Juniata Online Local News

Theft of Gasoline

2012-03-07T07:13:00.002-08:00

On March 1^st, State Police received a report of a theft that occurred from Ashley Eugene Robinson’s driveway at her residence in Newton Hamilton, Mifflin County. Someone removed approximately 13 gallons of gasoline from the tank of the 2001 white Pontiac Grand Am while it was in her driveway. The incident occurred on March 1^st at 671 Front Street in Newton Hamilton, Wayne Township.

Anyone that has information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the PSP at 717-320-1010.

Man Accused of Public Drunkenness in Port Royal

2012-03-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

According to State Police, John S. Landis, 41, of Thompsontown is accused of showing up at 34 year old Dorothy P. Reich’s residence in Port Royal at the Juniata Haven Trailer Court in Mildford Township and causing a disturbance on March 3^rd.

The accused was lodged in the Juniata County jail for public drunkenness.

Burglary Attempt In Lewistown

2012-03-07T06:42:00.001-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated an incident of commercial burglary that occurred at Collins Tool Incorporated in Lewistown on March 4^th. Someone forced entry into the main office of the business. Once inside the office, the actor(s) attempted to pry open a metal cabinet. Nothing was reported to have been removed from the business.

Anyone with information about his incident is asked to contact PSP-Lewistown at 717-320-1010.

McAlisterville Woman Accused of Harassment

2012-03-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

On March 6^th, State Police investigated a report of harassment at 31 Brandt Drive in Fayette Township, Juniata County. Agnes Marie Yohn, 52, of McAlisterville, was reportedly assaulted by Althea Marie Souders, 54, also of McAlisterville.

Charges will be filed against the accused with District Justice Lyter’s office.

Preparation Work to Begin for the Route 35 bridge in Tell Township, Huntingdon County

2012-03-06T19:40:00.002-08:00

Hollidaysburg - PennDOT announced that beginning Wed., March 7, prime contractor, Lobar Site Development of Dillsburg, York County, will begin building a temporary roadway for work on the Route 35 bridge replacement in Tell Township, Huntingdon County.

Once the temporary roadway is in place, traffic will then be controlled by a temporary signal and bridge replacement work will begin.

Work on this $738,641, project will consist of a complete replacement of the existing structure and minor roadway work as needed and is expected to be completed by May 2013.
Follow local PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAAltoona

CONSUMER REPORTS: MANY POPULAR DRUG COUPON PROGRAMS NOT A PRESCRIPTION FOR SAVINGS

2012-03-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

Coupons are usually a great way to save money but when it comes to shopping for prescription drugs, Consumer Reports urges consumers to say “no, thanks.”

To save a buck on prescription medications, more consumers than ever are turning to manufacturer coupons.   In a new report about drug coupons, Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs estimates that nearly 16 percent of consumers (close to 19 million Americans) use coupons to save money on prescription medications.

The report explains that drug discount programs could steer a consumer toward a drug that is not the best choice. Free trials or deep discounts are available for several cholesterol lowering drugs including Crestor, Lipitor, and Vytorin; as well as the antidepressants Cymbalta, Effexor, and Pristiq; Nexium for heartburn and acid reflux; and Actos for diabetes.

“One of the downsides of these programs is that they’re finite. So consumers get started on a drug because they think they’re getting a bargain and then the deal goes away. And that leaves a consumer either paying the full copay for a branded drug or the cash price of the medication once the discount program ends,” said Lisa Gill, editor, prescription drugs, Consumer Reports. “We urge consumers to ask their doctors about comparable generics, especially when considering a drug to treat a chronic condition that may require long term drug therapy. Generics are just as safe and effective and will offer savings that are permanent.”

The report notes that copays for generics are often much lower—sometimes as little as 1/10^th the cost—as those for brand name drugs.

Fort Indiantown Gap Begins Prescribed Burns for Wildfire Prevention

2012-03-06T03:57:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Forestry Department has begun its spring prescribed burns to reduce the risk of wildfire at Fort Indiantown Gap, Lebanon County.

Weather permitting, the burns will be held between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

A prescribed burn is a commonly used forestry management technique that reduces the amount of combustible material naturally existing in the wilderness. It is performed only when conditions such as humidity, wind and temperature are ideal for managing fires. Prescribed burns are not conducted unless all required weather conditions are met.

“Prescribed burns help reduce the potential of major wildfires on Fort Indiantown Gap property,” said DMVA Forest Program Manager Shannon Henry. “More than 250 prescribed burns have occurred at Fort Indiantown Gap in the past decade and they are always conducted by properly trained personnel with an approved plan and coordinated with the appropriate authorities.”

Prescribed burns will be conducted on approximately 2,500 acres at Fort Indiantown Gap through May.

Fort Indiantown Gap, headquarters to the DMVA and Pennsylvania National Guard, offers more than 17,000 acres and 140 training areas and facilities for year-round training. It balances one of the region’s most ecologically diverse areas with a military mission that annually supports 19,000 Pennsylvania National Guard personnel and more than 130,000 other states’ Guard, military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel each year. It is the only live-fire, maneuver military training facility in Pennsylvania.

For more information visit the Fort Indiantown Gap website at www.ftig.ng.mil or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ftindiantowngap

Anti-Texting Law to Take Effect March 8 in Pennsylvania

2012-03-06T03:53:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania's new law prohibiting text-based communication while driving will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 8, making texting while driving a primary offense carrying a $50 fine.

"Your most important job when behind the wheel is to focus only on driving.

Most people would never close their eyes for five seconds while driving, but that's how long you take your eyes of the road, or even longer, every time you send or read a text message," PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. "It's not just your own life you're risking; it's the lives and safety of every motorist around you."

The new law specifically does the following:
• Makes it a primary offense to use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read or write a text-based message.
• Defines an IWCD as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smartphone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging, emailing or browsing the Internet.
• Defines a text-based message as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an IWCD.
• Institutes a $50 fine for convictions.
• Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers.

"This is a serious problem and we are hoping that we can educate citizens on the dangers of texting while driving and prevent future accidents," said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan. "Our troopers will attempt to use observations of the driver while the vehicle is in motion to determine if traffic stops are warranted. An example might be the motorist continues to manipulate the device over an extended distance with no apparent voice communication.

"Ultimately, we hope that our enforcement efforts will create voluntary compliance by the majority of motorists," Noonan said.

In 2010, there were nearly 14,000 crashes in Pennsylvania where distracted driving played a role, with 68 people dying in those crashes.

Learn more online at www.dot.state.pa.us and choose "Anti-Texting Law."

Missing Person Later Found in Lewistown

2012-03-05T08:50:00.002-08:00

Lewistown - On March 3rd, State Police at Lewistown investigated a missing person report. 28 year old Amanda Jo Taylor Macaffrey, a white female, walked away from 3900 block of Back Maitland Road in Decatur Township, Mifflin County at approximately 12:00 pm. Due to her diminished mental capacity, she was considered to be endangered.

Macaffrey was later located in Lewistown Borough later that day and was taken to Lewistown Hospital for an evaluation.

Crash in Cocolamus

2012-03-05T04:51:00.001-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated a crash on March 3^rd on Cocolamus Road. Amber L. Spelas, 19, of Newport traveled off the roadway and struck a guiderail. The front bumper of her Saturn Ion made initial impact with the guiderail and sustained disabling damage to the front bumper area of the vehicle as a result of this crash.

There were no reported injuries. Spelas and the minor child that was a passenger in the vehicle were both using safety equipment. According to police, multiple citations will be filed for numerous Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Violations.

Crash with Injuries

2012-03-05T03:54:00.000-08:00

On March 3^rd, State Police at Lewistown investigated a crash on William Penn Highway in Fermanagh Township, Juniata County. 37 year old Kristie L. Winn, of Lewistown was traveling east when she traveled off the south side of William Penn Highway, striking a utility pole.

According to police reports, Winn received minor injuries in the incident and was transported to Lewistown Hospital by Central Juniata EMS and will be cited for the collision.

Seminar to Provide Tips to Help Older Adults Live Safely at Home

2012-03-05T03:45:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – The Department of Aging will sponsor a seminar to help older Pennsylvanians live at home longer at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 5, at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. The seminar is offered as part of the Pennsylvania Home Show.

A certified “Aging in Place” specialist will present remodeling ideas and other solutions to help older adults live safely at home. The Department of Aging promotes home- and community-based care, recognizing that it is the long-term care option most preferred by older adults.

Date/Time:
Monday, March 5 - 2 p.m.

Location:
Farm Show Complex and Expo Center
Exposition Hall
2300 N. Cameron St.
Harrisburg

Hit and Run With Property Damage

2012-03-05T03:32:00.002-08:00

On March 1, 2012, State Police at Lewistown investigated a hit and run that occurred on Alfrarata Road approximately a 1/10 of a mile west of Snapdragon Lane in Decatur Township, Mifflin County. According to police reports, Damian S. Snook, 26, McClure fell asleep at the wheel just prior to a gradual right had curve in the roadway. Snook woke back up and over compensated at the curve. This caused his vehicle to exit the roadway. The vehicle continued through the front yard of a residence and struck a gas grill.

After impact, the vehicle traveled down a small embankment and came to rest facing southeast. After impact, Snook fled the scene without contacting the property owner of the damage. Snook will be cited for careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident through District Court 58-3-02. No injuries were reported.

Crash With Serious Injuries In Mifflin County

2012-03-03T20:34:00.002-08:00

A crash occurred on SR 103 in the area of Crozier Loop, in Bratton Township, Mifflin County on Saturday evening on March 3. For unknown reasons, Patricia E. Freed, 61 of McVeytown traveled off the western side of the roadway and down an embankment. The vehicle then traveled south and struck a utility pole head-on. Freed was flown to the Altoona Hospital Trauma center with major injuries.

The passenger in the vehicle, 24 year old Tiffany A. Freed, also from McVeytown was transported to Lewistown Hospital with moderate injuries. According to police, neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt.

Assisting at the scene were McVeytown Volunteer Fire Company, McVeytown Ambulance, and Fame Ambulance. The operator of the vehicle will be charged through District Court 58-3-01 for careless driving and for not wearing her seatbelt.

Horse Owners Encouraged to Take Steps Now to Prevent West Nile Virus

2012-03-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

Harrisburg – Agriculture Secretary George Greig today urged Pennsylvania horse owners to consult their veterinarians about options for West Nile Virus prevention before mosquito season begins.

“From recreational trail riders and trained competitors to top-notch breeding and racing, Pennsylvania’s equine industry represents an important segment of our state’s leading economic driver – agriculture,” said Greig. “Animal health is a top industry priority, and I encourage horse owners to speak to their veterinarians about protecting their animals against encephalitic diseases like West Nile Virus.”

Equine encephalitic diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes and cause inflammation of the brain. Mosquitoes become more active with warm weather in early spring.

Vaccines are available to help prevent West Nile Virus and other equine encephalitic diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis. Vaccines are usually administered in February or March prior to mosquito season. Horse owners should talk with their veterinarians to determine the best time to start the vaccination process. Horses vaccinated against Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalitis are not protected against West Nile Virus.

Greig cautioned that vaccination of horses is not a guarantee of protection against infection. The best way to prevent infection of West Nile Virus is to reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitoes by eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Important steps to be taken include:

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, buckets, ceramic pots or other unwanted water-holding containers on the property.
Pay special attention to discarded tires, which are mosquito breeding sites.
Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors. Containers with drainage holes located only on the sides collect enough water to act as mosquito breeding sites.
Clean clogged roof gutters every year. Millions of mosquitoes can breed in roof gutters each season.
Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
Empty and refill outdoor water troughs, buckets and birdbaths every few days so water does not stagnate.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools when not in use. Mosquitoes may breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property, especially near manure storage areas. Mosquitoes may breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.

Additional steps can be taken by horse owners to protect their horses:

Reduce the number of birds in and around the stable area. Eliminate roosting areas in the rafters of the stable. Certain species of wild birds are the main reservoir for the virus.
Check the property for dead birds, especially crows. Any suspicious birds should be reported online to www.westnile.state.pa.us or by calling the Department of Environmental Protection at 717-346-8238. Use gloves to handle dead birds and place the birds in plastic bags. If not submitting the bird for testing, the bagged bird can be placed in the trash. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after discarding the dead bird.
Topical preparations containing mosquito repellents are available for horses. Read the product label before using.

For more information contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health at 717-783-6897 or visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.

Stolen Cash Under Investigation

2012-03-03T15:04:00.002-08:00

State Police are investigation an incident of burglary/theft at a residence on Old Stage Road near the village of Beltown, Mifflin County. Scott Drukenmiller , 29, of McClure reported that someone entered his residence and removed $500 from his gun cabinet sometime between February 29^th and March 2^nd.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact PA State Police at Lewistown at 717-320-1010.

