The Homeland Security class visited the Mansfield Police Academy and the Tioga County Dispatch Center on October 14, 2026. The visit to the Mansfield Police Academy gave students an opportunity to experience the training environment, explore the tools and equipment used by the academy, and gain a better understanding of the expectations and challenges faced by today’s police cadets.
At the Tioga County Dispatch Center, students observed how emergency calls are received and dispatched to responding units. They also received a presentation on the technology used to monitor and coordinate emergency personnel, gaining a greater appreciation for the critical role dispatchers play in communication, coordination, and public safety.
COUDERSPORT, Pa., Oct. 15, 2026 – The Cole Foundation’s third annual gala, Neon Nights, brought together 120 guests and raised more than $15,000 to support UPMC Cole. Held Sept. 12 at the Coudersport Consistory, the event celebrated the generosity of the sponsors, donors, attendees and volunteers who help the Foundation serve not only UPMC Cole, but also its surrounding communities.
“The gala is a wonderful reflection of how strongly this community comes together to support local health care,” said Andrea Streich, director, Cole Foundation. “Every sponsorship, donated auction item, ticket purchase, and bid helps us keep these dollars local and make a meaningful difference for the patients and families served by UPMC Cole.”
Guests enjoyed casino games, live music, auctions, and other activities during the neon-themed evening. The Cole Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone who helped bring Neon Nights to life and contributed to its success.
For more information about Cole Foundation or to support its work, visit YourColeFoundation.org or call 814-274-5520.
CAPTION: UPMC employees gather at the Cole Foundation’s third annual gala.
Congratulations to Abagail Luff, who is the Student of the Week for the week of October 12, 2026! Abby is a senior at Smethport Junior/Senior High School and a third-year student in the Health Assistance program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center.
Abby plans to attend a post-secondary school in the healthcare field. In the health assistance lab setting, students look to Abby for encouragement and guidance. Her kind and calm nature is “just what the doctor ordered” when young students are trying to learn new skills. In the fall, Abby attended nurse aide clinicals at Sweden Valley Manor, where residents found her a breath of fresh air because of her patience, positive attitude, and compassion. Outside of the academic setting, Abby enjoys cheerleading and the outdoors.
On Wednesday, students from the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center Health Assistance program held their annual Healthy Lifestyles Community Wellness Fair. In preparation for this event, students researched prevalent health-related topics in our area in order to educate the public and to make a positive impact on these issues.
These issues included diabetes, COPD, heart disease, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, sexual assault, Alzheimer’s disease, and medical transportation issues. Projects are on display at the Port Allegany Shop N’ Save until Friday. This event is an opportunity for students to showcase some of what they are learning, the importance of community service, and to interact with the public.
Seneca Highlands CTC would like to express our sincere appreciation for all that the Port Allegany Shop N’ Save does for the youth in the area.
Corry, PA (October 15) – Quite the milestone for the Corry State Fish Hatchery in Erie County today, as the facility celebrated its 150th anniversary. The hatchery was founded in 1876 as the ‘Western Hatchery’ and is the oldest continuously operating hatchery in the Fish and Boat Commission’s hatchery system. Staff at the Corry hatchery raise more than 330 thousand Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Golden Rainbow Trout each year, accounting for about ten-percent of the state’s stocked trout. The occasion was marked by a walking tour and proclamations from Governor Josh Shapiro and the state Senate and House of Representatives. The Corry State fish hatchery operates 365 days a year, even on holidays, and is open daily from 8 am to 3 pm for public tours.
PFBC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer gives remarks.
State Senator Scott Hutchinson holds a proclamation from the State Senate honoring the 150th anniversary of the Corry State Fish Hatchery.
Rep. Bob Merski, Rp. Jake Banta, Senator Scott Hutchinson, PFBC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer hold proclamations for Governor Josh Shapiro, the State Senate, and PA House of Representatives
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Route 770 in Bradford Township, McKean County, reopened yesterday. This project corrected a slide condition by building a rock buttress, improving the ride quality and service life of the road by way of minor roadway and drainage improvements.
The detour PennDOT implemented on September 10 was also lifted. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. was the contractor on this $1.4 million contract.
