News

Township authority over data center plans uncertain in Northampton County

(The Center Square) – Residents in Upper Mount Bethel Township made their opposition to a proposed data center clear as local officials weighed their concerns against legal limits that could shape how much control the township ultimately has over the project. Whether the developer can move forward with plans for a second major data center proposal in Northampton County could hinge on zoning challenges and several overlapping documents now under review. The focus of the Aug. 24 meeting was a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, with the developer and whether the township should ...

State disaster program awards nearly $600,000 in aid

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s Disaster Recovery Assistance Program has provided nearly $600,000 to residents recovering from disasters since the program was established in 2023, state officials announced. The program, known as DRAP, has been activated 13 times and provides grants to individuals and families for temporary housing and rental costs, repairs needed to make homes livable and replacement of essential personal property. The state has invested $20 million in the program over the past four budget cycles, including another $5 million in the 2026-27 state budget. Unused ...

State reminds teens, employers of child labor rules

HARRISBURG — As students return to school, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry is reminding young workers, parents and employers about state laws governing the employment of minors. Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act limits the hours minors may work, restricts them from certain hazardous jobs and establishes requirements for work permits and other conditions of employment. The law applies to workers under age 18. “As students head back to school, many will continue building valuable skills and earning income through part-time jobs, but those opportunities should never ...

Writers’ group to host poet, author

STATE COLLEGE — Poet and author Marjorie Maddox Hafer will speak at the Nittany Valley Writers’ Network meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Schlow Library Community Room, 211 S. Allen St., State College. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Hafer will present ...

Vehicle strikes deer on Route 522

REEDSVILLE — A Lewistown woman escaped injury after her vehicle struck a deer Saturday morning on U.S. 522 North, according to Pennsylvania State Police at Lewistown. Police said Elishia D. Brown, 36, was traveling north in a 2019 Jeep Compass at about 9:59 a.m. when a deer entered the roadway near 5360 U.S. Highway 522 North. Brown was unable to avoid the deer and struck it in the travel lane. The Jeep sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene. Brown, who police said was wearing a seat belt, was not injured. Parson’s Towing assisted at the scene. State police ...

Barbecue benefit