Downed Tree Causes Commercial Vehicle Crash

2012-03-03T09:21:00.003-08:00

A crash occurred on March 2^nd in the early morning hours on US Highway 22 in Wayne Township Mifflin County at Big Greenbriar Road. Orlando Gonzalez, 41, of Matawan, NJ was traveling east bound in a 2006 Freightliner when he hit a tree that had fallen onto power lines and across the roadway.

The front windshield and upper cab area of the vehicle made initial impact with the fallen tree. The truck sustained disabling damage to both areas as a result of the crash. Gonzalez was not injured.

Criminal Mischief in Thompsontown

2012-03-03T09:14:00.001-08:00

An unknown actor damaged outside pool light on March 2, sometime between midnight and 11:00am. The light was located at 12987 William Penn Highway in Delaware Township, Juniata County. The light belonged to 71 year old JoAnne Davis of Thompsontown.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact PA State Police at Lewistown at 717-320-1010.

Four Car Collision in Mifflintown

2012-03-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated a four vehicle crash that occurred in the afternoon on March 2 at CJEMS Drive and SR 35 in Mifflintown. The crash occurred as Allison Diane Miller, 25, of Mifflintown was traveling southbound on SR 35.

Melissa Dawn Palloto, 40, of Lewistown, Carol M. Keeler, 69 of Thompsontown, and Karen Christine Junk, 54 of Honey Grove we all stopped at the intersection near SR 35 and CJEMS Drive when Miller, not realizing the vehicles in front of her were stopped collided into Palloto. Palloto then pushed into Keeler and Keeler then pushed into Junk.

Miller’s Chevrolet Celebrity station wagon incurred disabling front end damage. Palloto’s Ford Contour had both moderate rear and front end damage. Keeler’s Honda Civic had moderate read end damage and minor front end damage. Junk’s Ford Fusion incurred minor rear end damage. Miller will be cited for the collision.

Sign Up for PennDOT District 8 Construction Notices and Traffic Advisories in south central PA

2012-03-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

With March as the traditional start of the construction season, PennDOT Engineering District 8 reminds motorists they can sign up to receive email notices about PennDOT highway construction projects and travel advisories in south central Pennsylvania. “These are the same press releases and traffic notices that we send to the news media outlets and the professional traffic services such as Traffax and Total Traffic Network,” said District 8 District Executive Mike Keiser.

To subscribe to this email service, go to PennDOT’s main website at www.dot.state.pa.us. From the homepage click on “PennDOT Organizations” and then “Engineering Districts & County Maintenance Organizations”. From there, click on “District 8” in the statewide map, and then click on either “News Releases” or “Local Traffic Advisories”. On this last page there are two buttons, one for subscribing to “District 8-0 News Releases and Travel Advisories” and the other one for unsubscribing to the service. Previously issued news releases and travel advisories are also available on this page for viewing. You can select to receive news releases for a specific county or for all of south central Pennsylvania.

Tire Spinning At Rosewood

2012-03-02T04:12:00.000-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated an incident that was reported to have occurred in the Rosewood Market parking lot on February 26th. Trisha Jean Santos-Villalobo, 30, of Mifflin is accused of spinning her tires on a few occasions at the location above following a verbal altercation during a property exchange.

The accused will be cited through District Court 41-3-01 for disorderly conduct.

East Waterford Incident

2012-03-02T04:07:00.002-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated an incident that was reported to have occurred on Main Street in East Waterford in Juniata County on March 1^st.

An unnamed 49 year old male from East Waterford is accused being involved in a domestic dispute with a 46 year old female from East Waterford.

The investigation continues.

Domestic Dispute Results in Harassment Charges

2012-03-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated an incident that was reported to have occurred at a private residence along Swartz Valley road in Juniata County back on February 20^th. An unnamed 42 year old male from Richfield is accused of shoving a 60 year old female victim to the floor following a verbal altercation regarding turning the television off.

The accused will be cited through District Court 41-3-01 for harassment.

Steel Taken From Mifflin County

2012-03-02T03:50:00.002-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated an incident that was reported on February 27^th on SR 522 South in Strodes Mills, Oliver Township, Mifflin County. A trailer loaded with six large pieces of industrial steel molds was taken from the parking lot of MCS Transportation. The removed items belonged to Standard Steel of Burnham.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact State Police at 717-320-1010.

Firewood Stolen From Residence In Mifflin County

2012-03-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

State Police investigated a report by Richard Shields of Ferguson Valley Road in Wayne Township, Mifflin County, that firewood was stolen from his woodpile several time over the last month. Some of the stolen firewood was found in the residence of Nathanael Fisher, who is the neighbor of the victim.

Nathanael D. Fisher is being charged with one count of theft by receiving stolen property.

Pennsylvania’s Employment Situation for January 2012

2012-03-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in January, down from 7.7 percent in December 2011. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was below the U.S. rate of 8.3 percent, and has been below the U.S. rate for 45 consecutive months, and at or below the U.S. rate for 62 consecutive months.

The state’s unemployment rate was down 0.4 percentage points from January 2011.

Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted civilian labor force – the number of people working or looking for work – was down 7,000 in January to 6,381,000. Resident employment was down 2,000 to 5,896,000, and the number of unemployed residents fell 4,000 to 485,000. Pennsylvania’s labor force was 19,000 below its January 2011 level.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in Pennsylvania were down 9,000 in January to 5,703,800. The January drop followed a December gain of 8,700 jobs. Goods producing industries added 8,900 jobs in January with increases in all three supersectors. Losses were concentrated in service providing industries, which declined 17,900 over the month. Education & health services made up a large portion of the decline, down 14,600 in January.

Pennsylvania’s job count was up 37,200 (0.7 percent) over the year while national total nonfarm jobs were up 1,953,000 (1.5 percent).

A breakdown of Pennsylvania’s employment statistics is available on the Department of Labor & Industry’s website at www.dli.state.pa.us.

Editor’s Note: Because the data included in each month’s news release (primarily civilian labor force and nonfarm jobs data) are sample-based, the data are subject to revisions. Once each year, estimates are adjusted to new levels based on additional or revised information collected after the initial release of the data (called a benchmark). Additionally, seasonal adjustment factors for historic labor force and nonfarm jobs data are updated each year. Revisions to the labor force and nonfarm jobs series have been completed and are reflected in the January news release.

Revenue Department Releases February Collections

2012-03-01T12:55:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania collected $1.7 billion in General Fund revenue in February, which was $15.6 million, or 0.9 percent, more than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported today. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $15.5 billion, which is $481.6 million, or 3 percent, below estimate.

Sales tax receipts totaled $623.7 million for February, $6.5 million below estimate. Year-to-date sales tax collections total $5.8 billion, which is $35.7 million, or 0.6 percent, more than anticipated.

Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in February was $812.8 million, $36.2 million above estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $6.5 billion, which is $175.3 million, or 2.6 percent, below estimate.

February corporation tax revenue of $64.2 million was $9.7 million, below estimate. Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $1.4 billion, which is $296.5 million, or 17.8 percent, below estimate.

Inheritance tax revenue for the month was $64.9 million, $1.8 million above estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $525.6 million, which is $9.5 million, or 1.8 percent, below estimate.

Realty transfer tax revenue was $15.1 million for February, $1 million below estimate, bringing the fiscal-year total to $190.6 million, which is $10.8 million, or 5.4 percent, less than anticipated.

Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, malt beverage, liquor and table games taxes, totaled $107 million for the month, $300,000 below estimate and bringing the year-to-date total to $980.4 million, which is $6.9 million, or 0.7 percent, above estimate.

Non-tax revenue totaled $15.6 million for the month, $4.9 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $148.3 million, which is $32.2 million, or 17.8 percent, below estimate.

In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $164.8 million for the month, $5.4 million above estimate. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund – which include the commonly known gas and diesel taxes, as well as other license, fine and fee revenues – total $1.6 billion, which is $8.1 million, or 0.5 percent, above estimate.

For more information, visit www.revenue.state.pa.us.

Governor Corbett Proclaims March 4-10 as Agriculture Week

2012-03-01T12:54:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today proclaimed March 4-10 as “Agriculture Week” in Pennsylvania to celebrate the many contributions of the state’s leading industry.

“Pennsylvania was built on fertile fields and hard work and this week we take time to celebrate our nationally respected agriculture industry,” said Governor Corbett. “From our more than 63,000 farm families who produce quality agricultural commodities, to the thousands of jobs connected to the industry and the estimated $57 billion in economic impact.”

Pennsylvania is a national leader in the production of many agricultural commodities, including apples, chickens, Christmas trees, eggs, grapes, milk, mushrooms, oats, peaches, pears, pumpkins and trout.

Consumers can ensure they are buying products made or grown in Pennsylvania by purchasing PA Preferred™ items.

“Pennsylvania is home to an abundant and diverse food supply,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “Buying PA Preferred products helps support our farmers and local businesses, while making investments in local economies and keeping Pennsylvania growing. PA Preferred makes a difference.”

The PA Preferred program identifies agricultural products grown and processed in Pennsylvania to consumers and major retail, wholesale and distribution chains interested in supporting local farmers and businesses.

The program’s trademark is a gold checkmark inside a blue keystone. It can be found on products year-round at farmers markets, restaurants, food processors, grocery chains, craft breweries and wineries.

The Department of Agriculture is celebrating Agriculture Week with events:

Monday, March 5 – Greig will visit Masonic Village Farm in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County. The farm recently earned national recognition for environmental stewardship.

Tuesday, March 6 – Greig will present a Berks County homeschooler who won the 2012 Farm Show Detectives program with free ice cream for a year and an ice cream party for 80 fellow homeschoolers at the Fleetwood Bible Church, sponsored by Turkey Hill.

Thursday, March 8 – Greig will teach students from Steelton-Highspire Elementary School in Dauphin County how to make PA Preferred pizzas and how popular food items are grown.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

Animal Cruelty Case Under Investigation

2012-02-29T21:03:00.002-08:00

State Police at Lewistown responded to a report of cruelty to animals on February 27^th. An unknown actor shot and killed a black and white colored cat owned by Christopher Kramer of McAlisterville. The actor then fled the scene.

The incident occurred on Kramer Lane in Juniata County. Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact PSP at 717-320-1010.

Domestic Dispute Results in Harassment Charges

2012-02-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

State Police at Lewistown responded to a report of a domestic incident at 47 Cohenour Drive in Juniata County on February 29^th. Jones David Glick was accused of the harassment of Lauren Rosine Winder. Charges were filed before District Justice 41-3-01.

Deer Causes Crash

2012-02-29T20:52:00.002-08:00

State Police at Lewistown responded to a report of a crash on February 27 on US Highway 22/322 west of the Thompsontown exit.

Gail E. Switzer, 51, of Mifflintown was involved in a collision traveling west on US Highway 22/322 when she struck a deer in the roadway with her left front of her vehicle. Neither Switzer or her passenger were injured in the incident.

New Website Details Governor Corbett’s Proposed $338.1 Million Funding Increase for School Districts

2012-02-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Harrisburg – The Department of Education today launched a new website that clearly explains the increases in state taxpayer funding that school districts will receive under Governor Tom Corbett’s proposed 2012-13 state budget.

The website, which offers accurate funding information for the primary subsidies appropriated to school districts, is www.investinginpastudents.com.

Corbett’s proposed 2012-13 budget would provide more than $9.3 billion in state taxpayer funds in support of public schools. This is an increase of $338.1 million, or 3.7 percent, over the current budget and represents the largest amount of funding to public schools in state history.

Earlier this month, Governor Corbett proposed to consolidate four education line items – Basic Education Funding, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation, plus School Employees’ Social Security - into one funding source, known as the Student Achievement Education Block Grant.

This proposal will give local officials maximum flexibility in directing funds to areas that they believe will most benefit students.

To view the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school district funding comparisons for the primary subsidies, visit www.investinginpastudents.com.

PPL Unveils Helpful New Customer Alerts

2012-02-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

There are now four myPPL Alerts available for customers to get important information by phone, email or text message on power outages, their bill, monthly usage or the utility’s Price to Compare. Customers need only have a myPPL profile to participate. Customers who don’t have one will be prompted to register.

“Customers want important, useful information on their terms and these alerts do just that,” said Bob Geneczko, vice president of Customer Services for PPL Electric Utilities. “They’ll be able to stay current during an outage that might affect their home or business or get other information to help them make more informed energy decisions.”

Geneczko said that with wireless communications devices like cell phones, smartphones and more now outnumbering the population in the United States, setting up the alerts will be a great fit for a very connected customer base.

Signing up at www.pplelectric.com/alerts is free, easy and secure. Customers can set up myPPL Alerts on their home phone, smartphone or email — or all three.

Alert descriptions follow:

Outages
Customers who sign up will receive an Outage Alert if power at their home or business is out longer than 30 minutes. They’ll receive updates when the outage status changes. This is an upgrade to the previous outage update system that used only phone calls to provide restoration information.

A convenient feature we’ve built into our 24/7 Outage Alerts is the ability to turn them off, so to speak, so customers don’t get alerts when they don’t want them. They can set a quiet period in advance to prevent alerts from being sent during hours they choose. And there is a “sleep” feature available for voice or text devices that will temporarily stop messages for eight hours after the sleep feature is activated.

