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Save the bees: Pa. loses nearly 50 percent of honey bee colonies REGIONAL NEWS by: Alexis Loya Posted: Jul 14, 2021 / 01:17 PM EDT / Updated: Jul 14, 2021 / 01:17 PM EDT In this Oct. 12, 2018 file photo, a man holds a frame removed from a hive box covered with honey bees in Lansing, Mich. According to the results of an annual survey of beekeepers released on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, winter hit America’s honeybees hard with the highest loss rate yet. (Dale G. Young/Detroit News via AP) SUBSCRIBE NOW Breaking N (WTAJ) — Bee Informed Partnership released their 15th annual survey results that showed the loss of honey bee colonies, however, they also offered ways to help save the bees. Bee Informed Partnership is a nonprofit that works with beekeepers to improve honey bee colony health and survivorship across the U.S., according to their website. The 15th annual preliminary report over the losses of honey bee colony rates was surveyed from April 2020 to April 2021. Moth outbreak in Pa. destroying trees and other plant life Survey results Pennsylvania beekeepers have lost 41.2 percent of their managed honey bee colonies, according to the report. It also states that the entire U.S. lost 45.5 percent of honey bees annually. The largest loss comes from Iowa, which lost 58.4 percent. During the span of summer, April 2020 to October 2020, beekeepers in the U.S. lost around 31.1 percent of managed bee conies, which is slightly lower than last year’s estimated summer colony loss. During the span of winter, October 2020, to April 2021, a total of 32.2 percent of honey bee colonies in the U.S. were lost. This is a 9.6 percentage point increase over the previous winter loss rate. However, the report mentions that these numbers are subject to change as the final report is still being prepared. For more information regarding colony losses, you can visit the Bee Informed Partnership interactive map. The map allows you to compare 2020-21 annual, summer and winter reports as well as data from previous years. Saving the bees Honey bees pollinate flowers of fruits, vegetables and nuts that are grown and consumed, making them a critically important species for agricultural and plant ecosystems, the website states. Some factors that threaten honey bees include poor nutrition due to land-use change, pesticide exposure and introduced pests and diseases. To help save the bees, the general public can reduce herbicide, fungicide and insecticide use. Additionally, they can plant pollen and nectar-rich plants, shrubs and trees that flower at different times so that the blooms are present spring to fall. For more information on bees, head to the FAQ on the Bee Informed Partnership website.

Affidavit: FBI feared Pennsylvania would seize fabled Elk County gold LOCAL NEWS by: MICHAEL RUBINKAM Associated Press Posted: Jun 24, 2021 / 04:08 PM EDT / Updated: Jun 24, 2021 / 05:36 PM EDT An FBI agent applied for a federal warrant in 2018 to seize a cache of gold that he said had been “stolen during the Civil War” while en route to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, and was “now concealed in an underground cave” in northwestern Pennsylvania, according to court documents unsealed Thursday. The newly unsealed affidavit confirms previous reporting by The Associated Press that the federal government had been looking for a legendary cache of gold at the site, which the agency had long refused to confirm. In any case, the agency said, the dig came up empty. The AP and The Philadelphia Inquirer petitioned a federal judge to unseal the case. Federal prosecutors did not oppose the request, and the judge agreed, paving the way for Thursday’s release of documents. “I have probable cause to believe that a significant cache of gold is secreted in the underground cave” in Dent’s Run, holding “one or more tons” belonging to the U.S. government, wrote Jacob Archer of the FBI’s art crime team in Philadelphia. Digging for gold: Pa. treasure hunters take action on FBI’s local search Archer told the judge he needed a seizure warrant because he feared that if the federal government sought permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources to excavate the site, the state would claim the gold for itself. “I am concerned that, even if DCNR gave initial consent for the FBI to excavate the cache of gold secreted at the Dent’s Run Site, that consent could be revoked before the FBI recovered the United States property, with the result of DCNR unlawfully claiming that that cache of gold is abandoned property and, thus, belongs to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” the affidavit said. Additionally, Archer said, a legislative staffer who said he was acting on behalf of others in state government had met with the treasure hunters who identified the likely site and “corruptly” offered to get them a permit to dig “in return for three bars of gold or ten percent” of whatever the treasure hunters recovered. FBI sets up mysterious dig in Elk County No one has been charged in connection with the case, and federal prosecutors say they consider the matter closed. The FBI had long refused to explain exactly why it went digging on state-owned land in Elk County in March 2018, saying only in written statements over the years that agents were there for a court-authorized excavation of “what evidence suggested may have been a cultural heritage site.” According to the affidavit, the FBI based its request for a seizure warrant partly on work done by a father-son pair of treasure hunters who had made hundreds of trips to the area. The duo told authorities they believed they had found the location of the fabled Union gold, which, according to legend, was either lost or stolen on its way to the U.S. Mint in 1863. After meeting with the treasure hunters in early 2018, the FBI brought in a contractor with more sophisticated instruments. The contractor detected an underground mass that weighed up to nine tons and had the density of gold, the affidavit said. That amount of gold would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Emails: FBI was looking for gold at Elk County dig site Archer wrote that he also spoke with a journalist who had done extensive research on a Civil War-era group called the Knights of the Golden Circle. The KGC, Archer wrote, was a secret society of Confederate sympathizers that had purportedly “buried secret caches of weapons, coins, and gold and silver bullion, much of which was stolen from robberies of banks, trains carrying payroll of the Union Army during the Civil War and from northern army military posts, in southern, western and northern states.” Archer said that a turtle carving found on a rock near the proposed dig site was “very likely … a KGC marker for that site.” Archer wasn’t able to confirm the U.S. Mint had actually missed any expected shipments of gold because the Mint did not have records for the Civil War period, the affidavit said. Dennis and Kem Parada, co-owners of the treasure-hunting outfit Finders Keepers, have said they believe the FBI found gold at the site and have pursued legal action to get more information. The FBI assertion of an empty hole is “insulting all the credible people who did this kind of work,” Dennis Parada previously told the AP. “It was a slap in the face, really, to think all these people could make that kind of mistake.” SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/local-news/affidavit-fbi-feared-pennsylvania-would-seize-fabled-elk-county-gold/

Moth outbreak in Pa. destroying trees and other plant life TOP STORIES by: Jared Weaver Posted: Jun 23, 2021 / 02:28 PM EDT / Updated: Jun 23, 2021 / 02:28 PM EDT Image of a forest from Getty images CENTRE COUNTY Pa. (WTAJ)– A European gypsy moth caterpillar outbreak has hit Pennsylvania, as the gypsy moth continues to feed on many of the trees that make up Pennsylvania’s forests. Oak trees are the moth’s preferred food but they are also known to feed on other trees and shrub species. Fortunately, trees can recover from this as long as there are no other additional nuisances. When the larvae grow into caterpillars they become easy to spot. They have five pairs of blue spots and six pairs of red dots across their body. With the current population of caterpillars in Pennsylvania, the only way to get rid of them is by mechanical removal, any other type of treatment will kill other insects that are beneficial to the trees. Residents should hope for a wet spring next year to bring in a pathogen or virus in order to control the moth population. For more information on how to control the outbreak go to the DCNR Bureau of Forestry’s website or Penn State Extension’s website. https://www.wearecentralpa.com/top-stories/moth-outbreak-in-pa-destroying-trees-and-other-plant-life/

