The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania hosting Buddy Walk on October 4 The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania is hosting its annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 4 at 816 Providence Road in Scranton. Registration begins at noon and the walk itself begins at 1:00 p.m. Adults and kids are welcome to attend. There will be food, entertainment, raffles, children’s events and the ceremonial one-mile fun walk. Adults can attend for $15, kids 15 and under are $5 and individuals with Down Syndrome can attend for free. You can learn more about the event and register here. The Buddy Walk started in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome awareness.
ABSN program coming to Misericordia University in Spring 2027 Misericordia University is expanding access to nursing education with its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which is coming to the campus in Spring 2027. Designed for students with previous college experience, the program provides an accelerated pathway into the nursing profession and can be completed in as few as 16 months over four semesters. The hybrid format combines online lecture content with hands-on learning. In-person laboratory sessions are held primarily on weekends at Misericordia’s campus in Dallas, Pennsylvania, while clinical experiences take place at healthcare facilities within a 60-mile radius. It’s an opportunity for students to build on their previous college experience and prepare for a new future in nursing without following a traditional four-year path. Learn more about Misericordia’s Accelerated BSN program here.
Marywood University and PA State Police Academy Celebrate Milestone of First Graduate Marywood University celebrated a significant milestone as Pennsylvania State Trooper David Kuzmick became the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice through the Marywood–Pennsylvania State Police Academy Partnership. The ceremony took place at the Pacer Statue on Marywood’s campus. Trooper Kuzmick received his degree from Marywood University President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. Patrick Seffrin, Ph.D., Marywood Professor and Director of its Center for Law, Justice and Policy, and Trooper Clint Long, Recruitment Program Coordinator, were also on hand to commemorate this achievement. The partnership enables eligible Criminal Justice majors to complete their bachelor’s degree while training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Students earn 30 undergraduate credits upon successful Academy completion, which are applied directly to Criminal Justice elective requirements. The Pennsylvania State Police maintain full authority over Academy admissions, training, and graduation, and participation in the partnership does not guarantee Academy admission, appointment, or employment. Dr. Seffrin explained how the partnership allows students to combine their academic education with professional training. “Students who are in Marywood’s bachelor’s program for Criminal Justice and have completed these 90 credits can then apply to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the Academy, they receive an additional 30 credits to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Dr. Seffrin said. “Essentially, during their senior year, they will be at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the program, they receive their bachelor’s degree and become a state trooper.” President Lori highlighted the importance of the milestone, noting that “this partnership creates new possibilities for those committed to public service by connecting rigorous Academy preparation with a Marywood education.” She added that Trooper Kuzmick’s accomplishment “reflects academic commitment, professional preparation, and service to the Commonwealth.” To be eligible, students must: Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Marywood University Have completed at least 90 undergraduate credits before applying to the Academy Be at least 20 years of age at the time of Academy application Meet all Pennsylvania State Police Academy admission requirements Successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy Trooper Kuzmick is the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice under this model, marking a meaningful step forward in the University’s efforts to strengthen connections among higher education, law enforcement, and public service.
JHA Companies opens new regional office Civil engineering firm JHA Companies has opened its new regional office in Reynoldsville. The office will serve as the company’s established presence in North Central Pennsylvania. JHA Companies is a multi-state professional engineering, land surveying and environmental firm that serves people, families and businesses. It was founded in 2008 and operates eight offices in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. You can learn more about JHA Companies by clicking here.
WVIA News wins six Professional Keystone Media Awards WVIA News won six Professional Keystone Media Awards from the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association (PNA) for its 2025 journalism. The honorees are: ● Sarah Hofius Hall — First Place, Sports Beat Reporting, Beyond the Scoreboard● Borys Krawczeniuk — Honorable mention, News Beat Reporting, politics and gov’t● Lydia McFarlane — Honorable mention, Feature Story, Clarks Summit memory cafe● Haley O’Brien — 2nd place, lifestyle & entertainment beat, 1st & 2nd for features videos “When we made the commitment to expand local journalism, we did so because we believed our communities deserved trusted, in-depth reporting that informs, connects, and serves the public. We never imagined our newsroom would achieve so much in such a short time,” WVIA President & CEO Carla McCabe said. “These awards are a reflection of the dedication of our journalists and the power of public media to tell the stories that matter to the communities we serve.” The Harrisburg-based PNA organizes the annual awards contest to recognize “journalism that consistently provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers and audiences, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities.” The awards will be presented October 8 at the Keystone Media Awards Luncheon in Harrisburg.
