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mr.d

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  1. Jefferson County Courthouse at 150: A View of the Government July 30, 2019 12:50 am· Author: Andrew Bundy BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Jefferson County Commissioner John “Jack” Matson is proud of the courthouse near his office on Main Street in Brookville, but he wishes that the lower entrance was not the first thing a person sees when entering. “I understand why,” Matson said. “You need a single entry, and this was the best one for metal detectors. I understand the security, but I wish that the first impression people had of the courthouse was the great hall outside the courtroom.” If one has some business with the courthouse, there is a single entrance below the sweeping staircases at the front of the building. Those staircases are currently roped off due to the minor renovations, but Matson said the landing at the top works as a great stage to address the community. Inside, a visitor has to pass through metal detectors before seeing the Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Assessment and Tax Claim. “The Sheriff has always been in this location,” Matson said. “It expanded, it used to be in one set of rooms, but it’s always been here.” Most of Jefferson County’s government offices were in the courthouse at one time in history. Now, the offices are spread out between the courthouse and the Jefferson Place down Main Street. In the courthouse, probation, geographic information services, the district attorney, prothonotary, public defender, register and recorder, and the previously-mentioned sheriff and assessment. The marble walls of the courthouse have a unique feature. Since they were cut from the same stone, an imperfection in one slab will repeat on others. This pattern continues except for one panel, which has the imperfection missing. Matson theorizes that the panel was replaced. Where Matson wishes people could enter is less in the bowels of the building and more at its heart. The hallway outside the courtroom, marble and echoing, with a bust of Thomas Jefferson, evoke a sense of awe that Matson feels is important in the courthouse. “You are coming to deal with the government of this country,” he said. “The government is powerful. The structure should be imposing to remind people of the weight of the decisions made in the courthouse.” The courtroom has its history on the walls and worn into the seats. Portraits of past judges hang around the courtroom. Matson said that the seating is often sparsely populated during trials, but when Jefferson County had its reputation as a hanging county — hanging more people after 1900 than before — the courthouse would be packed. The judge’s chambers, however, are a private inner sanctum that are not often viewed. Matson made sure he was able to go inside before entering the comfortable room just behind the courtroom. Inside, deer and other animals peer down at the desk and fireplace. Books and pictures line the walls. The personality of the judge seems to wrap around the room. The courthouse houses many essential services. Matson pointed to the old court records stored in bound books. Handwritten notes give way to printed notes, and eventually more modern methods. Even so, the records going back centuries, fill the rooms below a spiral staircase. As the 150th Anniversary approaches, Matson is thankful for renovations being done around the courthouse, inside and outside. “It has a lot of history, and I’m glad they’re working on it to make it look nice for the celebration.” This is the latest article in a multi-part series celebrating the Jefferson County Courthouse’s 150th anniversary. Check back later for additional articles. https://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/jefferson-county-courthouse-at-150-a-view-of-the-government/#more-235906
  2. Pennsylvania Great Outdoors: Jefferson County Courthouse History for 150th Birthday (Part 2) July 21, 2019 12:45 am· Author: exploreJefferson Pennsylvania Great Outdoors submitted the following blog on the history of the Jefferson County Courthouse. Part Two of a three-part series of articles on the history of the Jefferson County Courthouse Written by Dave Taylor As noted in the previous article posted on May 30, 2019, the first Jefferson County Court House was built in 1832, and by the 1860s, the modest building had outlived its design. In 1866, the County Commissioners embarked on an ambitious building project that would result in a new Court House at the corner of Main and Pickering streets, in the heart of Brookville’s downtown business district. The Commissioners selected James T. Dickey to be the contractor and on May 30, 1866, the Brookville Republican reported under the heading New Court House. “The people of Jefferson county will rejoice that at last we are to have a new Court House. The plans and specifications, which can be seen at the Commissioners’ Office, were gotten up by Mr. J. W. Drum, of Punxsutawney, who is the Architect of the building; and if the building is put up in accordance with his plans, it will be one of the finest Court Houses in Western Pennsylvania, and will be a credit and an ornament to our town. The work is to be put under contract on the 20th of June next. We hope to see it pushed forward to completion as rapidly as possible.” James T. Dickey, the contractor, was listed in advertisements of the time as a Brookville merchant. Little is known about J. W. Drum, the architect of the Court House. He served as Jefferson County Surveyor and laid out building lots throughout the county and lived both in Punxsutawney and Brookville. Throughout much of the nineteenth century, the profession of “architect” did not exist and any carpenter could identify himself as an architect. There were many builder’s guides that included detailed drawings, window and stair plans, trim, etc. Drum may have availed himself of such printed material without any formal training. On September 1, 1866 the Republican