NPRC Recipient of National Workforce Development & Innovation Award



WARREN, Pa. – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) was named the recipient of the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) Workforce Development & Innovation Award. The award was presented to Adam Johnson, NPRC’s Vice President of Workforce Development at the RCCA’s 2025 Annual Conference held September 17 to 19 at East Central College in Union, Missouri.
The Rural Community College Alliance is based in Horntown, Oklahoma, and helps member institutions serve the 89.3 million people who live in rural America. This organization promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America through advocacy, convening, leveraging resources, and sharing innovative practices, policies, and research. RCCA welcomes institutions from across the country, and NPRC’s President, Susie Snelick, is an active participant in their initiatives.
GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE WATERSHEDS IN BERKS, LEBANON COUNTIES

HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 26) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking proposals for projects that would be funded through the Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Watershed Grant Program.
Projects eligible for this program must support aquatic habitat enhancement, recreational access, and water quality in the Tulpehocken Creek and Quittapahilla Creek watersheds in Berks and Lebanon counties and be located wholly within the watersheds.
The Tulpehocken Creek watershed encompasses 219 square miles in Lebanon and Berks counties and includes Blue Marsh Reservoir. The Quittapahilla Creek watershed covers 77 square miles in Lebanon County.
Complete grant applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025. Successful grant recipients are expected to be notified by the end of February 2026.
RYLA Conference Held At Westminster College In New Wilmington

Three Port Allegany High School Seniors spent a week of their summer attending the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership -Award) Conference held at Westminster College in New Wilmington. RYLA is a leadership development program organized by Rotary International clubs and districts for young people to cultivate leadership, character and citizenship skills.
The programs feature hands-on training, team-building activities, motivational speakers, and problem-solving exercises. Rotary clubs and districts sponsor and cover all costs for selected participants who are chosen for their proven or potential leadership abilities. The goal is to help young people become effective and responsible community leaders by increasing self-confidence, communication skills and the ability to make a positive impact.
The Port Allegany Rotary Club selected Alex Schott, Micah Emerick and Kendra Meade through an interview process. They attended RYLA in June and recently presented a program to their sponsoring club to tell them of their experience.
Wilson M. Fink, 72, of St. Marys, PA

Smethport – Wilson M. Fink, 72, of St. Marys, PA, passed away Wednesday (September 24, 2025) in Mt. Jewett.
He was born May 12, 1953 in Bradford, PA, the son of Mertin and Frances (Kane) Fink.
Mr. Fink worked at Bradford Forest Products in Bradford, PA.
He was a social member of the Mt. Jewett Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by:
His good friend, Debbie Holmes, with whom he resided, and her family
A sister in law: Gretchen Fink of Mancos, CO
Two nephews: Darin and Kevin Fink
One niece: Robin Wilson
And several cousins
In addition to his parents, Wilson was preceded in death by three brothers: Robert, John and James Fink.
There will be no visitation. A celebration of Wilson’s life will be held at a later date and time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mt. Jewett Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 336, Mt. Jewett, PA 16740. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Cameron County Needs Volunteers

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce hopes a volunteer recruitment project will aid the more than 40 organizations in the county. The chamber has asked those organizations to complete a survey which will then be utilized to create a booklet. That booklet will then be used at formal recruitment events.
“Numerous residents are willing to volunteer, but may not know of the opportunities,” says Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Solak. This is the first step of a larger project, which will then involve coordinating volunteers to tackle projects around the county. They could include landscaping at buildings, painting etc. Solak says the chamber is duplicating a project underway in Kane. If any organization has not received the survey, members are asked to contact the chamber. The deadline for returning the survey is November 1.
Penn College Athletics at a Glance

