DUBOIS: The City of DuBois will once again take center stage in collegiate athletics as part of a statewide investment aimed at bringing major sporting events to Pennsylvania. On February 12, 2026, Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced a nearly $5 million boost in funding for important amateur and professional sporting events across the Commonwealth — including $53,000 awarded to support the 2026 USCAA Small College Baseball and Softball World Series in DuBois. 

The grants come from the DCED’s Sports Marketing and Tourism Program, a strategic initiative designed to attract high-quality sports competitions that bring visitors, economic activity, and tourism dollars to host communities. In addition to the USCAA World Series in DuBois, funding from the program supports events such as the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia, and the 2026 PGA Championship in Newtown Square. 

USCAA World Series History In DuBois

DuBois first emerged on the national small college baseball stage more than a decade ago. In 2018, the Penn State DuBois baseball team secured the USCAA Small College World Series national championship at Showers Field, underscoring the quality of local facilities and attracting fans from across the country. 

The USCAA — the United States Collegiate Athletic Association — has since extended its commitment to DuBois, with championship sites confirmed for multiple years, including May 10–15, 2026 and May 9–14, 2027. 

Showers Field: A Community Asset

Showers Field has long been a cornerstone of amateur baseball in the region. Originally built on land leased from the City in the 1940s, it was transformed from a basic community ballpark into a first-class facility through major renovations completed in 2012. That project — funded through grants and community investments — added a new field house, press box, bleachers, turf, concession stand, lighting, scoreboard, and expanded parking, drawing attention from national tournament organizers. 

Beyond baseball, the City has developed additional facilities such as Heindl Field, a multipurpose softball venue with turf designed to accommodate players of all abilities, and Stern Family Field, a turf-equipped venue opened in 2019 to expand playing opportunities. 

Economic Impact And Tourism Strategy

The USCAA Small College World Series has proven to be more than just a baseball tournament for DuBois. Past events have drawn hundreds of players, coaches, family members, and fans to the area, generating hotel stays, restaurant visits, and commerce throughout the region. According to earlier reports on previous tournaments, DuBois and Clearfield County communities saw substantial increases in room bookings and local spending during World Series weeks, with economic impacts fitting well into broader tourism strategies. 

By securing repeated years of championships and state grant support, DuBois continues to position itself as a hub for small-college athletics and sports tourism in Pennsylvania — showcasing its facilities, hospitality, and regional attractions to visitors from around the nation. 

What to Expect In 2026

The 2026 USCAA Small College Baseball and Softball World Series will return to DuBois over a multi-day span in the spring. The event brings together world-class amateur athletes and college teams at Showers Field and neighboring venues, continuing a tradition of competitive baseball and top-tier softball while spotlighting one of central Pennsylvania’s premier community sports destinations. 

DUBOIS: Shawn Lesky, founder of DuBoisLIVE, has filed a formal request under Pennsylvania’s Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law seeking documentation of professional liability (malpractice) insurance and any bond coverage carried by the City’s current solicitor and the two immediately preceding solicitor firms.

Lesky says the request is intended to provide sitting members of DuBois City Council with a clear understanding of what financial protections may exist if the City were ever to evaluate potential civil claims connected to legal advice, executive session procedures, privilege exposure, or the authorization of public funds for legal defense.

Importantly, Lesky stresses that no court has found misconduct, and the matters discussed below are being examined — not adjudicated. Whether any violation occurred remains undetermined.

What Prompted The Records Request

A federal court motion filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania describes background events in the prosecution of former City Manager John Suplizio.

The motion states investigators learned that:

• • On May 2, 2023, DuBois Solicitor Toni Cherry brought a gift bag containing $93,920 she received from Suplizio to city leadership.

• • Attorney William A. Shaw, Jr. attended and recorded an executive session of City Council convened to discuss that incident. 

📑 Latest_Motion_02-26-2026.pdf

The filing does not accuse Cherry of criminal conduct. It provides factual context for a conflict-of-interest motion involving defense counsel.

