News

Understanding the science and stakes behind Pa.’s synchronous fireflies

Local News June 18, 2026

[Editor’s Note: This is part two of the May 12 program for the Towpath Naturalist Society of Mifflin and Juniata County]. LEWISTOWN — When the Towpath Naturalist Society of Mifflin and Juniata County welcomed environmental educator Jen Moore on May 12, her presentation offered more than a glimpse into the beauty of synchronous fireflies. It opened a deeper conversation about a species that depends on darkness, moisture and undisturbed forest floors — conditions that are becoming harder to maintain. Moore, who works with the Department of Conservation and Natural ...

Police reports

Local News June 18, 2026

No injuries in Milroy crash MILROY — A New York man was charged after a vehicle accident on Wednesday, June 3 around noon on Route 322, four miles west of the Milroy exit. According to the State Police report, Chaohua Xu, 35, of Flushing, N.Y. was operating a 2026 Hino L7D traveling westbound on the highway when he attempted to negotiate a left hand curve. Xu’s vehicle left the roadway on the right side, impacting a guide rail and rolling over onto the driver’s side. Following the rollover, the vehicle came to final rest sustaining disabling damage.The vehicle was towed from ...

Calendar

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 ...