FILE – Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 138th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club announced that Phil and his wife Phyllis, have become parents of two groundhog babies on Wednesday, March 27. Phil is credited by many with predicting whether an early spring is coming based on whether he sees his shadow on Feb. 2 each year. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

Start handing out those groundhog-size cigars: Punxsutawney Phil is a father. The Pennsylvania group that handles the spring-predicting groundhog and his groundhog wife Phyllis says the couple became parents on Saturday. A member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club was bringing fruit and vegetables to Phil and Phyllis on Saturday when the heads of two babies popped up as well. No word yet on their gender or names.

LIGONIER, PA: March 28, 2024 – Idlewild & SoakZone is gearing up for its 2024 season with a massive improvement project across the park’s beloved Story Book Forest. The Best Kids Park in the World is also unveiling an expanded operating schedule, thrilling special events and entertainment and much more for its 147^th season.  

Story Book Forest, which features character scenes from fairy tales and nursery rhymes along a winding path through a real forest will delight guests with several improvements and returning elements this upcoming season, including; 

·         The multi-year paving project has continued with a large portion of the path being paved creating better accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs and improving the overall guest   experience for everyone visiting Story Book Forest 

·         Rub-a-Dub-Dub Three Men in a Tub will splash back on the scene with the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker in a brand-new tub; 

·         Jack and the Beanstalk will sprout again in the lineup with the original characters along with a new beanstalk and pea pods;  

·         Restoration and improvements including a new roof for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs cottage and new wood siding on the Good Ship Lollipop; and  

·         The lake is getting refreshed to ensure it remains as picturesque as its surroundings, along with motion returning to the Windmill and waterwheels in the center.   

“The upcoming Idlewild season will be full of reasons to visit, with Story Book Forest’s multiple improvements and additions, brand-new concepts for our special events plus several other upgrades throughout the park,” said General Manager Tim Heger. “We take great pride in being Pittsburgh’s Best Amusement Park for Kids and Families and strive to elevate the fun and playfulness every year for our guests.” 

Story Book Forest is just one part of the improvements throughout The Best Kids Park in the World. Also new in 2024, Skooters is adding all-new bumper cars, more than doubling the ride’s capacity and offering more options for families to enjoy throughout their visit. Others include the continuation of a multi-year restoration project of the park’s Carousel in Olde Idlewild. The carousel horses, which date back to 1931, were stripped down to bare wood and carefully hand-painted to restore this timeless classic to its original beauty. The SoakZone Gift Shop is also being upgraded from top to bottom, offering guests an enhanced shopping experience. New floors, new wall units and beautiful displays to complement all-new park merchandise are in store for this coming season. 

The 2024 Idlewild season will feature new elements and enhanced entertainment for its popular event Kids Fest, plus the Halloween favorite, HALLOWBOO!. This fall event will have its longest run yet beginning on September 14 and running weekends through October 27. Idlewild will open its gates for the 2024 season on Saturday, May 18 with SoakZone opening on Saturday, May 25.  

Families can take advantage of the full season lineup of events and enjoy the enhanced Idlewild experience throughout the entire season with a Season Pass on sale now with savings of up to $30 off. A Season Pass provides the best way to visit the park, offering unlimited admission, discounts on food and retail, Bring a Friend Day discounts, plus much more. 

For more information about the 2024 Idlewild expanded season and to purchase tickets or season passes, please visit Idlewild.com.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today unveiled PSP Tips, a new way for the public to share information related to active investigations, cold-cases, the apprehension of wanted persons, or locating missing persons.

“Assistance from the public is often vital to solving crimes or locating missing or wanted individuals,” said Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Deputy Commissioner of Operations. “The social media platforms, the toll-free number, and the online tip form are all easy ways to send us information that may solve a case or get a dangerous individual off the streets.”

PSP Tips includes information on nearly 100 cold case homicides, missing persons, and other unsolved crimes. New cases will be added frequently.

Featured cases include the 1973 homicide of an 8-year-old girl in Greene County, the unsolved killing in 1977 of a high school junior in Blair County, the 1981 disappearance of a Lackawanna County teenager, and the search for the children of Susan Reinert, a Montgomery County teacher found murdered near Harrisburg in 1979.

Your tip could provide investigators with a long-awaited breakthrough that will finally bring closure and justice for the victim’s families.

All information submitted to PSP Tips can be provided anonymously, if desired.

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker today underscored the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to expanding apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation of Pennsylvania workers during a visit to Sigma Resources, a Pittsburgh company that prepares high school students for careers in video-game development through a registered pre-apprenticeship program supported by L&I’s Schools-to-Work initiative. During this visit, Secretary Walker announced Schools-to-Work awards totaling more than $3.3 million to 14 organizations throughout Pennsylvania, including Sigma Resources, which hosted the event.

