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Local fiber arts marketplace set
HUNTINGDON -- A free, one-day marketplace vendor fair on Saturday as part of Fiber ArtsFest at the Huntingdon County Fairgrounds. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is an opportunity to visit vendors who have items of interest for fiber artists, participate in hands-on activities, and learn more about fiber arts in the area. Artists and artwork will be on display.
There will be live alpacas and free small make-and-takes craft projects, great for young and old alike. There will be demonstrations throughout the day on a variety of fiber related topics and music.
The marketplace is free and open to the public, with free parking. The Shavers Creek 4-H will have food for sale and the Farm Museum will be open. There also will be two days of classes from quilting, knitting, needle felting, jewelry making, and rug hooking. Registration is still open for most classes.
For more information visit the Fiber ArtsFest website www.fiberartsfest.org or call the Huntingdon County Arts Council at (814) 643-6220.
Port Royal to host Veterans Day parade
PORT ROYAL -- Sponsors including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, American Veterans and others will host a Veterans Day parade at 11 a.m. on Nov. 6 from the Port Royal Speedway at the fairgrounds.
The parade steps off at noon and runs from the speedway, on Eighth Street, to Main Street, Third Street, state Route 75, Sixth Street and back to the fairgrounds.
Participants in the parade include the Pennsylvania State Police, Mifflin County Sheriff, the Honor Guard float, antique tractors, Juniata County Honor Guard, animal rescue, grand marshall, Saddle Club horses and 28 other participants, along with more to be announced.
Those who wish to participate in the parade should call (717) 994-8735 or (901) 430-5333 to enter.
School mask bill clears committee
HARRISBURG -- The Senate Education Committee today approved a plan that provides parental control over masking decisions in school.
Senate Bill 846 would allow parents or legal guardians of a child to opt the child out of wearing a face covering or mask that has been imposed by the state Secretary of Health or school board. The plan must also state that a child who has been opted-out will not be subject to any harassment or discriminatory treatment.
The bill now goes to the full senate for consideration.
Safe driving program for seniors is Oct. 7
HARRISBURG -- A Seniors for Safe Driving program to help improve the driving skills of older motorists will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at Fairfield Inn and Suites, 9970 Shaner Blvd. in Huntingdon.
The Seniors for Safe Driving program is beneficial for older drivers looking to improve their driving skills by learning how to adjust their driving techniques and habits to compensate for many of the challenges facing older motorists.
The program is open to drivers age 55 and older. There is no on-the-road driving required and no exam will be given. At the completion of the class, motorists will be eligible to receive a minimum 5% discount on their auto insurance premiums.
Individuals interested in attending the classes may register online at www.SeniorsForSafeDriving.com or call (800) 559-4880. The cost for the class is $16.
PSU asks to help stop lanternfly spread
UNIVERSITY PARK -- With Penn State's academic year and football season underway, thousands of students, families and fans are converging on Happy Valley, and the university wants to make sure they are not bringing with them an unwanted hitchhiker -- the spotted lanternfly.
First discovered in the U.S. in 2014 in Berks County, the pest -- which feeds on more than 70 types of plants -- has spread to 34 Pennsylvania counties, including Mifflin, Juniata, Huntingdon and Perry, which make up Pennsylvania's spotted lanternfly quarantine zone.
Penn State is asking visitors, especially those coming from areas in which spotted lanternfly is established, to take the following precautions before traveling:
¯Walk around your vehicle and check closely for any spotted lanternfly adults and/or nymphs; particularly check the windshield wiper area, bumpers and wheel wells. In fall and winter, also look for egg masses, which have the appearance of mud splatters. On RVs, check the roofs as well.
¯Check any piece of equipment or item that you will be transporting that has been outdoors in the quarantine area, such as grills, tents, tables or yard games.
¯Do not park your RV or other vehicles under trees in the quarantine zone. Always keep your windows up.
¯Check yourself before getting into any vehicle to make sure there are no spotted lanternfly nymphs or adults on you.
If you find a spotted lanternfly, destroy it immediately. And, if you see one outside of the quarantine zone, report it online at extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly or by phone at 888-4BADFLY.
For more information about the spotted lanternfly, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly.
Bill to keep guns from felons advances
HARRISBURG -- A bill that would close a legal loophole and keep firearms from being carried by convicted felons passed the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday, the bill's sponsor, Rep. John Hershey (R-Mifflintown) said.
Hershey said he wants to support gun ownership for law-abiding citizens and restrict access to firearms for those convicted by a judge or jury.
House Bill 1564 would address convictions of "attempting, conspiring or soliciting" felonies like criminal homicide and robbery. Currently, someone convicted of a serious crime is statutorily barred from possessing a firearm, but those convicted of attempting, conspiring or soliciting those same crimes cannot be prosecuted for carrying a firearm.
The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association supports the measure.