Pennsylvania bill would require mapping of overdose deaths

The Center Square – The high number of drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania have been rising, but state agencies provide data on them on a voluntary basis only. That might change with a new bill requiring law enforcement and emergency responders to update the state’s map of overdoses quickly. SB1152 would require adding information on … Read more

Public transportation comes to rural counties

Getting around just got a little easier in several rural counties of north central Pa., with an on-demand shuttle service opening routes in Bloomsburg, Danville, Milton, and Lewisburg. The ride service, known as Stop Hopper, is offered through rabbittransit, which already runs shuttles in York County, as well as parts of Selinsgrove, Sunbury, and Northumberland. … Read more

Sunshine returns day after intense snow, wind storms whipped through central Pa.

Mother Nature is blessing central Pennsylvania with sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures Tuesday, one day after snow and powerful winds created miserable conditions and a massive pile-up on Interstate 81. Tuesday will be sunny with mid 40-degree highs, according to the National Weather Service. That’s the last of the uneventful weather, apparently, since forecasters are … Read more

Avian influenza puts bird owners across PA on watch

Avian influenza (HPAI) has not yet been detected amongst commercial poultry and backyard flocks in Pennsylvania, but it has been detected in the state; a dead, wild bald eagle found in Chester County has tested positive. Bird owners must be on watch for contact with the HPAI virus and take necessary precautions, according to the … Read more

‘Avoid travel’ amid dangerous central Pa. snow squalls, forecasters say

Dangerous snow squalls have already caused multiple crashes Monday afternoon thanks to blowing snow and gusty winds on central Pennsylvania roads, forecasters said. “Don’t go out, don’t drive,” Amanda Wagner, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told PennLive. “Avoid travel if at all possible.” Those who do have to drive and get stuck in … Read more

Pennsylvania lawmakers want to create a state fund for low-income home repairs

Some homeowners grappling with costly home repairs could get some relief under the Whole-Home Repairs Act, a bipartisan effort led by state Sen. Nikil Saval, who represents portions of Philadelphia. The bill would establish a state fund, which would distribute funding to local agencies and municipalities to provide homeowners with the additional funding necessary to … Read more

Bill would give Pennsylvania voters power to reject any new taxes

The Center Square – A proposed bill could mean more ballot referenda in Pennsylvania to prevent controversial tax increases, and also make it harder for localities or the General Assembly to boost tax revenues. Rep. David Rowe, R-Union/Snyder, introduced HB2432 to amend the Commonwealth’s constitution to add ballot questions during primary elections that would allow … Read more

New Trader Joe’s to open in central Pa.

Trader Joe’s will open its new Lower Allen Township location at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 31, with a ribbon cutting ceremony before doors open. The company said in a news release that the store will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is located at 3545 Gettysburg Road in Lower Allen. The … Read more

New nursing program coming to Northumberland County

SUNBURY, Pa. — A nursing program through Marywood University is set to kick off this summer in Northumberland County as part of an effort to bring a community college to central Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna Valley Community Education Project has spent more than a dozen years trying to bring a community college to part of central … Read more

Bowling fundraiser raises money for youth mentoring programs

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — People in Cumberland County hit the bowling lanes on Sunday for a good cause. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capitol Region brought back “Bowl For Kids’ sake” on March 20 for the first time since 2019. Held today at ABC West Lanes in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, participants raised … Read more

Local companies, organizations collect supplies to aid Ukraine

Cumberland County, PA — As the crisis in Ukraine continues to unfold, communities across central Pennsylvania are finding ways to step up and help. Zachary Epple is the general manager for Teknika Strapping Systems in Mechanicsburg, which has roots in Ukraine. Its CEO and second in command are both from Ukraine and it has a … Read more

Entrepreneurs wanted for idea contest, could win up to $50k

DUBOIS, Pa. (WTAJ)– Tech innovators or small manufacturers in Central PA are invited to join the “BIG Idea Contest” which is hosted by The North Central PA LaunchBox and also powered by Penn State DuBois. The LaunchBox along with Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, and other economic development leaders are … Read more