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Blair Children, Youth & Families gets sixth provisional license | News, Sports, Jobs
HOLLIDAYSBURG — The state Department of Human Services has issued another provisional license — the sixth in 3.5 years — to Blair County’s Children, Youth & Families office.
The latest provisional license, which reflects correctional plans approved in May to address shortcomings identified in March, is valid through Nov. 23.
Blair County CYF Director Shannon Tucker, who was promoted to that job after being named interim director in September, said she was disappointed but not disheartened by the state’s decision to issue another provisional license.
“I think that we have made dramatic improvements since last year,” Tucker said last week in her office. “Am I disappointed in the state’s decision to give us another provisional license? Yes. But in no way am I disheartened because I think we’ve shown that we are on an upward track.”
While the state singled out one Blair County CYF case and indicated that more than 180 days passed without a caseworker visiting what had been identified as a high-risk family, many of its other citations were based on record-keeping issues that reflected late reports and/or no reports.
Tucker said those record-keeping citations can be addressed through ongoing efforts to increase and train staff in ways that reduce their individual caseloads and allow more review of records to catch the shortcomings.
She also said efforts to date are already paying off as the latest report contains about half the citations of the November report.
“I think the state wants to see us make continued progress, and we are,” Tucker said.
In a June 5 letter to Blair County that accompanied the latest provisional operating license, state DHS Deputy Secretary Laval Miller-Wilson pledged the office’s cooperation and technical assistance.
When asked for further comment, the state DHS press office issued a statement indicating that Blair County CYF is making progress through improved staffing levels, fewer areas of non-compliance and engaged leadership.
“While DHS cannot speculate a timeline for when the county’s full license will be restored, DHS continues to work closely with Blair County CYF, its staff and county leadership,” according to the statement.
In May 2022 — when the state issued the first provisional operating license to Blair County CYF — the county office was operating at low staffing levels and it had no applicants to fill vacant jobs created by resignations and retirements that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout. At that time, Blair County’s pay levels for CYF were among the lowest in the state.
Blair County now advertises for CYF caseworkers — who must be Civil Service qualified — at $40,170 annually.
“We are getting applicants,” Tucker said.
CYF’s first provisional license was followed by three additional provisional licenses during a two-year period — the most the state can award. So in May 2024, the state revoked the county’s CYF license and the county appealed. To resolve the appeal, commissioners and the state negotiated a settlement agreement, which mapped out goals, including the continued assignment of a state DHS operations manager to the county CYF office and required consultants.
While the state restored CYF’s operating license for six months as part of that agreement, it replaced it with a fifth provisional license in November 2024. That license was valid through May, when the state issued the sixth provisional license.
Tucker said she remains confident that CYF’s improvements will continue and encourages local residents to rely on the agency’s personnel to do their jobs.
“On any given day, something could go terribly wrong because somebody made a horrible decision,” Tucker said. “But with the increase in drugs, the fentanyl, the meth … and the violence that comes with drugs, we remain the agency tasked with helping to protect the children.”
In adhering to that goal, Tucker said CYF staffers are now distributing materials to discourage adults from the unsafe practice of sleeping with babies.
“We’ve seen a rise in co-sleeping issues … which creates the potential for tragedies that could be prevented,” Tucker said.
She also spoke of CYF’s efforts to help local families with unstable housing and food insecurity, both related to the rising costs.
“We’re getting some new families that haven’t been affected in the past,” Tucker said.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.
Rec Sports
FA YOUTH CUP REPORT | Liverpool 2 Charlton 3
Charlton’s U18s produced an excellent display in an impressive 3-2 win over Liverpool in the third round of the FA Youth Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a second-half comeback from Liverpool, Jason Pearce’s side held firm to progress into the hat for round four.
The young Addicks opened the scoring on 18 minutes, as captain Jack Belton unleashed an excellent strike from 25 yards that sailed past DJ Bernard and into the top corner.
Charlton continued to pile on the pressure and Shia-Lee Burnham called the Liverpool goalkeeper into action on 26 minutes. The confidence flowed, and Ellis McMillan doubled his side’s lead before the break.
Reuben Reid also tried his luck from range, but saw his shot hit the post just before half-time, as the young Addicks led 2-0.
Early into the second half, Charlton added a third to their tally as Bradley Tagoe fired the ball into the net from the left-hand side.
The hosts pulled a goal back just three minutes later through Josh Sonni-Lambie.
Finn Inglethorpe nodded a second goal home with three minutes of normal time left on the clock and stoppage time to play, but the young Addicks saw the closing stages out to secure an incredible win.
Jason Pearce was delighted with the performance from his young side. He said: “Going to Liverpool was a massive game for the boys in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.
“In the first half we were excellent and really dominated the game. We had multiple chances and went 2-0 up, but it should have been four. We played some really good football with some really aggressive pressing from the group.