As always, we encourage customers to report outages when they occur at 1-800-342-5775 or online at www.pplelectric.com/outage. Reporting helps PPL Electric Utilities better determine the size and scope of an outage. Customers reporting an outage can enroll in Outage Alerts to receive restoration updates if they have not previously enrolled.

If customers receive an outage alert, then PPL Electric Utilities already knows about the issue.

Also, customers shouldn’t forget they can use their mobile device to access the new mobile outage website.

Customers who access www.pplelectric.com/outage through a mobile device will automatically see a mobile-friendly view of the key outage features available on the full site, with no download required. They also can bookmark the mobile site Web address: m.pplelectric.com.

Price to Compare
The Price to Compare is the rate for generation and transmission services for customers who have not switched to an alternate generation supplier. PPL Electric Utilities buys that power on their behalf and passes it on without profit.

The price changes every three months, on March 1, June 1, Sept. 1 and Dec. 1.

A customer who signs up for the Price to Compare alert will get one alert in the month prior to the price change. It reminds customers of the upcoming adjustment, making them a more informed electricity shopper.

Bill Alert and Abnormal Usage
The Bill Alert allows customers to set an amount for their monthly bill and be notified if charges exceed that amount.

The Abnormal Usage Alert will notify customers if their electricity use is unusually high — at least 50 percent higher than their 90-day average for three consecutive days. Time of year and time of the week are considered.

PPL Electric Utilities is piloting the Price to Compare, Bill Alert and Abnormal Usage alerts to understand how they help customers manage their electricity use.

PPL Electric Utilities, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), provides electric delivery services to about 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania and has consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. More information is available at www.pplelectric.com.

Free Tax Help for Military Personnel and Their Families

2012-02-29T14:10:00.002-08:00

Free tax return preparation assistance is available for eligible military members and their spouses. The IRS and U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which provides free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and other tax assistance to military members and their families.

Here are five things you need to know about free military tax assistance:

1. Armed Forces Tax Council The Armed Forces Tax Council oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, conducting outreach with the IRS to military personnel and their families. The AFTC consists of tax program coordinators for the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard.

2. Volunteer tax sites Volunteer assistors at military-based VITA sites are trained to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the Earned Income Tax Credit guidelines.

3. What to bring To receive free tax assistance, bring the following records to your military VITA site:

Valid photo identification
Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
Wage and earning statement(s) like Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R
Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099)
A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
Checkbook for routing and account numbers for direct deposit
Total amount paid for day care and day care provider’s identifying number
Other relevant information about income and expenses

4. Joint returns If your filing status is Married Filing Jointly and you wish to file your tax return electronically, both you and your spouse should be present to sign the required forms. If it isn’t possible for both of you to be present, a valid power of attorney that allows tax preparation can be used to sign and file the return.

5. Special exception There is a special exception to using a power of attorney for spouses in combat zones. The exception allows the filing spouse to e-file a joint return with only a written statement stating the other spouse is in a combat zone and unable to sign.

For more information, review IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available on the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov or order a free copy by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Link:

Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide (PDF 1010.5K)

Landis Valley Museum to Present Lancaster Long Rifle Exhibit

2012-02-29T02:41:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg — A new exhibit featuring historic long rifles will open March 11 at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum in Lancaster County.

“The Golden Age of an American Art Form: The Lancaster Long Rifle” exhibit will feature more 50 long rifles drawn from the museum’s collection, other museums and private collections, some of which are being shown for the first time. The exhibit, which runs through December, is made possible by a grant from the Richard C. von Hess Foundation.

Made by such revered gunsmiths as Jacob Dickert, Melchior Fordney, J.P. Beck, Andreas Albrecht and Martin Mylin, among others, the rifles show a level of craftsmanship and detail that bring the firearms into the realm of art.

“Lancaster County gunsmiths were craftsmen who excelled at producing exquisite, hand-made pieces incorporating highly refined artistic carving, engraving and inlaying while at the same time satisfying the need for accurate hunting weapons,” said James Lewars, museum site director.

The long rifle form evolved from German-made wheel lock and flintlock “Jaeger guns,” several of which will be on display. The resulting long, slender weapon, also known as the “Kentucky Rifle,” subsequently became an iconic national symbol, one that is closely associated with the taming of the frontier.

Made in Lancaster County from the 1770s to the 1840s—a period known as the “Golden Age” of rifle making—the rifles will share space with pistols, powder horns, game bags, gunsmithing tools and contemporary images of the long rifle form. Lancaster gunsmiths also produced distinctive smooth-bore “Fowlers,” which will also be included in the exhibit.

The Landis Valley Village and Farm museum is a nationally significant living history village dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history and culture of the Pennsylvania German community from 1740 to 1940. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in partnership with the Landis Valley Associates. The museum is located off Route 272/Oregon Pike, a marked exit off both Route 30 and Route 222.

For more information on the museum, visit www.landisvalleymuseum.org.

Suspect Stopped for Suspicion of DUI

2012-02-28T11:34:00.001-08:00

Pennsylvania State Police stopped an unnamed 59 year old male suspect for a traffic violation on SR 75, near the OIP, in Walker Township, Juniata County on February 27^th. The suspect was transported to the Lewistown Hospital for suspicion of DUI.

The investigation continues.

Route 322 Bridge Work/Lane Restrictions Start March 5 near Lewistown

2012-02-28T11:16:00.002-08:00

Lewistown – Lewistown area drivers will encounter lane restrictions on Route 322 starting Monday, March 5. The restrictions are necessary as a project to rehabilitate six bridges between Reedsville and Burnham continues.

On March 5, eastbound drivers will begin using a crossover near the Belleville/Reedsville exit. This traffic pattern will provide one lane for eastbound traffic and one lane for westbound traffic in the westbound lanes between Reedsville and Burnham. This traffic pattern will be in effect through late August. Lane width will be restricted to 10-feet.

This work is part of a multi-year bridge rehabilitation project on Route 322 from Reedsville to Burnham in Derry and Brown Townships. Work is scheduled through the 2014 construction season and includes bridge repair, painting, drainage, and paving. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $11.8 million job. All work is weather and schedule dependent.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAStateCOLL.

PA National Guard Awards New State Military Medal for Public Service

2012-02-26T19:18:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania National Guard awarded the first two recipients of its new Major Octavius V. Catto Medal today during a ceremony at The Union League of Philadelphia.

The first Pennsylvania Army National Guard recipient is 1st Sgt. Kevin Bittenbender of Lewisburg, Union County. He was recognized for volunteering a modestly estimated 500 hours of his time for various organizations since 2005.

(Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Sgt. Matt Jones/released)

“Despite the demands of being a traditional Guardsman, father and husband, he gives very generously of his free time—hundreds of hours every year—to help coach the U.S. Paralympics biathlon team,” said Col. George Schwartz, commander of the Pennsylvania Guard’s 55th Heavy Brigade. “First Sgt. Bittenbender and his wife, Molly, even host athletes in their home during training periods. He is also very proud of the fact that several of the athletes he works with are disabled veterans.”

The first Pennsylvania Air National Guard recipient is Maj. Jonathan Bell, a chaplain in the Pittsburgh-based 171st Air Refueling Wing. The Pittsburgh resident was recently recognized as the Chaplain of the Quarter for U.S. Central Command and was nominated as 2011 Air National Guard Chaplain of the Year for his service overseas.

(Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Sgt. Matt Jones/released)

“We are so proud and humbled to have Chaplain Bell in our unit. He epitomizes what the Catto medal stands for and really puts light on the term citizen-soldier,” said Col. Steven Painter, vice commander of the 171st Air Refueling Wing. “He just returned from a seven-month deployment and yet he remains a constant figurehead in the community. He is always helping out the community in any way he can.”

Maj. Gen. Wesley Craig, adjutant general of Pennsylvania, spoke at the ceremony and pinned the recipients.

“There is no doubt that these individuals are deserving of the honor bestowed upon them today,” said Craig. “They have distinguished themselves from among their peers and—through their acts of military and civic leadership—exemplify the best that our National Guardsmen have to offer.”

Catto was a Civil War-era Pennsylvania militia officer who was killed in Philadelphia in 1871 while on duty defending African-Americans at polling places by those who opposed their right to vote. He was a professor at the Institute for Colored Youth and a community leader who led desegregation efforts in Philadelphia in the 1860s.

“It was my privilege to be able to honor the memory of a great Pennsylvania military officer who was killed while defending liberty,” said Craig. “The spirit of Major Catto is alive in today's Guard members, and this new state medal allows us to formally recognize our soldiers and airmen for their outstanding community service and support.”

The medal was originally created in the 1880s, but no records show that it had ever been awarded before it disappeared. It was approved for re-introduction into the commonwealth’s military decorations system in December 2011 and is awarded to members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who distinguish themselves as leaders through community support and public service.

Commercial Vehicle Crashes in Mifflin County

2012-02-26T10:16:00.002-08:00

State Police at Lewistown responded to a commercial vehicle crash on 2/24/12 on US Highway 22 in Wayne Township, Mifflin County. According to police reports, 23 year old Brody G. Goss was traveling west when he experienced difficulties consuming a beverage, causing him to become distracted. The vehicle travel across the east bound lane and exited the roadway. It then traveled down into a ditch where the undercarriage of the vehicle made initial impact with the embankment.

The vehicle then continued a short distance west before the center front of the Freightliner struck a tree. Goss was not injured in the incident but received a citation for Vehicle Code 3309, Driving on Roadways.

Forgery Investigation Continues

2012-02-26T10:08:00.001-08:00

State Police at Lewistown are investigating a reported forgery at 817 Hill Road in Mifflin County on February 23^rd. According to police, 33 year old Quentin Graham of Richfield reported that someone attempted to apply for several credit cards using his personal information.

The investigation continues.

Sleep Causes Crash

2012-02-26T10:03:00.002-08:00

State Police cited William E. Dressler, 64, of McAlisterville for a crash that occurred on SR 235 on February 24^th. According to police, the crash occurred as Dressler was traveling north on SR 235. Dressler fell asleep and drove his vehicle off the eastside of the roadway and struck the guardrail with the front of his vehicle. The vehicle continued north after impact, causing damage to the passenger side. Dressler was eventually able to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop just south of the impact site.

Dressler was not injured in the incident, but received a citation for careless driving.

Statewide Roadside Cleanup Planned, Volunteers Needed

2012-02-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Harrisburg – PennDOT is seeking volunteers for this year’s Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania, which begins March 1 and runs through May 31.

“Cleanup events like this have been a great success in improving the quality of life for Pennsylvanians by creating cleaner roadsides and communities,” said Secretary Barry Schoch. “Many dedicated residents return year after year to show their support, and I encourage more Pennsylvanians to show pride in our state through these great opportunities.”

Interested volunteers can find a listing of cleanup events, resources for organizing a cleanup group and other information at www.gacofpa.org.

Many of PennDOT’s 7,100 Adopt-A-Highway groups, who collect trash year-round, also join in this event. Visit www.dot.state.pa.us and click on “PennDOT near you” for the phone number of the nearest PennDOT District Office to sign up for Adopt-A-Highway.

Last year, more than 159,000 volunteers collected 7 million pounds of trash from 13,140 miles of roads, trails and shorelines during the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania. Additionally, PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway volunteers picked up more than 3.5 million pounds of trash along more than 10,000 miles of roadway during the cleanup event last year.

PennDOT provides gloves, trash bags and safety vests to cleanup volunteers.

Operator Accused of Giving Police False Information

2012-02-25T11:16:00.002-08:00

On January 10^th, State Police investigated a two vehicle crash on SR 35, just east of Planning Mill Road in Juniata County. Police cited William H. Swartz for the crash. After further investigation, it was found that 49 year old Dean Wilson was the actual operator of the vehicle in the crash and that Wilson gave the police false information.

Wilson is accused of giving false information to Police. He will be charge with that along with a number of other traffic citations.

Police Searching for Mifflin County Hit and Run Suspect

2012-02-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

State Police are investigating a one vehicle crash that took place at a residence on SR 75 South in Beale Township, Mifflin County. The incident occurred as an unknown vehicle was traveling south on SR 75 near the intersection of Cider Press Road.

The vehicle traveled across both lanes and struck a fence. After striking the fence, the vehicle continued into a field on the east side of SR 75 South. The operator fled the scene traveling south on SR 75. The suspected vehicle is a dark green Volvo with front end damage.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact State Police at Lewistown at 717-320-1010.

PSP Looking for Driver in Hit and Run

2012-02-25T10:37:00.001-08:00

On February 24, State Police responded to a report of a hit and run crash at Seven Stars Road near Pine Swamp Road. A red Toyota Camry was struck from the rear by a dark colored sedan. The driver of the Camry believes that the sedan may have been blue in color. The sedan would have heavy front end damage.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact State Police at Lewistown at 717-320-1010.