Still, Lesky argues that the events described raise legitimate governance and ethics questions that council members — and the public — are entitled to understand fully.

Statutes Potentially Implicated — If Facts Ultimately Support Concerns

Below are relevant Pennsylvania statutes and professional rules that could theoretically apply if certain factual circumstances were proven. Again, no determination of violation has been made.

1️⃣ Pennsylvania Sunshine Act

65 Pa.C.S. § 701 et seq.

Executive sessions are governed by § 708.

Section 708(a) provides:

“An agency may hold an executive session only for one or more of the following reasons…”

The statute then lists limited permissible purposes, including litigation strategy and matters involving investigations.

The Sunshine Act further establishes public policy in § 702:

“The people of this Commonwealth do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them… The deliberations of agencies shall be conducted openly.”

If an executive session was attended by a private attorney representing an individual whose interests diverged from the municipality’s, questions could arise about whether attendance was “necessary” for the lawful purpose of the session.

However, whether a violation occurred would depend entirely on:

• The purpose of the executive session,
• Who authorized attendance,
• Whether council consented,
• Whether litigation strategy required the presence of that individual.

2️⃣ Pennsylvania Public Official And Employee Ethics Act

65 Pa.C.S. § 1101 et seq.

Section 1103(a) provides:

“No public official or public employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest.”

Section 1102 defines “conflict of interest” as:

“Use by a public official… of the authority of his office… for the private pecuniary benefit of himself, a member of his immediate family or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated.”

If a solicitor’s actions benefited a private party at the expense of municipal interests, critics could argue this statute warrants examination. But benefit, intent, and authority would all need factual proof.

3️⃣ Pennsylvania Rules Of Professional Conduct

Municipal solicitors are attorneys bound by the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Rule 1.7 – Conflict Of Interest: Current Clients

Rule 1.7(a) states:

“A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest.”

A concurrent conflict exists if:

“There is a significant risk that the representation… will be materially limited by the lawyer’s responsibilities to another client, a former client, or a third person.”

If a solicitor’s duty to the City was materially limited by obligations to another party, that could implicate Rule 1.7. Whether such a limitation occurred depends on the facts.

Rule 1.6 – Confidentiality Of Information

Rule 1.6(a) provides:

“A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent…”

If confidential municipal legal strategy was exposed to outside counsel, questions of privilege and confidentiality could arise. Again, that depends on what was discussed and what authority existed.

Rule 1.13 – Organization As Client

Rule 1.13(a) clarifies:

“A lawyer employed or retained by an organization represents the organization acting through its duly authorized constituents.”

In municipal law, the “client” is the City itself — not individual officials personally.

If a divergence occurred between the interests of an official and the City, Rule 1.13 requires the lawyer to protect the organization’s interests.

Rule 8.4 – Misconduct

Rule 8.4(d) states that it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to:

“Engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.”

Whether any conduct rose to that level would require clear evidence and adjudication.

4️⃣ Pennsylvania Wiretap And Electronic Surveillance Control Act

18 Pa.C.S. § 5703

Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state. Section 5703 generally prohibits interception of communications without consent.

However, applicability depends on:

• Whether all participants consented,
• Whether the setting qualified as protected communication,
• Whether exceptions applied.

The federal motion confirms recording occurred but does not state whether consent was disputed.

latest_motion2-6-2026 (1)

5️⃣ Use of Public Funds for Legal Defense

Municipalities may indemnify or defend employees acting within the scope of employment.

However, authorization typically requires:

• Council approval,
• Lawful scope-of-employment determination,
• Absence of disqualifying conflicts.

If public funds were expended improperly, potential civil claims could include:

• Breach of fiduciary duty,
• Professional negligence,
• Recovery of unauthorized expenditures.

Whether that occurred remains a matter of record review, not speculation.