Travelers can check conditions on major roads by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Richard M. “Rick” HULTS, 66, of Temple, TX, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, died Wednesday, October 14, 2026 in Baylor Medical Center, Dallas, TX. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Ronald Lewis “RJ” Smith, 31, of Eldred, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Born March 16, 1995, in Erie, he is a son of Ronald “Butch” Smith, Jr. of Erie, and Vicky (Whitney) Kerr, of Eldred.
He was an excellent mechanic in the Eldred area. He could work on any vehicle, motorcycle or four-wheeler.
RJ enjoyed riding all atv’s, especially his dirt bike with his younger brother Damion. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, kayaking and he enjoyed all activities outdoors. RJ loved watching the Bills. He loved spending time with his friends and family, especially all five of his children. RJ recently got voted into the Eldred Volunteer Fire Department. He had a big heart and enjoyed helping his community any way he could.
Surviving in addition to his parents, are four daughters, Daisy Smith, Diana Smith, Delilah Smith and Delaney Smith, one son, Ronald Smith, IV, two sisters, Nicole (Tim) Michalegko, of Ripley, NY and Tiffany Smith, of Northeast, one brother, Damion Smith, of Eldred, his paternal grandmother, Mildred Chase, of Erie, his maternal grandmother, Marie Welch, of Eldred, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his surviving family, he has a beloved dog Oakley.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, David Welch and paternal grandfather, Robert Landis, and his late dog Eve.
Family will receive friends at the Eldred Volunteer Fire Department for a Celebration of Life at a later date to be announced.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
October 8, 2026, Gardeners Basics of Spanish Fork, Utah, is recalling one-pound bags of broccoli sprouting seeds because they may 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 product was distributed nationwide in the United States through online sales and shipped directly to consumers.
The product was sold online through Amazon, www.gardenersbasics.com, TikTok Shop, Walmart, eBay and Etsy. Sales have stopped. Consumers should identify recalled bags using the product name, package and marking described below.
The recalled product is Gardeners Basics Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds, packaged in a white and green resealable pouch, net weight 1 pound (454 g), with UPC 848137042889. The bag is marked “Packed for 2027.”
On September 26, 2026, Gardeners Basics was notified by our seed supplier that bulk broccoli seed lot #W4105 was recalled because Salmonella was detected in a broccoli seed sample that was collected and analyzed by the FDA. Additionally, the seeds were identified as being used by a sprout grower whose finished product was part of an FDA investigation involving a multistate foodborne illness outbreak.
No illnesses related to this product had been reported to Gardeners Basics as of October 6, 2026.
Bradford, PA – Our Legacy Fund committee is pleased to announce the launch of its fifth grant cycle dedicated to supporting and empowering nonprofit organizations through strategic financial contributions.
Our mission is to foster impactful social change, advance equity, encourage sustainability within our communities, and identify unmet needs to ensure that communities can thrive by partnering with nonprofits that demonstrate effective solutions to critical issues.
Applications will be accepted starting October 1, 2026. This grant cycle offers up to $150,000 in funding, with individual grants valued at up to $10,000. The deadline for submission is October 30, 2026.
The application process will be administered by the McKean County Community Foundation, a nonprofit grantmaking organization that collaborates with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals while enhancing the quality of life for residents in our region. Grants are available to any school, municipality, faith-based organization, or nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving our communities.
Grant requests can be submitted online through the McKean County Community Foundation at https://mckeancountyfoundation.org or through the Our Legacy Fund website at www.ourlegacyfund-hp.org. If you recognize a need within the community, please do not hesitate to reach out to the McKean County Community Foundation or Our Legacy Fund via email at ourlegacyfund.hp@gmail.com.
For additional information, please visit us on Facebook.
OLEAN, NY — The Olean General Hospital Foundation’s (OGHF) Fourth Annual Pulse of the Community Gala brought together more than 215 community members, physicians, nurses, board members and supporters on Friday, October 2 at the Holiday Valley Main Lodge, raising more than $100,000 to support imaging services at Olean General Hospital (OGH).
The black-tie event achieved record attendance in the event’s four-year history. Proceeds will support continued investment in imaging technology and services, helping patients across the region access high-quality care close to home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – ROCHESTER, MI– October 8, 2026 –Par Health is voluntarily recalling two lots of Brevital® Sodium 500 mg/vial CIV (Methohexital Sodium for Injection, USP) to the hospital level. The product is being recalled due to the presence of particulate matter identified as cellulose.
