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Local News June 18, 2026

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 ...

JCSD approves $51.4 million budget with no tax increase

Local News June 18, 2026

MIFFLINTOWN — The Juniata County School District Board of Directors will head into summer after approving a $51.4 million budget for the 2026-27 school year without a tax increase at its regular monthly meeting at the administration building in Mifflintown on Wednesday night. The budget keeps the real estate tax rate steady while outlining continued funding for district programs, operations and services. Several board members discussed implementing a smaller tax increase due to worrisome revenues in the future. The board approved a proposed real estate tax rate of 81.592 mills. The ...

In the region

Local News June 18, 2026

Maple syrup production and beekeeping the topic of Penn State Extension webinar UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Extension is offering a webinar, “Living on a Few Acres: Maple Syrup Production and Beekeeping,” July 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. The session is designed for the beginning producer or homesteader and for those looking to become more self-sufficient in maple syrup production or beekeeping to extract honey. Participants can learn the techniques and skills that will enable them to begin maple syrup production, beekeeping and honey production. The webinar series covers basic ...

Young students dive into forestry, wildlife at 4-H event

PA News June 17, 2026

ROCK SPRINGS — Recently, Penn State Extension gave youth from across Pennsylvania an opportunity to explore their interest in wildlife and forestry at the 4-H Wildlife and Forestry Field Day, held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs. The event was open to external participants, including those not involved in 4-H. The 2026 theme was “Habitats.” As Micah Staples, 4-H Environmental Science State Project Ambassador, said in his opening, “When we talk about our environment, we often talk about it as a whole, but as many of you know, the ...

Skill games are slot machines, must adhere to Pa gambling law

PA News June 17, 2026

HARRISBURG — Skill games are slot machines under Pennsylvania law and must adhere to the commonwealth’s crime and gambling statutes, the state’s highest court ruled Monday. However, the ruling says that law enforcement can’t take any action for 120 days. That gives the legislature a four-month window to decide whether to regulate the machines, which have proliferated across the state in taverns, gas stations, and corner stores despite existing in a legal gray area. An estimated 70,000 machines are operating in Pennsylvania. Republicans who control the state Senate said the ...

Energy future a defining issue in gubernatorial race

PA News June 17, 2026

Pennsylvania’s energy future is emerging as a defining issue in the 2026 governor’s race, and both Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity say their competing plans would make energy more affordable for residents. Garrity, speaking recently before the Marcellus Shale Coalition in Hershey, promised a natural-gas-first agenda that would lift barriers to drilling, speed permits for pipelines and power plants, roll back energy mandates, and position the commonwealth as a national and global energy leader. Her message offers a contrast with ...