Since the start of his Administration, Governor Josh Shapiro has been focused on creating real opportunities for people to obtain good-paying jobs. That’s why Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget proposal builds on the 2023-24 budget with bipartisan support for investments in workforce development, including $6 million for registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Schools-to-Work grants support workforce development programs, in partnership with schools, that establish or enhance employment and training pathways for Pennsylvania students.

“Students who have access to career training before they leave high school are empowered to make informed decisions about their next steps into the workforce, whether through training or higher education. Pre-apprenticeship programs are a critical tool in preparing the next generation of Pennsylvania workers, and I look forward to seeing the life-changing impacts of the programs funded through the Schools-to-Work initiative,” Secretary Walker said.

Sigma Resources, in partnership with its subsidiary Simcoach Games, will use its $250,000 Schools-to-Work grant to recruit 120 more students into its Junior Game Developer pre-apprenticeship program over the next few years.

With earlier Schools-to-Work funding, Sigma Resources launched a six-week long, summer workforce development program in game design and development. The program developed and trained 40 high school students to build transformational games, accelerating their ability to pursue higher education and workforce opportunities in emerging, non-traditional technology vocations. In 2022, the program held its first summer cohort as a registered pre-apprenticeship in the Commonwealth, and 120 students have since successfully completed the program.

“The grant we’ve been awarded amplifies our efforts to use game design as a powerful teaching tool, bridging the gap between immersive technologies and vital workforce skills. Through our registered pre-apprenticeship, students gain a holistic education in digital art, design, production, and more — preparing them for success across the technology sector,” said Sandeepa Kaleida, CEO of Sigma Resources.

Details about the programs of each Schools-to-Work grant recipient follow. Additional information about the Schools-to-Work program can be found on L&I’s website.

St. Marys Area School District (Elk County – $249,534)

St. Marys Area High School will establish a diversified occupations program known as the Dutch Innovation Lab and offer flexible learning options like independent study and hybrid learning, along with courses in electrical occupations and welding. Through a partnership with Penn State DuBois, students will receive stackable and transferable credentials that adhere to industry standards.

Bucks County Community College (Bucks County – $250,000)

Bucks County Community College is expanding its building and construction trades pre-apprenticeship program. In partnership with the Bucks County Workforce Development Board, local unions, and employers, the program aims to train graduates to enter registered apprenticeship programs with high-paying wages. The program aims to increase diversity in enrollment and offer math and literacy skills for entry into the trades.

Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties – $250,000)

Well-trained laboratory animal caretakers are needed in the biomedical science sector, but there is no established pathway to these positions from secondary education in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR) plans to address this by establishing the first registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program in Pennsylvania to train laboratory animal caretakers. These programs will offer students a path to American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification and entry-level jobs in the biomedical and life science sectors.

Sigma Resources LLC (Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland counties – $250,000)

Sigma Resources LLC (Simcoach Games) plans to recruit 120 high school students during the summers of 2024, 2025, and 2026 for a pre-apprenticeship program training students for academic pursuits and meaningful employment in the technology industry and related fields. The program aims to prioritize diversity by recruiting minorities, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities.

Hamilton Health Center (Dauphin County – $250,000)

Hamilton Health Center will create a program for 30 low-income, at-risk high school seniors to join a Pennsylvania registered medical assistant apprenticeship program. Hamilton Health Center will offer education, clinical skills, life skills, and job opportunities to students facing significant barriers to entering healthcare careers. The project partners with K-12 school districts with high numbers of low-income students with the goal of connecting students with local healthcare employers.

York Electrical Institute (Adams and York counties – $248,185)

YEI is enhancing its pre-apprenticeship programming in York and Adams counties by offering high school students exposure to registered apprenticeships in the electrical industry. YEI will also engage 9th and 10th graders from 13 high schools in one-day Junior Achievement STEM Summits. With the addition of a youth program director and training director, YEI aims to provide training and resources to underrepresented populations in the electrical trades, including women and people of color.

Schuylkill Technology Center (Schuylkill County – $227,350)

Schuylkill Technology Center (STC) is launching a program to connect high school students in Schuylkill County with employment or post-secondary education opportunities. This project expands STC’s existing programs in residential/industrial electricity and electro-mechanical technology by introducing a pre-apprenticeship program sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Labor Union Local 743. The initiative will create pathways for 20 high school seniors to enter advanced manufacturing and building and construction fields in electrical occupations.

Catalyst Connection (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties – $250,000)

Catalyst Connection will broaden its industrial manufacturing technician pre-apprenticeship program by expanding work-based learning opportunities for participants. This initiative caters to the needs of regional manufacturing firms by supplying a talent pool with verified competencies, technical skills, and strong work ethic. Leveraging connections with more than 2,500 manufacturing companies and 60 school districts, along with community partnerships, the program will provide pre-apprenticeship experiences to 100 students.