reported, “Mr. James T. Dickey, the contractor for the erection of a Court House, has commenced operations, he having employed quite a number of men in getting out material, and we understand that soon the work of removing the old building will be commenced. It is our hope that Mr. Dickey may be successful in his undertaking, and be able, in the shortest possible time, to give us a building, worthy our humble little County.” At the same time he was building the Court House, contractor Dickey was engaged by the Brookville Presbyterian Church to build the congregation a new house of worship (this building preceded the present 1905 church building). The newspaper noted, “The plans and specifications call for a large and finished building, and Mr. Dickey’s reputation as a builder insures our Presbyterian friends a handsome church ere long.” The Commissioners were faced with something of a dilemma in that, with the September 1866 demolition of the 1832 Court House, no place would exist for the regular holding of Court. This was solved by the Fall of 1866, since it was reported in November that the Commissioners had leased the Presbyterian Church (on the site of the present Presbyterian house of worship) for Court, and that an adjacent building owned by Parker P. Blood had been leased for offices; this building likely stood across White Street from the church. This was obviously the largest construction project ever undertaken in Brookville. As a measure of this, the newspaper reported on just the stone being hauled to the site: “The loads of four teams employed by Mr. Dickey in hauling stone for the new Court House were weighed last Saturday evening, resulting in a grand total of 24,414 pounds. Two of the loads weighed over 6,000 pounds each. This is considered very heavy for a single span of horses over the rough roads leading from here to the quarry.” The smooth-dressed foundation stones are of sandstone and, unfortunately, the location of the quarry is not known. On September 25, 1867, the newspaper reported, “Work upon the Court House is progressing satisfactorily, and it promises to be a credit to the county. We examined the front door frame, gotten up at Judge Taylor’s factory, under the superintendence of Mr. H. V. Arnold, and we can say that for fine workmanship and beauty of finish it is rarely equaled in this section. The major part of the fine woodwork for the building is being done at the same place.” The Judge Taylor referred to here was Associate Judge Philip Taylor, who was a lumberman with a mill, and, apparently a finishing shop, on Sandy Lick Creek, near Belgiumtown. The total cost of the new Court House is not known. In 1867 the Commissioners paid $26,800 toward the construction as well as $1,400 to Architect Drum. They were able to recoup some of their costs, since in April 1868 they sold the bell from the old Court House to Brookville’s Grace Lutheran congregation for $200. The bell was described as “one of the best in the county, and though old still rings forth its brazen notes in a clear and pleasant manner. It will add greatly to the convenience of the Church and also add materially to its value.” That bell continues to hang in the belfry of Grace church on Franklin Avenue and nearly two hundred years later retains its “clear and pleasant” tone. Then as now, weather was a factor in the construction schedule. In the Spring of 1868, it was reported, “Notwithstanding the unfavorable weather, which has greatly retarded the labors of the bricklayers, the work on our new Court House is progressing finely, and there is not a doubt but that Mr. Dickey will have the job completed at the specified time, and in December 1868 our Court will convene in one of the best and handsomest houses in Western Pennsylvania.” Despite the weather, in June 1868 the project was moving along. The editor of the Republican offered this opinion: “We are pleased to notice the progress made by the force employed by Mr. James T. Dickey in erecting our Court House. The building is assuming dimensions that seem quite formidable, and the excellent manner in which the brick is being done gives promise that our county shall have a Court House second to none in the northwestern part of the state. Mr. J. W. Drum the architect, gave the work a thorough inspection last week and pronounces the work and the materials of the very best order. Those knowing the perfection of workmanship and the degree of quality required of all material passing Mr. Drum’s inspection will have some idea of the great labor being accomplished by Mr. Dickey. The new Court House was completed in 1869. The uppermost feature is the bell in the belfry that has hung there and chimed the hour daily since that date. Award-winning photographer Kyle Yates climbed into the belfry and reported that the inscription on the bell dates it to 1868 and identifies it as the product of the A. Fulton & Sons Co. Fulton’s was in Pittsburgh and the firm cast bells from 1832 until 1910. Regarding the architecture of the building itself, it is an eclectic mix of styles. Originally rectangular in plan, it was gable-roofed with a full return of the cornice and a three-bay façade with a centered entry and side elevations of nine bay, each separated by pilasters. The main entrance is centered on the façade, originally accessed by a 3-run straight stair. The building’s prominent windows are round-arched with multiple lights, characteristic of Colonial design. Beneath the eaves is a series of prominent wooden brackets, harkening to the Italianate style. The prominent bell tower hints at Colonial design. So, it is fair to say that Drum drew from various sources for his design. What is also clear that this landmark building was not just the result of an unskilled carpenter; it was designed by a builder who was familiar with classically derived proportions and with classical detail. In 1902, work began to erect a drinking fountain in front of the Court House. In 1903, the Village Improvement Society, a womens’ civic group, presented the community with a public