Why Insurance And Bond Records Matter

Professional liability insurance policies are typically “claims-made,” meaning:

• Coverage depends on when a claim is made and reported.
• Delays in notice can affect coverage.
• Policy limits cap recoverable damages.

Bond coverage may apply if statutory duties were breached.

Lesky argues that council cannot responsibly assess options without knowing:

• Coverage limits,
• Policy periods,
• Whether endorsements apply to municipal representation,
• Whether any bond exists.

Important Clarification

At this time:

• No court has found Solicitor Toni Cherry committed misconduct.
• The federal filing references factual events but does not charge her.
• The ethical and statutory issues outlined above are potential frameworks — not conclusions.

The purpose of the Right-to-Know request, Lesky says, is transparency — not accusation.

What Happens Next

Under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law, the City must respond within statutory deadlines. If denied, appeal lies with the Office of Open Records.

If records show robust coverage and proper authorization, that may settle concerns. If gaps appear, council will have decisions to make.

For now, the matter remains under examination — not adjudication. Lesky said, "According to the latest government motion (to remove Shaw as council), it was made known what had long been suspected. . . that Suplizo was negotiating a plea agreement via his attorney while continuing employment with the city. . . where it should have been made clear (by Solicitor Cherry) to both council members in attendance and the mayor at the time that the city would cover his legal expenses that, if successful, would have resulted in a deal which would have been to his personal benefit after having stolen from the city. The concept of restitution is to be made whole again. In this instance, not only did Cherry knowingly oversee and participate in pushing along the necessary motions, but she did so plainly in violation of her fiduciary duty to her client. . . that being the city and all of its residents. The city paid out hundreds of thousands more. . . and separate from the now $1.5 million sum that he stands accused of stealing and/or misusing. That is not quality stewardship. That is not doing right by one's client. That's a crystal clear violation of the public trust. I call upon Mayor Abbott and council to pursue all remedies, including filing suit and seeking damages from her firm for the unnecessary expenditure of hundreds of thousands in legal fees that, in a perfect world, would continue to be found in the city's general fund today. . . but aren't."

DUBOIS: If you live in Clearfield County or any of the surrounding yellow-highlighted counties, a hands-on, high-demand career opportunity is knocking.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 354 is currently accepting applications for its apprenticeship programs — with a deadline of February 28^th — offering residents across Western Pennsylvania a direct path into welding, HVAC, plumbing, and pipefitting careers.

Serving Western Pennsylvania Since 1972

Local 354 was formed in 1972 through the merger of three established unions — Local 302 in Charleroi, Local 530 in Johnstown, and Local 478 in Greensburg. Today, the union represents approximately 600 journeymen and apprentices across the region and is affiliated with the United Association, a national organization known for setting high standards in training and craftsmanship.

The union’s jurisdiction covers:

Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Fayette, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Somerset, Westmoreland — along with parts of Washington and Greene counties.

For residents in Clearfield County and neighboring communities, that means eligibility to apply and train within a respected, established labor organization.

What Makes Local 354 Different?

Local 354 emphasizes more than just job placement — it focuses on long-term career development.

Members receive access to:

• Structured, earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship programs
• Advanced training in HVAC and plumbing service
• Ongoing skills development to meet industry demand
• Work opportunities with signatory contractors
• Representation and support through United Association affiliation

The union operates a modern training center located at 5095 Center Drive in Latrobe, PA, offering state-of-the-art instruction in both HVAC and plumbing technologies.

Whether you’re:

• A high school graduate considering the trades
• Someone currently working non-union and looking for advancement
• An experienced technician seeking better training and stability
• A contractor looking for highly skilled labor

Local 354 positions itself as a resource and pathway forward.

Why Skilled Trades?

Skilled trades continue to be among the most stable and in-demand career fields in Pennsylvania. HVAC, plumbing, welding, and pipefitting are essential services — meaning steady demand regardless of economic swings.

