News

Pennsylvania welcomes GreenTech North America

PHILADELPHIA — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding welcomed agriculture leaders from around the world to Philadelphia for GreenTech North America 2026 in September, marking the first time the global organization GreenTech has hosted this conference in North America. Pennsylvania’s role as host reflects the Commonwealth’s leadership in agricultural innovation, powered by the Shapiro Administration’s statewide economic development strategy and focus on investing in the people, research, and technology needed to keep Pennsylvania agriculture a global leader. The conference, ...

USDA announces $86.6 million investment into the U.S. specialty crop industry

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding $86.6 million in grant funding to support the specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The program funds innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. “I am proud to announce USDA will be investing more than $86 million across 56 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These 609 state projects represent the Trump Administration’s commitment to innovation, marketing, and research—ensuring specialty crop businesses are at ...

Bumbaugh-Lucas is new Penn State Extension agent

HUNTINGDON — Cassidy Bumbaugh-Lucas has joined Penn State Extension as the new County Extension Agent for Huntingdon and Mifflin Counties. Born and raised in Huntingdon County, she has a deep-rooted appreciation for the local agricultural community. Bumbaugh-Lucas graduated in 2023 with a ...

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The Sentinel offers nonprofit and other community organizations an opportunity to promote upcoming events for free in the community calendar for three days before the event. Events requiring reservations may be promoted for up to two weeks before the reservation deadline. Events that require a purchase from a for-profit business, even if a donation is made to the organization, are not eligible for the calendar. Please be brief and include only basic details. If possible, provide a phone number or email address to be published with contact information. Submit items at least one week in ...

Two-alarm fire destroys building at Hilltop Pallets

McCLURE — A two-alarm fire destroyed a building Monday afternoon at Hilltop Pallets in western Snyder County's West Beaver Township. Snyder County emergency dispatch received the call at 12:19 p.m. for the fire at 261 Bannerville Hill Road, which has a McClure mailing address. Dispatch confirmed that firefighters contained the blaze but did not provide the time crews brought it under control or when the last units cleared the scene. The building was part of Hilltop Pallets, a family-owned business John Speicher founded in 2010. Dispatch did not identify the building or say how its ...