drinking fountain that was located at the corner of Main and Pickering Streets. The cast iron fountain was dedicated with great fanfare on October 23 with Judge John Reed presiding. The Brookville Cornet Band performed, and a rousing speech was given by Judge Reed, who reminded those in attendance of the days of hauling creek and spring water for drinking purposes and having to pay for the haulage based on the distance hauled and upon the weather. The cost of the fountain itself was $480.00, and including all installation costs, the project totaled $904.98. The Republican concluded its coverage of the new drinking fountain as follows: “And now every thirsty one can drink to their fill at the town pump. Ho, everyone who is athirst come and drink of the water of this fountain. And he that has no money, come and drink without money and without price.” It is not known when it was removed. Although it was never stated, this 1905 drinking fountain was apparently intended for animals, since in August 1915, the Jeffersonian Democrat reported. “There has been a drinking fountain for beasts on Main Street near the Court House for several years. The town council is now putting in one near the same place for men and boys.” No mention was made of women. The 1832 Sheriff’s House and Jail remained immediately west of the Court House. It was a modest 2-story 3-bay temple-form Greek Revival vernacular brick building with a gable roof and a full return of the cornice. It endured into the 1920s. The 1869 Court House served with little alteration for a half-century. The third and final segment in this series of articles will discuss the 1927 addition and the other history of this Jefferson County landmark. For more information on events happening in the PA Great Outdoors, go to VisitPAGO.com/events. https://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/pennsylvania-great-outdoors-jefferson-county-courthouse-history-for-150th-birthday-part-2/#more-236296
  3. PA Agriculture Department Continues Battle Against Spotted Lanternfly July 17, 2019 12:21 am· Author: Joanne Bauer HARRISBURG, Pa. – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and others on Tuesday visited a Harrisburg site populated with Spotted Lanternflies to view the treatment being conducted across the Commonwealth. “Although Pennsylvania had the unlucky fate of being the first state in the nation to be visited by the Spotted Lanternfly, we faced that challenge head-on and have made incredible strides in containment and control,” said Gov. Wolf. “This is a team effort and all hands are on deck, committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s agricultural products, preserving our quality of life, and keeping commerce flowing here in the commonwealth.” Under the governor’s PA Farm Bill – a package of legislation designed to expand and protect agriculture infrastructure – the Pennsylvania Rapid Response Disaster Readiness Account will provide $3 million toward the containment of the Spotted Lanternfly. This is the second year in a row the governor has allocated funding in the state budget to increase spotted lanternfly detection, control, and eradication efforts. Over the past few years, the administration has allocated more than $10 million to protect Pennsylvania business and agriculture. Additionally, USDA recently dedicated more than $6.2 million in new funding to Pennsylvania’s efforts. This May, PDA introduced the Spotted Lanternfly permit system to train businesses and employees on recognizing the life stages of the Spotted Lanternfly. Since then, the department has issued more than 900,000 permits to businesses that travel in and out of the quarantine area. Additionally, PDA and USDA teams continue to assess and treat high-risk properties, with survey teams scouting for insects across the state after receiving reports of sightings outside of the quarantine area. Penn State has taken the lead on conducting outreach and research. “Pennsylvania’s progress in controlling the Spotted Lanternfly is due in part to the historic partnership we’ve made with USDA and Penn State and the critical funding we received through the state and federal budgets,” said Sec. Redding. “However, it’s important that Pennsylvanians remember that they play a significant role in this fight. They can treat their property with approved sprays, band their trees, or even use something as simple as a fly swatter to help control populations right in their own backyard.” Businesses can obtain a Spotted Lanternfly permit at https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-permit-training. Homeowners with questions about treatment, including approved sprays, can learn more through Penn State Extension at http://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly. For more information on the Spotted Lanternfly, visit https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/spottedlanternfly. https://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/pa-agriculture-department-continues-battle-against-spotted-lanternfly/#more-235993
  4. Agriculture Dept. Encourages Pennsylvanians to Check Rhododendrons for Infectious Disease July 16, 2019 12:23 am· Author: Joanne Bauer HARRISBURG, Pa. – This spring, Pennsylvania was among 28 states where retailers received rhododendrons which may have been exposed to a plant pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum. The pathogen causes infectious disease in popular Pennsylvania plants and shrubs including rhododendron, mountain laurel, lilac, viburnum, and pieris. Anyone who has recently purchased a rhododendron should monitor the plant for signs of disease, including leaf spots and shoot dieback. Other rhododendron problems may mimic the disease, but a lab test can confirm. If you suspect your plant may have the disease, contact your county’s Penn State Extension office or PA Department of Agriculture regional office for instructions on how to send in a sample for testing. For more information about protecting Pennsylvania’s plants and landscapes, visit agriculture.pa.gov. https://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/agriculture-dept-encourages-pennsylvanians-to-check-rhododendrons-for-infectious-disease/
