On Tuesday’s Teleforum program with host Eddy Crow, the topics will include (but not be limited to) SCOTUS and the scheduled conceal carry gun case; The latest covid vaccination news (hint: not great), and how to set yourself on fire while drinking with your buddies. Teleforum is every weekday from 9 till noon on AM1230WBVP, AM1460WMBA, and 99.3FM presented by St. Barnabas.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the start of aerial spraying of state woodlands to combat gypsy moth populations poised for spring outbreaks in some sections of Pennsylvania.
“As the insects emerge and begin feeding, the suppression effort will begin in early May,” Dunn said. “Our recent cool, wet springs had emerged as an enemy of the gypsy moth in years past, but populations have climbed in some areas to a point where aerial spraying is needed to keep this invasive pest in check and protect the trees from defoliation.”
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry will oversee spraying of 146 sites totaling 203,569 acres. Included will be nine state forests, nine state parks, state game lands and sections of the Allegheny National Forest in 19 counties located in south central, central, north central and north west Pennsylvania.
State parks to be sprayed: Black Moshannon, Centre County; Blue Knob, Bedford County; Chapman, Warren County; Colton Point, Tioga County; Hyner View, Clinton County; Kinzua Bridge, Warren County; Leonard Harrison, Tioga County; Little Pine, Lycoming County; and Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County.
“In Pennsylvania, these destructive, invasive insects go through cycles where outbreaks occur every five to 10 years,” said DCNR Forest Health Manager Dr. Donald Eggen. “Populations had declined in years past thanks to the gypsy moth fungus disease and wet spring weather but that no longer is the case for 2021.”
The gypsy moth suppression program is conducted with the goal of preventing defoliation so that trees do not become stressed and succumb to disease, other insect pests, or drought. Aerial spraying will be conducted by helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.
Targeted sites are determined by surveys of egg masses and other indicators across the state indicating gypsy moth populations are increasing and have the potential to cause major defoliation.
Feeding while in the larval — or caterpillar — stage, the insect usually hatches and begins feeding from mid- to late April in southern Pennsylvania, and in early to mid-May in the northern part of the state. Oak, apple, sweet gum, basswood, birch, aspen, and willow trees are affected the most by the gypsy moth.
Bureau of Forestry experts note the state’s oak stands are especially vulnerable to gypsy moth infestation, often resulting in tree mortality. The loss of habitat, timber, and tree growth are considerable when gypsy moth populations go untreated. A tree begins to significantly suffer when 30 percent or more of its leaf surface is lost.
Biological in nature, the applied insecticides must be ingested by young caterpillars as they feed on emerging foliage.
Begun in 1972, the forest insect spray program is a cooperative effort among DCNR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Forest Health Protection Unit.
The gypsy moth was introduced to North America in 1869 at Medford, Mass., where it was used in a failed silk-production experiment. The gypsy moth first reached Pennsylvania in Luzerne County in 1932, and since then has infested every county.
(Enon Valley, Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle said via release that an Enon Valley man has refused to press charges involving a theft of equipment and tools from him.
State Troopers stated that the theft occurred on March 3, 2021. James Cook reported at that time that someone stole a chain saw, tools, an AC Sniffer and a car battery from him. The items were valued at approximately $270.00.
The release stated that Cook refused to cooperate with Troopers in regards to filing charges.
It’s one thing to even consider playing sports during the middle of a global phenomenon, but to succeed during one is going above and beyond to showcase the strength of an individual or team’s performance.
The Geneva College softball team, under the leadership of athletic director Van Zanic and his coaching staff, have done just that. The team is currently 29-5 on the 2021 campaign, including a school-record 17 game winning streak that has placed the Golden Tornadoes in a first-place section tie (so far) with Westminster (who are 28-2 overall) at 12-2 in the PAC.
Zanic spoke about this historic season with Matt Drzik on A.M. Beaver County on April 26, just 8 days shy of the start of the PAC tournament–which coincidentally rubs up right against Finals Week at Geneva College. That is one of many difficult hurdles that Zanic has had to persevere through with his squad, and he talked about the drive and focus that has propelled not just the softball team, but Geneva athletics as a whole to the heights that they have achieved on AND off the field.