Administration of Brevital® Sodium 500 mg/vial CIV (Methohexital Sodium for Injection, USP), found to contain particulate matter, has a reasonable probability of causing life-threatening adverse health consequences including pulmonary emboli (blockage in pulmonary blood vessels), occlusions of other blood vessels (which can lead to tissue death and possible organ damage), and/or inflammation of the walls of veins, which may lead to clotting. To date, Par Health has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – ROCHESTER, MI– October 13, 2026 – Par Health is recalling 22 lots of Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) to the hospital/user level. This recall is being conducted due to the presence of particulate matter, identified as cellulose, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, stopper material, and possibly stainless steel, that was detected in certain lots.
Administration of Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) found to contain particulate matter, has a reasonable probability of causing life-threatening adverse health consequences including pulmonary emboli (blockage in pulmonary blood vessels), occlusions of other blood vessels (which can lead to tissue death and possible organ damage), and/or inflammation of the walls of veins, which may lead to clotting. To date, Par Health has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
Clearfield, PA – Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Highway Safety Network (HSN), and Ferguson Township Police Department urged the public to stay sober while driving during this year’s Halloween Impaired Driving Campaign, which runs October 9, through November 1.
In 2025, on October 31, alone, there were 25 alcohol related crashes across the state resulting in 19 injuries. Additionally, there were two drug-related crashes, resulting in three injuries. These statistics show an uptick in consumption of controlled substances as people celebrate the holiday. In response, law enforcement will conduct extra patrols but are warning of the consequences ahead of time.
“Centre County Law Enforcement will conduct impaired driving enforcement operations for the Halloween enforcement period,”said Ferguson Township Police Department Sergeant Ryan Hendrick. “Although alcohol-related fatalities account for more than 25 percent of all traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania, impaired driving enforcement covers more than just alcohol impairment. Law enforcement also works to identify motorists impaired by drugs, which includes prescription drugs.”
“Driving while impaired is a serious and preventable threat to our roadways,” said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jacob Rhymestine “The public has every right to travel without fearing for their safety because of the reckless choices made by impaired drivers. We strongly urge those celebrating Halloween to celebrate responsibly and ensure they do not drive while impaired. Let us prioritize safety and make responsible choices.”
“We want to encourage everyone to make good choices as they celebrate this Halloween season,” said HSN Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator Josh Woods. If you are drinking, pace yourself, stay hydrated, and never leave your drink unattended. If someone seems overly intoxicated or unresponsive, don’t ignore it, get them help. Alcohol poisoning is serious and can be life-threatening.
“Most importantly, look out for each other. If you see someone about to drive drunk, step in. If you notice reckless driving or anything suspicious, report it. Holidays should be about fun, not tragedy. Let’s make smart choices, take care of our friends, and keep Pennsylvania’s roads safe.”
Sergeant Hendrick expanded upon the personal and social consequences of DUI, saying, “Along with thousands of dollars in fines, towing fees, impound fees, and court costs, there may be social ramifications. There will be court appearances, community service requirements, or jail time, leading to lost time and lost wages — possibly costing you your job. A DUI conviction can also impede attempts to get a job.”
For more information on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving, visit www.padui.org.
WARREN, Pa– Have you ever felt lonely in a crowded room? Have you lost interest in activities that once brought you joy? Have you felt persistently sad, empty, or hopeless? Have everyday tasks begun to feel unusually difficult? Have changes in your sleep, appetite, or energy affected your daily routine? Have you struggled to concentrate or make decisions? Have you wondered whether what you are feeling is more than a passing low mood?
“If any of these experiences sound familiar, you are not alone,” said Dr. John John, board-certified psychiatrist and Medical Director at Beacon Light’s Recovery Center in Warren and Deerfield Behavioral Health (affiliates of Journey Health System). “Depression Awareness Month is a time to understand depression, recognize its symptoms, and know where to turn for help toward recovery.”
What They Don’t Tell You about Depression:
Dr. John stated, “Recently, I watched a commercial for medications used to treat depression. It listed a long array of potential side effects, but said relatively little about depression itself—what it feels like, how it affects daily life, or how profoundly it can impact a person and their loved ones. It made me think: What don’t we talk about enough when it comes to depression?”
