WVIA’s Keystone Edition Returns WVIA’s flagship public affairs program, Keystone Edition, returns for a new season beginning January 19, featuring a refreshed format designed to deepen community conversation around the most timely and impactful issues facing Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Now airing as one new episode per month, the reimagined Keystone Edition will focus exclusively on in-depth reporting from the WVIA News team and discussion of a single, highly relevant topic each episode. Episodes will be moderated by WVIA’s Director of Journalism, Julie Sidoni, and feature the WVIA News team to provide deeper insights and context for the show. Each episode will serve as a live, town-hall-style forum, recorded in front of a studio audience at WVIA Studios and later broadcast on television and available on-demand. Each episode will tackle an issue that matters right now — from education to economic challenges, public safety, healthcare, and other urgent regional concerns. Topics will be selected based on timeliness and community relevance, allowing Keystone Edition to respond quickly to what’s happening across the region. To kickoff the season, WVIA will celebrate the inspiring life and career of legendary Lackawanna College football Coach Mark Duda, who has helped produce more than 450 NCAA Division I athletes, and more than 25 players who went on to sign NFL contracts. After his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, Duda retired at the end of the 2025 season. His work on and off the field has encouraged countless young men to become the best versions of themselves at home, in the classroom and out in the community. A Trusted Space for Informed Conversation At a time when information can be overwhelming — or difficult to find — Keystone Edition offers viewers something increasingly rare: local, relevant news they can trust. Each episode presents multiple perspectives, encourages civil discourse, and provides context to help viewers make informed decisions about the issues that affect their families and communities. Keystone Edition is more than a television program: it’s a monthly community forum where complex topics are unpacked together, helping viewers stay informed and engaged with what matters most. In addition to watching on television or on-demand, community members will have the opportunity to attend each live taping as part of the studio audience. Click here for more information regarding the Keystone Edition.
Misericordia University Calls for Cougars Home Game Support Misericordia University invites the community to come out and support the Cougars at upcoming home athletic events. From exciting competition on the field to high-energy matchups on the court, Cougar athletics bring people together and offer something for everyone. Home game schedules are conveniently available on the Misericordia University website by following the provided link to view dates, times, and sports. The University looks forward to welcoming the community to campus and cheering together throughout the season. To view the weekly home sporting events, visit: misericordia.edu/campus-community/athletics
PennDOT Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, January 17, 2026, through Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2026 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s Online Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.
Barry Isett & Associates Expands Construction Quality Assurance Services Barry Isett & Associates (Isett) announces a strategic expansion of its service offerings, unveiling a comprehensive suite of Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) services that support projects from design through completion. Formerly known as the Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Department, the newly named CQA Department now delivers an enhanced menu of services, delivering clients with greater confidence and peace of mind. While the department’s name has evolved, Isett’s commitment to construction materials testing remains steadfast; these essential services are now part of a broader, more robust offering. Isett provides these CQA services as a code-required, independent third-party agency. The firm’s trained and certified inspectors deliver unbiased verification that projects meet applicable codes, quality standards, project specifications, and design drawings. From initial site preparation to final occupancy, Isett’s experts bridge the gap between design and construction, documenting compliance at every stage. Blending thorough inspections with expert testing and detailed reports, Isett’s CQA Department frequently partners with local construction management firms, acting as an extension of their teams to help ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with design intent and regulatory standards. These collaborations foster precision, accountability, and shared success. “The transition from Construction Materials Testing to Construction Quality Assurance reflects both our legacy and our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients. We remain the boots on the ground, the eyes and ears working on behalf of the project owner. This evolution allows us to build on our foundation of trusted materials testing while expanding our capabilities to deliver even greater value, safety, and quality. Our team provides objective, code-required oversight and practical solutions that help keep projects on schedule, on budget, and built to the highest standards,” said AJ Schwartz, Department Head, Construction Quality Assurance. The enhanced menu of services now offered includes: Soils and earthwork testing for strong, stable foundations Building structure inspections and laboratory testing for safety and durability Indoor air quality monitoring to support healthy environments HVAC system testing and commissioning for optimal performance Construction materials testing With four fully equipped CQA Testing Labs located in Allentown, East Norriton, Mechanicsburg, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, Isett offers both deep local knowledge and broad regional coverage. This infrastructure allows the team to respond quickly, test accurately, and support projects across the Commonwealth. Why CQA Matters—Safeguarding Health, Safety, and ValueCQA plays a critical role in protecting the health and safety of building occupants. Isett’s CQA team provides essential services like indoor air quality testing, which is frequently performed for schools to help ensure healthy learning environments. As awareness of air quality’s impact grows, these services are increasingly important across sectors, including healthcare and housing. Beyond air quality, CQA ensures that every aspect of construction—from soils and foundations to final systems check—meets or exceeds required standards, helping to safeguard investments and support community well-being. To learn how Isett’s enhanced Construction Quality Assurance services can support your next project, contact 610.398.0904 or visit www.barryisett.com/CQA.