One of the 'deadliest plants in North America' is blooming. What to know about poison hemlock Poison Hemlock can cause blisters if touched or death if eaten Zach Tuggle Mansfield News Journal GALION, Ohio – Poison hemlock, a dangerous weed that has only been in the Buckeye State for a few years, is in full bloom this week in North Central Ohio. The hazardous plant is more visible in the area this year than ever before, according to Jason Hartschuh, Ohio State University Extension agent for Crawford County. "It’s everywhere. You about can't drive U.S. 30 and not see it," Hartschuh said. "It keeps spreading by wildlife and by water and flood plains." Poison hemlock started making news in 2019 when it was reported to have spread across southern Ohio. Now it's abundant across the state. The plant is also prevalent in Pennsylvania. Dangerous if eaten The plant can be deadly if eaten, said professors Joe Boggs and Erik Draper, in The Ohio State University's Buckeye Yard & Garden online blog. "Poison hemlock is one of the deadliest plants in North America," they wrote. "Plants contain highly toxic piperidine alkaloid compounds, including coniine and gamma-Coniceine, which cause respiratory failure and death in mammals. The roots are more toxic than the leaves and stems; however, all parts of the plant including the seeds should be considered dangerous." Beware of browntail moth caterpillars:These caterpillars are poisoning people in Maine, causing painful rashes Invasive hammerhead worm in Missouri:'We have to get rid of it' The plant is in the carrot family, as is Queen Anne's Lace, and their similarities can make them hard to differentiate. "The roots of wild carrot, or Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota), are sometimes eaten raw or cooked," the professors wrote. "Unfortunately, they bear a striking resemblance to poison hemlock roots and misidentifications have been responsible for a number of accidental poisonings." Not safe for animals, either Farmers who have pasture land will want to keep an eye out for poison hemlock to ensure none of it is growing where their animals are grazing. "Most of the time livestock are smart enough to not eat it," Hartschuh said. "Where we get into trouble is if we get a drought and everything else goes dormant and that's the only thing still green, they'll eat it." Is your dog snacking on cicadas?:Here's how to keep them safe until the insects disappear Hayfields are also at risk of becoming invaded by poison hemlock, and animals can still become sick if some of the plants make it into their bales of hay. "It does lose some of its toxicity when it dries," Hartschuh said. "But it does still have toxins when it's dry." Positive identifications increasing Like parsley and other carrot family members, poison hemlock will have tiny white flowers that grow in clusters this time of year. A big difference in the plants is that the stalk of poison hemlock is purple, according to Josh Dyer, director of the Crawford Park District. "It’s a dead giveaway," Dyer said. "The other ones are typically green." From a distance, though, the various related plants can be hard to distinguish. "There are a few different species out there that look similar," Dyer said. That resemblance made most sightings in years past false alarms. But as poison hemlock has taken hold in North Central Ohio, most calls the naturalist has received have led to positive identifications. "It's really taken off," Dyer said. "I don't know if it's wind or water-driven, but it seems like it likes being near water." Flowers only in its second year Poison hemlock is a biennial, meaning it takes two years to complete its biological lifecycle. The plant is hard to identify during its first year. "It flowers on the second year," Hartschuh said. "The first year it's a small rosette six to eight inches tall. The second year, it bolts and that's when it can get six feet tall." Fortunately for those attempting to control its population, the plant dies after the second year – propagation can only happen through the plant's seeds, not via its root system. "Things that are a biennial can be controlled much better than things that are perennials," Dyer said. "You just have to be diligent and knock it back." Painful skin irritant But hacking away at poison hemlock can be a very painful task if the proper precautions are not taken. "It can cause blisters," Hartschuh said. "If you're out weed eating, you should wear splash-proof goggles and maybe a face shield because you don't want that juice getting on your lips or in your eyes." If the plant has already started to flower, then cutting the heads off and placing them inside a plastic bag to be thrown away will help reduce the spread of seeds. One of Dyer's colleagues recently tried to eradicate some poison hemlock and discovered the hard way how dangerous the plant really is. "They got really bad blisters from it," Dyer said. "I assume it's like other irritants – it depends on the individual and how they respond to it." Poison ivy is a good example he said. Some people are deathly allergic, while others only become mildly irritated. His final advice was to leave the chopped plants in a pile, or take them to the landfill – just never torch them, regardless of the situation. "I wouldn't burn it," Dyer said. "Like with poison ivy, if you burn it the oils will get in the air and you can get poison ivy in your lungs. I don't know yet if poison hemlock is the same, but I would not want to risk it." SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/06/21/poison-hemlock-deadly-weed-blooming-across-ohio-how-spot/7767718002/

Gypsy moth infestation could lead to major defoliation experts say NEWS by: Alyssa Royster Posted: Jun 10, 2021 / 07:42 PM EDT / Updated: Jun 10, 2021 / 07:46 PM EDT CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – Cicadas aren’t the only ones heavily infesting some areas, but gypsy moths as well. According to Dr. Donald Eggen, forest health manager with DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, the insects are really bad this year. “This is a large infestation, very, very high egg mass numbers. They built up pretty rapidly from last year,” said Eggen. The reason? Dr. Eggen says it’s due to the warm, dry weather. And while the gypsy moths might look small, he says that they’re a big threat. “Right now the gypsy moth is in its final stages of being a caterpillar. It’s the largest stage and they’re doing the most feeding,” said Eggen. Which he says can cause some major damage. “You can get total defoliation from 250 to 500 egg masses per acre, we were counting 2,000 to 10,000 egg masses per acre. So that’s bad for the tree. Because it just put out that leaf and now the caterpillar came along and ate it and it hasn’t photosynthesized and made food,” said Eggen. Dr. Eggen says that the tree can make new leaves but they won’t be the same. “Those leaves aren’t as green, they’re not as efficient in doing photosynthesis. So now that tree is in a weakened state,” said Eggen. Kelli Hoover, Professor of Entomology at Penn State University says she remembers outbreaks so sever, that it looked like winter during the summer. “The leaves were just completely defoliated off lots and lots of trees. And people were getting really annoyed with the piles of caterpillars that were piling up on their decks. And you know, you’d walk through the woods and it’d sound like it was raining because they were dropping insect poop from the trees. You needed a hat,” said Hoover. Currently in her back yard, she says the insects are abundant. “When I see them I just stomp on them,” said Hoover. Growing gypsy moth population could damage central PA forests Instead of touching them, as she says the hairs on gypsy moths can cause people to have an allergic reaction. “I one time had a student who we were doing a lot of work with gypsy moths in the lab and one day she took her gloves off because her hands were really bothering her and they were completely covered in rashes. I had to send her to the hospital in case she had an anaphylactic reaction,” said Hoover. Which is why Hoover tells people to just be patient with the moths. “You know they’re not going to be around all that much longer. Maybe a couple of weeks,” said Hoover. Dr. Eggen agrees saying there’s not anything anyone can do anyway at this point about them. “When we get to June at this stage of the game it’s too late you needed to do something in the month of May. Our first spray day was May 10 and our last spray day was May 27. We had 8 sprayer crafts and 2 helicopters,” said Eggen. SEE VIDEO ; https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/gypsy-moth-infestation-could-lead-to-major-defoliation-experts-say/