PSP Investigates Shooting Involving Lewistown Police Officer

2012-02-25T03:55:00.000-08:00

Lewistown - On 2/23/2012, Mifflin County police departments were given information concerning a male from Lewistown who had made threats of harming his wife who resides in Ohio. A probation warrant was issued for Leroy B. Kanagy, 40, from 208 1/2 North Grant Street in Lewistown.

At approximately 8:15 pm, an officer from the Lewistown Police Department observed Kanagy's vehicle. The officer attempted to make a traffic stop, however, Kanagy did not stop and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was traveling on Feeder Avenue in Lewistown when another Lewistown officer arrived and Kanagy's vehicle collided with the police cruiser. The officers attempted to take Kanagy into custody with the use of a TASER, however, he was able to flee on foot.

There was a short foot pursuit until the officers were able to catch up to Kanagy and a struggle ensued as the officers attempted once again to take him into custody. At some point shots were fired. Kanagy was still able to elude the officers and once again fled on foot. After another brief foot chase, and the arrival of other Lewistown and Grantville Township officers, Kanagy was taken into custody. It was at that time it was discovered that he was injured due to the shots that were fired and medical aid was requested. He was flow from the scene to Geisinger Hospital in Danville for treatment of his injuries.

The Troop G major case team was activated and investigators are currently on the scene interviewing witnesses and collection evidence.The Mifflin County District Attorney was also on the scene. Initially, it appears that the shots were fired by one of the Lewistown Police Officers. He will be placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

PPL Electric Utilities Preparing for Possible Outages Due to Forecasted High Winds

2012-02-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

PPL Electric Utilities is preparing for possible power outages that could occur with gusty high winds expected late tonight and tomorrow, including adding additional personnel overnight and staging repair crews in certain areas.

Customers experiencing outages are asked to report them at 1-800-342-5775 (1-800-DIAL PPL) or through the online Outage Center at www.pplelectric.com/outagecenter. When prompted, customers reporting by phone should press 1 for “Power Problem.”

“With weather forecasts calling for sustained winds of 35 mph through early Saturday (2/25) and gusts possibly reaching 60 mph, we’re putting resources in place to respond as quickly and as safely as possible to any outages that may affect our customers,” said David Bonenberger, general manager for Transmission and Substations for the utility.

Through a new mobile website, customers can use their smartphone or other mobile device to report a power outage, check the status of that outage or view outage information for the entire PPL Electric Utilities service area.

Customers who access www.pplelectric.com/outagecenter through a mobile device will automatically see a mobile-friendly view of the key outage features available on the full site, with no download required. They also can bookmark the mobile site Web address: m.pplelectric.com.

Staying safe is paramount when severe weather happens. PPL Electric Utilities advises the public to:

Stay clear of downed power lines.
Do not use gas ovens or ranges to heat your home.
Avoid candles and use flashlights instead. Candles can cause a fire if tipped by animals or people, or if they come in contact with a combustible item.
Never run a generator in your home, basement or other indoor space where exhaust fumes may accumulate.

Other steps to take in an outage are available at the utility’s online Outage Center.

PPL Electric Utilities Energy Efficiency Poster Contest is Under Way

2012-02-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

The second Bright Ideas Energy Efficiency Poster Contest for students in kindergarten through 8th grade is under way, and entries are due April 6.

In the inaugural year for the contest, nearly 3,000 students from more than 100 schools in the PPL Electric Utilities service territory entered the competition, staged in concert with the National Energy Foundation. The contest is open to all K-8 students who attend a school served by the utility.

Grand-prize winners in each category will receive a $500 savings bond and a congratulatory plaque. In addition, the teachers of grand-prize winners in each category will receive a $500 classroom grant for educational materials. The three finalists in each category will receive a $200 savings bond.

“The creativity last year was amazing, and it was great to see so many young people embracing the energy efficiency message,” said Tom Stathos, director of Customer Programs and Services for PPL Electric Utilities. “Making students aware of how to save energy today will make them more informed and responsible energy consumers tomorrow. Right now, they can help influence good energy decisions at home.”

Entries will be judged on how effectively they communicate the theme of energy efficiency and the visual presentation of that idea. They’ll be divided into three categories: Grades K-2, Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8.

PPL Electric Utilities is already contacting teachers in the region to let them know about the contest. For more information about the 2012 contest, including entry forms and official rules, visit www.pplelectric.com/brightideas.

Heating Bill Help Available for Low-Income Households Until March 31

2012-02-24T08:37:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania is receiving an additional $52.3 million in federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist those who are struggling to pay home heating bills, Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary D. Alexander announced today.

The federally-funded program provides cash grants to eligible low-income households to help pay for home heating fuel. It also provides crisis grants to address heating emergencies such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages.

“Despite seeing a warmer-than-usual winter, many people in Pennsylvania are still seeking this critical assistance,” said Alexander. “This funding allows us to keep LIHEAP open through March 31.”

The additional $52.3 million brings the state’s total to $209.5 million for the current LIHEAP season, which began last Nov. 1. Since then, the program has helped 269,777 households pay heating bills. More than 54,412 households have received crisis grants.

The minimum cash benefit recipients may receive is now $100, and the maximum crisis grant amount is $300. To apply, an applicant must provide proof of income, household size and a recent heating bill.

Apply for a LIHEAP grant online at www.compass.state.pa.us or apply in-person at county assistance offices. You may also call the statewide toll-free hotline at 1-866-857-7095 with questions about the program.

For more information about the Department of Public Welfare, visit the department’s website at www.dpw.state.pa.us

Editor’s Note: Household sizes and income limits for LIHEAP’s 2011-12 season are listed below.

1 person -- $16,335 maximum income

2 people -- $22,065 maximum income

3 people -- $27,795 maximum income

4 people -- $33,525 maximum income

5 people -- $39,255 maximum income

6 people -- $44,985 maximum income

7 people -- $50,715 maximum income

8 people -- $56,445 maximum income

9 people -- $62,175 maximum income

10 people -- $67,905 maximum income

(For each additional person, add $5,730)

GAME COMMISSION HTE CLASSES STARTING TO FILL UP

2012-02-24T05:39:00.002-08:00

HARRISBURG – With the junior spring gobbler season set for April 21, and the general spring gobbler season opening on April 28, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe is reminding all first-time license buyers to make plans to attend a Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) course now.

To register for a course in your area, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and click on the “Hunter Education Classes” icon in the center of the homepage. From here, you can elect to take either the basic “Hunter-Trapper Education” course, which is a 10-hour course held on two or more days; or the “Hunter-Trapper Education Independent Study” course, which is a home-study course followed by a one-day, four-hour classroom review and test. Once determining which course format best fits your schedule, you can register online by selecting a course in your area and then following the instructions.

“Right now, volunteer instructors are meeting with Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers to schedule courses, review curriculum updates and prepare for this year,” Roe said. “Courses are being posted on our website’s Class Calendar as soon as arrangements have been finalized. This process will continue throughout the year, especially for courses this fall and winter. Check the website regularly for a class near you or that fits your schedule, and remember more will be added.”

Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division Chief Keith A. Snyder noted that establishing the state’s annual slate of Hunter-Trapper Education classes is always an ongoing operation, based on the availability of instructors and facilities, and our ability to meet the growing demand for more classes in some counties.

“If you don’t see a class being offered in your area, please continue to check the website as more classes are added to the Class Calendar,” Snyder said. “Please know, though, that some areas have a limited number of classes that may be held at times that are inconvenient to you. Our limited number of instructors cannot always meet everyone’s needs and wants. But they amazingly offer more than 900 classes annually.

More than 35,500 individuals took HTE courses throughout the state last year. There is no fee for the basic HTE course. Pre-registration is required and online registration is available for all courses through the Class Calendar.

Taught by dedicated teams of trained volunteer instructors, the basic HTE class lasts at least 10 hours over two or more days, and participants must attend all instruction before taking a test at the end of the course. Youngsters must be at least 11 years old to receive HTE certification.

Successful completion of a basic Pennsylvania HTE class, or another state’s equivalent course, is required by state law to obtain a first-time hunting or furtaker license, regardless of age.

Registrations also are being accepted for the independent study version of the basic HTE program, which also is available for those 11 years of age or older. A fee of $1.59 may apply if applicants order a printed copy of the study manual, or they can review the course materials online free of charge, and then attend the one-day, four-hour classroom review and test.

In addition, registrations are being accepted for other educational programs offered by the Game Commission, including Successful Bowhunting, Successful Turkey Hunting, Successful Furtaking and Cable Restraint Certification.

The Successful Bowhunting course is a one-day voluntary training program for those seeking to expand their skills and knowledge of bowhunting. Although Pennsylvania doesn’t require archers to complete a bowhunting education course before they purchase an archery license, certification for this course is required to bowhunt in some other states. There is a $20 course fee, which covers the cost of the online study course required before attending the class.

The Successful Turkey Hunting course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to hunt safely and confidently in both spring and fall seasons. Veterans will learn methods and techniques that will help them become better hunters. Students will receive a 140-page student guide and a diaphragm turkey call as part of the program. Classes will start this spring and continue through the summer and early fall. A $15 fee is being charged to offset costs.

Successful Furtaking is a one-day training program that provides extensive hands-on training to new and experienced furtakers. The course promotes Best Management Practices and is designed for any person seeking to learn more about furtaking and to improve his or her skills and success. The course includes the cable restraint certification that is required to participate in Pennsylvania’s cable restraint season for foxes and coyotes. This course also fulfills the requirement that all first-time furtaker license buyers pass a basic trapper education course. A $15 course fee is charged.

The Cable Restraint Certification course is required for those trappers seeking to participate in Pennsylvania’s annual trapping season in which cable restraints are used to capture coyotes and foxes. The course fee is $15, and students will get to keep various education materials and one legal cable restraint provided as part of the course.

“We are planning to offer additional advanced courses in the future focusing on specific sporting arms and certain species-specific seasons, such as Successful Muzzleloading and Successful Deer Hunting,” Snyder said. “We will be working with interested groups of sportsmen specializing in each of the areas to develop curriculum and solid hands-on training that will emphasize methods and techniques.”

In 1959, the Game Commission began offering a voluntary hunter safety program, and about 25,000 students participated in that program annually. Beginning in 1969, the General Assembly required all first-time hunting license buyers under the age of 16 to successfully complete a four-hour hunter education course. The course requirement was expanded to six hours in 1977. The program became mandatory for all first-time hunting license buyers regardless of age in 1982.

Finally, in 1986, the safety program was increased to 10 hours of class time and trapper training was included. The name of the program also was changed to Hunter-Trapper Education, and was required for all first-time furtaker license buyers, too.

Since 1959, more than 1.8 million students have been certified through this course.

Old Stage Road Curve Crash

2012-02-24T05:20:00.000-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated a vehicle crash on Old Stage Road near Alfarata Road on February 22^rd. Orris C. Knepp, 55, of McClure was traveling south when he reportedly struck a patch of ice while negotiating a right hand curve. Knepp lost control of his vehicle, causing it to slide off the north bound lane and strike a telephone pole with its right side.

Knepp was not injured in the crash. He was charged with violating vehicle code 3309 – Driving On Roads Laned For Traffic.

Police Investigate Commercial Vehicle Crash

2012-02-24T05:05:00.002-08:00

State Police at Lewistown investigated a commercial vehicle crash on Pumping Station Road near SR 75 on February 23^rd. Charles O. Schlegel, 71, of Mifflintown was traveling north when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a mailbox. The vehicle then struck a utility pole and then collided head on with a tree. Schlegel was trapped inside the vehicle.

Schlegel was extricated from the vehicle and flown to Hershey Medical Center with what the police report as moderate injuries. The vehicle sustained front end damage and passenger side damage to the cargo area and was towed from the scene. Port Royal EMS assisted at the scene.

Local PA Wine Trail Hosts Annual Ticket to Good Taste

2012-02-24T02:07:00.000-08:00

Ten wineries of the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail present wine and food pairings each Saturday and Sunday in March for holders of the Ticket to Good Taste and Adventure. The Ticket, which costs $20 singly or $35 for a pair, gives opportunities for fun and prizes as folks make their own way around the region sampling each winery's vintages and seeking clues for the scavenger hunt. The grand prize for the scavenger hunt is a wine refrigerator full of Central Pennsylvania wine. Musical entertainments taking place at some of the wineries range from Celtic to Blues and are listed at PaWineTrail.com.

The circuit of the ten wineries can best be made in a few trips or a weekend, although visits can be made at any time the wineries are open. Designated drivers are recommended. Wine-lovers have the whole month, which this year includes 5 weekends, to reach all the wineries in order to qualify for gifts and prizes. Tickets are available from each of the wineries and by phone at 877-447-7211.

The Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail (SHWT) continues to grow each year. Two new wineries have been added in 2012 – Armstrong Valley Winery in Halifax and Buddy Boy Winery in Duncannon. Armstrong Valley is co-owned by Jake Gruver and Dean Miller. Buddy Boy, which opened in November, 2011, is near Rt. 11 and 15 in Duncannon. Bill Warner and his wife Coreena are proprietors.