Last week in review: The men’s and women’s soccer teams both went 1-0-1, women’s volleyball was 1-2, and the golf, cross-country and women’s tennis teams also saw action.
MEN’S SOCCER
Last week’s hometown highlights: AJ Sedor, of Bloomsburg, scored the lone goal in the 68th minute, and goalie Justin Crismale, of Glen Gardner, New Jersey, made it stand up with two saves in Tuesday’s win at Alfred State. At Cairn University in the United East opener on Saturday, Logan Pietrzak, of Philadelphia, scored the lone Penn College goal in the 76th minute, and Crismale had four saves in a draw.
Schedule/Records
Overall: 5-4-1
UE: 0-0-1
Tuesday, Sept. 23 — at Alfred State College, W, 1-0
Saturday, Sept. 27 — at Cairn University (UE), 1-1 draw
Wednesday, Oct. 1 — host Keystone College (UE), 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4 — host Notre Dame (Md.) University, 1 p.m.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Last week’s hometown highlights: Sara Darlington, of West Chester, evened the score Wednesday against Ramapo and goalie Taylor Brownback, of Birdsboro, made three saves as the match ended in a draw. In the team’s UE opener at Cairn on Saturday, goals by Candace Holmberg, of Fairfield, Ella Garman, of Boiling Springs, and Darlington, two assists by Brooke Klinger, of Herndon, along with a defensive effort that didn’t allow a shot on goal, led to the team’s seventh shutout of the season and extended its regular-season unbeaten streak to 34. Also, Garman was awarded UE Offensive Player of the Week honors for her three-goal week Sept. 15-21.
Brenda S. (Reibson) Love, age 51, of Wellsboro, PA

Brenda S. (Reibson) Love, age 51, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. She was born on September 6, 1974 in Tunkhannock, PA, a daughter of the late Melvin Reibson and Mildred (Sandberg) Reibson.
She was married to Doug Love and attended Christ Church, Wellsboro, PA. Brenda was a school teacher for Northern Tioga School District for many years and enjoyed hiking to Colton Point, her flower gardens and especially spending time with her family and friends.
Stifel Financial Wealth Management Group Donates to St. Marys Area United Way

Doug Bauer (United Way), Doug Gaffey (United Way), Luke Hoffman (Stifel), Tom Fledderman (Stifel), Angel Fritz (Stifel), and Jim Ryan (United Way)
St. Marys, PA – The St. Marys Area United Way recently received a generous $1,500 donation from Stifel O’Leary Piccolo Launer and Fledderman Wealth Management Group. This contribution will help advance the organization’s efforts to meet its $200,000 fundraising goal for the upcoming year.
The donation was accepted by United Way representatives, including Jim Ryan, President; Doug Bauer, Vice President; Doug Gaffey, Corporate Campaign Chair. The Stifel team presented the check at their Brusselles Street office, where they’ve been serving the financial needs of Elk County and surrounding communities for over 30 years.
The funds raised during the 2025 campaign will be distributed to local non-profits in 2026. Eligible organizations must meet the following criteria to apply for funding:
James Brown, 90, of 129 Fourth Street, St. Marys

James Brown, 90, of 129 Fourth Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born May 22, 1935 in Johnsonburg, son of the late James B. and Rachel Winters Brown. Jim attended Johnsonburg schools and was employed at Stackpole Carbon Company. He enjoyed being an assistant coach for the little league baseball teams which his sons played.
On September 19, 1952, Jim married Elaine Fitch, who survives. They were blessed to share seventy-three years of marriage together.
Paul Steven “Steve” Hohenstein, 78, of Wellsboro