User Experience Updates made to Mohegan Pennsylvania Online Casino App Mohegan Digital has made improvements to its online sportsbook experience in partnership with sportsbook technology provider Kambi. The updates will provide users with a more intuitive, engaging and personalized experience. The updates include a new User Interface (UI) with flexible page-building capabilities and enhanced navigation. “Providing a seamless and engaging sportsbook experience is a key part of our commitment to our players,” said Richard Roberts, President of Mohegan Digital. “These enhancements make it easier for customers to discover the markets and content they care most about while creating a more modern and intuitive betting experience. Working alongside Kambi, we’re continuing to evolve the platform with thoughtful improvements that help our players engage with their favorite sports and enjoy a premium sportsbook experience.” This new UI online sportsbook experience is live and available for download across Play.MoheganPAcasino.com and the Mohegan Pennsylvania Online Casino mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Incoming Penn State Scranton student receives America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship A Penn State Scranton student who’s going to begin his studies this fall has been recognized at the state level. Anthony Betti is a recipient of the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship. Betti is a graduating senior from Mid Valley Secondary Center. He was one of just 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applications statewide. He’s also the only recipient from Lackawanna County. “Receiving the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship means more to me than I can fully express,” Betti said. “When I learned I was one of only 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applicants, it didn’t just feel like an achievement — it felt like a pivotal moment in my life.” The scholarship is just one of the ways Pennsylvania is recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. It honors students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving their communities. Betti also attended a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, where he and other recipients met Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro.
Outdoor events at Mohegan Pennsylvania happening throughout the summer months Looking for fun events to attend throughout the summer months? Mohegan Pennsylvania is hosting something for everyone! Take a look at their list of events happening in the coming months to celebrate America 250: The free outdoor concert series Party on the Patio will feature Adrenalize: The Ultimate Def Lepperd Experience on Thursday, July 9th and 7 Summers: The Ultimate Morgan Wallen Tribute on Thursday, July 30th. You can find the full Party on the Patio lineup here. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for these concerts. There will also be two special trackside NEPA America 250 Concerts: Laurel Canyon Band on Friday, July 10th and Bad Co. Legacy on Friday, August 28th. Both start at 7:00 p.m. You can find information about those concerts here. Sunday Fundays are happening at the Racetrack through July 26th. There will be live acoustic performances between harness racing events. These events start at 5:00 p.m. and are for people of all ages. You can find more information about Sunday Fundays here. There will be outdoor entertainment every Friday to Sunday at Embers Terrace. DJ Tommy will play on Saturday, July 4th, followed by Social Call Duo on Friday, July 10th, The Two Taboo on Sunday, July 19th, and Jay Orrell on Friday, July 31st. You can find Mohegan Pennsylvania’s full entertainment calendar here.
PennDOT: Shapiro Administration Invests $30M in Traffic Safety The Shapiro Administration announced that 57 municipalities across the Commonwealth will receive nearly $30 million through the Green Light-Go Program to improve traffic safety and mobility by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. Since Governor Shapiro took office, $96 million has been distributed to municipalities through the program. Many of the funded projects will upgrade traffic signal detection and control technology, allowing signals to respond to real-time traffic conditions, reduce congestion, and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Last week, the Shapiro Administration announced that 54 highway, bridge, bike, and pedestrian projects in 34 counties across Pennsylvania have been selected for more than $47 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF). “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, our top priority is serving the people of our Commonwealth by improving the services that make a real difference in Pennsylvanians’ lives,” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll. “The safety improvements supported by the Green Light-Go program will help municipalities reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and keep Pennsylvanians moving safely and efficiently. I’m proud that PennDOT continues to partner with communities to deliver real results.” Below is a list of awarded projects by county. Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursements to municipalities for projects that improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. These projects are funded through the FY 2025–26 budget. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, installation of light-emitting diode (LED) technology, traffic signal retiming, special-event traffic planning, traffic signal monitoring, and upgrades to modern signal technologies. Allegheny County City of Pittsburgh: $1,394,029 to replace traffic signals at North Avenue/James Street, Lorenz Avenue/Steuben Street, and Mifflin Road/Interboro Avenue. Green Tree Borough: $42,400 to update signal detectors at Carnahan Road and Greentree Road. Green Tree Borough: $293,392 to modernize signal equipment at Noblestown Road and Mansfield Avenue. McCandless Township: $443,409.12 to upgrade adaptive signal systems along Perry Highway (Route 19). Monroeville Borough: $498,114.75 to modernize the intersection of Monroeville Boulevard, Jamison Lane, and Oxford Drive. Moon Township: $193,792 to upgrade signal equipment at Beaver Grade Road and Thorn Run Road. Mount Lebanon Township: $322,115 to modernize signal equipment at Bower Hill and Parkview Drive. Neville Township: $335,120 to upgrade signal equipment at Neville Road and Grand Avenue. Oakmont Borough: $195,516 to upgrade signal equipment at Allegheny River Boulevard and Hulton Road. O’Hara Township: $238,712 to modernize signal equipment at Alpha Drive and Gamma Drive. Ohio Township: $155,832 to upgrade signal equipment at Mount Nebo Road and Camp Horne Road. Scott Township: $145,192 to modernize the intersection of Hope Hollow Road and Greentree Road. Sewickley Borough: $229,168 to replace outdated signal equipment at Beaver Street/Broad Street and Thorn Street/Broad Street. Wilkinsburg Borough: $266,000 to replace the signal at East Swissvale Avenue and Wallace Avenue. Beaver County Center Township: $132,024 to upgrade signal equipment at Pleasant Drive (Route 3017) and Autumn Street. Berks County Boyertown Borough: $687,949.20 to upgrade intersections at East Philadelphia Avenue (Route 73) with Reading Avenue (Route 562) and Madison Street. Leesport Borough: $155,160 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at Wall Street, Peach Street, and Cherry Street. West Reading Borough: $228,404 for signal retiming and equipment upgrades at multiple intersections. Bucks County Lower Southampton Township: $662,355 to upgrade signal equipment at multiple intersections along Bustleton Pike and Bristol Road. Perkasie Borough: $425,240 to replace outdated signal equipment at Ridge Road and Park Avenue. Butler County Cranberry Township: $94,800 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at multiple intersections. Cranberry Township: $83,350 to expand fiber-optic traffic signal communications. Seven Fields Borough: $117,520 to replace outdated sensors with radar detection. Centre County College Township: $503,700 to upgrade signal equipment at Curtin Road and University Drive. Chester County East Whiteland Township: $191,870 to modernize Lancaster Avenue and Conestoga Road. Upper Uwchlan Township: $920,306 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at Route 100 and Graphite Mine Road. West Whiteland Township: $389,640 to upgrade multiple intersections along Route 100 and Commerce Drive. Cumberland County East Pennsboro Township: $1,156,340 to modernize 16 intersections. Hampden Township: $774,900 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at multiple intersections. Dauphin County City of Harrisburg: $387,380 to modernize intersections in the Allison Hill neighborhood. Derry Township: $764,320 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at multiple intersections. Delaware County Darby Township: $448,908 to modernize West Oak Lane, Rively Avenue, and Pine Street. Lansdowne Borough: $120,000 to upgrade signal equipment at Baltimore Avenue and Union Avenue. Erie County City of Erie: $746,320.44 to reconstruct the signal at West 12th Street and Pittsburgh Avenue. Mill Creek Township: $1,799,885.76 to upgrade signal equipment along Route 5. Wesleyville Borough: $449,079.84 to reconstruct the intersection of Buffalo Road and Station Road. Fayette County North Union Township: $353,640 to modernize intersections along U.S. 119. South Union Township: $122,800.80 to modernize New Salem Road and Matthew Drive. Lancaster County City of Lancaster: $91,476.80 to study and remove unwarranted traffic-control signals. City of Lancaster: $732,095.20 to modernize multiple intersections. Earl Township: $103,215.60 to modernize U.S. 322 and Railroad Avenue. East Lampeter Township: $258,040 to modernize Route 340 intersections. Lititz Borough: $53,600 to upgrade detection equipment. Manheim Township: $50,000 to install LED traffic signal modules at multiple locations. Lebanon County City of Lebanon: $368,000 to modernize traffic equipment at Maple Street/Jonestown Road/North 12th Street. Lehigh County City of Allentown: $798,480 to upgrade signal equipment at 19th Street/Roth Avenue/Walbert Avenue. Luzerne County City of Pittston: $38,640 to modernize Broad Street, Water Street, and Main Street. Mercer County City of Sharon: $762,534 to modernize multiple intersections. Montgomery County Limerick Township: $246,559 to upgrade the Traffic Management Center on Ridge Pike. Lower Merion Township: $385,596.17 to modernize Lancaster Avenue and Elliott Avenue. Norristown Borough: $419,713.11 to modernize East Fornance Street and New Hope Street. Northampton County City of Bethlehem: $298,480 to modernize approximately 100 signals citywide. City of Bethlehem: $370,608 to replace LED signal bulbs at approximately 90 intersections. City of Easton: $339,416 to modernize Seitz Street and West Berwick Street. Moore Township: $158,800 to modernize Route 512 and Route 946. Palmer Township: $748,044 to modernize Milford Street, Greenwood Avenue, and Kingwood Avenue. Northumberland County Milton Borough: $433,267.58 to modernize Routes 254 and 405. Philadelphia County City of Philadelphia: $3,421,440 to upgrade approximately 750 traffic controllers. City of Philadelphia: $2,287,880 to modernize multiple intersections in Northwest Philadelphia. Venango County City of Oil City: $22,000 to modernize traffic control infrastructure. Washington County Peters Township: $897,480 to modernize intersections along Route 19. York County City of York: $164,550 to modernize intersections along U.S. 30. Additionally, the 2025-26 budget signed by Governor Shapiro allocates over $1.8 billion in funding to repair roads and bridges and continues to sustainably fund the Pennsylvania State Police by reducing their reliance on the Motor License Fund. Since taking office, the Governor has secured $391.7 million in additional funding for roads and bridges. Under the Shapiro Administration, 17,722 miles of roadway have been improved and work has advanced on 1,540 state and local bridges. According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2023 — Governor Shapiro’s first year in office — Pennsylvania repaired or replaced more than 200 bridges, resulting in 90 fewer bridges rated in poor condition, the largest improvement of any state in the nation. For more information from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news.
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