Helping the Fight Against Lyme Disease Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of Lyme disease in the country. This week, the House approved legislation to help aid in the treatment of this potentially debilitating disease. House Bill 1033 would require health insurers to provide coverage for long-term antibiotic and antimicrobial therapy for a patient with Lyme disease or related tick-borne illnesses when ordered by a health care practitioner. The health care practitioner could order the treatment after making a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, diagnostic test results or response to treatment, and would be required to disclose to the patient all risks and benefits associated with the recommended treatment options. Lyme disease can be easily treated with antibiotics when caught and treated early. If untreated, the disease can cause joint swelling, cardiac or neurologic complications. The most severe cases can be debilitating. To learn more about Lyme disease, click here. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

HOME| POISON HEMLOCK: FACTS ABOUT THIS EARLY SEASON WEED Poison Hemlock: Facts About this Early Season Weed Poison hemlock resumes its growth early in the spring. Learn more about this weed that is widespread across the state. Save For Later Print NEWS UPDATED: APRIL 21, 2021 Poison hemlock as it begins vegetative spring growth. Source: D. Lingenfelter, Penn State Weed Science images Plant family: Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is in the carrot or Umbelliferae family and the leaves and foliage resemble carrot and parsley. Look-alikes: Wild carrot (also called Queen Anne’s lace), wild parsnip, spotted water hemlock, and purple-stemmed angelica can sometimes be confused with poison hemlock because they are in the same family and have some similar features. Cow parsnip and giant hogweed are also in the same family; however, they are much larger in stature and should not be easily mistaken with poison hemlock. Lifecycle: Poison hemlock germinates from seed and is a biennial plant with a basal rosette of leaves during its first year. Once it overwinters, in late April/early May, it bolts into an erect branched plant producing prominent white flowers in an umbel generally in June and July. It sets and drops seeds soon after. This weed only reproduces by seed and its taproot dies as the main plant desiccates. Vegetative stage of poison hemlock. Note purple blotches on the main stem. Source: D. Lingenfelter, Penn State Weed Science images. Characteristics: In addition to its fern-like, glossy green, lacy leaves, the plant has a hairless, hollow main steam with purple blotches/spots which branches. Its large flower structures are composed of many smaller white flowers. Plants typically grow 2 to 6 feet tall and have a parsnip-like odor when the leaves are crushed. Poison hemlock at flowering. Source: D. Lingenfelter, Penn State Weed Science images Poisonous traits: The sap can cause dermatitis (skin irritation) on some people. So be sure to wear protective clothing and gloves when handling the plant or when weed-whacking. It is poisonous when ingested by humans and livestock. The plant contains several closely related pyridine alkaloids with the main one being coniine, a colorless, volatile, and strongly alkaline oil. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and some studies have shown toxicosis at 0.25% fresh wt. (of the animal’s weight) for horses and 0.5% for cattle. That would be 2.5 to 5 lb. of material per 1000 lb. animal. Mature seeds are the most poisonous. Significant poisoning can result in muscle paralysis and suffocation. Habitat: It grows along roadsides and in no-till fields, fencerows, pastures, fallow areas, and waterways. Control: Individual plants can be easily dug out with a shovel. Larger infestations can be cut with a mower or string trimmer or may require the use of a herbicide. Several herbicides are effective for control. Herbicide applications are most effective when they are sprayed in the fall when poison hemlock is in the rosette stage or before it bolts in the spring. Effective herbicides include 2,4-D + dicamba, Crossbow (2,4-D+triclopyr), or glyphosate as a spot treatment. Other interesting facts: Poison hemlock is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia and was introduced to North America as an ornamental garden plant. In the annals of history, it was noted that the Greek philosopher Socrates chose to drink poison hemlock tea for his execution. Additional Poison hemlock information: PA DCNR Poison Hemlock fact sheet USDA Poison Hemlock fact sheet Virginia Tech Weed ID guide https://extension.psu.edu/poison-hemlock-facts-about-this-early-season-weed

Poison hemlock spreading in Pennsylvania Updated: 9:48 AM EDT Jun 9, 2021 SHOW TRANSCRIPT PITTSBURGH — State agriculture officials are warning Pennsylvanians about an invasive and dangerous plant that's blooming right now. The poison hemlock plant is poisonous to both people and animals. Penn State Extension says the plant has a smooth, hollow stem and can be identified by purple spots on its stems. It tends to grow near meadows and streams and smells like parsley when it is crushed. Pennsylvania's botany and weed specialist says it spreads easily, and there are ways you can get rid of it safely. "I do advise people to wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves if working with it-- Preferably don't mow it if you can avoid it because people can breathe in those particles," said Trilby Libhart, Pennsylvania botany and weed specialist. The state also says another plant, the giant hogweed, has almost been eradicated in Pennsylvania, but experts say a lot of people mistake cow parsnip for it. SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wtae.com/article/pennsylvania-poison-hemlock-spreading/36672792

State using insecticide on invasive spotted lanternflies by The Associated Press Saturday, May 29th 2021 AA <p>Spotted Lanternfly (WJAC){/p} HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania has started using insecticide on spotted lanternflies. It's a new strategy that state officials are using to try to slow the spread of the invasive pest. RELATED| Spotted Lanternfly 'spotted' in our area, new counties added to quarantine zone The state Department of Agriculture said Friday that crews using backpack sprayers and truck-mounted spray equipment are spraying the bugs along railways, interstates and other transportation rights-of-way. Native to Asia, the insect sucks sap from valuable trees and vines, weakening them. The Agriculture Department says the insecticide will not be used near water or flowering plants because the active ingredient is toxic to fish and bees. MORE| Dept. of Ag specialist demonstrates how to make Spotted Lanternfly traps https://wjactv.com/news/local/state-using-insecticide-on-invasive-spotted-lanternflies