Stevens & Lee Announces Three New Shareholders Stevens & Lee announced today that Peter J. Adonizio, Jr., Alexander V. Batoff and Jonathan E. Mayer have been named Shareholders of the firm effective Jan. 1, 2026. Peter J. Adonizio, Jr. focuses his practice on commercial and appellate litigation. He represents businesses, municipal entities and individuals in litigation in state and federal courts, as well as in alternative dispute resolution forums. Mr. Adonizio litigates business, construction, banking, real estate, catastrophic casualty, public utilities matters, insurance coverage disputes and Dragonetti Act claims. He has handled appeals before all Pennsylvania appellate courts, along with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First and Third Circuits, and original jurisdiction matters before the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Mr. Adonizio earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Villanova University School of Law and his B.B.A., cum laude, from Temple University. Alexander V. Batoff concentrates his practice in labor and employment law. He counsels employers on federal, state and local employment and discrimination laws, including issues involving discipline, terminations and reductions-in-force, family and medical leave, collective bargaining and unfair labor practices, employee restrictive covenant agreements, reasonable accommodations under the ADA and wage and hour compliance. When necessary, Mr. Batoff defends employers in litigation before federal and state courts and administrative agencies and in private arbitration. He is trained in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and serves as a volunteer mediator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). His experience extends to writing employee handbooks and policies, employment contracts and separation agreements and affirmative action plans. Mr. Batoff earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh. Jonathan E. Mayer assists clients with commercial transactions, leasing and land use matters. He represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and world-renowned universities to small business owners. He has extensive experience in landlord-tenant litigation. Mr. Mayer also serves as a strategic advisor and resource to banking clients and lenders in a wide range of real estate financings and transactions. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from Temple University School of Law and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Villanova University. For more information about the firm, visit www.stevenslee.com.
PS Bank Announces the Hiring of Sabrina Armbruster Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer, is pleased to announce the hiring of Sabrina Armbruster as Compliance Officer / Vice President. With over 20 years of experience in community banking, Sabrina brings strong operational expertise and extensive banking knowledge to the team. In this role, she will be responsible for developing, implementing, and administering various aspects of the bank’s compliance management program. “I’m excited to join PS Bank and contribute to an institution that values its role in serving the community. Community banks are vital to local economies, and maintaining strong compliance practices is key to sustaining that impact. I look forward to supporting the bank’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and a robust compliance culture,” said Armbruster. Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO of PS Bank, added, “Sabrina’s background in banking and specifically loan operations and administration make her a valuable asset to our team. We look forward to seeing her significant contributions to PS Bank as she enters into this exciting phase of her career.” Prior to serving as compliance officer, Sabrina held positions in credit analysis, loan operations, and bank marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and management from Penn State University. Sabrina resides in Roaring Brook Township with her husband Dave and daughter Kayla.
PA Department of Environmental Protection Providing Small Business Advantage Grants Gift for PA Small Businesses – Small Business Advantage Grant Funds Available The Small Business Advantage Grant can used by Pennsylvania small businesses to increase energy efficiency, reduce pollution, or protect the natural resources of Pennsylvania relating to their business operations, all while saving small business owners money! Even with $1 million available, funds go fast so apply soon! Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are due by March 13, 2026. With as much as $12,000 possibly available for projects! A link to the online application system and to all the program documents, including Program Guidelines and a Grant Calculator, are available on the Small Business Advantage Grant Website. Contact the Small Business Ombudsman Office if you have questions at RA-epAdvantageGrant@pa.gov.
Quest Studio Introduces the Sanctuary From one small studio…to a sacred sanctuary…to one unified home.Big changes. Same heart.WELCOME TO THE SANCTUARY. Change is never simple when it involves a place filled with memories. Quest Studio’s original space was narrative’s beginning—where goals became habits and strangers became community. It was a place that encouraged risk-taking, trust in the process, and bigger dreams for the community it served. That space wasn’t outgrown; the studio was grown because of it. Every class, every session, and every breakthrough helped build the foundation of what Quest Studio is today. Then came the church—a vision to create a true sanctuary for movement and healing. A space where breath, strength, and restoration could exist side by side. Today, those two stories officially come together. By uniting everything under one roof, Quest Studio is able to better align its services, expand its offerings, and deepen the experience members receive every time they walk through the doors. Movement lives upstairs.Restoration lives downstairs.Together, they now form one complete experience. This unified space is dedicated to strength, recovery, and belonging—designed for the person each member is becoming. This is more than a change of location; it’s alignment. It’s evolution. It’s a return to what matters most, allowing Quest Studio to serve its community more fully. At the center of it all is the belief that has guided Quest Studio from the beginning: “Our gym is our church” — a place where movement heals, community restores, and everyone belongs. Members are encouraged to keep an eye on their inbox, ZenPlanner, and social media channels for updates, including the new schedule, special events, offerings, and workshops. Everything launches in January. Click here for more information.