzed with cuteness, highlighting the joy of welcoming bee-utiful new beginnings and honoring moms this Mother’s Day season.
Babies from across the northcentral region, including Coudersport, received special UPMC Magee-Womens onesies and handcrafted bee hats, crocheted by volunteers as part of the “Sweet as Can Bee” celebration.
The initiative was part of a systemwide Mother’s Day celebration for all UPMC Magee-Womens locations.
To learn more about UPMC Magee-Womens services in northcentral Pennsylvania, go to UPMC.com/WomensHealthNCPA.
Shirley A. HOOVER, 68, of Galeton, PA, died Friday, May 15, 2026 in UPMC Cole. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Emporium, PA — The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, in partnership with Sizerville State Park, invites the community to attend “Bees, Butterflies & Beyond!” on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the library located at 27 West 4th Street. This engaging and educational program is open to all ages.
Led by Alyson Rotello, Environmental Education Specialist from Sizerville State Park, the program will introduce participants to some of Pennsylvania’s most important pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats. Attendees will learn about the essential role these species play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting plant life.
In addition to the educational presentation, the program will feature a hands-on “make and take” bumblebee craft, as well as a themed story time designed to engage younger participants and families.
“We are excited to partner with Sizerville State Park to bring this fun and informative program to our community,” said library staff. “It’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about the natural world around them.”
The event will be held at the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, located at 27 W. 4th Street in Emporium. Registration is encouraged, and attendees may scan the QR code on promotional materials to reserve a spot, or by clicking the registration link at www.barbaramoscatobrownlibrary.org/library-programs/.
For more information, please contact the library at 814-486-8011.