With Half of Pennsylvania Dogs Unlicensed, Officials Highlight Legislation to Increase Licensure Rates May 28, 2021 12:24 am· Author: Aly Delp WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Fred Strathmeyer on Thursday said that only about 50 percent of Pennsylvania’s approximately three million dogs are licensed. That’s about 1.5 million dogs in Pennsylvania with no ticket home if they get lost and no way to track down an owner if they would bite or attack a person or another animal. Republican state Representative Jeff Wheeland joined Strathmeyer at the Lycoming County SPCA to highlight legislation that would increase licensure rates. Increasing the number of dogs licensed in PA would both help address the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement’s funding crisis and alleviate the stress of dog-related incidents for local government. “In Pennsylvania, you can buy a dog at 8 weeks of age, but the legal age to license a dog is 12 weeks,” said Strathmeyer. “This results in an incredible loss for the bureau, as the time-lapse allows owners to push licensing aside. “We’re going to kill two birds with one stone with House Bill 526 and Senate Bill 232 – we’re going to close that gap and increase licensure rates and ensure the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement has the funds they need to continue their vital work,” added Strathmeyer. Currently, all dogs are required to be licensed by 12 weeks of age in Pennsylvania. A dog license serves as identification for a lost dog and helps to track down responsible owners in the case of an incident with the dog. Unlicensed dogs increase the workload and stress for local government and Pennsylvania’s animal shelters and rescues. “The Lycoming County SPCA receives over 200 stray dogs in a year. Rarely do the dogs have a license tag to identify their owner,” said SPCA Executive Director Victoria Stryker. “Only 76% of dogs are claimed by their owners. Licensing helps us return dogs to their owners and helps fund our work.” “The Lycoming county commissioners are fully supportive of these bills as they’re critical to ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods and diligence with our resources,“ said Commissioner Rick Mirabito, “Without these bills, we’ll spend valuable time and taxpayer dollars responding to dog-related incidents that should have been covered by dog wardens of the state.” The sale of dog licenses saves taxpayer dollars and dog owners collectively share in the well-being of dogs across the commonwealth and people who find a lost dog with a license on its collar are more likely to seek out the dog’s owner and recognize that the dog is not a stray, but someone’s valued pet. Annual dog licenses in Pennsylvania cost a minimal fee of $6.50, a fee that’s remained the same for the past 25 years while the national average rose to $10 for an annual license. While the dog license fee has remained the same, personnel costs for the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement have nearly doubled, with an increase of nearly 88 percent. This increase in personnel cost is despite reduced staffing levels and not filling mission critical vacancies. In addition to an increase in staffing costs, the bureau has seen an increase in operating costs by 172 percent. The discrepancy between revenue, generated by dog licenses, and costs to provide services to Pennsylvanians cannot be denied. From Potter to Pike, there are more than 400,000 estimated dogs that fall under the responsibility of seven dog wardens. These wardens from Region 3 are also often pulled to cover Region 7, which is severely understaffed. In 2020, wardens were called to more than 1,200 dog-related incidents (dogs running at large, attacks, etc). As Pennsylvanians return to work, are home less frequently, and large gatherings return, the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement anticipates a spike in these numbers for 2021. Since its enactment in 1893, the enforcement of the dog law has been funded through the sale of dog licenses. Now, with the bureau experiencing a funding shortage, taxpayer dollars are being redirected to the bureau to keep the minimum mandated services up and running. For the 2020-21 budget year the bureau accepted a supplemental transfer of taxpayer dollars in the amount of $1.2 million. Another $1.5 million is proposed for 2021-22. State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) have introduced two corresponding pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 232 and House Bill 526, to decrease the legal age for licensing to eight weeks and also raise the dog license fee by a minimal amount that would adequately fund the bureau to continue protecting both dogs and the public in Pennsylvania. The proposed fee increase is in line with standard inflation and will fund the work of wardens to ensure humane treatment of dogs and the investigation and tracking of dangerous dogs. A minimal fee increase – for example for a spayed/neutered dog would increase from $6.50 to $10 annually – will benefit Pennsylvanians at large. The bills will also require puppies to be licensed at 8 weeks or the same age they are legally allowed to be sold. This is expected to increase license sales of puppies and further stabilize the bureau. For more information on dog licenses and Pennsylvania’s dog law, visit licenseyourdogpa.pa.gov. For more about the critical need to increase the dog license fee read the 2020 Annual Report for the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement and visit agriculture.pa.gov/raisethefee4papups. https://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/with-half-of-pennsylvania-dogs-unlicensed-deputy-secretary-of-ag-and-rep-wheeland-highlight-legislation-to-increase-licensure-rates/

Cicadas are here: are they toxic for your pets? LOCAL NEWS by: Scott Madaus Posted: May 24, 2021 / 07:47 PM EDT / Updated: May 24, 2021 / 07:47 PM EDT (WTAJ) — We all know they look intimidating, but are cicadas harmful? The short answer is no. However, with millions in our backyards, we should all keep an eye on our four-legged friends. Heidi Mullendore, an Environmental Educator at Canoe Creek State Park said they are going to be making a lot of noise. Unlike some though, Mullendore is enjoying the spectacle of the cicada’s 17 years in the making. Before they broke through the ground, the cicada larvae live underground for either 13 or 17 years. And then when the ground warms up enough, those little babies crawl up trees and the adults emerge from their exoskeleton. Cicadas arriving earlier due to warming temperatures “It’s fully winged and they crawl up into the tree canopy to mate and lay eggs,” Mullendore said. There are about a million and a half cicadas per acre. But don’t worry. “They are not dangerous,” Mullendore said. “These bugs don’t bite. They are going to mate, lay eggs and die and a lot of them get eaten.” State woodlands being sprayed to combat gypsy moth populations Cicadas are nontoxic, so they will not be harmful if your pet eats one. But because of their hard exoskeleton, they might be hard to digest if too many are eaten. SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/local-news/cicadas-toxic-pets/

Pennsylvanians encouraged to use traps to catch Spotted Lanternflies REGIONAL NEWS by: WTAJ Staff Posted: May 21, 2021 / 05:47 PM EDT / Updated: May 21, 2021 / 05:49 PM EDT (WTAJ) — The Department of Agriculture is calling on Pennsylvanians to help eliminate the Spotted Lanternfly to prevent the invasive species from causing any harm. A specialist from the Department of Agriculture demonstrated a circle trap that will capture the Spotted Lanternfly without harming other insects. It involves creating a net that you can place around a tree to help capture the lanternfly whenever they fly off and crawl back up a tree. Cambria, Cameron Counties added to Pennsylvania’s Spotted Lanternfly quarantine zone “As the bugs are crawling up, they’re going to get up and feed them through a funnel,” said Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Specialist Jay Losiewicz “Just remove the bag, zip tie it off and throw it away somewhere safe where you know it’s going to get disposed of properly. Then replace the old bag with a new bag and you’re ready to go for the entire season.” You can buy your own circle trap or you can make your own. All you need are some plastic milk jugs, duct tape, screen wire twine, hot glue and storage bags. SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/regional-news/circle-traps-to-catch-spotted-lanternflies/

DCNR to begin spraying forests in Gypsy Moth suppression effort by FOX56 NEWSROOM Monday, April 26th 2021 AA DCNR to begin spraying forests in Gypsy Moth suppression effort HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. (WOLF) — Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the start of aerial spraying of state woodlands to combat gypsy moth populations poised for spring outbreaks in some sections of Pennsylvania. “As the insects emerge and begin feeding, the suppression effort will begin in early May,” Dunn said. “Our recent cool, wet springs had emerged as an enemy of the gypsy moth in years past, but populations have climbed in some areas to a point where aerial spraying is needed to keep this invasive pest in check and protect the trees from defoliation.” DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry will oversee spraying of 146 sites totaling 203,569 acres. Included will be nine state forests, nine state parks, state game lands and sections of the Allegheny National Forest in 19 counties located in south central, central, north central and north west Pennsylvania. State parks to be sprayed: Black Moshannon, Centre County; Blue Knob, Bedford County; Chapman, Warren County; Colton Point, Tioga County; Hyner View, Clinton County; Kinzua Bridge, Warren County; Leonard Harrison, Tioga County; Little Pine, Lycoming County; and Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County. “In Pennsylvania, these destructive, invasive insects go through cycles where outbreaks occur every five to 10 years,” said DCNR Forest Health Manager Dr. Donald Eggen. “Populations had declined in years past thanks to the gypsy moth fungus disease and wet spring weather but that no longer is the case for 2021.” The gypsy moth suppression program is conducted with the goal of preventing defoliation so that trees do not become stressed and succumb to disease, other insect pests, or drought. Aerial spraying will be conducted by helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. Targeted sites are determined by surveys of egg masses and other indicators across the state indicating gypsy moth populations are increasing and have the potential to cause major defoliation. Feeding while in the larval -- or caterpillar -- stage, the insect usually hatches and begins feeding from mid- to late April in southern Pennsylvania, and in early to mid-May in the northern part of the state. Oak, apple, sweet gum, basswood, birch, aspen, and willow trees are affected the most by the gypsy moth. Bureau of Forestry experts note the state’s oak stands are especially vulnerable to gypsy moth infestation, often resulting in tree mortality. The loss of habitat, timber, and tree growth are considerable when gypsy moth populations go untreated. A tree begins to significantly suffer when 30 percent or more of its leaf surface is lost. Biological in nature, the applied insecticides must be ingested by young caterpillars as they feed on emerging foliage. Begun in 1972, the forest insect spray program is a cooperative effort among DCNR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Forest Health Protection Unit. The gypsy moth was introduced to North America in 1869 at Medford, Mass., where it was used in a failed silk-production experiment. The gypsy moth first reached Pennsylvania in Luzerne County in 1932, and since then has infested every county. https://wjactv.com/news/local/dcnr-to-begin-spraying-forests-in-gypsy-moth-suppression-effort

