Breaking News

Democrats: Trifecta could unlock action on stalled renewable energy

It’s been more than three decades since Democrats held a trifecta in Pennsylvania, but the prospect of a blue wave in next month’s elections has Gov. Josh Shapiro and party leadership optimistic that their time could come in Harrisburg. After flipping the state House of Representatives in 2022, Democrats now have a chance to take advantage of flagging support for President Donald Trump and Shapiro’s positive favorability to gain control of the state Senate for the first time since 1993. If the gridlock breaks, legislators and environmental advocates see an opportunity to advance ...

Calendar

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 ...

Lawmakers hear concerns over staffing, funding for fire, EMS services

HARRISBURG — Staffing shortages, rising equipment costs and financial pressures are threatening the ability of Pennsylvania's fire departments and emergency medical services to respond to emergencies, according to testimony presented during two recent state House hearings. The House Republican Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. David H. Rowe, R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata, held hearings Oct. 8 in Allegheny County and Oct. 14 in Westmoreland County to examine challenges facing emergency responders and potential legislative solutions. Fire chiefs, EMS officials and municipal leaders ...

PennDOT to replace stop sign with yield sign at I-99 offramp

STATE COLLEGE — Motorists traveling on Interstate 99 near Gray's Woods will encounter a traffic pattern change beginning the week of Oct. 26, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. PennDOT crews will remove the stop sign at the end of the Gray's Woods offramp at mile marker 69 and replace it with a yield sign for traffic merging onto Route 3042 (Skytop Mountain Road). The change follows a study by PennDOT's District 2 Highway Safety Unit, which determined that a yield condition would improve safety for motorists. In addition to replacing the stop sign, crews ...

Passenger jet service returns to Williamsport airport after five-year absence

MONTOURSVILLE — Passenger jet service returned to Williamsport Regional Airport on Monday, marking the first such flights from the facility in five years. Contour Airlines Flight LF3501 departed shortly after 6 a.m. for Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, restoring a connection that airport officials and regional business leaders have worked to secure. The airline will offer daily departures to Charlotte at 6:15 a.m., with return flights arriving in Williamsport around 5:45 p.m. The flight takes approximately 90 minutes. The new service follows the ...

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to receive $5.1 million through state program

HARRISBURG — The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank that serves part of Mifflin County will receive $5.1 million in financial and in-kind contributions through Pennsylvania's Neighborhood Assistance Program to help address growing food insecurity across the region. The funding comes from businesses participating in the state program, which provides tax credits in exchange for contributions to qualifying community projects, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The Harrisburg-based food bank distributes food to pantries across 27 counties, ...