To watch the full interview, click on the Facebook feed below!
(Chippewa Twp., Pa.) Chippewa Twp. Fire Department responded to a call Friday evening shortly after 8pm for a single vehicle accident on Toll I-376.
A Black Subaru was in the grass median when crews arrived with front end damage. After investigation it was determined that the car had hit a deer as it approached the Chippewa interchange.
No one in the car was injured. The deer, however, died from the impact.
(Brighton Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting on Monday, April 26, 2021 , that they were called to the scene of an accident on Interstate 376 near mile marker 37.5 in Brighton Twp. for a two-vehicle accident on April 12, 2021 at approximately 12:20 PM.
Upon arriving on the scene Troopers investigated and found out that Jeffrey Dolph of Monaca was operating a 1995 Ford Ranger pick-up truck in the right-hand lane of East bound 376 when his vehicle collided with a 2006 Dodge Shelby Charger being operated by Kevin Whitlock of Beaver Falls.
No one was injured and the specifics of the accident were not provided in the release.
Dolph was charged by Troopers with not driving properly on roadways laned for traffic.
By JOSH BOAK Associated Press
The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed up to 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months. The expanded program uses funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March. The Agriculture Department is announcing Monday it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months. The program reflects the Biden administration’s attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty. Conservative critics say the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.
(Harrisburg, Pa.) Pennsylvania’s “Move Over Law” will be implemented starting Tuesday, Arpil 27, 2021.
The “Move Over Law” requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to move one lane from the area. Drivers who are unable to safely merge into a lane further away from the response area are to slow to at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
Pennsylvania defines an emergency response area as an area where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs or try to warn travelers.
Fines start at $500 for first-time offenders and up to $2,000 and a license suspension for a third or subsequent offense.
Drivers can be fined up to $10,000 if they injure or kill a first responder near a disabled vehicle.
(Hanover Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting that they were called to Whitehill Road in Hanover Twp. Beaver County for a report of money missing from a man’s checking account.
Troopers said via release said that Glendon Korbelic from Georgetown told a Trooper that he discovered approximately$12,000.00 in unauthorized charges to his bank account.
Pa. State Troopers are continuing to investigate.
WEST MIFFLIN, PA – Locals eager for more fun this summer and job-seekers in search of a rewarding, unique environment can find something to scream about: Kennywood and its sister parks are raising the stakes on a preseason hiring spree!
With outlooks improving for the Summer Seasons at Kennywood, Sandcastle Waterpark and Idlewild & SoakZone in recent weeks, park management wish to hire an additional 900 seasonal Team Members across the three Western Pennsylvania parks in order to expand operating schedules closer to pre-pandemic standards. To do so, starting hourly pay rates for positions that require an adult (at least 18 years old, or graduating high school seniors) will now make $13 an hour, with select jobs at Idlewild paying as much as $16 hourly. Recruits will also be eligible for a variety of perks and bonuses. New this spring, new and returning seasonal Team Members will receive a complimentary 2021 Basic Season Pass for themselves and up to three members of their immediate family as long as they apply and complete the hiring process by May 10.
“All signs point to a much better summer, so we’re stepping up our recruitment efforts to attract great candidates and deliver great experiences for our guests,” says Kennywood/Sandcastle General Manager Mark Pauls. “We can’t wait to get people back to work, and back to fun!”
Positions are available in all departments, with the parks’ primary focus on Lifeguards, Ride Operators, and Food & Beverage staff. In addition to the new pay rates and sign-on Season Passes, Team Members receive discounts on dining and retail, advancement and bonus opportunities based on performance, scholarship opportunities, and invitations to team-building activities such as galas and movie nights.
All three parks will continue their commitment to the health and safety of Guests and Team Members by following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania Department of Health and best practices within the amusement and attractions industries. In-person interviews and orientations will be conducted with facial coverings, social distancing, and strict adherence to indoor capacity limitations. Team Members returning from prior years will be able to participate in online orientations.
Those interested can apply online at the park of their choice: Kennywood, Sandcastle, or Idlewild. Kennywood’s season begins Saturday, May 8, with Sandcastle and Idlewild opening on Saturday, May 29.