2021 Tick season expected to be worse than last year REGIONAL NEWS by: Scott Madaus Posted: Apr 1, 2021 / 02:50 PM EDT / Updated: Apr 1, 2021 / 02:52 PM EDT HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Tick season starts in mid-April, and experts predict this year will be one of the worst seasons yet. While we have had close to average temperatures, there has been more rain and moisture both in the air and in the ground. This can cause an increase in ticks this year as the season spans from April to late October. There are multiple types of ticks in Pennsylvania: the deer tick, brown dog, American dog and Lonestar ticks that reside in wooded areas. However, the deer tick is the most deadly one for our area, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Pennsylvanians urged to protect themselves from ticks, mosquitos According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), there were 9,009 confirmed and probable cases of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania. Lyme disease can lead to severe symptoms that affect the heart, nervous system and joints over time if it is not treated. Kevin Walter of Lawn Doctor and Yard Armour said the ticks seem to be getting worse consistently. He said he and his team have already seen an increase in ticks this year before the start of the season. “They feed on blood, so they’re looking for a food source,” Walter said. Pet sickness, death linked to flea and tick collar, investigation finds REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF TICK BITES The following tips have been provided by the DOH: Walk in the center of trails and avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter Use a repellent that contains at least 20% DEET Wear light-colored clothing Conduct full-body tick checks on yourself and on your pets after spending time outdoors Take a bath or shower within 2 hours after coming indoors SYMPTOMS OF LYME DISEASE A red, swollen bulls-eye shape rash Fever Chills Headache Fatigue Muscle and joint aches Swollen lymph nodes SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/regional-news/tick-season-2021/

Cicadas expected to be fish 'filet mignon' in Pennsylvania Updated: 2:18 PM EDT Apr 17, 2021 By BRIAN WHIPKEY ERIE TIMES-NEWS SHOW TRANSCRIPT ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Anglers are expecting a fisherman's paradise toward the end of May in southeastern Pennsylvania. The Brood X cicadas are expected to emerge after a 17-year slumber and the high-protein insects are delicious food for a variety of fish. Eric Hussar of Lewisburg, a commissioner with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, is looking forward to the cicada hatch. He said you can catch trout and bass with these insects. "Any type of predatory fish will eat them," Hussar said, recalling the last time he fished during an emergence of cicadas. "It's like a steak to these fish. Like a big filet mignon. It's a pretty incredible sight to see," he said. Hussar said during the peak there will be insects on the ground and in the trees and some will fall into the water. "It's a like a protein bar" for fish, he said. He said sport shops that cater to fly fishermen should soon have a variety of imitation cicadas that anglers should be stocking up on in anticipation of the hatch. "It's a unique experience. ... You don't see this that often." Hussar said the cicada flies should be fished similar to popper lures used on top of the water for bass. For equipment, Hussar suggests 4, 5 or 6 weight fly rods with a heavy tippet. He said to drift your cicada fly where you see fish rising or where you think there will be fish in the water. "Just give it a twitch," he said about moving the fly along the water. "They'll be chomping on them. Hussar enjoys fly fishing on the Susquehanna while riding in a kayak to reach different parts of the river. He said the cicada hatch will be a good change-up from the flies that you see every year. "We're looking forward to it," he said about the several weeks long emergence. "What makes this amazing is that fish are a master of efficiency," George Daniel said about fish enjoying the plentitude of bugs that will be available during this hatch. Daniel is the lead instructor of the fly fishing program at Penn State University and is a guide. He is a former member of the Team USA fly fishing team. One of his favorite fish to catch is carp, and during this emergence carp will rise to catch the bugs. “Just because (of) how much protein is on the surface" (of the water), carp and catfish will rise to feed on them, Daniel said. "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime fishing opportunity. Not only for trout but anything that eats what's in the water." He said the fish can't get enough of these insects, and it can be some of the easiest and best times to catch a variety of fish. Daniel suggests keeping fly patterns pretty simple and ones that are easy to replace. He also suggests anglers fish a little below the surface when fishing pressure increases. He believes a partially submerged fly can be one of the most productive ways to fish. Daniel has recorded a video on YouTube that reveals his best three "must have" fly patterns for Brood X. When will the emergence actually happen? Daniel said it depends on a lot of different factors including how soon the ground warms up. "Just be able to leave on a whim and be prepared," he said about planning a trip. Daniel said an emergence like the one predicted will make anglers who are in their 40s or 60s want to live another 17 years for the next cicadas to emerge. "In all honesty, this hatch could be amazing," Daniel said, while noting that cicadas emerge in different parts of the country and there are anglers who follow the hatch's location each year because the fishing is so good. Ross Purnell, editor and publisher of Fly Fisherman magazine based in Harrisburg, said Daniel is a master fly fisher and to follow his advice. Purnell also said flies made by Blane Chocklett are great cicada imitations to use during the emergence. Purnell said fly fishermen are interested in following hatches and it's the same with cicadas. The excitement about this event is that "the fish become gluttons and get stuffed on these things." Purnell said anglers should be thinking about larger fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass and older trout and carp that are used to foraging for food sources. He said the timing will be right when you hear the cicadas "roaring in the trees." Purnell expects the good fishing to last until July and anglers shouldn't get too excited about when you first start seeing cicadas. "You need to give it a few weeks. The best fishing is when (cicadas) are mating and start to die." He points out to fish near heavily forested areas with slower moving bodies of water that will keep the cicadas floating longer than faster currents. "The longer they are able to float, the better chance fish have to find them," he said. The bugs have been lurking beneath the surface since 2004, feeding on sap from the roots of plants, according to Michael J. Raupp, emeritus professor of entomology at the University of Maryland, in an interview with USA TODAY. Once they're mature, the "big brood" will emerge in 15 states where they'll spend two to four weeks in late May and early June "courting, mating, flying, driving people crazy, being eaten by everything," including humans like Raupp. The adult cicadas will lay their eggs in trees, and the eggs will hatch 4 to 6 weeks later in more than a dozen states. The offspring will head back underground until 2038. They'll also be making quite a bit of noise. According to Raupp, cicadas can emit sounds between 80 and 100 decibels, equivalent to a low flying airplane or a lawn mower. Periodical cicadas emerge in huge groups called broods. Twelve broods of cicadas emerge every seven years, and three broods emerge every 13 years, Raupp said. Two broods appear to have gone extinct, including Brood XI, which was last observed in Connecticut in 1954. Almost every year somewhere in the country, a periodical brood will emerge. SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wtae.com/article/cicadas-expected-to-be-fish-filet-mignon-in-pennsylvania/36119826

