WIC Nutrition Program Announces Increased Income Guidelines Maternal and Family Health Services announced that the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program has increased income guidelines allowing more families to participate in the free nutrition education program. According to the new income guidelines for WIC, beginning on July 1, 2025, a family of four could earn $59,478 annually and qualify for WIC. For a family of three, the income limit is $49,303 to qualify, and a family of two can earn up to $39,128 and qualify for nutrition assistance. A complete list of income guidelines is below. WIC provides participants with supplemental healthy foods, which contain vital nutrients essential for healthy development during critical growth periods, such as pregnancy, infancy and early childhood. The WIC Nutrition Program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provides nutrition education and access to healthy foods for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children under the age of 5. To qualify, participants must meet the income guidelines, have a nutritional or medical need, and live in Pennsylvania. WIC is the nation’s premier public health and nutrition education program with an overall goal to influence lifetime nutrition through positive health behaviors. In addition to the eWIC card which can be used to purchase nutritious foods, WIC participants receive nutrition education, breastfeeding support, immunization record checks, iron deficiency screening, farmers’ market vouchers and referrals for other health and social services. For more information or to apply for WIC, visit www.mfhs.org, or call (570) 273-1288.
The Wright Center: Dr. Hassan Joins As Teaching Hospitalist A teaching hospitalist and physician has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Faiza Hassan will serve as a teaching hospitalist for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, supervising resident physicians in clinical learning environments across Northeast Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Geisinger Community Health Center. In this role, Dr. Hassan will support program leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum for the internal medicine residency program, as well as mentoring resident learners and assessing their progress. Additionally, Dr. Hassan will provide responsive and inclusive whole-person primary health services for individuals 18 and older, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. The community health center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. Dr. Hassan earned her medical degree from Fatima Jinnah Medical University in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. She moved to the United States in 2014 and completed her internal medicine residency at Central Michigan University Health in Saginaw, Michigan, in July 2025. The program focuses on training resident physicians for careers as hospitalists and primary care physicians.
Shapiro Administration Continues Safety Efforts with Roundabouts Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that roundabouts continue to provide safe, efficient travel across the Commonwealth. Since 2005,104 roundabouts have been built to improve traffic flow and/or decrease crash severity, and more than 30 additional roundabouts are in various stages of design and construction across Pennsylvania. “For us, it’s simple. Roundabouts remove cross-traffic turns and eliminate T-bone crashes, while improving traffic flow” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Any design that dramatically reduces the most serious crashes we see on the road is worthy of consideration in our projects.” PennDOT finalized a data review through 2024 using 20 years of crash data from roundabouts around the state. Study findings showed that crashes with injuries were reduced by 51 percent and total crashes decreased by 7 percent. Pennsylvania data reflects national studies that found changing two-way sign-controlled intersections to a single-lane roundabout reduced injury crashes by more than 80 percent. Likewise, changing a signalized intersection to single-lane or multilane roundabout reduced crashes with injuries by up to 78 percent. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) lists roundabouts as a “Proven Safety Countermeasure” that improves safety by reducing vehicle speeds by angling incoming traffic. The crashes that do occur tend to be sideswipe crashes with vehicles traveling at slower speeds rather than T-bone or head-on collisions. Additionally, eliminating left turns across opposing traffic results in dramatically fewer injuries. In addition to safety improvement, roundabouts carry, on average, approximately 30 percent more vehicles during peak traffic than similar intersections. In off-peak hours, roundabouts cause almost no delay, compared to traffic signals. As roundabouts are constructed around the state, it is important to know how to correctly navigate them. Here are a few key things to remember when navigating a roundabout: Slow down and be prepared to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Circulating traffic has the right of way. Look left and check for approaching traffic. If there are multiple circulating lanes, yield to both before entering. Do not assume the vehicle in the inside lane will stay there. Do not stop while in the circulatory roadway, and always use your right turn signal to indicate your exit. Click here for PennDOT’s data review Click here for the national studies
Treasurer Garrity Announces Relief Funding for Children and Most Vulnerable Pennsylvanians Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will make $500 million available for Pennsylvania’s Head Start providers and county governments through a short-term, investment loan effort designed to ease the financial burden being faced by these entities, which serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations, due to the lack of an enacted state budget. “Our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, especially our children, should not suffer because of ongoing state budget negotiations in Harrisburg,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Pennsylvania’s taxpayers expect their hard-earned tax dollars to be put to work, not be put on hold. We should not stand by and watch Head Start providers and county-level agencies like those that provide mental and behavioral health support struggle to provide necessary services to families relying on them while they wait for a state budget that is nearly three months late. Treasury is here to do its part to bridge the gap until an agreement is reached.” “We support the Treasurer’s bold leadership for this program that provides an important safety net to ensure counties can continue serving our communities without interruption, even during times of delayed state funding,” said Julie Wheeler, York County President Commissioner & Treasurer, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. “This initiative directly aligns with a resolution CCAP passed at our conference this past summer to support direct deposits from the State Treasury into county