“It was a little bit nervy towards the end of the game, but it’s a fantastic win. Any team going to Liverpool and getting a win is fantastic. We’re delighted with the performance because the boys gave us everything. We had boys going down with cramp towards the end just absolutely out on their feet, and the subs who came on made an impact as well.”
The young Addicks will travel to Watford or Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round, with ties having to be played by Saturday, January 24th.
Pearce’s in-form side are next in action on Saturday, January 10th when they take on Cardiff City at Sparrows Lane (KO 2pm GMT)
Charlton: Woodham; Elliott, Muvhuti (Ezenwata 90), Dawkins; Tagoe (Richman 66), Belton (c), Washington-Amoah, Valentine; McMillan (Podgorny 90+4), Burnham (Thomas 90), Reid (Davis 76)
Subs (not used): Williams, Mylona
Goals: Belton 19, McMillan 37, Tagoe 50
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
Rec Sports
Registration for the Olympic Games LA28 ticket draw opens on 14 January 2026
In a clear sign that the Olympic Games LA28 are drawing closer, registration for the LA28 ticket draw officially opens on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
The ticket draw marks the first opportunity for fans to attend the LA28 Games, providing the chance to secure a time slot to purchase tickets when sales begin in 2026. No payment or purchase is required to register.
Registration for the draw is a required first step for anyone interested in purchasing tickets to the Olympic Games. Fans must register through LA28’s official ticket page beginning Wednesday, 14 January 2026 to be eligible for a ticket purchase window for a chance to purchase tickets for all sports — from California classics including Olympic surfing at Trestles Beach in San Clemente, skateboarding in downtown Los Angeles, and sport climbing at the Long Beach climbing theater, to marquee events such as athletics at the LA Memorial Coliseum, artistic gymnastics at the DTLA Arena in the heart of Los Angeles, swimming at the stadium in Englewood, and and many more,
Tickets for the LA28 Paralympic Games will go on sale in 2027.
To stay informed and receive reminders about the ticket draw, fans can also sign up for the LA28 newsletter.
With a variety of options available for everyone to experience the Games in person, single-event tickets will start at $28. Residents in the greater Los Angeles and Oklahoma City regions who register for the ticket draw will also have the chance to secure a time slot during a special early access window. In addition to individual tickets, curated ticket-inclusive hospitality experiences and packages will be available from On Location and will go on sale in 2026.
Rec Sports
Former Detroit Tiger Brandon Inge opens new training facility
Opening Day is usually reserved for the spring, but on Saturday, former Tiger Brandon Inge celebrated his own Opening Day for Inge Performance Lab, a new baseball training facility in Brighton.
“It’s been about six months that we’ve been tearing this place apart, trying to put it back together, put all the good technology in, the weight room,” said Inge, who spent 12 seasons with the Tigers from 2001 to 2012. “The funny thing is, when I finished baseball, I had no intention of coaching. I just wanted to sit back and watch my kids play. Then you watch some of the coaches; the way they’re coaching kids, they’re yelling and screaming at them, so I said I have to join in and make our game better, so that’s where it all started.”
Inge grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, but he has made Michigan home after enjoying his time in Detroit as a player.
“It feels like home to me, always has been, always will,” Inge said. “I’ll be a Tiger until the day I die, and I’m so happy that our first [Inge Performance Lab] is right here.”
“He’s an adopted Detroiter,” said Inge Performance Lab partner Michael Foguth. “I’ve said that to him. His family has been here; he stayed here. He gives back to the community more than anyone I’ve ever met.”
Inge Performance Lab has a full-size Little League diamond, six batting cages with HitTrax technology and a world-class workout facility.
“My 8-year-old son is here today checking it out with his team,” said Tim Day from Brighton. “Just to have the space with the batting cages and HitTrax and the infield they can work on, it’s fantastic.”
Inge hopes to see some future major leaguers come through his training facility. He met with fans and signed autographs on Opening Day for his new training facility. Inge is still beloved by Tigers fans, and he remains a big fan of the organization that drafted him.
“I follow the guys, and I want them to do well,” said Inge. “I don’t get involved in the changes they make at this point, but I always want them to win. That’s my family. Detroit Tigers is family for life for me.”
Rec Sports
Events and athlete quota for Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 announced
“This programme represents an important step forward for the Winter YOG,” said Karl Stoss, IOC Member and Chair of the Olympic Programme Commission. “It reflects a clear commitment to sustainability, innovation and youth-focused sports formats. Most importantly, it ensures that Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 will offer young athletes a world-class experience aligned with their development needs and the facilities of the host region.”
The EB’s decision finalises the event programme and athlete quota, following a comprehensive review conducted in close collaboration with the relevant International Federations (IFs). The programme aims to deliver a high-quality, elite-level youth competition that reflects athlete development pathways and youth-specific formats. It also seeks to reduce the scale and operational complexity of the event to better suit its youth-focused nature and the local context, all with a continued commitment to full gender equality.
The approval of the event programme represents a significant step forward in the preparations for Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 and underlines the IOC’s ongoing commitment to finding cost efficiencies for the hosts.