  5. Pennsylvania Great Outdoors: Ghost Towns of the Clarion River Corridor: Lily Pond July 15, 2019 12:30 am· Author: exploreJefferson Pennsylvania Great Outdoors submitted the following blog on ghost towns along the Clarion River. This history is the ninth in a series of articles drawn from the writings of John Imhof in his book Elk County: A Journey through Time published in 2003 describing the ghost towns that once existed along the Clarion River from Ridgway to Hallton and adjacent to Ridgway. Mr. Imhof’s book is very popular, and the first printing was sold out but is available again through Amazon.com. Lily Pond – 1840’s to 1904, perhaps the least documented site along the Clarion corridor is the small settlement of Lily Pond. To call this site a town could be considered a misnomer since it was most likely more of a logging and rafting camp that was used only when work was available. What little is known about Lily Pond comes primarily from this writer’s association with a resident of Portland Mills, Mr. Harry Fulmer. Harry grew up in the Lake City area on the plateau above the Clarion River and Lily Pond. His father, Aaron Fulmer, was a well-known lumberman and raft pilot and is believed to have worked at Lily Pond from time-to-time. This conclusion was drawn from Harry’s memories and from a discovery made many years ago by Ron Cleaver, then also a resident of Portland Mills. Ron, while exploring in the Lily Pond area located a large metal log stamp with the initials A. F., or Aaron Fulmer. Harry recalled his relatives speaking of the area, and physical evidence served to confirm the recollections. Other sources of information on the site come from accounts, albeit brief, in the classic book “True Tales of the Clarion River.” One account, by the aforementioned Mr. Oliver Meddock, states that “Aaron Fulmer and other parties were located at Lake City.” This again confirms Harry’s recollections. The account comes from a gentleman named L. G. Reynolds who had spent most of his life working on the river. Reynolds recalled that, “I saw the giant raft of square timber that was put in at Lily Pond by Andy Rhines. It was cork pine timber and contained fourteen thousand five hundred cubic feet. It was run by Andy Rhines in about 1867.” Meddock further states, “Andrew Rhines was the man who built that splendid lumber camp Lake City, situated two miles above the river in Spring Creek Township. He lost nearly all the timber he had piled along the river.” (Click on image for a larger version.) Based on topography, this seems to point to Lily Pond as a shipping point for the Rhines operation. It follows that others would have used this area since it is the most convenient to the Lake City area. A final account from March 1904 states: “At Lily Pond, between Arroyo and old Beech Bottom and Hallton, David Moore of Summerville put in 25,000 cubic feet of hemlock timber the past winter David Moore has one winter more on his lot.” One other possibility exists for Lily Pond, but it provides little in the way of additional information. It seems possible that Lily Pond was also known as Middletown, at least to the people in the Lake City area. To this day, the road that once led to Lily Pond from Lake City is still marked as Middletown Road. Since Middletown was such a common name, perhaps Lily Pond was adopted to distinguish the site from the numerous other Middletowns. The name would have made sense, since Lily Pond was located midway between Arroyo and Irwintown or between Hallton and Portland Mills. A similar naming was applied to a town in Northern Elk County. That Middletown sat midway between the towns of Sackett and Corduroy. However, this is only a theory and not without alternative explanation. One very good source, Curt Olson of Lake City, has stated that it is his belief that the road was named simply because it was located in “the middle of the town” of Lake City. Lily Pond today is a scenic gem at any season of the year. The Clarion is particularly beautiful near the site and the hills are steep and covered with large hemlock, laurel, and rhododendron. The grade of the Clarion River Railway makes for easy access, particularly from the canoe launch at Irwintown. It is another site worth visiting. https://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/pago-ghost-towns-of-the-clarion-river-corridor-lily-pond/
  6. 20 Dangerous Plants Hiding in Your Backyard Ashley Moor 3 days ago Slide 1 of 21: When it comes to nature, the general rule of thumb is this: The dangerous stuff looks scary, and the harmless stuff looks beautiful (or, at the very least, unassuming). So it might be a surprise, then, to learn that plants and flowers—often beautiful, always unassuming—rank among the most dangerous things on the planet. And no, we're not just talking about the exotic blooms hiding in the Amazon—we're referring to the very plants and herbs that grow in your own backyard. Read on to find out which dangerous plants might be lurking just a few feet away. And for more ways to master the plant kingdom, learn these 15 Ways You're Destroying Your Garden. Full screen 1/21 SLIDES © Provided by Best Life When it comes to nature, the general rule of thumb is this: The dangerous stuff looks scary, and the harmless stuff looks beautiful (or, at the very least, unassuming). So it might be a surprise, then, to learn that plants and flowers—often beautiful, always unassuming—rank among the most dangerous things on the planet. And no, we're not just talking about the exotic blooms hiding in the Amazon—we're referring to the very plants and herbs that grow in your own backyard. Read on to find out which dangerous plants might be lurking just a few feet away. And for more ways to master the plant kingdom, learn these 15 Ways You're Destroying Your Garden. SEE SLIDES ; http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/20-dangerous-plants-hiding-in-your-backyard/ss-AAE5rXf?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=HPCDHP
