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
Misericordia University Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Misericordia University invites the community to join in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during MLK Celebration Week, taking place January 19–23, 2026. Throughout the week, the University will host a variety of programs centered on reflection, dialogue, and unity under the theme “One Dream, Many Voices: The Power of Solidarity.” Select events during the week are open to the public, and community members are welcome to attend and engage in meaningful conversations that celebrate Dr. King’s vision and impact. Week-Long Initiative • McAuley Market Donations – Jan 19–23, 8:30 AM–4:30 PMDrop off non-perishable food, hygiene items, and household essentials to support students and neighbors facing food and resource insecurity. • Community Vigil – Tuesday, January 20 at 4:00 PMCelebrate the spirit of Dr. King with a community gathering of reflection and unity. • The Dream Reimagined: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue – Wednesday, January 21, 3:00–4:15 PMAn engaging gallery dialogue exploring Dr. King’s legacy and its impact on social change. Reception to follow. • Honorary MLK Women’s Basketball Game – Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 PMJoin the community and cheer on the women’s basketball team at this special game in support of unity and inclusion. To learn more about this week’s events and view public programming, visit misericordia.edu/mlkweek.
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.
Wright Center To Host Free Soup for Community The Wright Center invites community members to enjoy a warm, cozy, and free bowl of soup at its community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited quantities. Gerri McAndrew The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., will offer soup and bread donated by or purchased from area restaurants on Monday, Jan. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsors include state Senator Rosemary Brown’s office, state Senator Marty Flynn’s office; state Representative Bridget M. Kosierowski’s office, the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office, Caravia Fresh Foods, Pasquale’s Pizzeria and Family Restaurant, the Sacco family, and others. Community officials will join The Wright Center’s employees to serve the hot meal. Additionally, The Wright Center’s community health workers will be at the event to provide information about services, including help with temporary housing, utility assistance, transportation to medical appointments, health insurance, food, and clothing. The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., will host a similar event with soup and bread donated by or purchased from area restaurants on Monday, Feb. 16, from 11:30 to 2 p.m. The Wright Center will also provide information about whole-person primary and preventive care services, including pediatric and geriatric services, as well as the Ryan White HIV Clinic. “This is about more than soup – it’s about showing up for our communities,” said Gerri McAndrew, director of development and relations for community outreach at The Wright Center. “While we offer a warm meal, we’re also helping people understand the high-quality, whole-person primary health services available to them at The Wright Center, no matter their circumstances.” The events are organized by The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, which helps many of the most under-resourced individuals and families in Northeast Pennsylvania, including those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, social isolation, poverty, or other hardships. To learn more, visit TheWrightCenter.org/patient-and-community-engagement. For a full list of upcoming community events, visit TheWrightCenter.org/events. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019.
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.
Scranton Cultural Center Announces A Tribute to ABBA The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and Magic City Productions will present The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on February 3 at 7:00 PM. The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, produced by 21st Century Artists, has shared the ultimate tribute show throughout North America for over 20 years. The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA continues to be the top ABBA Tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see their fantastic performance while playing the band’s most iconic hits, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S.,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” “Dancing Queen,” and more. Audiences and the press all agree, “this is the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get!” The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at $58.05 (includes fees), and will be available for purchase beginning Friday, December 12 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