accounts.” “In a time of financial distress for many counties, the Treasury’s offering of short-term, investment loans is a welcomed option,” said Kyle Kopko, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. “The uncertainty surrounding the state budget is putting immense pressure on Pennsylvania counties, and while this new opportunity may provide some relief, our prime emphasis continues to be urging the Governor and General Assembly to work together to finalize a budget without delay.” Treasury will make outreach directly to Head Start programs and county governments. Funds will be received within two business days of approval. Those who enter into a loan agreement will be required to pay back the initial Treasury investment plus a 4.5 percent annual interest rate within 15 days of state funds being released following the enactment of a state budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. To be eligible for this program, Head Start providers and county governments must indicate the investment will be used for immediate operating expenses and agree to the loan’s standard terms and conditions. “We have no greater responsibility than to take care of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and that’s exactly what’s being achieved by making these funds available,” Treasurer Garrity said. Click here to find the press conference
Treasurer Garrity Announces Fee Reduction for PA ABLE Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that a new fee reduction for PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account owners went into effect on Sept. 1, 2025 — the sixth PA ABLE fee reduction since she took office in 2021. “Every dollar counts for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and this latest fee cut is another step in making sure PA ABLE account owners are saving as much as possible,” Treasurer Garrity said. “PA ABLE is a tremendous program that helps our friends and neighbors with disabilities live more independently and build financial stability.” This latest fee cut is the result of the National ABLE Alliance (NAA) surpassing $700 million in assets. PA ABLE is the largest member plan in the NAA with total assets of more than $175 million. The reduction of two basis points lowers program management fee ranges from 0.30%-0.36% to 0.28%-0.34%. This reduction results in about $35,000 in savings across the PA ABLE program. PA ABLE offers tax-advantaged savings options for people with disabilities. Saving with PA ABLE does not impact eligibility for important benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medical Assistance. PA ABLE allows contributions of up to $19,000 annually. With ABLE to Work this limit may be higher for employed individuals who do not contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Funds saved with PA ABLE are easily accessible and can be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses, from day-to-day things like groceries and rent, to bigger expenses like assistive technology, vehicle adaptations and more. No federal or state income tax is paid on PA ABLE account growth or withdrawals when used for qualified expenses. Currently to save with PA ABLE, a person’s disability must be onset prior to the age of 26. Starting in 2026, this age rises to 46, expanding to include millions more Americans, including one million Veterans.
Mohegan PA Awarded Over $11.7 Million in August Jackpots One Lucky Guest Hits Massive $150,000 Jackpot Mohegan Pennsylvania was the place to be in August! Throughout the month, Mohegan Pennsylvania awarded more than $11.7 million in slot jackpots to its guests. Of that $11.7 million, one Mohegan Pennsylvania guest accounted for $150,000 on Wednesday, August 27th. The lucky guest was playing at a Konami Gaming Stuffed Coins Toad slot machine when they hit the massive GRAND progressive jackpot!
Marywood University Earns “Best Value” Recognition Among NEPA Colleges Marywood University continues to offer the “Best Value” among Northeast Pennsylvania universities, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges ranking. Moving up four places to #14 on the Regional Universities (North) rankings for “Best Value,” Marywood continues to demonstrate its exceptional affordability and academic excellence as the top regional four-year private university included in this category. According to U.S. News, the “Best Value” ranking considers a school’s academic quality—the higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal. Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included. U.S. News considers the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically. In the “Best Colleges for Veterans” (Regional Universities North category), Marywood is ranked at #29. Marywood has consistently placed in the top 30 institutions for this category year over year. According to U.S. News, this designation includes the top-ranked schools in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees. Marywood University also had a solid showing at #61 (tie) in its overall position on the “Best Regional Universities North” list, which includes institutions from seven states. Marywood is one of only four local universities to attain placement on this list, and the second highest ranked, demonstrating its enduring quality as a higher education provider in the region. Additionally, Marywood placed in the top 100 for Top Performers on Social Mobility, ranking at #88 (tie) overall. Marywood is the only local university to place in the top 100 for this category. This includes institutions that are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. The social mobility ranking also includes borrower debt and college graduates earning more than high school graduates. Click here for additional information regarding Marywood University’s rankings in U.S. News & World Report
Greater Scranton YMCA Halloween Costume Drive Underway The Y is collecting new and gently used Halloween costumes for local families The Greater Scranton YMCA’s 2025 Halloween Costume Drive is underway, providing families in the community with the opportunity to donate and receive costumes for the upcoming holiday. The Y is accepting new and gently used costumes of all sizes and for all ages. Donated costumes can be dropped-off at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore, through Monday, October 6th. Costume pick-up days will be held from October 7–9, giving families in need the chance to find fun, festive costumes free of charge. “Here at the Y, we believe all children deserve the chance to experience a magical Halloween season,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Through donating new or gently used costumes, community members can help make this Halloween special and memorable for local families and children in need.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging the community to participate by donating costumes in good condition. Every contribution ensures that more children will have the opportunity to experience Halloween with confidence and excitement. For more information about the Halloween Costume Drive, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org.