  7. FDA lists dog food brands linked to heart disease by CNN, WJAC STAFF Friday, June 28th 2019 AA Dog food (MGN) JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — The Food and Drug Administration wants pet owners to be aware of what's in their dog's food and how it could impact their pet's health. It's continuing to investigate a connection to certain dog food ingredients and canine heart disease. Many of the foods that are being investigated are labeled as grain free with main ingredients like peas, lentils and potatoes. The investigation started in July 2018. FDA Lists Dog Food Brands Linked To Heart Disease WCCO The FDA just released new information after investigating hundreds of cases of sudden heart disease in dogs, reports Mary McGuire (2:18). WCCO 4 News At 10 – June 27, 2019 Published at: ‎11‎:‎41‎ ‎PM, Thu Jun 27 2019 Playing on Play Video Play PauseMuteMute Current Time 0:00 / Duration Time 2:18 Loaded: 0% 0:00 Progress: 0% 0:00 Progress: 0% Live Remaining Time -2:18 descriptions off, selected Descriptions CaptionsLanguageFullscreenFullscreenHDOptions Start castingWatch in VRWatch in VR Captions Off On Language Settings QualityAutomatic Automatic HD SpeedNormal SubtitleOptions Quality Automatic Speed 0.25 0.5 Normal 1.25 1.5 2 Subtitle Options Font familyDefault Font colorDefault Font opacityDefault Font sizeDefault Background colorDefault Background opacityDefault Window colorDefault Window opacityDefault Character edge styleDefault Font family Default Monospaced Serif Proportional Serif Monospaced Sans-Serif Proportional Sans-Serif Font color Default White Yellow Green Cyan Blue Magenta Red Black Font opacity Default 25% 50% 75% 100% Font size Default 50% 75% 100% 150% 200% Background color Default White Yellow Green Cyan Blue Magenta Red Black Background opacity Default 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Window color Default White Yellow Green Cyan Blue Magenta Red Black Window opacity Default 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Character edge style Default None Drop Shadow Raised Depressed Uniform This is a modal window. Caption Settings Dialog Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text ColorWhite Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta CyanTransparencyOpaque Semi-Transparent Background ColorBlack White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta CyanTransparencyOpaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window ColorBlack White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta CyanTransparencyTransparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge StyleNone Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font FamilyProportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps DefaultsDone This week the FDA released its third report in the investigation, which includes 16 pet food brands linked to more than 500 cases of canine heart disease. According to the FDA, the brands that were named most frequently in reports submitted to the FDA as of April 30, 2019, include: Acana (67), Zignature (64), Taste of the Wild (53), 4Health (32), Earthborn Holistic (32), Blue Buffalo (31), Nature’s Domain (29), Fromm (24), Merrick (16), California Natural (15), Natural Balance (15), Orijen (12), Nature’s Variety (11), NutriSource (10), Nutro (10) and Rachael Ray Nutrish (10). These include both grain-free and grain-containing diets in all forms: kibble, canned, raw and home-cooked. The FDA is asking pet owners and veterinarians to report any cases of canine heart disease. FDA officials say the nature of a possible connection between the dog foods listed and canine dilated cardiomyopathy has not yet been determined, so none of the foods have been recalled. “We have shared case report information with these firms so they can make informed decisions about the marketing and formulation of their products. We are also sharing this information with the public, but encourage pet owners to work with their veterinarians, who may consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, prior to making diet changes,” the FDA website says. For more information, you can visit fda.gov. SEE VIDEO ; https://wjactv.com/news/local/fda-investigating-possible-link-between-certain-dog-foods-canine-heart-disease
  8. Odd News June 21, 2019 / 11:38 AM Veterinarians remove 19 pacifiers from bulldog's stomach By Ben Hooper (0) June 21 (UPI) -- A Boston animal hospital said veterinarians used X-rays to discover the cause of a bulldog's nausea and vomiting: 19 pacifiers in his stomach. The MSPCA's Angell Animal Medical Center said Emily Shanahan, the owner of Mortimer, a 3-year-old bulldog, brought the canine into the facility in the spring to investigate the cause of his nausea and vomiting. Mortimer was initially diagnosed with an acid reflux-related vomiting syndrome, but Shanahan brought him back to the hospital when his symptoms worsened. Veterinarians at Angell performed an X-ray on Mortimer's stomach and discovered the dog had ingested 19 pacifiers. "I was shocked because even though I have two small children at home I'd never imagined he was eating their pacifiers," Shanahan said. Dr. Erika De Papp performed an endoscopy on Mortimer to remove the pacifiers. "It's likely that Mortimer started nabbing these pacifiers in April, perhaps one at a time, and that started a cycle of nausea and vomiting, which are symptoms that can be caused by so many other health issues," said Dr. Doug Brum, Mortimer's primary veterinarian at Angell. "If not for the urgency with which his family pursued veterinary care, things would have gotten much worse for him." Shanahan said Mortimer is fully recovered from his ordeal and is back to his normal self. "We absolutely love this dog and would do anything for him -- and I'm relieved that this was a problem that could be solved, as opposed to a chronic illness that would cause him long-term suffering," she said. SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2019/06/21/Veterinarians-remove-19-pacifiers-from-bulldogs-stomach/3721561130713/