Paul Steven “Steve” Hohenstein, 78, of Wellsboro, passed away Saturday, September 20th at UPMC Soldiers and Sailors in Wellsboro. He was born January 12, 1947, in Lancaster, to Paul William and LaRue (Goodling) Hohenstein.
He graduated from Hempfield High School, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University. He went on to teach Physical Education at Palisades High School (Bucks County), also coaching football and track. During the summer months when not teaching he enjoyed working on a local farm. One of his favorite accomplishments was the A-frame home he built himself.
The stories he would tell of that project were sometimes funny and other times terrifying. He was a member of the Springtown Fire Company and at one point served as Chief. An avid outdoorsman and a member of the Lone Pine Rod and Gun Club, he loved deer hunting in Potter County. He was a snowmobiling enthusiast too. He frequently traveled to northern Canada with friends to fish for pike and walleye.
Steve served in the USMC and was awarded a Purple Heart in Viet Nam. Steve moved to Wellsboro in 2018, and was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He was kind and generous man and very loyal to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Steve is survived by his brother James Hohenstein (Kathy) of Greenfield Township, ME, and his companion Stephanie Pranses of Wellsboro.
His family has entrusted his arrangements to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA 16901. In accordance with his wishes there will be no public services. To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
PennDOT Potter County Maintenance Work Schedule for the Week of September 29

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in Potter County the week of September 29. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in Potter County for the coming week is as follows:
Manual Patching
- All of Route 607 in Austin Borough, Keating, and Portage townships. Monday, September 29, through Friday, October 3. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours and may deploy a pilot vehicle. When encountering a pilot vehicle with a “Pilot Car Follow Me” sign mounted on the rear and a revolving yellow light, drivers must remain behind it until it has left the roadway. Do not pass.
Howard H. “Sonny” Peterson, 84 Of, Ridgway, PA.

Howard H. “Sonny” Peterson, 84, passed away at his residence on September 23, 2025, in Ridgway, PA.
He was born on April 15, 1941 in Ridgway, PA, a son of the late George K. and Pearl M. Steis Peterson.
On August 6, 1971, in Alexandria, VA, he married Carolyn Peterson, who survives. Together they shared more than 54 years of marriage.
A lifelong resident of Ridgway, a proud graduate of St. Leo’s High School, and devoted member of St. Leo Magnus Church, where he was known for his warm spirit and commitment to his community. Sonny was one of the founding members of Clarion Sintered Metals in 1984, where he built lasting relationships with both his employees and colleagues.
Sonny cherished his time spent in Florida, where he forged deep friendships and created memories. His greatest joy came from being surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored.
Jean E. Martin, 80, of Roulette

Port Allegany – Jean E. Martin, 80, of Roulette, passed away Thursday (September 25, 2025) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born May 28, 1945 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Albert and Betty (Empson) Dates.On September 10, 1966, in Roulette, PA, she married George E. Martin, who survives. Jean and George had just celebrated 59 years of marriage.
Jean was a graduate of Port Allegany High School Class of 1963. She baby sat for families and cleaned houses for many years.
Thomas U. O’Brien, 78, of Derrick City

Thomas U. O’Brien, 78, of Derrick City, returned home to be with God and his beloved wife, Margie, the morning of September 19, 2025.
Tom was born on November 1, 1946, to John E. “Jack” O’Brien and Martha Jean (Hanes) O’Brien. Tom graduated from Bradford Area High School before earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University.
After college, he served with the United States Air Force for two years before returning to his home, Margie.
Tom was a builder. He built a business that lasted over 40 years as a landscape architect, where he built beautiful spaces for many people. He built decks and breathtaking gardens and koi ponds. He built the best campfires and campsites. He built paths around any challenge he was faced with. He built a beautiful relationship with Margie for 50 years. But of all the things he ever built that he was most proud of, it was his family, and much like Tom himself, it was strong, and sturdy.
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Meals Containing Pasta That May Be Contaminated with Listeria

WASHINGTON, September 25, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat meals containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated pre-cooked pasta that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). FSIS expects more updates as this investigation continues. As more information becomes available, FSIS will update this public health alert. Consumers should check back frequently.
Daughter Honors Late Mother with Signing of WWII Memoir

