Month: May 2020

Department of Human Services reminds Pennsylvanians of assistance programs

by

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today reminded Pennsylvanians that public assistance programs remain available to families throughout the COVID-19 public-health emergency. Programs include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other services established specifically in response to COVID-19 like the Emergency Assistance Program … Read more

Scattered storms, high winds possible today in Lancaster County

by

Heavy storms and damaging winds are expected throughout central Pennsylvania Friday evening, following a humid day in the high 70s. A hazardous weather outlook, issued by the National Weather Service in State College, says that scattered storms are possible in Lancaster tonight. The storms are likely to begin after 5 p.m., NWS forecasted. Thunderstorms could turn … Read more

COVID-19 crisis a game-changer for banks, insurance companies, tax preparers

by

York Traditions Bank, like all local banks, has seen the COVID-19 crisis impact both individuals and small businesses throughout Central Pennsylvania and has tried to respond accordingly to their needs while maintaining strong relationships. “We support individuals and businesses as a part of our customer base,” said Gene Draganosky, president and CEO of York Traditions. “Obviously, … Read more

For central PA’s small retail businesses, coronavirus-induced push to online sales may stick

by

When Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all non-life sustaining businesses to shut their doors, thousands of small businesses across the state had to figure out how to change their operations practically overnight. For some in central Pennsylvania, the sudden inability to sell their wares from their physical storefronts provided the time — and necessity — to … Read more

Businesses in green phase counties prepare to reopen, provide blueprint for Central PA

by

Many businesses in Pennsylvania have been closed since mid-March, but as Snyder County moves to the governor’s green phase on Friday, places there will begin to reopen. “We’re going to add some outdoor seating out front. We’ll have our back patio. Indoor seating, again, practice social distancing,” said Bot’s Tavern owner Rick Shuck. Bot’s Tavern … Read more

Central PA 4th Fest fireworks to take place in 2020

by

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) – Tuesday evening, officials from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau put out a release describing their plans for this year’s 4th of July firework show. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the volunteer-led organization for Central Pennsylvania 4th Fest is committed to upholding its 20-year history with fireworks for families in Central PA … Read more

In return of sprint racing to central Pa., Brian Montieth captures Lincoln Speedway win

by

Dirt-track racing has returned to central Pennsylvania. Now, it appears, the regional racing season is ready to swing back into more consistent action, despite the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Lincoln Speedway, near Abbottstown in Adams County, held its first race in nine weeks on Monday night. Brian Montieth emerged the winner of the 35-lap sprint-car feature. Lincoln … Read more

Religious leaders: York County’s faithful ‘distanced’ out of love — not because they had to

by

Local houses of worship began reopening today, the first weekend since York County moved to the less restrictive yellow phase of the pandemic emergency. However, they actually were among the few entities that didn’t have to shut down under Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to curb the spread of COVID-19. Many simply didn’t used that exemption, instead shifting … Read more

‘A huge hole’: With Memorial Day festivities canceled, veterans’ groups try to uphold traditions

by

Charlie Yost beamed the past couple years while he watched hundreds of people line streets along a Memorial Day parade route in York County. As a pastor at the Goldsboro Church of God in Goldsboro, Yost cherishes events that unite the community. As a former chaplain for the U.S. Army Reserves who lost several friends … Read more

Morel Hunting: A unique Central PA hobby

by

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — While some are unsure of how to spend their time during the coronavirus pandemic, others spend their time in a unique way. The weather is turning, the trees are blooming, and the mushrooms are sprouting. Yeah, that’s right. It’s mushroom season in Pennsylvania, something thousands of people across Central Pennsylvania take … Read more

Rural Central PA schools working to overcome challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic

by

LANCASTER COUNTY — It’s not just businesses taking the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic. Schools have been forced to take classes online and for the smaller, rural school districts in Central PA, it can be especially challenging. CBS 21’s Ryan Eldredge stopped by an Octorara Area school in Lancaster County to see how they’re handling the … Read more

National manufacturers support Central PA Food Bank efforts to feed the community

by

Harrisburg, Pa. – The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank highlighted the support of three major food manufacturers who donated funds and products to meet the community’s need for food. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, contributions from The Hershey Company in partnership with Land O’Lakes and American Sugar Refining, Inc. (ASR) help the food bank continue to distribute … Read more

Property Tax/Rent Rebates arriving early to seniors, others during COVID-19 crisis

by

Harrisburg, Pa. — Coming six weeks early, Pa. Treasurer Joe Torsella said today that 111,000 approved Pennsylvania applicants will receive their property tax/rent rebates which went into the mail today. As many as 500,000 rebates will be issued at a rate of about 60,000 a week. Older homeowners, renters, and people with disabilities will receive … Read more

Harrisburg company donates lunches to frontline workers across several hospitals

by

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Mike Sweet, President of Overnight Office, donated lunches to frontline workers at several hospitals across Central PA on Monday. CBS 21 spoke with Sweet at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital to find out why donating lunches is important to him. “[It’s] something I’ve seen other companies do across the country,” Mike Sweet said. “I know … Read more

Want to see the Air National Guard fly over central Pa. on Tuesday? Here are some details

by

The Air National Guard will be in central Pa., as well as a couple other cities on Tuesday, for a flyover to salute healthcare workers and those working to stop the spread of COVID-19. Operation American Resolve features pilots with the 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 193rd Special Operations Wing, which will a fly … Read more

Commissioner speaks on decision to begin reopening Lebanon County without permission

by

LEBANON COUNTY — The Wolf Administration says it is using several risk factors to determine which counties can move into the yellow phase. Governor Wolf says he is using the advice given by scientists and medical experts as well as reports by the Carnegie Mellon risk-based decision tool. The governor says he plans to release this … Read more

Schools could reopen in the fall with strict social distancing guidelines

by

Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennsylvania schools got a slightly clearer picture Monday when Education Secretary Pedro Rivera, testifying in a Senate committee hearing, acknowledged schools will need additional aid to respond to all the challenges posed by COVID-19. The Department of Education released a statement through email, “The Department of Education fully expects students to return … Read more