  9. Last year was the highest loss of honeybees ever recorded, survey shows by Caroline Patrickis Wednesday, June 19th 2019 AA <p>The highest loss of honeybees ever has been recorded in an annual survey released on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. United States Beekeepers lost over 40% of colonies during the last year, with the annual survey showing increasing numbers in a winter die-off. (Caroline Patrickis, WJLA){/p} BELTSVILLE, Md. (WJLA) — Last year was the highest loss of honeybees that has ever has been recorded, an annual survey shows. United States Beekeepers lost over 40% of colonies during the last year, with the survey showing an increasing number in a winter die-off of honeybees. The troubling results indicate beekeepers lost 40.7% of their honey bee colonies from April 2018 to April 2019. The latest annual nationwide survey is conducted by the University of Maryland-led nonprofit Bee Informed Partnership. Winter losses were at 37.7%, which is the highest winter loss reported since the survey began 13 years ago. Honeybees pollinate $15 billion worth of food crops in the United States each year, so their health is critical to food production and supply. “These results are very concerning, as high winter losses hit an industry already suffering from a decade of high winter losses,” says Dennis vanEngelsdorp, associate professor of entomology at the University of Maryland and president for the Bee Informed Partnership. The University of Maryland is working to save the state's dying bees, but needs your help. There are several things killing honeybees like pesticides and use of land that lacks nutrition-rich pollen sources, which causes poor nutrition for honeybees. “The number one message we have for beekeepers is they need to monitor and control mites,” said vanEngelsdorp. Varroa mites, lethal parasites are the number one killer. The mites spread easily from colony to colony. The mites feed off the bees and in the process pass on viruses that are killing honeybees. "That's a real big concern and I think it speaks to the fact that a lot of the treatments we thought were working aren't working as well. Beekeepers need to be much more vigilant and monitor mites. We are seeing cases where someone successfully treated all of their colonies and had no mites, and one month later had mites through the roof. people who aren't treating, Their mites are moving over" vanEngelsdorp said. “One of the best things that a beekeeper can do is implement Best Management Practices for their region, and they can find those through the Bee Informed https://wjactv.com/news/nation-world/last-year-was-the-highest-loss-of-honeybees-ever-recorded-survey-shows
  10. 'Fire rainbows' appear across Pa. skies; here's what causes them by Meteorologist Drew Anderson Wednesday, June 12th 2019 AA 4 VIEW ALL PHOTOS circumhorizontal arc (Laurie Makie) JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — Folks across Pennsylvania caught a glimpse of a rare colorful spectacle in the sky Wednesday – a "fire rainbow." The textbook name for a "fire rainbow" is circumhorizontal arc, the colors in the sky have nothing to do with fire. This rare view happens when sunlight hits thin, wispy white clouds at just the right angle. In order for this to happen, the sun has to be high in the sky, which happens midday. Sunlight enters ice crystals, which are tiny pieces of ice that make up a cloud, and then gets bent. The bending of the sunlight causes the colors of a rainbow to show up. Technically speaking, the fire rainbow is not a rainbow because no rain was involved in making it. Many viewers in Jefferson and Clearfield Counties share their photos of this on our the WJAC Facebook. https://wjactv.com/news/local/fire-rainbows-appear-across-pa-skies-heres-what-causes-them
  11. How is a rainbow formed? Julissa Treviño 5 days ago © Deposit Photos rainbow in a field If you’ve ever seen one, consider yourself lucky. For a rainbow to appear, the conditions must be just right. Because of their colorful and unique display, rainbows have generated countless legends and myths throughout history. Among the most popular is the Irish folklore that leprechauns store their pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. But the truth is, rainbows can be seen only if you are in the right place at the right time. If you’ve ever seen one, consider yourself lucky. For a rainbow to appear, the conditions must be just right. Rainbows can be seen when light passes through raindrops, says Kristin Calhoun, a research scientist at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the scientific agency focusing in part on the conditions of weather. When a person sees a rainbow, it’s really an optical illusion created by the refraction and reflection of light. An optical illusion is when you see something that appears to be something other than what is really there. When sunlight passes through raindrops, the light bends, or refracts, as it enters the droplet, and then reflects off the inside of the raindrop. This happens because the water is more dense than the air that surrounds it. As it exits the droplet, the light separates into wavelengths. Visible light is made up of various wavelengths, and each wavelength appears as a different color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Red light, for example, bends at a different angle than violet light. This is why “the person on the ground sees each color at a different location,” Calhoun says, and why rainbows look like a bow or an arc. Sometimes, however, rainbows can actually form an entire circle that you can see in a plane with the right conditions. Because rainbows are created by light via raindrops, the best time to catch a rainbow is when it’s sunny and raining. “There is an even better chance when the sun is at a lower angle, so early or later in the day,” Calhoun says. If you’re trying to spot one, the key is to face the rain and have your back to the sun. With the conditions just right, Hawaii gets lots of rainbows. “Small showers and storms often form in late afternoon due to the combined effects of topography and daytime heating of the land,” Calhoun says. “These types [of] showers often produce heavy rain, but remain isolated over the center of the island.” Because rainbows are optical illusions, they’re not located at a specific distance. The location is relative to the person. That means there’s no chance you’ll ever find that pot of gold. See PICTURE ; http://www.msn.com/en-us/kids/science/how-is-a-rainbow-formed/ar-BBS23g3?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=HPCDHP