The Trail also includes Benigna's Creek in Klingerstown, Brookmere in Bellville, Hunters Valley in Liverpool, Mount Nittany in Boalsburg, Red Shale in Hegins, Seven Mountains Wine Cellars in Spring Mills, Shade Mountain in Middleburg, and Spyglass Ridge in Sunbury. All are family owned and operated and offer distinctive wines and friendly welcomes.

Two other wineries which are already members of the SHWT are still in process of building and won't be on the March tour this year. Happy Valley in State College owned by Elwin and Barb Stuart and Fero Vineyards and Winery in Lewisburg owned by Chuck Zaleski expect to open within the year.

Each person who gets to all ten open wineries will receive an insulated wine bag, and all completed tickets are entered into a lottery for fine dining meals and nights at bed and breakfast. Information is available at pawinetrail.com.

Governor Corbett Announces Upgrades, Safety Enhancements at Nine Airports

2012-02-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

Harrisburg – A $10 million state investment will fund important projects at nine airports across Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Corbett said today.

"Thousands of people rely on the aviation industry for jobs," Governor Corbett said. "These funds will help ensure that the airports continue to run safely and can meet the demands of their regional economies."

The grants are distributed through the Capital Budget/Transportation Assistance Program, which is funded through state capital bond dollars in the General Fund budget. The grants leverage more than $12 million in matching funds. Authorized by the General Assembly, the grants are administered by PennDOT's Bureau of Aviation.

The grants were approved today by the State Transportation Commission. The 15-member commission includes the Transportation Secretary, 10 private citizens appointed by the governor, and the majority and minority chairs of the state Senate and House Transportation Committees.

Editor's Note: Following is a by-county list of airport improvement grant recipients, the amount of funding, and a brief description of the projects:

Allegheny County: Pittsburgh International Airport -- $2 million to construct a stormwater treatment plant.

Berks County: Reading Regional Airport/Carl A. Spaatz Field-- $600,000 to improve a site to restore a hangar.

Bucks County: Quakertown Airport -- $185,000 to acquire land to remove runway obstructions.

Butler County: Butler County Airport -- $1 million to replace the terminal building's mechanical systems and roof, construct additional hangars and replace the existing maintenance hangar's siding.

Columbia County: Bloomsburg Municipal Airport -- $500,000 to rehabilitate an airport building, including replacing electrical wiring and the heating system.

Erie County: Erie International Airport/Tom Ridge Field -- $2.4 million to extend a runway, which will allow larger aircraft operations and enhance safety during winter operations.

Indiana County: Indiana County/Jimmy Stewart Airport -- $1.5 million to complete the relocation and extension of the current runway.

Lehigh County: Lehigh Valley International Airport -- $1.5 million to construct a passenger screening area and a connecting walkway, and for renovations and additions to the satellite departure building.

Schuylkill County: Schuylkill County/Joe Zerbey Airport -- $300,000 to construct a hangar.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania Announces March Highlights

2012-02-23T15:58:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – The State Museum of Pennsylvania today announced its program schedule for March:

National Geographic Giant Traveling Map of North America Exhibit: In partnership with the Pennsylvania Alliance for Geographic Education, The State Museum is exhibiting National Geographic’s Giant Map of North America for an exclusive Pennsylvania engagement through March 15. On this 26’ x 35’ map—half the size of a basketball court—visitors have the opportunity to remove their shoes and traverse the continent from Alaska’s Aleutian Islands to the Panama Canal and from Iceland to Baja in their stocking feet. To complement the giant map and bring regional context to its presentation, The State Museum is displaying large-scale reproductions of historic Pennsylvania maps from the Pennsylvania State Archives. The Giant North America Map is part of National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program, organized by National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the National Geographic Society.

Special National Geographic Giant Map Educational Programs: Contact Diane Wynkoop, tour scheduler, at 717-772-6997 or dwynkoop@pa.gov for more information about map programs and to schedule group tours (grades 3–7). Programs are offered Wednesdays through Fridays, through March 15. The cost is $6 per student and includes museum general admission and a special guided tour.

Charter Day - Sunday, March 11: The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) celebrates Charter Day, a commemoration of the granting of the colony’s charter to founder William Penn by England’s King Charles II in 1681. This free-admission day will feature the annual display of the original charter and numerous activities, including:

Student Recognition Ceremony, 1 p.m. – Meet the 2011 student winners of National History Day in Pennsylvania as well as students from Harrisburg’s SciTech High serving as special docents for the National Geographic Giant Map. National History Day in Pennsylvania is a project of the U.S. Army Heritage Center Foundation, Carlisle. The State Museum’s SciTech Student Docent Program is sponsored by Penn National Insurance, Harrisburg.

Harrisburg’s 3^rd in the Burg – Friday, March 16, 5:30–7:30 p.m.: Join The State Museum for a free Women’s History Month celebration and reception sponsored by Women Connect magazine. Meet “Hidden Treasures” book author and artist Mikell Worley and contributors to Women Connect’s March issue. The event is held in association with Writers Wordshop of Harrisburg.

Lights, Camera, Take Action! The City of Harrisburg’s Parks and Recreation Department and 3Atrical Productions will host a seminar at The State Museum on Saturday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to provide insight into finding a career in the entertainment industry. The event will include panel discussions with industry professionals and informative booths hosted by entertainment-related vendors. The event, as well as museum general admission, will be free and open to the public.

Pennsylvania Issues Updated Fish Consumption Advisories for 2012

2012-02-23T08:58:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – State officials today released an updated list of fish consumption advisories that adds three new advisories, increases the restrictions on one advisory and eases or lifts four other advisories.

The new list also changes the segment description on five existing advisories and clarifies that harvesting live mussels and clams in Pennsylvania is now prohibited, which affects the existing one-meal-per-month advisory for Corbicula, or Asiatic clam, on the Schuylkill River.

The annual advisories are developed through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the state departments of Environmental Protection (DEP), Health and Agriculture. They apply only to fish caught recreationally and not to fish raised for commercial purposes or those bought in stores or restaurants.

“Consumption advisories are not intended to discourage anyone from fishing or eating fresh fish in moderation,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “At-risk groups and those who regularly eat sport fish are most susceptible to contaminants that can build up in fish over time, so they should space out fish meals according to these advisories and in consultation with their physician.”

“Pennsylvania’s fish consumption message is consistent with the story being told throughout the country—eat fish, but choose wisely,” PFBC Executive Director John Arway said. “Pennsylvania’s waters offer a bounty of clean, safe fish for people to eat. The information provided today helps guide consumers when they are making their choices.”

All of Pennsylvania remains under a blanket advisory that recommends limiting consumption of any recreationally caught fish to one meal per week. This is designed to protect against eating large amounts of fish from waters that have not been tested, certain species that have not been tested or fish that may contain other unidentified contaminants. One meal is considered to be one-half pound of fish for a 150-pound person.

While fish can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, some fish caught in Pennsylvania may contain chemicals of concern, such as mercury and Polychlorinated Biphenyls, or PCBs. These contaminants are found in some waterways because of their use in industry before many environmental regulations existed.

Consumers can reduce their risk of exposure to organic contaminants by properly cleaning, skinning, trimming and cooking fish. Proper preparation generally includes trimming away fat and broiling or grilling the fish to allow remaining fat to drip away. Juices and fats that cook out of the fish should not be eaten or reused for cooking or preparing other foods.

For more information on fish consumption advisories and the most current advisories, visit www.dep.state.pa.us, keyword: “Fish Advisories,” or www.fish.state.pa.us, keyword “Fish Advisories.”

Agriculture Department Invests $92,000 to Grow Farmers Markets, Specialty Crop Industry

2012-02-23T08:56:00.002-08:00

Harrisburg – Farm stands and farmers markets across Pennsylvania will share in $92,000 in federal grants to help expand their businesses and better connect consumers to nutritious, locally grown farm products, Agriculture Secretary George Greig announced today.

Thirty-one businesses in 22 counties received up to $7,500 in matching grant funds through the Direct Farm Sales Grant program, which is funded by the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant program authorized under the Farm Bill.

“Pennsylvania is home to an affordable, abundant and diverse food supply,” said Greig. “These grants will help connect our more than 63,000 farmers to the state’s 12.7 million consumers, boosting the sales of local agricultural products and the state’s economy.

“I encourage all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of the state’s more than 1,200 farmers markets, many of which are open year-round,” added Greig.

Recipients must provide at least 25 percent of the grant amount in matching or in-kind services. Grants may be used for the following purposes:

· Promote an existing farm stand or farmers market through marketing materials, media outreach and advertising;

· Pay costs associated with opening a new farm stand or farmers market, including site selection, demographic research, farmer recruitment and sales potential analysis;

· Pay the cost of developing a business plan for a new farm stand or farmers market;

· Produce nutrition education materials or educational materials about Pennsylvania farm products;

· Purchase tables, stands and other display materials for use in a farm stand or farmers market;

· Cover staffing costs to manage and operate a farm stand or farmers market;

· Perform outreach to program participants to increase involvement in food assistance programs; and

· Provide capital to farm stands or farmers markets to plant specialty crops.

For more information about the grant program, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and search “Direct Farm Sales Grant.”

A searchable database of farmers markets and farm stands can be found at www.agriculture.state.pa.us by clicking on “Online Services,” then “Farm Markets and Farm Stands.”

DUI Crash Into Residence

2012-02-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

State Police at Lewistown responded to a crash along Snook Road on February 21^st. While traveling north on Snook Road, Franklin D. Wilson, 32, from McClure, failed to operate the vehicle in the designed travel lane and drove off the east shoulder of the roadway.

After leaving the roadway, the vehicle struck a residence located at 14 Snook Road. The residence received moderate damage from the impact. The vehicle received moderate right side damage and was towed from the scene.

Wilson was arrested for DUI and charges are pending.

Altercation Results in Citation

2012-02-23T04:13:00.000-08:00

On February 22, State Police at Lewistown responded to a residence at 177 North Riverside Drive, Kistler Borough in Mifflin County for report of harassment. Jamie Lynn Hollibach, 26, of Kistler and Joseph Patrick Wright, 27 of Everett, were involved in a verbal argument at Hollibach’s residence in which Hollibach scratched Wright, causing minor injury to his lip.

Hollibach has been cited for harassment.

Charges Filed in Altercation

2012-02-23T04:02:00.001-08:00

On February 22, State Police at Lewistown responded to a residence at 20 Aumiller Lane in Mifflin County for report of assault and harassment. Eighteen year old Brian Lee Jones of McClure was involved in an altercation with a 17 year old female juvenile.

During the altercation, Jones was accused of grabbing and pushing the victim. Harassment charges have been filed through District Court 58-3-02.

Harassment Reported

2012-02-23T03:55:00.001-08:00

On February 22, State Police at Lewistown responded to 1315 Main Street in Fayette Township for a report of harassment. The victim was reported to be a 13 year old female juvenile.

The investigation is ongoing.

Greenwood Township Burglary Reported

2012-02-23T03:52:00.001-08:00

On February 22, State Police at Lewistown responded to 414 Ford Hill Road in Greenwood Township, Juniata County for a report of a burglary. Chris Michael Weimer reported multiple items removed from his property. The investigation continues.

Juveniles Involved In Morning Crash

2012-02-23T03:47:00.000-08:00

On February 22, four juveniles were involved in a crash on Rockland Road, just east of Degan Road in Juniata County. While traveling east on Rockland Road, the Mazda Protégé that they were traveling in hit a patch of ice that was on the roadway. The 17 year old driver lost control of the vehicle and traveled off the roadway to the right where it struck an embankment.

No alcohol was involved. State Police were assisted at the scene by Fayette Township EMS and Fayette Township Fire Company. The investigation continues.

Church Shot in Liverpool

2012-02-22T02:57:00.001-08:00

Pennsylvania State Police investigated a report of a bullet being fired into the Bible Baptist Church along SR 104 in Liverpool, Susquehanna Township, Juniata County between the evening of February 18th and the morning of February 19th.

The bullet was lodged inside the building and recovered. Anyone with information regarding the discharge of a weapon in this area should contact PA State Police at 717-320-1010.

Southbound I-83 to be Restricted to a Single Lane Tonight, Wednesday, and into Thursday

2012-02-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

Starting tonight – most likely at around 9 p.m. -- southbound Interstate 83 will be restricted to a single lane in the vicinity of the North Sherman Street bridge that crosses over I-83 between Springettsbury and Spring Garden townships, York County.

The southbound single-lane traffic restriction will continue around-the-clock through Wednesday, Feb. 22, and most likely into Thursday morning, Feb. 23. This southbound lane restriction on I-83 is necessary so that construction crews can repair a cracked beam that was discovered on Monday night during regularly scheduled demolition work as part of this bridge replacement project. The repair will enable the demolition work to proceed safely and in an orderly manner while maintaining traffic on I-83 underneath the bridge. This portion of I-83 carries an average daily traffic of nearly 53,000 vehicles – nearly 26,000 in the southbound direction.