Benefits of entering a union apprenticeship often include:

• Competitive wages that increase as skills improve
• Structured training with industry-certified instruction
• Health and retirement benefits
• Long-term job security
• Portable skills that travel with you

For Clearfield County residents especially, skilled trades provide a way to build a strong income without relocating — while serving local businesses, industries, and communities.

Application Deadline: February 28^th

Local 354 is encouraging eligible residents in its coverage counties to apply before the February 28 deadline. The opportunity offers a practical alternative to traditional college routes — with paid training and real-world experience from day one.

For individuals living in the highlighted counties — including Clearfield — this could be the start of a stable, hands-on career in a field that continues to grow.

DUBOIS: As residents react to higher water and sewer bills, DuBois City Manager Benjamin D. Kafferlin has issued a detailed public statement explaining the new rate structure, the financial obligations behind it, and the long-term infrastructure needs driving the changes.

The statement, released February 12^th, acknowledges frustration among residents and businesses.

“The City of DuBois recognizes that changes in water and sewer bills are personal and stressful for households and businesses,” the release begins. “Many residents have raised fair questions about what has changed, why it has changed, and how the City will ensure this system is reliable and sustainable into the future. We hear you — and we want to respond clearly and respectfully.”

What Changed?

The City has established monthly “Debt Service” charges effective immediately:

• $15 per month for water
• $20 per month for sewer

Updated usage rates are now:

• Water: $16 per 1,000 gallons
• Wastewater: $22 per 1,000 gallons

The release notes that water usage rates reflect “no change from the prior Sandy Township usage rate” but represent an increase from the former City rate of $10.50 per 1,000 gallons. Wastewater rates have increased from the City’s previous $19 rate and Sandy Township’s $18.50 rate.

The City explained that prior fee structures have now been standardized.

“These fees have been standardized and renamed ‘Debt Service’ on all water and sewer bills. Different structures, same underlying purpose: supporting safe, compliant, reliable utility service.”

Why Now?

Kafferlin said decades of deferred investment have left the system at risk.

“For too long, major capital items have been deferred — repairs and upgrades that a utility system cannot postpone forever without consequences. Deferring these investments has placed the overall system at risk. That is not an acceptable long-term path for our community.”

He outlined two “unavoidable realities”:

• The water system requires significant long-overdue investment, including treatment plant and reservoir improvements.
• The new wastewater treatment plant — described as an approximately $88 million project — is entering service and carries substantial required debt service.

“While this is a major step forward for long-term compliance and capacity, the related debt service is significant and must be paid.”

Consolidation And Equalization

Following the consolidation of former township and city systems, management had to create a unified rate structure accounting for past debt and future capital needs.

“As part of consolidation, the City also had to raise overall rates and equalize them so that customers across the community are treated consistently under a unified system and rate schedule.”

Are Bills Correct?

City officials say they have conducted quality checks and confirm that bills reflect approved rates.

“We have run quality checks, and the bills reflect the approved rates and charges. If your bill includes the updated base charges and usage rates outlined above, it aligns with the changes described in this release.”

However, staff are reportedly overwhelmed with calls.

“Our utility staff are currently inundated with phone calls, and the phone system is being overwhelmed.”

Residents are encouraged to review the posted rate breakdown before calling, and to reserve phone inquiries for urgent issues such as shutoffs, leaks, or account-specific problems.

A Request For Civility

The statement closes with a personal appeal from the City Manager.

“Please treat our utility employees with respect. Our staff did not make these policy decisions, and they do not control the underlying mandates or debt obligations tied to the wastewater project.”“We understand that people are upset, but being disrespectful to frontline employees is not helpful and does not solve the problem.”

Kafferlin concluded by emphasizing that reliable water and sewer service is essential and that long-term investment, though difficult, is necessary to ensure public health, regulatory compliance, and financial stability.

“As a community, we will get through this by staying focused on facts, treating each other respectfully, and making the investments required to secure the system for the future.”