  12. State Police Remind Pet Owners of “Hot Car” Bill Posted on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 by Gant Team in Local News, Top Stories With summer weather in the forecast, the Pennsylvania State Police are reminding pet owners to consider the health and safety of their animals. In October of 2018, Gov. Tom Wolf signed Act 104 of 2018, also known as the “Hot Car” Bill. It provides protections for law enforcement and emergency responders when a dog/cat is removed from a motor vehicle due to showing signs of distress. The law states that: an officer or emergency responder must have a “good-faith and reasonable” belief that the dog/cat is in imminent danger; make a “reasonable” effort to locate the driver of the motor vehicle; take “reasonable” steps to ensure or restore the well-being of the dog/cat; use no more force than necessary to enter the motor vehicle; and leave notice on the vehicle about where the dog/cat can be retrieved. “The law doesn’t give civilians the authority to take this type of action,” state police say. Anyone who sees a dog/cat inside a vehicle and it appears to be in distress should contact local authorities. “Do not enter the motor vehicle yourself.” “Properly caring for and protecting your pets should be a priority for all pet owners,” adds PSP Animal Cruelty Officer Michael Spada. “Utilize common sense and contact your local veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.” State police remind that animals can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, just like humans. “Both cats and dogs release heat through their paws and by panting. Ensure your pets have access to fresh, cool water and proper sustenance for the breed.” State police say failure to comply with these regulations may result in criminal charges. https://gantdaily.com/2019/06/04/state-police-remind-pet-owners-of-hot-car-bill/
  13. Rising Temperatures Pose Danger to Pets Left in Cars June 1, 2019 12:35 am· Author: Aly Delp JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – With the days of warmer weather slowly edging closer, the inside of a vehicle can quickly become an oven, posing a serious risk to pets left inside. “Research has shown that the internal vehicle temperature can rise thirty-five degrees in as little as a half hour when outside temperatures approach one hundred degrees,” according to Christian D. Malesic, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. “Rising temperatures, humidity, and stagnant air flow cause a greenhouse effect quickly placing the lives of animals in danger if not removed from the adverse conditions.” According to Samantha Peace, a Certified Veterinary Technician at the Animal Hospital of Punxsy, even in the shade, animals in cars are at risk, as the temperature in the car can quickly rise up to 20 degrees or more above the outside temperature. “Signs of distress start with panting,” Peace noted. “Further into the process, a pet will get lethargic and weak and probably lay down. Labored breathing is another sign of trouble.” While she noted that an animal showing initial signs of overheating can be treated with cool water and cold cloths, an animal that has spent too long in a hot vehicle requires immediate veterinary attention, and still may not have much of a chance. “If it is too late, there isn’t much you can do. We always work our best based on the symptoms with things like oxygen therapy.” While she said she hasn’t seen any serious cases of pets left in cars herself, she has heard horror stories from colleagues and things that more recent awareness campaigns may be helping prevent these incidents. “With so much more awareness, I think it’s been helping, but there are still people who just don’t understand.” The good news is that animals in Pennsylvania will have an extra level of protection from the extreme heat of cars this year with a new law that has been put in place. While owners are always encouraged to keep their animals safe and away from hot cars while unattended, this will be the first summer that the new law empowers law enforcement agencies to save animals in cars if owners fall short of their care responsibilities. In October of last year, Governor Wolf signed into law The Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act, which allows law enforcement officers to break into an unattended vehicle to rescue an animal left alone, if they believe the animal to be in imminent danger, after a reasonable search for the car owner. Act 104 of 2018, formerly known as “The Hot Car Bill,” provides legal authority with civil immunity to animal control and humane officers, emergency responders, and law enforcement officers who remove unattended animals from vehicles when they’re in danger from heat or cold. “The law protects animals in the heat of the summer, but also in the cold of the winter,” Christian Malesic explained. “In fact, any animal in distress can be rescued under the protection of this law during any season, even for issues such as being tangled in their leash or having their head stuck in a cracked-open window.” In addition to making a reasonable effort to find the vehicle owner prior to entering the vehicle, the person who performed the rescue must leave a note with contact information and the location at which the animal can be retrieved. If you see an animal that may need help, call 9-1-1 and stay with the vehicle until they arrive. “Do not attempt to free the animal yourself,” cautions Malesic. “Although Act 104 gives immunity to law enforcement officers, it does not give immunity to you. So, the vehicle owner could take civil action against you for your actions. “It is very important to note this is not a Good Samaritan law.” https://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/feature-dead-pets-in-hot-cars/