Throwback Thursday: “The World is Looking to Us” at Bilger’s Rocks by David Wulderk Thursday, April 1, 2021 in Features, Local News, Top Stories 0 0 Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Bilger’s Rocks, located in Bloom Township, is a geological phenomena that dates back 300 million years. The rocks were forced upwards from deep within the earth, eons ago, as the singular continent broke apart. The rocks were part of the original Clearfield County land holdings of Jacob Bilger (1783-1863), an early German immigrant settler who purchased the site. They are today a local tourist site and a haven for hikers, rock climbers and picnickers. 3.Pfizeaccine Is Safe For Kids Ages 12-1 The Bilger’s Rocks Association is rather recently formed volunteer group that oversees the rocks and the visitor’s facilities. Its careful attention and hard work have made Bilger’s Rocks a peaceful spot in which to enjoy Clearfield County’s natural surroundings. First Nation peoples used the rocks as a shelter from the elements and a campsite. Some of their stone artifacts have been found there. Bilger’s Rocks has been the site of more than century-old carved initials, but no carving there can match John Larson’s (1870-1960) carving of a map of the Western Hemisphere, which is captioned with the words, “The World is Looking to Us.” A reverently-bowed human figure sits to the left side of the carving. Larson carved the year “1921” into the bottom of his work, a century ago. Larson, known as JWL by those who remember him, was an immigrant from Sweden who arrived in the United States in 1980. He found work as a coal miner in the now extinct village of Peale, in Cooper Township. He later relocated to Grampian where he owned and operated the Belfast Coal Company. JWL was a self-taught sculptor, musician and carpenter. He had a shy and inward personality, but he expressed himself well through the workings of his creative talents. What message, to future generations, was JWL intending to convey with his carving and caption? A century later, much of the world still looks, sometimes for the worse, but more often for the better, to “us”, the United States. 2020 and 2021 have been tough years for the nation. So were 1920 and 1921. Those years saw the aftereffects of a deadly pandemic, terrible race riots, the rise of the KKK and white supremacy groups, the grieving aftermath of war and a fledgling economy rife with unemployment, inflation and labor strife. Should Americans have a sense of déjà vu when they look back a century? John Larson didn’t have a crystal ball to foretell the future, but his map and caption carved into the rocks in Bloom Township, causes one to wonder. Readers can offer their own interpretations. CLICK ON PICTURE FOR LAGER PICTURE ; https://gantdaily.com/2021/04/01/throwback-thursday-the-world-is-looking-to-us-at-bilgers-rocks/

Billions of cicadas emerge this Spring, phenomenon only happens every 17 years REGIONAL NEWS by: Peyton Kennedy Posted: Mar 29, 2021 / 05:58 PM EDT / Updated: Mar 29, 2021 / 06:35 PM EDT REGIONAL, Pa. (WTAJ) — Billions of cicadas are expected to emerge in early May and will cover land across fifteen states. This volume of cicadas is something we’ll only experience a handful of times in our life. “You might see them, if you’re lucky, four to five times in your life,” said Jared Gregory Ali, assistant professor of entomology at Penn State University. “Enjoy it, appreciate it, and use it as a teaching moment.” There are annual cicadas, which we can see every year, and there are periodical cicadas, which live underground for 13 or 17 years and mass emerge in broods. This year, our southern area including central Blair and Huntingdon counties will experience Brood X, 17 year periodical cicadas. “Brood X, the emergence that’s happening this year, is the largest of all of the broods or emergences, so it’s a big deal,” said Michael J. Skvarla, assistant research professor of arthropod identification at Penn State University. The cicadas come out in groups as a defense against predators. “If you and a million of your friends all come out at the same time, there are only so many birds and mammals that can eat you, and so those predators get satiated and then they’re full,” said Skvarla. “So, everyone who doesn’t get eaten is free to mate and lay eggs.” Your experience with cicadas may depend on what type of environment you live in. “If you live near woods where there’s lots of cicadas gonna be around, it can be extremely loud to the point of being almost deafening,” said Skvarla. The song you’ll hear them singing is a male’s mating call. They’ll be around for about four weeks while they mate, lay eggs within the wood of trees, and then die off. Large trees can handle the cicadas, but smaller trees may die from the damages. “If you are thinking about putting trees in this year maybe it’s a good year to not do that, just wait for the fall, or wait till next year, just avoid it all together,” said Skvarla. If you recently planted small trees or seedlings, Skvarla recommends covering them with a net, so the cicadas can’t get to them. The professors say spraying pesticides won’t make a long term impact, as new cicadas can fly over and populate the previously clear area. “We ought to start fostering more respect and awe for this really unique thing,” said Ali. SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/regional-news/billions-of-cicadas-emerge-this-spring-phenomenon-only-happens-every-17-years/

SUV Published 17 hours ago First GMC HUMMER EV and Ford Bronco auctioned for millions Rebooted 4x4s sold at Barrett-Jackson charity auction By Gary Gastelu | Fox News Fox News Autos test drive: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a crossover inspired by the original Bronco that's ready for adventure, says Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu. The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV and 2021 Ford Bronco are set to do battle off road later this year, but round one goes to the rebooted HUMMER. The first of each of the new trucks off the assembly line (VIN 001) were auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event on Saturday night. The burly HUMMER EV brought in the bigger haul going for $2,500,000, with all of the proceeds earmarked for the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers foundation. The all-electric truck will have a starting price of $112,495 when it hits showrooms this fall. The Bronco was a fully-loaded two-door First Edition with a sticker price around $60,000 that received a high bid of $1,075,000, which will benefit the National Forest Foundation and Outward Bound. Several other charity auctions were held during the event that included the first 2021 Ram 1500 TRX ($410,000) and first 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 ($500,000) The prices of all were upstaged by the sale of the only remaining 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake 427, however, which went for a hammer price of $5 million, which translates to a $5.5 million sale after auction fees are added. SEE TWEETS ; https://www.foxnews.com/auto/first-gmc-hummer-ev-ford-bronco-auctioned-millions

Growing gypsy moth population could damage central PA forests LOCAL NEWS by: Yanni Tragellis Posted: Mar 24, 2021 / 07:32 PM EDT / Updated: Mar 24, 2021 / 07:33 P DuBois, PA (WTAJ) – Gypsy moth populations across central Pennsylvania have grown over the past few years, and after a dry 2020, concerns over the damage they could cause is growing. These growing numbers could be a cause for concern if there is another dry year this year, as the state no longer funds spraying on private land. That means you may have to pay out of your own pocket to save your trees. If you do not spray your trees, these insects could defoliate the trees, As they continue to eat leaves off of trees. The defoliation occurs as caterpillars hatch their eggs, and as they grow they eat leaves off the tree. As this process continues the trees start to defoliate to the point where they can become completely bare. John Williams is a retired DCNR forestry specialist who lives in Treasure Lake, DuBois, a private area where the state no longer sprays, and he has seen the population grow. “What I’ve been seeing is a population, a healthy population that seems to be building in our area right now,” Williams said. The entire DuBois area are currently seeing between 2,000-4,000 egg masses at its highest population. These are unheard of numbers, even to a forest health specialist, who says in past years you could walk outside and maybe spot one mass on your trees, but today you could spot twenty. Although that number may seem small, he says you have to picture it over a large area. “If you think of that on an acre basis, that’s really high numbers. In those kind of places where the numbers are that high you’re certainly going to see defoliation,” said Tim Tomon, a forest health specialist from the PA Bureau of Forestry. You can check for egg masses on your own trees at home. Oak trees tend to be these pest’s favorites to lay eggs on, but recently Tomon says he has spotted them on maple and black cherry trees, too. When checking your trees, it’s easy to just check eye level and below, but it’s important to try to search as high as you can. For a list of applicators to spray your private land, or a guide on how to check for gypsy moths, visit the Bureau of Forestry’s website. SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/local-news/growing-gypsy-moth-population-could-damage-central-pa-forests/