North Sherman Street is officially designated as State Route 1033. It was closed for a bridge replacement project last month on January 23. PennDOT has hired Kinsley Construction, Inc. of York, Pennsylvania, to conduct the bridge replacement project as part of a $8,968,711 design/build contract that included replacing both the Ebert Lane bridge over I-83 as well as the North Sherman Street bridge. The new Ebert Lane bridge was finished and reopened to traffic on December 7, 2011 The new bridge for North Sherman Street should be finished and open to traffic before the end of October of this year.

New Health Insurance Unit Offers Help to Pennsylvania Consumers

2012-02-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has formed a new consumer unit to respond to questions about health insurance. This unit is funded through the federal Affordable Care Act’s consumer assistance grant program.

“This grant allows the department to supplement our health insurance complaint-handling functions with a dedicated health insurance assistance unit,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Consedine. “This will also allow us to track and identify complaint trends market-wide and by company.”

This health insurance assistance unit, using the current call center referrals and online resources, will:

· Educate consumers with billing and claims problems about their rights and responsibilities with respect to their group or individual health insurance plan;

· Provide information on the internal and external grievance process;

· Assist consumers in making informed enrollment and health plan choices by educating consumers on the various types of options; and

· Distribute factsheets on health insurance options.

The new unit will allow the department to work directly with health plans and healthcare providers to better target areas for improvement.

Consumers are encouraged to call the consumer assistance unit at 1-877-881-6388 or visit www.pahealthoptions.com to access the new materials and view information on other federal grants awarded to the department.

PPL Electric Utilities to Lower Generation Rate for Non-shopping Customers March 1

2012-02-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

PPL Electric Utilities has filed its generation rates and Price to Compare for the three months beginning March 1 with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. The new rates will be lower for residential and small-commercial customers on the utility’s default supply service.

The updated rates reflect recent power supply costs and projected market costs for the next three months. They also reflect the reconciliation of collections from customers with the company’s power supply costs so far this year.

New Prices to Compare
The new Price to Compare for residential customers will be 6.935 cents per kilowatt-hour, down from 7.769 cents per kilowatt-hour currently. A typical residential customer may use 1,000 kWh of electricity a month.

This price applies to residential customers who have not chosen an alternative supplier and receive “default” supply service from PPL Electric Utilities. The Price to Compare includes generation and transmission service, which make up 65 to 70 percent of the typical residential monthly bill. It does not include distribution charges, which apply to all customers and cover the company’s costs to deliver power and provide customer service.

For small-business customers, the new Price to Compare will be 6.387 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with 6.775 cents per kilowatt-hour currently.

A full list of PPL Electric Utilities’ new rates for all rate classes can be found at www.pplelectric.com/choice.

PPL Electric Utilities adjusts its generation rates and Price to Compare for shopping purposes every three months to reflect the cost of power purchases and adjustments based on customer use in the prior period. The generation rate for large industrial customers is based on hourly market prices. The company’s generation rates change March 1, June 1, Sept. 1 and Dec. 1 each year, similar to other utilities in Pennsylvania.

Customer choice
Customers of all types may be able to save on power supply costs by shopping. Offers from alternative suppliers can be compared with PPL Electric Utilities’ Price to Compare. A list of state-licensed suppliers and their offer prices are available from the PUC’s website, www.papowerswitch.com. More than 30 suppliers are currently serving the residential market in PPL Electric Utilities’ service area.

More than 586,000 PPL Electric Utilities customers, or about 41 percent of customers, are obtaining their power from other suppliers. More than 70 percent of the energy delivered by PPL Electric Utilities comes from alternative suppliers, including almost all power used by large commercial and industrial customers.

PPL Electric Utilities customers can expect the same level of customer service and reliability when they switch to an alternative supplier. The utility does not receive any profit on the generation portion of customers’ bills. It merely passes along the cost of that supply to customers without markup. PPL Electric Utilities’ primary focus is on electric delivery, billing and customer service.

“Other suppliers in the competitive market offer products and terms that PPL Electric Utilities does not, such as fixed contracts that lock in rates for a full year. We encourage consumers to review and consider all their options,” said David G. DeCampli, president of PPL Electric Utilities.

Arrests Made for Drug Possession

2012-02-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

On February 20^th, Pennsylvania State Police at Lewistown encountered David Michael Lenig, 21, of Mifflintown and Courtney Marie Noble, 21, also of Mifflintown in the parking area of SR 22/322 Fishing/Boat Access in Juniata County.

During the encounter, it was determined that the individuals were in possession of a small amount of marijuana and various drug paraphernalia items. Both individuals were arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Commercial Vehicle Hits Bridge

2012-02-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Boulet, 29, of Canada was traveling west on SR 322 in Fermanagh Township, in Juniata County on February 17^th when he struck a bridge guide rail on the right side of the road with his International Harvester. The vehicle became disabled a short distance west of the of the overpass bridge.

State Police at Lewistown investigated the incident. Boulet was cited but was not injured.

Harassment Charges Filed

2012-02-20T15:33:00.001-08:00

Matthew Lee Fisher, 28, of Bellefonte is accused of making numerous harassing phone calls and sending numerous text messages to Karen Kay Sath, 28, of Mifflintown on 2/17/2010.

Charges were filed through District Court 41-3-02.

International Theft by Fraud

2012-02-20T15:28:00.001-08:00

State Police at Lewistown are investigating a report from an elderly man in Fermanagh Township, Juniata County about an incident that occurred on February 16^th. The victim reported that he received a call from someone claiming to be a family member that needed help. He then spoke to a man that claimed he was an attorney. The victim was told that the family member hit a vehicle driven by a native of Beirut, Lebanon. He was told that his family member would be in jail until he sent $2900 through Western Union to Beirut, Lebanon.

The victim sent the $2900 to Lebanon. He was later able to make contact with the family member in question and realized that the incident was a fraud.

Tired Driving Results in Crash

2012-02-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

State Police investigated a crash on Saturday morning, February 18 on US HWY 22. 20 year old Matthew J. Marchini of East Earl was traveling east when his vehicle drifted across the left eastbound lane and off the roadway on to the berm. The vehicle then turned sharply to the right and crossed over both eastbound lanes and off of the roadway. The front bumper then struck the guard rail located south of the roadway. After impact, the vehicle traveled back on the roadway and came to rest facing west in the left eastbound lane of US HWY 22.

According to police reports, Marchini said that he was coming from THON and that he had fallen asleep while he was driving. When his vehicle hit the rumble strips, he woke up. He then over compensated when he tried to turn back onto the roadway. Marchini will be charged with a summary violation of roadways laned for traffic.

Two of his passengers received minor injuries and were transported to Lewistown Hospital by Port Royal Ambulance.

Car Crashes into Bridge

2012-02-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

Coltin R. Heller, 28, from Lebanon, was traveling west on SR22 in Delaware Township, Juniata County on Februarys 18 when he lost control of his vehicle and drove into the left side of a bridge. The vehicle rode the bridge rail and eventually rolled on to the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Heller was not injured in the crash. State Police cited him for careless driving. Thompsontown Fire assisted.

Indecent Assault Investigation

2012-02-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

State Police are investigating a report that a male juvenile was indecently assaulted at a private residence in the Borough of Mifflin, Juniata County on February 11^th. The investigation is ongoing.

Missing Items Reported

2012-02-19T19:26:00.001-08:00

State Police at Lewistown are investigating a report of items taken from Arlene E. Chaudhry’s rental property on Shaversville Circle in Milroy sometime between December 1 and 31. The investigation is continuing.

Three Alarm Fire in Walker Township on Friday Night

2012-02-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

Kanagy's Welding Shop Fire, 540 Center Road, Mifflintown on Friday Night, February 17th. Photos by Stacey Isenberg.

Traffic Restriction Scheduled for Northbound I-81 over the George Wade Bridge this Sunday and Monday

2012-02-18T07:14:00.001-08:00

Weather permitting, motorists are advised that northbound traffic through the construction project on the Interstate 81 George Wade Memorial Bridge over the Susquehanna River will be restricted to two lanes on Sunday, Feb. 19, and Monday, Feb. 20 (Presidents Day), from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

Normally, northbound I-81 has three lanes available to traffic over the bridge. In addition to the northbound mainline, the width of the lanes for the off-ramps to southbound and northbound Front Street on the East Shore will also be restricted. The traffic restrictions are necessary for a bridge inspection to evaluate the paint condition of the bridge. For their safety as well as the safety of the inspection and construction crews, motorists are asked to be alert to this operation and to slow down and be cautious when driving through the work zone.

It’s also possible that the width restrictions on the northbound ramps to Front Street may continue into Tuesday, Feb. 21, depending on the progress of the work on Sunday and Monday.

Pennsylvania Adds 14 New Farms to Preservation Program

2012-02-17T18:14:00.001-08:00

More than 459,000 Acres on 4,243 Farms Saved Since 1988

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania has added 1,470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at its meeting today in Harrisburg.

The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cumberland, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northampton and Somerset counties.

“We’ve preserved nearly 15,000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year alone,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “This speaks volumes to the value our farm families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture – our state’s number-one industry.”

Since the program started in 1988, state, county and local governments have invested more than $1.1 billion to safeguard 459,007 acres on 4,243 farms.

“Our producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future, and I thank them for that foresight,” Greig said.

Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program. The program was developed to slow the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses. It enables state, county and local governments to purchase conservation easements, also called development rights, from owners of quality farmland.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s nation-leading farmland preservation program, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and search “farmland preservation.”

Editor’s Note: The farm preserved on Feb. 16 from our area is from Juniata County and is the Richard Rhine farm #1, a 169-acre crop and livestock operation.

DMVA Announces Restructuring of Veterans Home Workforce

2012-02-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

Residents Will Continue to Receive the Same High-Quality Care

Harrisburg – The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs today announced that it will begin restructuring its workforce at its veterans homes as part of an efficiency initiative, while maintaining quality care for its residents.

“As a result of several efficiency initiatives, including best management practices, overtime reduction, and procurement efficiencies, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is able to reduce veterans homes costs by $6.2 million while providing the same level of care at all of its facilities,” said Major General Wesley E. Craig, the state’s Adjutant General. “These changes will result in elimination of 67 positions – out of more than 1,800 – at DMVA’s six veterans homes.”

The quality of DMVA’s state veterans homes is measured by the surveys of satisfaction taken by residents and their families. In those surveys, the veterans homes’ overall satisfaction rate is 94 percent, compared to an 82 percent national average for long-term care. DMVA’s commitment to maintaining that same high level of care is unwavering.

“No nursing positions will be eliminated as part of these furloughs. In fact, we added 20 nursing positions to the veterans homes two years ago, and we have no plans to reduce that number,” said Craig.

The elimination of positions will result in some furloughs, which will take place in five phases over the next few months.

A key element of this initiative is to standardize the program so that all six veterans homes are providing the same high level of care in the most cost-effective manner possible. The DMVA has adopted system-wide the best practices of one or two of the homes, and integrated sound, efficient business practices into all of its homes.

The DMVA’s proposed 2012-13 budget continues to provide top-quality care for nearly 1,600 veterans in the state’s veterans homes.

“We have already implemented many of these initiatives and we are confident that we will maintain an outstanding level of care for our veterans even as we make these adjustments,” Craig said.

PPL Electric Utilities Plans $664 million in 2012 Improvements to Electric Delivery System

2012-02-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Increased Investments to Strengthen Reliability & Address Aging Infrastructure

ALLENTOWN, Pa., Feb. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Electric Utilities plans $664 million in capital improvements to its electric delivery system that serves central and eastern Pennsylvania in 2012. It's a nearly 50 percent jump in capital investments over last year as the utility expands efforts to strengthen reliability and address aging infrastructure.

More than 100 local projects are funded to build new substations, upgrade existing facilities, replace older transmission lines and poles, improve distribution circuits, and upgrade technology for improved operations. The transmission network connects with neighboring utilities and moves high-voltage power across the region, while the distribution system provides electricity to local communities and directly serves individual customers.

PPL Electric Utilities has been steadily increasing its capital investments in recent years, from roughly $290 million in 2009 to $422 million in 2010 to $458 million last year. "We have a long-term comprehensive plan to invest more in our electric delivery system," said David DeCampli, president of PPL Electric Utilities. "We are making thoughtful and prudent decisions to renew, strengthen and modernize our system to enhance our operations and better serve our customers for years to come."

"This is much-needed work that will reinforce our regional power grid. These projects represent significantly greater investments in the critical infrastructure for Pennsylvania's economy and will provide hundreds of construction jobs," said DeCampli.

DeCampli said many of the projects were first identified and prioritized during a 2008-09 study of the utility's entire transmission and distribution network, covering more than 30 million pieces of equipment. The study evaluated all of the power lines, substations and other key components based on age, condition and performance, noting that an increasing share of equipment is nearing the end of its useful life.