Conneaut, OH – Sept. 26, 2025 – A dream decades in the making has come true for Cynthia A. Sandor. She will be the guest author at the Eldred WWII Museum, 201 Main St., Eldred, PA the weekend of Oct. 4 – 5, 2025. She will be giving a book presentation at 4:00 pm in the Mitchell Paige Hall. In addition, she will be showcasing original Hitler Youth League of German Girl items including banners, medals, and her mother’s hand-written journal.
“It’s nice to know that people are interested in learning about the League of German Girls,” Sandor said. Based upon her mother’s journal written in 1941, “Through Innocent Eyes – The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth,” recognizes the importance of telling this compelling and personal life story of 13-year-old Gertrude Kerschner growing up in Austria during WWII and being selected for the Country Service Year Camp program, then meeting and marrying PFC Robert Sandor from the 87th Infantry Division.
House For Sale / Garage Sale Roulette
Garage Sale
205 Main Street
Roulette, Pa
September 28, 2025
10 am-2 pm
Estate sale items, Grizzly wood lathe, Ariens snowblower, Coca-Cola popcorn machine, snow cone maker, gun case, leather jacket and chaps, bicycle rack, hand bags, board games, baskets, mirrors, tools, wood, books, coffee maker, toys, lots of items new with tags… something for everyone!!!
House for sale!!! $162,000.00
The Hillshire Brands Company Recalls Corn Dog and Sausage On a Stick Products

The Hillshire Brands Company, a Haltom City, Tex. establishment, is recalling approximately 58,000,000 pounds of corn dog and sausage on a stick products that may be contaminated with extraneous material, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Falcons Take On The Brookville Raiders Tonight At 7
Luke and Christian Sevinsky will be calling tonight’s Coudersport Falcon football game tonight at 7 PM against the Brookville Raiders!
Be sure to tune in on www.network1sports.com/station/wfrm
Go Falcons!
MARILYN HORNE MUSEUM AND EXHIBIT CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW HOURS
The Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center will adopt a new operating schedule designed to better support student employees.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 29, the museum will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Although regular Sunday hours will be discontinued, visitors may request a Sunday appointment by completing a form available at www.marilynhorne.org.
As a part of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, the museum relies on Pitt-Bradford students to run the museum. The updated schedule allows work shifts that fit more closely with students’ academic schedules, helping them balance coursework with professional development opportunities.
Annual Student Prayer Circle At Port Allegany High School

“See You at the Pole” is a student-led, Christian prayer event held annually on the fourth Wednesday of September before the school day begins. Students meet at the flagpoles to pray for their schools, communities and nation. Originating in 1990 in Burleson, TX, this event has grown into a worldwide movement with millions of students participating each year. Pictured are students from Port Allegany High School as they gathered at the flagpole with Pastor J.T. Madison of the Port Allegany Youth Group on guitar.
Potter County Farmers Market Friday September 27th
POTTER COUNTY FARMERS MARKET weekly announcement:
Several of our vendors will be supporting the Falling Leaves Festival. They will be scattered throughout the other vendors. Carol Jackson is the coordinator of the event. Please support our vendors and the festival this weekend on the Courthouse Square, Friday, September 26th and Saturday, September 27th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
BLU IVY CREATIONS will be at the Falling Leaves Festival with tutus, crochet towel sets, facial scrubby sets, hats, ear warmers, crochet pumpkins and more. Cash, cards, Venmo and Apple pay accepted.
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be attending the Falling Leaves Festival only on Friday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products that include soap bars, shampoo, lotions, bath bombs, and bath salts. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
CHRISTIE MARSHALL will be at the falling leaves festival.
C&V SOAP AND CANDLES will be at the Falling Leaves Festival, will be bringing new soaps, body butters, sugar scrubs , and flower arrangements made of candles ..and other candles .
ALPACA CREATIONS will be a vender this week at the Falling Leaves Festival Fri and Sat.There will be new and exciting alpaca apparel of socks, mittens, mitts hats Woven scarves and more. cash or credit accepted. Questions or comments 814-601-0049 https://alpacas75.wixsite.com/website
















