Monthly archive

May 2020

Department of Human Services reminds Pennsylvanians of assistance programs

Published on in Government

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 (EAP), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Recovery Crisis Program, and the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) programs. Each of these programs can help Pennsylvanians who have lost income or employment meet basic needs until they are able to start work again.

“We know that many people have lost jobs, income, and health insurance as a result of this public health crisis,” Sec. Miller said. “That’s why I want to ensure Pennsylvanians that DHS is here to support them – nobody should go without food, health care, or other services. These safety-net programs exist to help all of us in the best of times, and they are critical in the worst of times. We cannot always plan for an injury or accident, a divorce, or a pandemic, but DHS’s programs exist to help people get through these tough times. These services are available now and they will remain available in the months ahead.”

Continue Reading on North Central PA

Scattered storms, high winds possible today in Lancaster County

Published on in weather

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 severe in some areas, according to NWS, with large hail, heavy rain and the possibility of high winds.

Wind gusts could reach upward of 20 mph, NWS said.

Continue Reading on Lancaster Online

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

Published on in Business

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, families have experienced difficulties due to COVID-19 because they were temporarily laid off or experienced some kind of modification (in their job status). I won’t sit here and tell you the number, but it has been substantial. I would bet probably one-fifth of the families in our community have experienced financial difficulty. In our case, we’ve done things like loan payment deferrals, helping them with fee waivers, reducing expectations around fees in general and lots of other accommodations we’ve put into place.”

He added, “Business is the same thing. If you were not considered an essential business, you weren’t able to operate at full capacity because they had to close the doors to their physical facilities.”

Continue Reading on Lebanon Daily News

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

Published on in Business

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 get their online operations up and going. While many already had websites for their stores, reformatting them to be able to accept online sales wasn’t as easy as pressing a button.

“In order to succeed in this new environment, you have to be open to different approaches and different ways of changing your model slightly, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” said Jane Yorty, owner of Carriage House Style, a boutique shop in Quentin, Lebanon County.

Continue Reading on Lebanon Daily News

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

Published on in Business

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 is a staple on Market Street in Selinsgrove.

The place recently re-opened for takeout, but owner Rick Shuck has been preparing to go to the green phase for more than a month.

He’s been looking at what bars and restaurants in other states have done.

Bot’s Tavern will now use disposable products.

Continue Reading on Local 21 News

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Central PA 4th Fest fireworks to take place in 2020

Published on in Pennsylvania

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 to enjoy.

However, this year the display will be split up throughout four locations with synchronized shows.

“As we follow health guidelines; we want the community to celebrate our Independence Day in a safe and spectacular way,” stated Frank Savino, Executive Director, Central PA 4th Fest

Continue Reading on We are Central PA

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

Published on in People/Sports

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 is located about 15 miles west of York.

It was the first dirt-track race on the central Pennsylvania circuit since mid-March. The show attracted a large crowd. Track officials said they followed governmental guidelines for social distancing. Masks were encouraged but not mandatory for the fans, who had to sign a waiver to gain admittance. The race was also live streamed.

Continue Reading on York Dispatch

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Dairy promotion team presents check to food bank coordinator

Published on in People

The Bedford County Dairy Promotion Team presented a $2,000 check to the Bedford County Food Bank coordinator on May 22.

The team raised the money from ice cream and milk sales at the Bedford County Fair and The Southern Cove Power Reunion, and by collecting donations at various Bedford County activities.

The donation is to be used to provide milk for Bedford County residents who are in need of this nutritious drink that provides vitamins and minerals essential for healthy development, according to a news release from the dairy team.

The team worked in conjunction with Fill-A-Glass-With-Hope and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to make the donation possible.

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

Published on in People

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 services to virtual conference calls and other creative methods to continue worship.

That’s because safety is an integral part of religion itself, said Rev. Eric Hillegas of St. John Episcopal Church in York City.

“It’s part of our love of God and love of neighbor,” Hillegas said. “The great summary of our faith by Jesus is love God, and love our neighbor. This is one way we’re trying to do both of those together.

Continue Reading on York Dispatch

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

Published on in People

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 in combat during three overseas tours, he values any opportunity to honor soldiers who died protecting the country.

So for Yost, it stung when the Veterans of Foreign War Post 537 in Newberry Township announced a few weeks ago it would cancel Memorial Day festivities in the face of the coronavirus crisis.