Dimeco, Inc. Declares Cash Dividend The Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC) declared a dividend on September 18, 2025, of $0.42 per share to shareholders of record September 29, 2025. The dividend is payable on October 23, 2025, the anticipated date to release earnings for the third quarter of 2025. This dividend is an increase of $0.02 per share over the dividend declared in September 2024 and produces a yield of 4.36% at the market value of $38.54 on September 18, 2025. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “We continue to prioritize delivering exceptional banking services to our customers and the communities we serve. This dividend reflects our sincere appreciation to Dimeco shareholders for their steadfast commitment to our purpose and their continued trust.”
Tobyhanna Delivers Critical Communication Support for Army Aviators When warfighters take to the skies in helicopters, their ability to share information instantly can mean the difference between mission success and failure. At the heart of that capability is the Improved Data Modem (IDM)-401 and Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is now ensuring this critical system remains ready for the fight. When warfighters take to the skies in helicopters, their ability to share information instantly can mean the difference between mission success and failure. At the heart of that capability is the Improved Data Modem (IDM)-401. The IDM-401 connects mission computers, radios, and the tactical internet, allowing helicopters to send voice and data at the same time. It also passes along targeting information and situational awareness to commanders and other aircraft, helping warfighters in the air and on the ground stay connected, informed, and safe. Today, more than 3,200 IDM-401s are in service across every modern Army helicopter. Tobyhanna’s involvement with the IDM-401 began with test-and-inspect work, but the mission quickly expanded. In less than a year, the depot has built up the ability to perform full overhauls on the device. Today, technicians can complete every step of the sustainment process including loading and verifying software, performing vibration and thermal testing, and conducting hardware qualification tests. Four advanced test stations and environmental stress screening chambers ensure each unit can handle tough conditions before being returned to the field. This growth didn’t happen overnight. It has taken teamwork, innovation, and close partnership across the Army enterprise. Experts from Tobyhanna’s Mission Execution Directorate, Strategic Initiatives Directorate, and Software, Simulation, and Systems Engineering and Integration (S3I) worked side by side with the Project Management Office for Aviation Mission Systems and Architecture (PM AMSA) to validate test equipment and processes. The result is a streamlined production line capable of handling the Army’s needs for years to come. In August 2025, leaders from PM AMSA visited Tobyhanna to walk through the new repair process. They praised the depot’s setup and progress, even presenting coins to three technicians for their outstanding work. Lt. Col. James D. Brooks of U.S. Army PEO Aviation praised Tobyhanna’s rapid integration of the workload “Tobyhanna assumed the sustainment of the IDM-401 less than six months ago. In short order, Tobyhanna demonstrated their ability to fully support and sustain the IDM-401, ensuring a steady supply chain and maintaining capabilities in the hands of the warfighters,” said Lt. Col. Brooks. When the IDM-401 program arrived at TYAD in March 2024, PM AMSA’s Brett Beatty lauded the depot’s support of the important program. “Tobyhanna is providing outstanding support for the IDM-401. It is a pleasure to work with the professional team here,” said Beatty. The IDM-401 serves as the crucial interface between aircraft mission computers, radios, and ground networks. As the predecessor to the Aviation Mission Computer Server, the IDM has laid the foundation for the Army’s next generation of aviation mission systems. With sustainment expected through at least 2040, the IDM-401 mission will remain an important part of Tobyhanna’s portfolio for years. More importantly, it represents the depot’s ongoing commitment to the warfighter. Through teamwork, innovation, and dedication, TYAD is keeping America’s warfighters connected today, tomorrow, and into the future. Katlin Edmunds of TYAD’s Strategic Initiatives Directorate highlighted the depot’s role in supporting evolving Army Aviation needs, emphasizing the commitment to readiness depot artisans exhibit on a daily basis. “TYAD is proud to enhance sustainment operations for Project Manager Aviation Mission Systems and Architecture (PM AMSA) and PEO Aviation as Army Aviation platforms and systems continue to evolve,” said Edmunds. “We are committed to rapidly establishing the necessary capabilities for our soldiers to remain operationally ready.” “Tobyhanna assumed the sustainment of the IDM-401 less than six months ago. In short order, Tobyhanna demonstrated their ability to fully support and sustain the IDM-401, ensuring a steady supply chain and maintaining capabilities in the hands of the warfighters,” said Lt. Col. Brooks of U.S. Army PEO Aviation.