The company will replace 1,000 transmission line poles, 81 substation circuit breakers, and substation transformers that are critical to system reliability. Additionally, the company intends to build new transmission lines and rebuild existing ones -- among them will be three of the company's oldest power lines.

Also noteworthy for grid reinforcement, modernization and system reliability are the completion of a new transmission substation in central Dauphin County and the expansion or upgrades to 13 other substation facilities.

The company said it also allocated $11 million to install 150 miles of fiber optic lines to connect 32 substations for dedicated communications capability and enhanced operations.

PPL Electric Utilities plans 54 projects on the local distribution systems to improve reliability in certain areas across its service area. Additionally, it has set aside $9 million for improvements on targeted distribution circuits to improve reliability performance. These improvements are primarily new facilities or upgraded equipment to address causes of outages and reduce the number of or the length of service interruptions for local customers.

The company also expects to complete the PPL Smart Grid pilot project that's been underway over the past two years in Dauphin and Cumberland counties around Harrisburg by early this summer. PPL Electric Utilities also will perform engineering design this year for the next phase of advanced technology deployment in the Poconos region for better service.

More than 63,000 customers in central Pennsylvania will benefit from the increased use of distribution automation and a dedicated communications system that allows sensors, relays, and electronic switches to monitor system conditions, talk to one another, and act automatically as needed to maintain service, avoiding outages that would have occurred in the past. Reliability improvement plans for the Poconos region will be announced later this year as designs are completed.

Seven new substations are planned to be placed into service this year to boost power supply and improve service in local areas, along with significant upgrades at five other local facilities. The system maintenance program includes proactive replacement of deteriorating aerial and underground lines, inspection and reinforcement of utility poles and city underground vaults, and helicopter surveys with infrared inspections of transmission facilities.

PPL Electric Utilities said $17 million in technology investments will upgrade its outage management and work force management systems, as well as expand use of advanced meters and mobile computers in the field and improved customer communications systems. The company also is building a new data and operations center in Upper Macungie, near Allentown.

Across its 29-county service area, PPL Electric Utilities operates and maintains an electric delivery system that consists of about 400 substations, 50,000 miles of aerial and underground power lines, and nearly 1 million poles. It delivered 37.2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2011.

PPL Electric Utilities, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), provides electric delivery services to about 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania and has consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. More information is available at www.pplelectric.com.

PHMC to Display 1681 Penn Charter to Mark Pennsylvania’s 331st Birthday

2012-02-16T23:19:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) will honor the commonwealth’s 331st birthday by displaying the original Penn Charter in an exhibit that will open on Charter Day, Sunday, March 11, at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

The Charter, with which England’s King Charles II granted the land that is now Pennsylvania to founder William Penn (1644–1718) in 1681, is sometimes referred to as the state’s “birth certificate.” It was Penn’s personal copy.

“Entrusted to the Pennsylvania State Archives for safekeeping, the charter is a tangible link to Pennsylvania’s founding,” said James M. Vaughan, PHMC executive director. “The fragile historical parchment is exhibited in special protective Plexiglas cases with low light and controlled temperature levels.”

Also on display will be a 1754 letter by John Harris describing the distances from his home at Harris’ Ferry (Harrisburg) to Logs Town (near present-day Pittsburgh). It was recently conserved through a generous grant from the Isett Foundation of Huntingdon.

On Charter Day, programming runs from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free and includes visits to the Curiosity Connection, Planetarium and the recently opened National Geographic Giant Map of North America exhibit.

Guests can also greet historical characters including William Penn, portrayed by William C. Kashatus, or John Harris, founder of Harrisburg, portrayed by Rev. David Biser. Pennsylvania’s 2011 National History Day winners also will attend.

Visitors can learn about Victorian life with the Victorian Dance Ensemble and hear tales of bygone days as “Pennsylvania Jack” tells stories brimming with fascinating characters from throughout the Keystone State.

PHMC staff and professionals from the region’s many historical societies will also be available to answer questions.

In addition to The State Museum’s programming, many historic sites and museums along PHMC’s Pennsylvania Trails of History® will offer free admission on March 11. Participating sites include: Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, Brandywine Battlefield, Cornwall Iron Furnace, Daniel Boone Homestead, Drake Well Museum, Eckley Miners’ Village, Ephrata Cloister, Erie Maritime Museum, Graeme Park, Fort Pitt Museum, Joseph Priestley House, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Pennsbury Manor, Pennsylvania Military Museum, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and Washington Crossing Historic Park.

For more information on Charter Day 2011, call 717-772-3257 or visit PHMC online at www.phmc.state.pa.us.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, is one of 25 historic sites and museums administered by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History®. The State Museum offers expansive collections interpreting Pennsylvania’s fascinating heritage. With exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the Native American experience, the colonial and revolutionary era, a pivotal Civil War battleground, and the Commonwealth's vast industrial age, The State Museum demonstrates that

Pennsylvania's story is America's story.

For more information on The State Museum, visit www.statemuseumpa.org.

New study finds Arsenic in infant formula and food

2012-02-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Arsenic has been found in some foods that use organic brown rice syrup as a sweetener, including infant formula and cereal bars, according to a new study by researchers at Dartmouth College. The majority of the detected arsenic, a contaminant often found in rice, was the type that is known to be a human carcinogen.

The Dartmouth researchers conclude that given the increasing prevalence of hidden arsenic in food, “there is an urgent need for regulatory limits on As (arsenic) in food.” They also cited Consumer Reports’ recent investigation, which found elevated levels of arsenic in apple and grape juices, as further evidence that U.S. consumers are being exposed to worrisome concentrations of arsenic in foods and beverages. Legislation was introduced Feb. 8 in the U.S. House of Representatives calling on the Food and Drug Administration to establish standards for both arsenic and lead in fruit juices; there are currently no federal thresholds for arsenic in juices or most foods.

As we previously reported, other research from Dartmouth published online in late 2011 suggested that many people in the U.S. may be exposed to potentially harmful levels of arsenic through consumption of rice. Studies by other researchers also have shown that rice can be a significant source of dietary exposure to this toxin. Rice is among the plants that are unusually efficient at taking up arsenic from the soil, and much of the rice produced in the U.S. is grown on land formerly used to grow cotton, where arsenical pesticides were widely used for many years, just as they were in orchards and vineyards.

“In the absence of regulations for levels of arsenic in food, I would certainly advise parents who are concerned about their children's exposure to arsenic not to feed them formula where brown rice syrup is the main ingredient,” says Brian Jackson, Ph.D., lead author of this latest study and a member of Dartmouth’s Superfund Research Program, which is funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. He noted, however, that infant formulas containing added rice starch did not appear to be a concern in terms of elevated arsenic.

Jackson also pointed out that brown rice syrup is likely to have higher arsenic concentrations than other sweeteners whether the rice is grown organically or not. “That's because the rice takes up natural arsenic from the soil and when the rice is used to make brown rice syrup, much of that arsenic ends up there,” he said. “We focused on organic brown rice syrup because this seems to be a sweetener of choice for some organic food products.”

Among advice Jackson provided when we asked him what consumers currently can do to limit their dietary exposure to arsenic via rice in products Dartmouth researchers have tested:

Individuals who consume a lot of rice, including those on gluten-free diets, should try to add variety to their diets and check ingredient labels, as many gluten-free foods are rice-based.
As the new research showed, parents can reduce young children’s dietary arsenic exposure by limiting their consumption of formula in which organic brown rice syrup is a main ingredient. Another study by Dartmouth researchers published online in January 2012 found that total arsenic in some rice-fortified baby foods, such as jars containing meat-rice combinations, as well as fruit and vegetable purees for babies, ranged from less than 1 ppb up to 22 ppb, the majority of which was the carcinogenic form.
Eating an occasional cereal bar does not pose much risk, but the latest study’s results add to the increasing recognition that food is a significant, or in many cases, the main arsenic exposure route for people. Therefore it’s wise to limit daily consumption of foods known to contain arsenic, keeping in mind that even seemingly small exposures from juices, rice or rice-fortified foods add up.

Hit and Run at Dollar General

2012-02-16T06:10:00.001-08:00

A hit and run crash occurred in the parking lot of the Dollar General Store in Mifflintown on February 13^th. Janelle A. Charles, 27, of East Waterford was backing out of a parking stall when another vehicle abruptly backed from its stall on the other side of the parking lot and struck the bumper of Charles’ vehicle.

After impact, the second vehicle stopped and a young female passenger in the back seat got out of the vehicle to look at the damage. She then got back into the vehicle and the vehicle fled the scene. The car was described as a white Plymouth Breese.

Charles was uninjured as a result of the crash and her vehicle incurred minor damage to the rear bumper. The investigation continues. Anyone with information on the striking vehicle is asked to contact PSP – Lewistown at 717-320-3121.

Valentine's Day Crash

2012-02-16T06:09:00.001-08:00

PA State Police are investigating a two vehicle crash that took place on February 14 on William Penn Highway near Locust Run Church in Juniata County. The crash occurred when Terina Marie Walters, 37, of Thompsontown exited from a driveway onto William Penn Highway and pulled into the path of Carol Diane Smith, 47, of Thompsontown. Smith was traveling west on William Penn Highway. Both vehicles suffered minor damage.

Smith’s vehicle had to be towed from the scene. Thompsontown Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.

DUI in Decatur Township

2012-02-16T05:01:00.000-08:00

A crash occurred on US Highway 522 in Decatur Township, Mifflin County. 49 year old Timothy E. Camp of Mifflinburg was traveling southbound along RT 522 North and left the westbound shoulder of the roadway and lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle crossed both lanes of RT 522 and exited the eastbound shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle struck a utility pole and a tree.

While interviewing Camp, PA State Police found him to be under the influence. Charges are pending. Camp received minor injuries in the crash.

Prescription Medication Theft

2012-02-16T05:00:00.001-08:00

Rocky Marlon Jones, 57, of McClure reported a theft of prescription medication from his residence on February 15to PA State Police. The investigation continues.

Incident at Juniata High School

2012-02-16T04:59:00.001-08:00

PA State Police investigated an incident at Juniata High School on February 15 were a 16 year old juvenile struck another juvenile multiple times. The 16 year old was cited for harassment.

Lenten Fish Dinners at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church

2012-02-15T18:45:00.001-08:00

The Knights of Columbus of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Mifflintown will once again begin the Lenten Season by serving its annual Lenten Fish Dinners. The dinners are held in the church hall beginning this Friday and running until ending March 30, 2012. Meals are served from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M.

The Fish Dinner is all-you-can-eat. It includes fried and baked fish, popcorn shrimp, fried clams, French fries, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, corn, green beans, coleslaw, applesauce, rolls, puddings, and a selection of homemade desserts. Tickets are sold at the door: $10.00 for adults; $6.00 for children 6-12. Children under 6 eat for free. Take out is also available.

St. Jude Church is located on Old Route 22, Mifflintown, directly across from Tuscarora Junior High.

Easter Special Now at Spancakes' Studios

2012-02-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

Once again, Spancake's Studio's is offering their Easter Special. This limited time event is back by popular demand and features that Spancake photography magic with live Easter bunnies and lambs.

Greg Spancake says, "It is our most popular children's event. We encourage everyone to call and make their appointments as soon as possible. Our best time slots go fast."

This years Easter Special runs March 28 - 31.

IRS Offers Four Tips on Unemployment Benefits

2012-02-15T07:52:00.000-08:00

Unemployment can be stressful enough without having to figure out the tax treatment of the unemployment benefits you receive.

Unemployment compensation generally includes, among other forms, state unemployment compensation benefits, but the tax implications depend on the type of program paying the benefits. You must report unemployment compensation on line 19 of Form 1040, line 13 of Form 1040A, or line 3 of Form 1040EZ.
Here are four tips from the IRS about unemployment benefits.

1. You must include all unemployment compensation you receive in your total income for the year. You should receive a Form 1099-G, with the total unemployment compensation paid to you shown in box 1.

2. Other types of unemployment benefits include:

Benefits paid by a state or the District of Columbia from the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund
Railroad unemployment compensation benefits
Disability payments from a government program paid as a substitute for unemployment compensation
Trade readjustment allowances under the Trade Act of 1974
Unemployment assistance under the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

For complete information on each of the benefits listed, see chapter 12 in IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, or Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income.

3. You must report benefits paid to you as an unemployed member of a union from regular union dues. However, if you contribute to a special union fund and your payments to the fund are not deductible, you only need to include in your income the unemployment benefits that exceed the amount of your contributions.

4. You can choose to have federal income tax withheld from your unemployment compensation. To make this choice, complete Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request, and give it to the paying office. Tax will be withheld at 10 percent of your payment. If you choose not to have tax withheld, you may have to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.

For more information on unemployment compensation see IRS Publications 17 and 525. Forms and publications can be downloaded from the IRS Website at www.irs.gov or can be ordered by calling 1-800-829-3676.