Comedian Gary Gulman, in his comedy special, describes his struggles with depression growing up in the 1970s, when responses such as “What do you have to be depressed about?” or “Just snap out of it” were all too common. His experience highlights how poorly depression was understood and how much stigma surrounded anyone who dared to reveal their struggles.
“When I began my career in mental health nearly 30 years ago, conversations about depression looked very different from those we have today. Fortunately, we have made progress in recognizing symptoms, improving screening, and encouraging people to seek help. Younger generations have become more open about mental health, often sharing their experiences through social media, while adults have also become more willing to discuss their struggles, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Dr. John.
Despite this progress, depression remains a significant public health concern. Estimates suggest that hundreds of millions of people worldwide experience depression, and approximately one in five people may experience it during their lifetime. In the United States, rising rates of reported depression may reflect a combination of genuine increases in distress and greater awareness, improved recognition, and reduced stigma surrounding mental health treatment.
Yet, despite greater awareness, many people who experience depression still do not receive the care they need.
Understanding Depression:
Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect emotions, thoughts, physical health, relationships, and daily functioning. It is more than a brief period of sadness or an occasional bad day. Depression can make even familiar activities feel overwhelming and can interfere with work, school, relationships, and the ability to enjoy life.
Depression is not a personal failure, a character flaw, or a sign of weakness. Historically, it has been attributed to everything from an imbalance of bodily fluids to evil spirits. Today, we understand that depression is a complex condition influenced by biological, genetic, psychological, and social factors. A family history of depression, chronic medical conditions, prolonged stress, and difficult life experiences may all contribute to a person’s vulnerability.
Depression can range from mild to moderate to severe. Its impact varies from person to person, and only a qualified healthcare professional can make a diagnosis.
Recognizing the Signs: The SIGECAPS Checklist:
When I was a psychiatric resident, I learned a memorable clinical tool for recognizing the symptoms of depression: SIGECAPS. It remains a useful way to remember the major symptoms clinicians assess when evaluating someone for depression.
S — Sleep changes: Insomnia or sleeping excessively.
I — Interest loss: A loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, known as anhedonia.
G — Guilt: Excessive feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame.
E — Energy changes: Fatigue or a noticeable decrease in energy.
C — Concentration difficulties: Trouble thinking clearly, focusing, or making decisions.
A — Appetite changes: Significant changes in appetite or weight.
P — Psycho-motor changes: Noticeable physical restlessness or slowing of movement and speech.
S — Suicidal thoughts: Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm.
Clinicians assess the duration, severity, and combination of symptoms when determining whether someone may be experiencing a depressive episode. Major depressive disorder typically involves symptoms occurring over at least two weeks, including depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, along with other symptoms that cause significant distress or interfere with functioning.
Not everyone experiences depression in the same way. Some people feel persistently sad, while others describe emptiness, irritability, emotional numbness, or an inability to feel pleasure. Physical symptoms, exhaustion, and difficulty completing everyday tasks may be just as prominent as emotional distress.
If these symptoms persist or begin interfering with your daily life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. You do not have to wait until things become unbearable to ask for help.
Finding Support: What Can Help?
The good news is that depression is treatable, and support can look different from person to person. The right approach depends on symptom severity, individual circumstances, personal preferences and previous treatment experiences.
Everyday Strategies That May Help:
Small, manageable steps can support emotional well-being while you explore what kind of help you need.
Therapy: Talking with a qualified therapist can provide a safe space to explore feelings, develop coping strategies, and address patterns of thought and behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are examples of approaches that may help.
Meditation and breathing exercises: These practices may create moments of calm and help you notice difficult feelings without judgment.
Music and creative expression: Listening to music, drawing, coloring, journaling, or writing can provide comfort and an outlet for emotions.
Supportive relationships: Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or other supportive person can help reduce isolation. You do not need to know exactly what to say or ask for before starting the conversation.
Movement and routine: Gentle walks, regular physical activity when manageable, consistent sleep habits, and maintaining a daily routine may support overall well-being.
These strategies can be valuable, but they are not substitutes for professional care when depression is persistent, severe, or interfering with daily functioning.
Professional Treatment Matters:
For moderate to severe depression, psychotherapy and medication are well-established treatment options. For some people, a combination of medication and individual therapy offers greater benefit than either approach alone.