Dakar 2026
At its meeting last week, the IOC Executive Board also received an update on the Dakar 2026 YOG, which are now less than a year away. The Organising Committee recently marked the one-year-to-go milestone with the unveiling of its mascot Ayo, the launch of the OMEGA countdown clock and the Dakar en Jeux festival, which included a testing opportunity through an international futsal competition and a recent equestrian event.
With under a year remaining, the YOGOC has now entered the readiness phase, focusing on finalising venue refurbishments, operational planning and capacity building. It has also launched its volunteer recruitment campaign, Jambaar26, with applications open until 31 January.
Rec Sports
Cherie Johnson announces run for MN Senate District 26
WINONA, Minn. (KTTC) – A new face has entered the race for Minnesota Senate District 26, which serves southeast Minnesota.
Cherie Johnson, a mother, teacher, coach, and foster mom, announced her candidacy Monday as a Republican.

“I love Minnesota and all of our neighbors who call this state home. I’m thrilled about the opportunity to run and serve them in the State Senate. Our parks, small businesses, farming communities, and lively towns make District 26 a great place to live and raise a family. I want this to be a place where we can afford to raise our families, where generations stay, and where farms and small businesses can thrive.”
Johnson has served on a number of boards, mentored youth groups at her church, and volunteered at area animal welfare organizations. She has lived in Winona for 13 years with her husband, Ben, a Winona native. Winona is where they raised their seven children.
“To forge a brighter path ahead for our beautiful state, we start with proven policies that will make life more affordable and reducing the tax burden for hardworking Minnesotans, deliver academic excellence in our classrooms for all children, and put a stop to the theft of taxpayer dollars that should be going toward critical services,” Johnson said.
Senate District 26 includes communities in Fillmore, Houston, Mower, and Winona Counties.
Minnesota State Senate District 26 is currently represented by Jeremy Miller (R). He is not seeking reelection in 2026.
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Rec Sports
Donald E. Olsommer, Sr. Obituary
Donald E. Olsommer, Sr., 86, of Sterling, passed away peacefully on December 11, at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit in Dunmore, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janet (Hinds) Olsommer.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Felix C. Olsommer and Emily (Jones) Olsommer. He was a graduate of Greene-Dreher-Sterling High School, Class of 1958.
Prior to retirement, Don was the founder and owner of Olsommer-Clarke Insurance Group, established in 1972, with offices in Hamlin, Honesdale, and Moscow. He also owned and operated the Olsommer Tree Farm in Sterling. A man of deep faith, he served for 17 years as Pastor of Smith Hill United Methodist Church and was a lifelong member of Sterling United Methodist Church.
A United States Army Veteran, Don served with distinction for more than 30 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard, retiring with the rank of Major. He enlisted at age 18 in 1958 with the Honesdale National Guard and completed basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He initially served with the 109th Infantry in Honesdale, later transferring to the New Jersey National Guard, where he served with the 53rd Tank Battalion and became a full-time supply sergeant.
After completing officer training at the New Jersey Military Academy in Sea Girt, New Jersey, and Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he advanced through the officer ranks. In 1971, he returned to Pennsylvania and served as company commander for National Guard units in Carbondale, Honesdale, Scranton, and Tobyhanna Reserve Unit.
Don dedicated much of his life to public service. He served the citizens of Wayne County as County Commissioner from 1980-1991 and again from 2004-2007. He also served as a Township Supervisor, Former Wayne County Republican Chairman, and was deeply involved in civic and charitable efforts throughout the community.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, golf, and tending his tree farm. He was a gifted athlete in high school and remained a lifelong supporter of Delaware Valley and Penn State football. Don was passionate about youth sports, serving as a coach, and was a co-founder of Sterling Little League. He was inducted into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame, was a member of American Legion Post 807 and a 50 year member of the Salem Masonic Lodge #330.
Most of all, Don cherished time spent with his family.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his three sons: Donald E. Olsommer, Jr. and his wife Alene of Sterling; Pennsylvania State Representative, the Honorable Jeff Olsommer, and his wife Kelli of Sterling; and Keith Olsommer and his wife Mary Ann of Sterling; a sister, Helen Leahey of Georgia; grandchildren Phoebe, Betsy, Garrett, Mackenzie, Logan, and Liam; great-grandchildren Charli, Daisy, and Genevieve; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Ronald F. Olsommer.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, December 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Sterling United Methodist Church, 567 Sterling Road, Sterling, PA. The service will be live-streamed on the James Wilson Funeral Home Facebook page.
Friends may call Thursday, December 18th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel, and Friday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the church.
Private interment will be held at Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.
Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to Sterling United Methodist Church, PO Box 25, Sterling, Pa 18463 or the Smith Hill United Methodist Church, 305 Sunrise Ave. Honesdale, Pa 18431.
For directions, to share a memory, or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jamesfamilyfunerals.com
Posted online on December 15, 2025
Published in Pocono Record, Tri-County Independent
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