DUBOIS: The DuBois Area Rotary Club is celebrating a significant milestone as longtime member Kim Hyeseon has achieved her fourth Paul Harris Fellow recognition, a distinction that reflects both generosity and a deep commitment to service.

The Paul Harris Fellow designation is one of the highest honors within Rotary. Named after Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, the recognition is awarded to individuals who contribute — or in whose name is contributed — $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation supports humanitarian, educational, and community-based initiatives both locally and around the world.

Receiving the honor once is meaningful. Earning it four times represents sustained dedication to Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”

Kim Hyeseon’s continued support of The Rotary Foundation directly helps fund global efforts such as clean water initiatives, disease prevention and treatment programs, maternal and child health services, education and literacy projects, economic development initiatives, and Rotary’s longstanding commitment to polio eradication.

Photographed during the presentation are Kim Hyeseon and Jay Lohn, President of the DuBois Area Rotary Club. The ceremony took place during a regular club meeting, marked by the traditional Rotary bell and gavel — symbols of the fellowship and order that guide weekly gatherings.

A Paul Harris Fellow recognition not only honors financial support but also acknowledges the spirit behind it — a belief that collective action can create lasting change. Whether supporting international humanitarian missions or strengthening the DuBois community, contributions through The Rotary Foundation extend far beyond a single club meeting.

The DuBois Area Rotary Club meets every Tuesday in downtown DuBois at Luigi’s Ristorante. Community members interested in learning more about Rotary’s work — or in becoming part of a service-driven organization focused on making a difference locally and globally — are invited to attend as guests.

Through leaders like Kim Hyeseon, the club continues to demonstrate that meaningful service is not a one-time effort, but a lifelong commitment.

DUBOIS: As families around the world welcome the Lunar New Year with hopes of health, prosperity, and happiness, one local restaurant continues to serve as both a cultural touchstone and a community gathering place in the heart of DuBois.

Charlie Chen, owner of Charlie Chen’s Chinese Kitchen, recently shared New Year wishes with friends and customers, expressing hope for “good health and happiness” in the Year of the Horse. For many in the area, those wishes feel personal — because for decades, Charlie Chen’s restaurant has been more than just a place to grab dinner. It’s been part of birthdays, celebrations, post-game meals, and family traditions.

Located at 1214 Maple Ave., DuBois, PA 15801, Charlie Chen’s Chinese Kitchen has long been a fixture in the community. The restaurant can be reached at (814) 590-1970, and accepts all major credit cards.

Inside, the menu reflects both classic American-Chinese favorites and customizable options. Diners can choose from popular dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Mongolian entrees, Sichuan specialties, and Hunan-style selections — with spice levels adjusted to preference. Main courses are served with steamed white rice, fried rice, or vegetable lo-mein, giving customers flexibility with every order.

For many longtime patrons, Charlie himself is as recognizable as the dishes he prepares. Known for his welcoming personality and steady presence, he has built relationships that stretch across generations of DuBois families. Photos shared online show Charlie smiling alongside family, friends, and customers — a reminder that food often serves as a bridge between cultures and communities.

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is traditionally a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and wishing prosperity for the year ahead. Red decorations, symbolic foods, and shared meals are central to the celebration. In DuBois, that spirit often finds a home on Maple Avenue.

As another lunar year begins, Charlie Chen’s Chinese Kitchen continues doing what it has always done — serving familiar flavors, welcoming guests like family, and quietly remaining one of DuBois’ enduring local staples.

For takeout or more information, contact:

 (814) 590-1970

PENNSYLVANIA: High school students across the Commonwealth are being encouraged to explore the real-world importance of money management as part of the 13^th Annual Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition.

Open to students in grades 9 through 12, the statewide contest invites participants to submit a short essay, poem, or video centered on this year’s theme: “What Does Financial Literacy Mean to Me?” The competition provides young Pennsylvanians with an opportunity to reflect on budgeting, saving, credit, investing, and long-term financial planning — skills increasingly recognized as essential for life beyond graduation.