However, finding the right medication can take time. Treatment decisions should consider potential benefits, side effects, personal preferences, and medical history. A conversation about depression should involve more than a list of medication warnings; it should also address the illness itself, the available treatment options, and the possibility of recovery.
For people whose depression has not improved adequately with medication or psychotherapy, additional treatments may be appropriate. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It may be an option for certain people with treatment-resistant depression. TMS is available at Beacon Light’s Warren office at 1885 Market Street. A qualified clinician can help determine whether it is appropriate.
There is no single treatment that works for everyone, but there are options—and a lack of improvement with one treatment does not mean that nothing will help.
The Serious Consequences of Untreated Depression:
Depression can be disabling. It affects more than mood; it can undermine relationships, work, physical health, and the ability to manage daily responsibilities. Globally, depression is a major contributor to years lived with disability.
One of the most concerning symptoms is suicidal thinking. Suicide remains a significant public health issue, and tens of thousands of Americans die by suicide each year. These losses underscore the importance of recognizing warning signs, taking expressions of hopelessness seriously, and making timely support available.
Thoughts of suicide or death should never be dismissed. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help. If there is an immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In the United States, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
You do not have to manage a mental health crisis alone.
Barriers to Care: Progress Is Not Enough:
Although awareness and acceptance have improved, access to treatment remains a challenge. Some people cannot afford care or lack adequate insurance coverage. Others encounter long waiting lists, limited local services, or insurance restrictions that make mental health treatment more difficult to obtain.
Stigma also persists. People may fear being judged, misunderstood, or treated differently if they disclose their struggles. Others may not recognize their symptoms as depression or may believe they should be able to overcome them on their own.
We have made meaningful progress in identifying depression and encouraging people to seek help, but awareness alone is not enough. We must continue working toward a system in which mental health care is accessible, affordable, and treated with the same importance as physical health care.
Local and National Resources:
If you or someone you care about is struggling, the following resources can help connect you with support.
If you believe your child is struggling with depression or other mental health concerns and you live in Forest or Warren County, contact the Family Navigator at 814-726-2100, extension 8403.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Moving Forward: A Message of Hope:
Depression is real, it is common, and it is treatable. It is not a weakness or something a person can simply will away. Recognizing the signs, speaking openly about mental health, supporting those who are struggling, and connecting people with appropriate care can make a meaningful difference.
We have come a long way from the days when people were told to “snap out of it.” Now we must continue turning awareness into action—by reducing stigma, improving access to treatment, and ensuring that no one has to face depression alone.
Sometimes, the most important first step is simply acknowledging that something is wrong and allowing yourself to ask for help. For information about services at BLBHS, visit www.beacon-light.org .
Can you laugh at yourself? Do you take yourself and life so seriously that you can’t laugh at your own blunders or decisions? Can you see life’s irony and just sit back and chuckle? Sadly, some can’t. I, on the other hand, have no trouble laughing at myself; in fact, I do it often.
The other day, after a shower, I was thinking about my day and what I needed to accomplish. Focused on the day rather than the moment, I went to apply what I thought was spray deodorant, only to realize it was for a different part of my body. (I’ll leave that to your imagination.) Did I laugh? You bet I did. In fact, I even called my children to tell them what happened, and they had a good laugh, too. Do I think I’ll have any ill effects from using the wrong spray? Well, if anything, I suppose my armpits won’t itch today.
I sometimes wonder whether our problem in life is that we are too serious. After all, life is about living, and laughter is part of it. Some see life as happening to them and, as such, view it from a victim’s perspective. We don’t always see life’s events as happening for us. In other words, events help teach us to grow and learn. Often, we will not learn in any other way. Yet, I’m sure you’ll agree, some are devastated by not getting something right. Failures or mistakes are not tolerated. Instead of stepping back and laughing at a situation, some sulk and brood over what another would see as spilled milk.
One of the things I love about the Bible is that it doesn’t hold back. The failures, bad choices, and the stupidity of man are laid bare for all to see. How many times did the Apostle Paul or Peter laugh out loud and wonder, “What was I thinking?” The follies of man are clearly evident, yet God still loves us and calls us into a relationship with Himself. I’ve often thought that as I laugh at myself, God is having a good laugh, too. Why? If I am created in His image and humor is part of who I am, then where did I get it but from the Creator? Think about it.