State Police Investigate Case of Harrassment

2012-02-15T02:16:00.000-08:00

Pennsylvania State Police investigated a reported harassment incident at a residence on Zendt Hollow Road in Walker Township, Juniata County on February 13^th. Erik Loring Badstibner, 43, of Mifflintown is accused of sending a threatening text message to Casey Scott Hostler. Harassment charges have been filed through District Court 41-3-02.

Lane Restriction Thursday on Route 35 in Mifflin

2012-02-15T02:04:00.001-08:00

Mifflin – Area drivers will encounter a lane restriction Thursday, Feb. 16 on Route 35 in Mifflin borough. Crews will be working to set beams for the new bridge that spans the railroad. Motorists will encounter an alternating traffic pattern on Route 35 between Mowery Street and Parker Street in Mifflin.

On Friday, Feb. 17, drivers can expect slowed traffic in the same area as more beams are delivered. No lane restriction will be in place but traffic may be slow moving. Motorists should be alert for flaggers and signage along the roadway during the lane restriction and equipment move.

This work is part of the Route 35 Juniata River bridge project. The project began in summer 2011 and will complete in 2013. Work includes a new traffic bridge on a re-aligned Route 35, a new bridge over the railroad, a new pedestrian bridge in the location of the current traffic bridge, a roundabout at the intersection of Routes 3002 and 35, and improvements to the Route 3002/3005 intersection. New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co. Inc. is the contractor on this $16 million job.

Applications Now Available for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, Says Harris

2012-02-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

MIFFLINTOWN – Rep. Rep. Adam Harris (R-Snyder/Mifflin/Juniata) announced yesterday that forms for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program are now available.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their income and rent or property taxes paid in 2011. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older who are permanently disabled.

Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters).

• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters).

• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only).

• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only).

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, $4.8 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.

Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately. Applications are due by June 30.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by contacting Harris’s offices in Mifflintown at (717) 436-6001 or in Lewistown at (717) 242-0423. Forms and information are also available by visiting his website at RepAdamHarris.com, through the “Programs for Senior Citizens” banner.

TIU Offering Computer Course

2012-02-14T15:07:00.001-08:00

Tuscarora Intermediate Unit Community Education Services is offering a free Integrated Computer Skills course.

The three week course runs March 5 through March 23 on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and on Fridays from 9:00 am to noon at the Mifflin County CareerLink.

This course has a focus on building academic and technology skills simultaneously. While building skills in computer applications (Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint and the internet) participants will improve their math, English and reading skills. Content also supports improving WorkKeys® test scores.

For more information and registration (space is limited) call 717-248-4942, extension 109 or 145 by March 1.

New Access to State Birth, Death Records Eases Genealogical Research

2012-02-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

Harrisburg – Thanks to a new law, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Department of Health are expanding public access to birth and death records starting Wednesday, Feb. 15. The public can access the records online or in person at the Pennsylvania State Archives.

In December, Governor Tom Corbett signed Act 110 to make birth certificates available to the public 105 years after issuance and death certificates available 50 years after issuance. Beginning Feb. 15, births from 1906 and deaths from 1906 to 1961 will become available. One year of births and one year of deaths will be added each subsequent year. Records prior to 1906 are held at the county level.

“We are pleased that Pennsylvania’s older birth and death certificates are now open to the public,” said State Archivist David A. Haury. “We share the excitement of the genealogists and other researchers who will now be able to use these records to learn about their families and communities.”

To access the records online, go to www.health.state.pa.us and click on “Birth and Death Certificates.” Indices will be available online in PDF format and are searchable by name of individual and year of event. Once a record is identified, the state file number will be needed for the application to request a non-certified copy of the certificate from the Department of Health.

For in-person access, visit the State Archives at 350 North St., Harrisburg. Visitors wishing to see original records will first be provided access to the Department of Health’s online indices to identify the state file number. Once the file number is determined, patrons will use the Archives’ normal search room procedures to have the record pulled for them.

Before searching online or in person, researchers are urged to be prepared by knowing the year of the event, the spelling of the name they are searching for, and/or the county of the birth or death.

Access to indices is free; however, a $3 processing fee will continue to be charged for non-certified copies ordered online through Department of Health. Copying fees may apply at the State Archives, as well as research fees for search requests received via mail or e-mail.

The Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records is working on fully digitizing and indexing all certificates to allow for easier online record research. These changes will be rolled out within the next year. Researchers will eventually be able to search records by first name only, year of occurrence, county, or even by parents’ names.

For more information visit www.phmc.state.pa.us or www.health.state.pa.us.

Pennsylvania Fruit Orchards Remain Free of Plum Pox Virus

2012-02-14T07:59:00.001-08:00

Survey Brings Good News to Fruit Growers

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania’s effort to eradicate the Plum Pox Virus from fruit-bearing trees continues to be a success, Agriculture Secretary George Greig announced today.

A rigorous survey conducted last summer tested 61,056 leaf samples in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties. State and federal agriculture department crews began collecting orchard samples last May and finished at the end of October.

“Since Plum Pox Virus was first detected more than a decade ago, the department has been committed to eradicating the disease and minimizing its impact on growers’ livelihoods and the state’s economy,” said Greig. “The results of last year’s surveys show the state continues to be free of Plum Pox, and we commend the survey crews for their hard work and thank the growers for their cooperation.”

Pennsylvania was declared free of Plum Pox Virus in October 2009 after three years of negative test results. The latest survey is part of the required monitoring during the recovery phase. Another full survey will be conducted this year and monitoring will continue into 2013.

While no primary quarantine areas remain statewide, limited areas in Adams and Cumberland counties are under nursery quarantine restrictions for another year.

Plum Pox Virus severely affects production of fruit-bearing and ornamental varieties of almond, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach and plum stone fruit trees. Spread by aphids, the disease causes premature fruit drop and blemishes on fruit that make it difficult to sell as table fruit.

After the virus was found in Adams County peach trees in 1999, state and federal agriculture officials teamed with Penn State University and imposed a 300 square-mile quarantine area, performed aggressive surveillance and developed an eradication program. Because the virus has no cure, affected growers were required to destroy all exposed stone fruit trees within the quarantined areas in the four affected counties. In all, 1,675 orchard acres were destroyed.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and search “Plum Pox Virus.”

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Presidents Day

2012-02-14T03:35:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Feb. 18 through Monday, Feb. 20 in observance of Presidents Day.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week and include driver’s license and photo ID renewals; vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; and exam scheduling.

There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2012 is available on the website under "News, Stats and Facts."

Governor Corbett Signs House, Senate Bills into Law

2012-02-13T17:26:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today signed into law the following bills:

Senate Bill 894 – This bill amends the Act of May 1, 1933 (P.L. 103, No. 69), known as the Second Class Township Code, to provide that second class township supervisors, as well as their dependents, who are over age 65 are eligible to be included in supplemental Medicare insurance coverage that is paid in whole or in part by the township. This measure authorizes townships to pay the cost of this coverage for eligible supervisors and employees, and saves townships money by allowing employees to switch to Medicare if they qualify.

Senate Bill 1043 – This bill designates the bridge that carries U.S. Route 15 over Mill Lane in Old Lycoming Township, Lycoming County, as the Trooper Gary Rosenberger Memorial Bridge. Rosenberger, a State Police Trooper, was shot and killed in the line of duty in December 1970. He was 26.

Senate Bill 1237 – This bill amends sections of the Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ), Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone (KOEZ), and Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone (KOIZ) Act. It provides for extensions of the tax exemptions, deductions, abatements and credits; additional designations of zones; expansion of existing zones for job creation; and also repeals the law’s original sunset date of Dec. 31, 2018.

House Bill 1294 – This bill amends Title 66 (Public Utilities), further providing for the law bureau to receive assistance from the office of trial staff or any other office or bureau within the Public Utility Commission in carrying out its prosecutorial function; provides for the recovery of the costs of distribution system improvement projects and for civil penalties for violations; and provides a tool to accelerate the replacement of aging natural gas, electric and wastewater systems statewide.

House Bill 1582 – This bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), establishing how assessments shall be determined by municipal authorities for condominiums or single-family homes, including those in developments. The bill provides incentives for residential properties in a Business Improvement District, or BID, by permitting the BID authority to base the assessment for the cost of improvements and services at one-half the assessed value that is used for real estate purposes. It also outlines a process for objections for those living in the jurisdiction of the authority.

House Bill 1950 – This bill amends Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. (See separate news release issued Feb. 13, titled “Governor Corbett Signs Historic Marcellus Shale Law”).

To read the full text of these bills, visit the General Assembly’s website at www.legis.state.pa.us.

Governor Corbett Signs Historic Marcellus Shale Law

2012-02-13T17:25:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg - Governor Tom Corbett today signed House Bill 1950, the Marcellus Shale bill, into law. The bill enhances protection of our natural resources through stronger environmental standards, authorizes counties to adopt an impact fee, and builds upon efforts to help move Pennsylvania toward energy independence.

The historic measure is the first comprehensive re-write of the state’s Oil and Gas Act since 1984. It contains much of what Corbett outlined in his Marcellus Shale proposal last October. His plan followed the work of the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission. House Bill 1950 contains 24 of the legislative recommendations offered by the advisory commission.

“This growing industry will provide new career opportunities that will give our children a reason to stay here in Pennsylvania,” Corbett said. “Thanks to this legislation, this natural resource will safely and fairly fuel our generating plants and heat our homes while creating jobs and powering our state’s economic engine for generations to come.”

The new law enhances environmental standards by:

Increasing well-setback distance from 100 feet to 300 feet for streams, rivers, ponds and other water bodies, and from 200 feet to 500 feet from buildings and private water wells and to 1,000 feet for public drinking water systems.
Expanding an unconventional operator’s “presumed liability” for impairing water quality from 1,000 feet to 2,500 feet from a gas well, and extends the duration from 6 months to 12 months.
Enhancing water quality replacement standards to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Enabling DEP to revoke permits in a more efficient manner to deal with imminent safety or environmental concerns.
Increasing blanket bonds from $25,000 up to $600,000.
Providing for strong, uniform and consistent statewide environmental standards – building upon and incorporating the best practices used by industry leaders.
Enhancing hydraulic fracturing disclosure, including online posting through FracFocus.org.

This law also authorizes counties within the shale regions to adopt an impact fee, which will be used by local communities experiencing the actual impacts of unconventional shale gas development. To recognize the tight economics associated with low natural gas prices, the fee amount can fluctuate annually and is based on the average price of natural gas for the preceding year.

If all eligible counties adopt the fee, estimates for revenue are approximately $180 million in 2012, climbing to $211 million in 2013 and $264 million in 2014.

State agencies with a role in mitigating shale gas impacts, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, the Public Utility Commission, Pennsylvania Emergency management Agency, State Fire Commissioner and the Fish and Boat Commission, will receive fixed dollar amounts off the top of the revenues collected from the fee.

After that, 60 percent is directly distributed to impacted counties. A significant percentage of the remaining 40 percent will also be distributed to those counties through either population- or road-mileage-based formulas, or through the awarding of competitive grants.

The new law also provides long-term regulatory predictability for job-creators and capital investors, and helps businesses succeed by providing increased uniformity and fairness of local regulations while preserving local government’s traditional zoning authority. Upon petition, the Public Utility Commission is authorized to review ordinances to make sure they comply with state law.

Finally, the law creates a Natural Gas Energy Development Program, which will provide incentives to convert fleets with vehicles weighing at least 14,000 pounds to compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or bi-fuel vehicles. At least 50 percent of the funds must be used for grants to local transportation organizations, including mass transit agencies.

The law’s provisions authorizing counties to adopt ordinances imposing an impact fee go into effect immediately. The majority of the law takes effect in 60 days.

Free Nicotine Patches Offered for a Limited Time

2012-02-13T14:29:00.001-08:00

Harrisburg – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is offering free, four-week nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, kits and counseling support to residents trying to quit using tobacco. The kits will be available through the state’s Free Quitline (800-QUIT NOW) for six to eight weeks, while supplies last.

The NRT giveaway is part of the second annual “Quit for Love” outreach effort. The kits are funded through Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement funds as well as a federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Many Pennsylvanians make resolutions to quit for the New Year, yet, the will to keep those resolutions sometimes begins to fade toward the end of January,” said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Eli Avila. “This Valentine’s Day, we want to remind tobacco users that we’re here to help and encourage them to quit for their loved ones.”

On average, it takes someone five to eight quit attempts before succeeding. “Quit for Love” also supports individuals trying to quit with phone counseling, increasing the likelihood of their success.

To receive a free NRT kit call the Pa. Free Quitline at 800-QUIT NOW (800-784-8669). Quit coaches will ask callers if they are ready to set a quit date and have any medical conditions that would rule out the safe use of nicotine patches. Callers will then enroll in a series of free tobacco counseling sessions.

For more information about the state’s cessation resources, call the Pa. Free Quitline at 800-QUIT NOW (800-784-8669) or visit www.DeterminedToQuit.com.

The Department of Health’s anti-tobacco efforts are intended to prevent tobacco use, help individuals to quit using tobacco products and curb the retail sale of tobacco products to minors.