“It leaves a huge hole,” said Yost, who serves as a chaplain for VFW Post 537. “We’re very active, we have a variety of speakers at the parades. We had a gold star mother one year. … It’s a great loss not to be able to do that.”

Continue Reading on Penn Live

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Midstate Catholic churches in yellow counties prepare for in-person masses May 31

Published on in People

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Catholic churches in yellow counties are preparing to host masses open to the public for the first time in months. This is the last weekend streaming services will be the only option in the Midstate, since the Diocese of Harrisburg is implementing universal changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Only churches in yellow counties in Central PA will be offering in-person services starting May 31. Some parishes in Northern PA have already reopened.

Parishes have and will continue to stream mass during the coronavirus pandemic, but now they’re gearing up to welcome the faithful.

Continue Reading on ABC 27

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Morel Hunting: A unique Central PA hobby

Published on in People

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 part in: Mushroom Morel Hunting.

“We’re looking at every deal Elm tree we come to, that has the bark peel on it, and that’s really the heaviest producers now,” said Dan O’Brien a Bedford County Morel Hunter.

Morels, or morchellas, are the fruit of a fungus that sprouts in the moist soil of woods and forests.

Continue Reading on We are Central PA

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

Published on in School

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 changes.

Continue Reading on Local 21 News

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

Published on in Business

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 food to some of the most vulnerable populations, including children and seniors.

“We want to thank The Hershey Company, Land O’Lakes and ASR for their significant donations of funds and food,” said Joe Arthur, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

“The $50,000 from Hershey will help us provide thousands of crisis response boxes, which will be supplemented by the donation of macaroni and cheese from Land O’Lakes. We are also grateful for ASR’s donation of Domino® Sugar from its Baltimore refinery,” Arthur continued. “These gifts are inspiring examples of our business partners stepping up to help ensure that no one in central Pennsylvania goes hungry during this crisis. Support like this makes all the difference.”

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

Published on in Government

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 early rebates through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Rebates are typically issued starting July 1. Governor Wolf also signed HB 1076 today, which authorizes the early distribution.

“This commonsense solution gives thousands of our older and vulnerable residents their rebates early when they need it,” said Governor Wolf. “I thank members of the General Assembly and Treasurer Torsella for working quickly on this issue so that we can provide this needed financial support.

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Boscov’s is back: 2 central Pa. stores to open this weekend

Published on in Business

Boscov’s is back!

Reading-based retailer Boscov’s has already opened several stores in Pennsylvania as counties have moved into the state’s “yellow phase” of tiered openings.

And on Saturday, Boscov’s will open its Camp Hill store at 11 a.m. in the Camp Hill Shopping Center at 170 S. 32nd St.

“We’re busy getting the store ready to be sure customers are safe and comfortable,” CEO Jim Boscov said in an e-mail.

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Harrisburg company donates lunches to frontline workers across several hospitals

Published on in People

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 everybody likes a free lunch, so nothing better than try and provide the folks that are working so hard over the last few months.”

Sweet plans to coordinate additional dates to deliver lunches to Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Lancaster General Hospital.

Continue Reading on Local 21 News

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

Published on in Entertainment/Environment

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 KC-135 Stratotanker and an EC-130j Commando Solo over several area hospitals. They will also be doing flyovers in Pittsburgh and Johnstown.

The flyover will be in the area early Tuesday afternoon, from 1:08 p.m. to 1:18 p.m., at the following Harrisburg area hospitals: UPMC Pinnacle West Shore, UPMC Pinnacle Polyclinic Hospital, UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic, Hershey Medical Center, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg and Holy Spirit Hospital.

Continue Reading on Pennlive

Commissioner speaks on decision to begin reopening Lebanon County without permission

Published on in Business

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 report publicly twice a week to help residents understand the risk where they live.

Continue Reading on Local 21 News

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Schools could reopen in the fall with strict social distancing guidelines

Published on in People/School

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 to school in the fall in some capacity and is currently developing a plan to help guide schools as they prepare for the new academic year. The health, wellness and safety of students, staff and communities remains the top priority, and the guidance will be grounded in the science and recommendations from the state Department of Health, current research on school reopenings and stay-at-home orders from the governor’s office. PDE will provide a framework of strategies to assist schools within the coming weeks.”

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