Dept. of Health Reminds Pennsylvanians to Avoid Ticks exploreVenango | March 23, 2021 HARRISBURG, Pa. – With the new spring season here, the Wolf Administration reminds Pennsylvania residents and visitors to avoid ticks by taking precautions when spending time outdoors as the weather warms. “Spending time outdoors and participating in physical activity is a key part of living a healthy life,” said Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam. “While we encourage safe recreation, we must be aware of ticks and the serious diseases they carry. As Lyme disease and related tick-borne diseases become more prevalent in Pennsylvania, it is important to protect yourself when spending time outdoors.” Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the most common carrier of Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis. Ticks typically thrive in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas, but deer ticks have been found in every county in the commonwealth and can live in any habitat. Common signs of a tick disease include fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. Lyme disease is often characterized by a bullseye-like rash, although Lyme disease may not always present itself with this obvious sign. If you believe you have been bitten by a tick, it is important to speak to a doctor immediately. Ticks are most likely to infect humans during the late spring and summer but can also infect humans year-round. “As climate change continues to warm our winters, we’re seeing higher tick populations surviving months that used to be too cold to survive,” said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “As the number of ticks continues to rise, so do the odds of tick-borne disease transmission. We must remain diligent – both in protecting ourselves from bites, but also in seeking long-term solutions to address climate change.” The Wolf Administration reminds Pennsylvania residents and visitors of simple ways to reduce their chances of being bitten by ticks: • Cover exposed skin with lightweight and light-colored clothing • Avoid tick-infested habitats such as areas dense with shrubbery or tall grass • Use an insect repellent containing 20 percent or more DEET • Once returning home, immediately check yourself, children, and pets for ticks • Take a shower immediately to remove ticks that may be attached to skin • If possible, dry clothing and gear in a dryer to kill any ticks “Whether visiting one of our 121 state parks, hiking our more than 2.2 million acres of state forestland, or enjoying your own backyard, we must be cognizant of our surroundings,” said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Dunn. “Proper personal care and actions can keep us safe while enjoying the outdoors.”

23 new state historical markers approved Posted on March 11, 2021 by wcednews Harrisburg, PA – Chinese Workers in Beaver Falls, the first large workforce of Chinese in Pennsylvania; Dr. James Oscar Cooper, a founder of one of America’s first Black fraternities; Ephrata Female Composers, three women of a religious society who were among the first American women composers; and the classic Christmas song Winter Wonderland are among the subjects of the 23 new Pennsylvania Historical Markers approved by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC). The new markers, selected from 39 applications, will be added to the nearly 2,300 familiar blue signs with gold lettering along roads throughout Pennsylvania. Since 1946 PHMC’s Historical Markers have chronicled the people, places and events that have affected the lives of Pennsylvanians over the centuries. The signs feature subjects such as Native Americans and early settlers, government and politics, athletes, entertainers, artists, struggles for freedom and equality, factories and businesses, and a multitude of other noteworthy topics. Nominations for Pennsylvania Historical Markers may be submitted by any individual or organization and are evaluated by a panel of independent experts from across the state and approved by the agency’s commissioners. More information on the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program, including application information, is available online at www.PAHistoricalMarkers.com. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. ### The following is a list of the newly approved Pennsylvania Historical Markers with the name of the marker, location and a brief description: Andy Warhol (1928-1987), Pittsburgh, Allegheny County 20th-century Pop artist from Pittsburgh. His iconic style is recognized worldwide. This unique style combined commercial images with fine art and has inspired numerous modern artists. Anna Elizabeth Dickinson (1842-1932), Philadelphia Quaker abolitionist and women’s rights advocate. She was an eloquent and highly paid public speaker, making her one of the most recognized American women of her time. She began public speaking at age 13 and was the first woman to address Congress in 1864. Anna Morris Holstein (1900- 1975), Upper Merion Twp., Montgomery County Holstein was the lead organizer in acquiring and restoring Washington’s Headquarters and its surrounding acreage and in the establishment of Valley Forge as a State Park (eventually a National Military Park). Charlotte Elizabeth Battles (1864- 1952), Girard, Erie County Battles defied late-19th- and early-20th-century gender roles by becoming a college graduate and a female bank president. Her most significant role as bank president was her refusal to close the Battles Bank during the Great Depression despite President Roosevelt’s Bank Holiday order for the closure of all banks in 1933. It was described as the only bank in the state and one of few in the nation to remain open and solvent. Chinese Workers in Beaver Falls, Beaver Falls, Beaver County The first substantial workforce of Chinese immigrants in Pennsylvania came to Beaver Falls in 1872. The workers were recruited to the Beaver Falls Cutlery Factory to replace white laborers on strike. They remained for several years learning specialized skills and assuring profitability for the company because of their reduced wages. Across the nation, other American labor unions and politicians felt these Chinese workers were a threat and advocated for the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, which remained in effect until 1943. Dr. Oscar James Cooper (1888- 1972), Philadelphia One of the founders of Omega Psi Phi (OPP) at Howard University, the nation’s first fraternity established at a historically Black college or university. Following graduation, Cooper became a physician and settled in Philadelphia where he spent his entire career. He continued his role as a founder of many influential organizations including the Philadelphia Chapter of OPP, was a charter member of the Pyramid Club, and supported many Black charities. Earl “Fatha” Hines (1903- 1983), Duquesne, Allegheny County Revolutionary jazz pianist who got his start in Pittsburgh. While there he became the first African American on a radio broadcast. He influenced many other jazz greats, and his band launched the careers of Billy Eckstein, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Nat King Cole and others. He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1980. Ephrata Female Composers, Ephrata, Lancaster Three members of the Ephrata Cloister religious community were among the earliest documented woman composers in America. Recent research determined that the women not only wrote hymn texts but also composed the music. Ephrata’s society allowed for more gender equality than American society at large. Ephrata Cloister is a PHMC historic site and PHMC supports the installation of the marker. Gen. Lyman Louis Lemnitzer (1899-1988), Honesdale, Wayne County Lemnitzer had a long and storied military career that culminated in his role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and supreme Allied commander of NATO in the 1960s during the height of Cold War alliances. Following two tours in the Philippines and roles as military instructor, Lemnitzer was instrumental in the North African theater during World War II. When the US entered the Korean War, Lemnitzer, at 51, underwent jump training in order to command an airborne division. George Alexander Spratt (1870- 1934), West Brandywine Township, Chester County Early aviation design pioneer whose research was instrumental in the Wright brothers’ first flight. He performed countless experiments to understand the forces that would keep aircraft aloft. His innovative use of a wind tunnel led to greater understanding of the effect of lift, drag, and the center of pressure on a curved wing. Lancaster Caramel Company, Lancaster, Lancaster County Milton Hershey’s first successful company (1886) that dominated the United States confectionery market. Hershey started a chocolate company as a subsidiary of the caramel company. In 1900, believing caramel was a vanishing fad and greater fortune was in the chocolate market, he sold the caramel company to the American Caramel Co. for $1 million. He retained the chocolate business that grew into the most successful chocolate company in America. Mary Ella Roberts Rinehart (1876- 1958), Pittsburgh, Allegheny County American mystery writer often compared to Agatha Christie although she predated her. She was a best-selling author of more than 30 novels, short stories, essays and plays. Many of her works were adapted for stage or screen. She also served as a war correspondent during World War I. McFate Archaeological Site, Cochranton, Crawford County In a 1938 Works Progress Administration project, archaeologists unearthed a series of overlapping palisaded settlements dating to the Late Woodland Period (1200-1500 AD). The distinctive pottery designs made with wrapped cords found here have been termed “McFate Incised.” Mead Island Tradition, Conewango Township, Warren County First discovered in 1964, it is considered an archaeological “Type Site” because of the unique characteristics not previously found in other excavations of the region. Mead Island was the dominant Native American culture within the middle Allegheny River between 960 and 1360 AD. Out of This Furnace, Braddock, Allegheny County Novel by Braddock native Thomas Bell describing three generations of a family’s experience working in the steel industry. It is widely used at colleges and universities worldwide as a text relating to labor, immigration and ethnic studies. Pittsburgh Chinatown, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Established as early as the 1870s, Chinatown was the cultural and economic center of the Chinese community in western Pennsylvania that served Chinese populations in New York, Ohio and West Virginia. The growth of the community was suppressed by political and labor efforts leading to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The community was destroyed by the construction of the Boulevard of the Allies in the 1920s and its residents and businesses were displaced. Remnants remained until 1959. Richard Schlegel (1927- 2006), Harrisburg, Dauphin County Early gay activist who brought the second case in the nation before the US Supreme Court that dealt with employment termination due to sexual orientation. He also formed the first gay rights organization chapter (Janus) in central Pennsylvania. Rolling Mill Mine Disaster, Johnstown, Cambria County Explosion at the bituminous coal mine owned by the Cambria Iron Co. in 1902. It is cited as one of several in the first decade of the 1900s – the deadliest in the history of US mining – that contributed to the establishment of the Pennsylvania Department of Mines. The 112 miners who died were nearly all immigrants from eastern Europe. Shapp Administration LGBT Initiatives, Harrisburg, Dauphin County During Gov. Milton Shapp’s administration several significant strides were made for gay civil rights. In 1975 an executive order prohibited job discrimination for state employees based on sexual orientation, making Pennsylvania the first state in the nation to provide such protections. In 1978 its scope was interpreted to include transgender people, another national first. The Pennsylvania Council for Sexual Minorities (1976) became the first government body devoted to LGBT Affairs. Siberian Iron Works, Leechburg, Armstrong County Constructed in 1872, it was one of the earliest foundries in the US to produce black plate and tin plate on an industrial scale. It was founded in response to tariffs imposed on foreign tin plate, primarily obtained from England, in order to meet the demand for the product at a more reasonable price. By 1895 domestic tinplate outpaced foreign 5 to 1 providing many new jobs and a wave of British immigration. Stan Musial (1920-2013), Donora, Washington County Considered one of the best baseball players of all time, Musial began playing on the local Donora Zincs baseball team while in high school against adult men. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1941 and remaining through 1963, he became one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball. He is a member of both the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame. Winter Wonderland, Honesdale, Wayne County Classic Christmas song written by lyricist and Pennsylvania native Richard Smith. Smith wrote the words while convalescing in a tuberculosis sanatorium outside Scranton and was inspired by the winter scenes he observed out his window. Tragically, Smith succumbed to the deadly disease at the age of 34. Wyck House and Rose Garden, Philadelphia A National Historic Landmark, Wyck served as the ancestral home of one of Philadelphia’s leading families from 1690 to 1972 before being taken over by the Wyck Association and opened to the public in 1974. Originally constructed in 1690, the house was renovated by renowned architect William Strickland in 1824 and has undergone few changes since that period. Wyck is significant for its gardens, especially the rose garden that retains heirloom plants in their original plan. Many of the varieties exist only at Wyck or have been the source of plant material to other historic properties, such as Monticello.

