Sara Furlong

Four new homes are planned for West Washington Street through Bradford’s Neighborhood Partnership Program — one under construction and three more expected to begin in 2027. The Downtown Bradford Revitalization Corp.’s latest Neighborhood Partnership Program allocation includes $270,000 in state tax credits to encourage business contributions supporting housing, infrastructure and recreation improvements in Bradford’s Third Ward. “We anticipate the start of the construction of a second home in the spring...

The Bradford Sanitary Authority will seek $543,030 in state funding for three projects addressing sewer line problems, maintenance access and flooding. During its October meeting, the authority approved three resolutions for a combined application to the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account program. The request includes $234,600 for a new sewer main and associated manholes near the intersection of Barbour and Mechanic streets to correct grade...

Attorneys in Shane Hvizdzak’s federal fraud case have agreed on several disputed sentencing issues, including a loss amount between $15 million and $35 million, while restitution remains unresolved. In an Oct. 14 joint filing, prosecutors and defense attorneys said Hvizdzak will not contest a sentencing enhancement for causing substantial financial hardship to five or more victims. He also agreed he does not qualify for a sentencing reduction available to certain...

The Bradford Family YMCA is planning a $5 million redevelopment that would expand its Early Learning Center before moving into broader improvements to the facility. A newly announced $112,500 state tax credit allocation will help encourage business contributions toward the two-phase project, though most of the funding still must be raised. Jeff Townsend, chief executive officer of the YMCA of the Twin Tiers, said the first phase would expand child...

PORT ALLEGANY — Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center will use a $316,000 grant to prepare students for highway construction careers. The Northern Tier Heavy Highway Workforce Academy will connect five existing programs through new equipment, shared projects and opportunities with regional employers. “Students will see how these occupations work together on an actual heavy-highway project,” said CTC Director James Young. The academy will bring together heavy equipment maintenance, construction...

Jeff Fox Cabinetry & Woodworking LLC took the grand prize $20,000 in the 2026 Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition on Oct. 22 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Foster Brook Creamery, owned by Kelly Strotman, earned the audience’s vote for the $5,000 Fan Favorite Award. Five finalists pitched their plans after advancing from a record field of 60 applicants. For Fox, the next step is already taking shape. After...

McKean County’s 911 telecommunicators are often the first to respond to an emergency, even though they never leave the dispatch center. A new state law formally recognizes that role, a change local emergency officials call long overdue. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 453 into law Oct. 22, recognizing 911 telecommunicators as emergency responders under Pennsylvania law, including provisions governing emergency responder mental wellness and stress management and intrastate mutual...

A few extra groceries could help a neighbor through the holidays. The United Way of the Bradford Area will hold its two-day Holiday Food Drive Nov. 7 and 8, collecting donations for local food providers facing needs that extend well beyond the season. All donations will stay in the community, supporting The Salvation Army, Destinations, school food pantries, Friendship Table and local Blessing Boxes. “The holidays are a time when...

The United Way of the Bradford Area will hold its two-day Holiday Food Drive Nov. 7 and 8, collecting donations for local food providers facing needs that extend well beyond the season.

SMETHPORT — A new state law will create a funding source that could help sustain child advocacy services across McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter counties. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 2443 on Oct. 22, establishing a Child Victim Recovery Fund supported by fees assessed on offenders convicted of certain crimes. www.pa.gov For the Children’s Advocacy Center of McKean County, which serves the four counties, the funding could help sustain...