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Launches 2026 Community Support Initiative Nonprofit organizations across Lackawanna County are navigating a period of significant uncertainty marked by rising costs, staffing challenges, policy changes, funding delays, and increased demand for services. In response, the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) has launched its 2026 Community Support Initiative, inviting nonprofit partners to share candid insight into the realities they are facing through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) process. The initiative is designed as a listening and learning effort—not a competitive grant application—to help the Foundation better understand sector-wide challenges and determine how future grant opportunities can be structured to respond thoughtfully, effectively, and equitably. “Nonprofits are experiencing interconnected pressures that extend beyond any single funding source,” said Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “This initiative allows us to listen closely, identify shared trends, and shape our response in a way that reflects what organizations are truly experiencing right now.” As the Foundation enters 2026, it does so having already taken deliberate steps to meet heightened community needs. After careful consideration, SACF’s Board of Governors approved deploying significantly more grant funding in 2026 than in a typical year, balancing urgent community response with long-term fiduciary responsibility. That approach began in 2025, when the Foundation’s distribution (grantmaking) committee expanded its definition of critical needs to better reflect current realities—such as emergency operational support, coverage of unforeseen budget gaps, and bridge funding for sudden revenue shortfalls. “As we face ongoing uncertainty, the role of a community foundation is both clear and complex,” said David Price, the Foundation’s Board Chair. “We must respond to urgent needs today while stewarding resources to serve this region for generations to come. Listening to our nonprofit partners is essential to doing both well.” The Community Support Initiative is part of a broader strategy through which SACF is working to strengthen community stability and resilience. In addition to grantmaking, the Foundation continues to convene partners, explore mission-aligned investments such as flexible capital and bridge funding, and advance regional initiatives focused on workforce development, food security, health system monitoring, and place-based economic opportunity. “We recognize that uncertainty places an added burden on nonprofit organizations,” Ducceschi shared. “We are grateful to our partners for taking the time to share their experiences. Their insight will help guide how the Foundation listens, learns, and responds in the months ahead.” The Foundation is inviting Lackawanna County 501(c)(3) nonprofits to submit a brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) by January 31, 2026, sharing current challenges, emerging needs, and anticipated impacts in the next 6–12 months. Organizations can apply through the SACF grant portal at safdn.org/grants and learn more about the Letter of Inquiry process at safdn.org/SACF2026LOI.
PennDOT: Shapiro Administration Leads NEVI EV Expansion Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the opening of eight new federally-funded Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in Pennsylvania built using funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The new stations bring Pennsylvania’s total EV stations opened under the program to 28, opening 22 charging stations in 2025 through $13 million in federal investment. Since the first Pennsylvania NEVI station opened in December 2023, NEVI-funded charging stations in Pennsylvania have supported over 53,000 charging sessions, over 6.4 million estimated miles driven, and reduced CO2 emissions by more than 1,300 metric tons. “The Shapiro Administration made reliable and accessible clean transportation a priority for Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We’re expecting an influx of visitors to the Commonwealth this year, and we’re providing the infrastructure to make green travel accessible for everyone.” New stations since October 2025 include: Francis Energy – Breezewood Located at Pizza Hut along I-70 (Exit 147) Tesla – Shrewsbury Located at Shrewsbury Commons along I-83 (Exit 4) Francis Energy – Mercer Located at Shell along I-80 (Exit 15) Francis Energy – Newburg Located at McKinney Station Restaurant and Ice Cream along I-76 (Exit 201) Tesla – Somerset Located at Wendy’s along I-76 (Exit 110) Applegreen Electric – Newburg Located at Blue Mountain Service Plaza along I-76 (Mile Marker 202) Sheetz – Sewickley Located at Sheetz along I-79 (Exit 68) Applegreen Electric – Hunker Located at New Stanton Service Plaza along I-76 (Mile Marker 77) Additionally, PennDOT is powering forward with more investments through the NEVI program, beginning with the Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity, which was released on October 7, 2025. This funding round focuses on implementing EV charging stations along major roadways to strengthen long-distance travel beyond the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Projects funded from the Corridor Connections program will improve range confidence for drivers who are considering travel with an EV across and throughout the Commonwealth. PennDOT is accepting proposals until January 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST. Please visit the PennDOT website for more information including a map of eligible locations, webinar recording, and additional resources. PennDOT plans to invest most of its remaining NEVI funds in upcoming Community Charging Funding Opportunities throughout 2026. These funding rounds will be regional and all publicly available locations within the region will be eligible to pursue funds. Check the Community Charging Funding Rounds webpage for updates or contact ra-pdevcorridors@pa.gov to be added to PennDOT’s NEVI email distribution list for updates. The U.S. Department of Transportation is currently withholding Congressionally-apportioned funding that would have supported EV construction in Pennsylvania and created new, good-paying jobs. That is why Governor Josh Shapiro sued the Trump Administration once again for breaking the law and taking dollars out of the Commonwealth. The Governor also sued the Trump Administration alongside 15 other states over the summer, in a lawsuit which reinstated the NEVI program and helped ensure projects like the one being announced today to continue throughout Pennsylvania.