Student winners will be announced and publicly honored during Financial Literacy Month, observed annually in April. Organizers say the goal is not only to reward creativity and thoughtful analysis, but also to encourage stronger financial education across Pennsylvania schools.

Scholarship Awards Available

The competition offers multiple levels of financial awards:

• One First Place ($1,500) award for each grade level (9–12).
• One Honorable Mention ($500) award for each grade level (9–12).
• One Grand Prize ($2,500) for the best overall entry.

In addition to those prizes, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology will award a one-time $1,000 scholarship to each student who submits a competition entry and later applies to and is accepted as a full-time student at the university.

Harrisburg University hosts the competition in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of Auditor General and Members 1st Federal Credit Union, organizations that have emphasized the growing need for stronger financial literacy education among young adults.

Why Financial Literacy Matters

As students prepare for adulthood, understanding personal finance is increasingly viewed as a foundational skill. From managing student loans and credit cards to navigating taxes and long-term savings, financial literacy plays a critical role in economic independence and stability.

Competitions like this one encourage students to think critically about how financial knowledge affects their personal goals, family circumstances, and future career paths. By inviting participants to define what financial literacy means in their own words, organizers aim to foster both creativity and practical awareness.

Submission Deadline

The deadline for competition submissions is March 20^th.

Students must submit their entry online through the official Harrisburg University competition page:

 https://www.harrisburgu.edu/hufinancialliteracy/

Full eligibility requirements and submission guidelines are available at that link.

Educators, parents, and school administrators are encouraged to share the opportunity with eligible students before the deadline.

JOHNSTOWN: A federal judge has established a new deadline in the ongoing criminal case against former DuBois City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio, as prosecutors seek a hearing that could remove one of his attorneys from the case over alleged conflicts of interest.

In a court order issued Saturday, U. S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines granted the defense additional time to respond to the government’s motion requesting a formal hearing on the matter. Suplizio must file his response by March 20, 2026.

That filing will determine whether the court proceeds with a hearing that could potentially disqualify defense attorney William A. Shaw, Jr.

Alleged Conflict Of Interest

Federal prosecutors argue Shaw has what they describe as an “actual conflict of interest.” According to court filings, Shaw currently represents former DuBois Police Chief Blaine Clark in a separate civil case. Clark is expected to be subpoenaed by the government as a fact witness in Suplizio’s criminal trial.

If that occurs, Shaw could find himself in the position of cross-examining Clark — a client he represents in another legal matter. Prosecutors contend that scenario raises serious ethical concerns.

In addition, the government has pointed to Shaw’s involvement in recording a May 2023 executive session of DuBois City Council. During that closed-door meeting, council members discussed a bag containing $93,920 in cash that was allegedly connected to Suplizio and delivered by City Solicitor Toni Cherry.

Prosecutors argue Shaw could potentially be called as a witness regarding that recording. Legal ethics rules generally prohibit attorneys from serving as both an advocate and a witness in the same proceeding, a situation known as the “advocate-witness rule.”

The Underlying Criminal Case

Suplizio and former DuBois Area United Way executive Roberta Shaffer face charges of conspiracy to commit federal program theft along with multiple counts of federal program theft. Authorities allege the two engaged in a scheme involving the misuse of public and nonprofit funds spanning from 2008 through 2022.

A superseding indictment later broadened the scope of the alleged conspiracy and added federal money laundering charges tied to financial transactions exceeding $10,000.

Prosecutors have stated that Suplizio would not be left without legal representation if Shaw were removed from the case, noting he remains represented by attorneys Michael Comber and Alyssa Angotti.

The court’s next steps hinge on Suplizio’s March filing. If Judge Haines determines a hearing is warranted, it could shape the structure of the defense team as the case moves closer to trial.

Further developments are expected in the coming weeks as the deadline approaches.

Trial Date Penciled In

The long-awaited trial is slated to begin Monday, June 1^st and is scheduled to last all month long.