Partnership for Career Development (Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties – $250,000)

The Transition Accommodated Pre-Apprenticeship (TAPA) for registered manufacturing technicians is designed for high school students with individualized education plans (IEPs). The program will accommodate diverse learning styles, offering participants a competitive advantage for entering registered apprenticeships, work experiences, or further education and training. The program will feature a customized intake process for all participants and will identify suitable manufacturing sites for visits and future opportunities.

Learned Potential (Philadelphia – $248,000)

The High Impact Tutor to Teacher Pre-Apprentice Program recruits, trains, and mentors tutors from various institutions to assist K-12 students in reading and math. Collaborating with Community College of Philadelphia, Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School, Community Partnership Schools, and Boys Latin Charter School, the program aims to provide educational support and mentorship by creating a pipeline of tutors, fostering community engagement, academic excellence, and aspiring future educators.

We Love Philly (Philadelphia – $250,000)

Schools-to-Work funding will support the expansion of a registered digital media and marketing pre-apprenticeship and the launch a cybersecurity pre-apprenticeship. Both programs include basic literacy and math skills and socio-emotional support to help participants develop self-awareness, recognize self-worth, and build supportive connections, empowering them as leaders and agents of change in their communities.

School District of Philadelphia (Philadelphia – $250,000)

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Pre-Apprenticeship Pipeline Program offers specialized education and training in CEA production methods, intending to meet the demand for CEA workers in Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia. Preparing high school students for careers in indoor farming, the CEA program will serve as a model for other districts to implement similar programs. The curriculum includes hands-on learning, internships, and research opportunities, preparing students for careers in agricultural technology.

Chester Upland School District (Delaware County – $250,000)

The Exit 6 Pre-Apprenticeship Training Academy at Chester Upland Career and Technical Center prepares students for the workforce by developing the essential skills and experiences necessary for a seamless transition from the high school classroom into the workforce. By partnering with local businesses and universities, the registered apprenticeship programs will build connections between school and work, offering hands-on experience in carpentry, labor union, and marketing, including academic support.

Workforce Solutions for North Central PA (Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties – $156,000)

The North Central Workforce Development Board, in collaboration with local employers and school districts, will establish pre-apprenticeship to registered apprenticeship pathways, connecting high school students with employment or postsecondary education opportunities in nursing and the electrical trades. Students will gain the basic skills needed for apprenticeship entry exams.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Transportation (PennDOT) today encouraged residents, local leaders, businesses, and organizations to join in cleaning up their communities as part of the “Pick Up Pennsylvania” spring community improvement campaign, now through May 31.

Pick Up Pennsylvania is a year-long initiative, however, events scheduled from March 1 through May 31 receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests provided by support from DEP, PennDOT and Keep America Beautiful, as supplies last.

Events may include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and litter education events. Events must be registered at keeppabeautiful.org to receive free cleanup supplies. To support their efforts, DEP and the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association sponsor no- or low-cost trash disposal at participating landfills for registered events during the month of April.

“Litter impacts our quality of life, the natural environment and economic development in communities all across Pennsylvania. We all need to take responsibility for clean and beautiful neighborhoods.” said President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Shannon Reiter. “By working together to pick up a little litter or plant a tree, we can make big improvements in our quality of life. We’re hoping even more people turn out for this year’s event. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in a few short hours.”

Last year, the Pick Up Pennsylvania initiative welcomed more than 71,000 volunteers who disposed of over 2.9 million pounds of trash, cleaned 8,462 miles of road and waterways and planted more than 8,000 trees, flowers and other greens.

“PennDOT spends around $14 million each year cleaning up litter on our roadways, money that we’d much rather spend maintaining and improving them,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We’re thankful for the thousands of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers who every year provide critical support to our efforts to keep Pennsylvania’s roads and waterways clean and litter-free.”

Groups in PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program, which involves volunteers cleaning roadsides year-round, are longtime participants. Adopt-A-Highway volunteers collect litter on a two-mile section of state highway at least twice a year. In 2023, the program had over 4,400 participating groups, more than 117,700 registered volunteers, and over 9,000 miles of adopted state-maintained roadways resulting in 32,272 bags of litter collected.

“Pennsylvania is a beautiful state. Everyone should be able to enjoy our scenic byways, streams and waterways, and state parks without litter obstructing the view,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “DEP, PennDOT, and other agencies are leading efforts to prevent litter across the Commonwealth. I hope you’ll consider joining thousands of other Pennsylvanians to help to pick up PA and reduce litter in our communities. Let’s all work to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.”

Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, including Scout troops, businesses, watershed organizations, Trout Unlimited, Rod and Gun Clubs, and others, have participated in Pick Up Pennsylvania events for over 20 years.