My mother was a Riveter at a plant in Niagara Falls.

Cambria, Cameron, Westmoreland counties added to PA's Spotted Lanternfly quarantine zone by WJAC Staff Wednesday, March 10th 2021 AA 5 VIEW ALL PHOTOS The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — Cambria, Cameron and Westmoreland were among eight new counties added to Pennsylvania’s Spotted Lanternfly quarantine zone as the invasive pests continue to infest the state. According to the Department of Agriculture, Cambria, Cameron, Franklin, Lackawanna, Montour, Pike, Wayne and Westmoreland counties were all added to the list ahead of the 2021 spring hatch which brings the total number of counties quarantined to 34. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) “The Spotted Lanternfly is more than a pest in the literal sense,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “It’s wreaking havoc for home and business owners, kids who just want to play outside, Pennsylvania agriculture and the economy of the state we all call home. Whether you think it’s your job or not, we need every Pennsylvanian to keep their eyes peeled for signs of this bad bug – to scrape every egg mass, squash every bug, and report every sighting. We need to unite in our hatred for this pest for our common love: Pennsylvania.” Redding says the most recent counties added to the quarantine list are not yet completely infested, but have a few municipalities with a known infestation. “When we expand the quarantine, our goal is to slow the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly,” said Dr. Ruth Welliver, director of the department’s Bureau of Plant Industry. “And we have slowed it. Last spring we quarantined 12 counties with isolated infestations, and those counties have not been overrun because of the heightened awareness a quarantine brings. With continued aggressive treatment and monitoring, and an actively engaged community, we can help ensure families and businesses in these new counties aren’t inconvenienced by widespread infestation." USDA Photo by Lance Cheung. The Rapid Response Disaster Readiness line of Gov. Tom Wolf’s farm bill has helped fund quick and aggressive treatment to newly identified populations of Spotted Lanternfly. According to the Department of Agriculture, officials have received more than $34 million since 2015 to help in the fight against the winged pests. Gov. Wolf’s 2021-22 PA Farm Bill proposes another $3 million to combat Spotted Lanternfly, officials say. A new addition to Pennsylvania’s battle against the Sotted Lanternfly is a German Shepherd named Lucky who’s been training since she was a puppy to sniff out the pests. SEE PICTURES ; https://wjactv.com/news/local/cambria-cameron-westmoreland-counties-added-to-pas-spotted-lanternfly-quarantine-zone

My mother was a Riveter at plant in Niagara Falls.

This is the 'real' Rosie the Riveter, a legendary feminist icon She will be forever remembered as the woman behind the bandana Updated: 8:18 AM EST Mar 8, 2021 Victoria Ottomanelli March is all about celebrating womanhood, and throughout the month we'll be honoring influential women in history whose inspirational stories helped pave the way for female empowerment and progress. These advocates and pioneers have contributed incredible things to not only women's history, but to the history of the United States as a whole, and are an inspiration to young girls everywhere. Watch the video above to discover the story of Naomi Parker Fraley, the woman who inspired the design of the legendary feminist icon, Rosie the Riveter. SEE VIDEO ; https://www.wtae.com/article/naomi-parker-fraley-real-rosie-feminist-icon/19158544