  14. Wonders of the Wilds: Discussions with the Stone People of Rockton Mountain Posted on Saturday, May 25, 2019 by Gant Team in Features, Local News By Scott A. Yeager, M.A., special to GANT News Springtime in the Pennsylvania Wilds is an idyllic time of year, not unlike October in many respects – simply a warmer counterpart in the annual cycle of life. In Clearfield County, the waters and the birds are both singing again, days begin crisp and end with a chorus of Northern Peepers, easing folks into a comfortable peace that’s like no other. It’s a good time for contemplation and for seeking advice from the Stone People. Pennsylvania Route 153 is one of Clearfield County’s most scenic highways. From one end to the next, there are wonderful sights to behold, special places and unique communities. The ancient Celts believed in thin places. These thin places were special because they represented a location where the veil between the world of the living and the spiritual world were at their thinnest. These were places where people seeking answers found them. For the Celts, the potency of these thin places was at its height – or at its thinnest – during spring and autumn. As you drive through the Moshannon State Forest on state Route 153, you’ll come to a thin place as you begin your descent into Clearfield. Whether you’re heading north or south on SR 153, the section between Clearfield and the Parker Dam State Park is a very special place. If you’re headed south into Clearfield, you’re in a prime spot to see not only Clearfield, but also the curve of the Earth itself. Heading north, you’re entering the Moshannon State Forest, one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful state forests, covering three counties – Clearfield, Elk and Centre (with small bits in Cameron and Clinton, as well). Toward the crest of Rockton Mountain, where SR 153 and U.S. Route 322 fork, you may encounter one of Clearfield County’s most intriguing populations – the Stone People. The Stone People aren’t exclusively native to Rockton Mountain or Clearfield County for that matter; however, we do have a thriving population in these parts. What is special about the Stone People is that they welcome all strangers as old friends. They occupy a special place in the natural world, and you can consider them guides and advocates of a sort. The Stone People are just like us – some are young, some are tall and some ornament themselves in seasonal fashions. The Stone People beckon us and invite us to step beyond our normal pace of life into a special realm where things slow down, life takes on a familiar meaning and where greater questions can be contemplated. The Stone People enjoy listening to folks like us. Oddly enough, if you encounter one in the Pennsylvania Wilds, don’t be shy. Respectfully introduce yourself, grab a seat beside them and do as they do – listen. As your mind begins to clear and important questions arise, you can strike up a conversation with your new friend. They will do their best to do what good people often do for their friends and those they care about in this world. How wonderful it is to be heard by someone; how healing it can be to hear yourself, your true self, unfettered and unencumbered by the judgements and opinions of others. This is the greatest gift that the Stone People bestow upon those who visit them. They help people reconnect with their better self. https://gantdaily.com/2019/05/25/wonders-of-the-wilds-discussions-with-the-stone-people-of-rockton-mountain/
  15. How every state got its nickname Kaitlin Miller 3 days ago Slide 1 of 52: The United States is a remarkable country because it's an assembly of former colonies, territories and even independent nations that all banded together under one government. Despite joining the Union, each of the 50 states still has its own unique slang terms, traditions, culture, history and must-try foods, which over the years have inspired nicknames for the states.These colorful nicknames celebrate the states' individual identities. Some have been around for centuries, with their origins lost over time, while others are recent inventions meant to promote each state's iconic qualities. If you've ever wondered what a Tar Heel actually is or why a state not known for agriculture is called the Garden State, here's how every state in the U.S. got its nickname Full screen 1/52 SLIDES © iStock The United States is a remarkable country because it's an assembly of former colonies, territories and even independent nations that all banded together under one government. Despite joining the Union, each of the 50 states still has its own unique slang terms, traditions, culture, history and must-try foods, which over the years have inspired nicknames for the states. These colorful nicknames celebrate the states' individual identities. Some have been around for centuries, with their origins lost over time, while others are recent inventions meant to promote each state's iconic qualities. If you've ever wondered what a Tar Heel actually is or why a state not known for agriculture is called the Garden State, here's how every state in the U.S. got its nickname. SEE SLIDES ; http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/did-you-know/how-every-state-got-its-nickname/ss-AABiOBb?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=HPCDHP
  16. The Rubber Tree reminded me of this -- The Rubber Tree Plant song ----- SEE VIDEO ---
  17. These are the 15 easiest indoor houseplants (that won't die on you) Growing indoor plants is easy and just as fun as having an outdoor garden. Indoor plants, houseplants, the best indoor plants Feb. 28, 2013, 8:04 AM EST / Updated May 10, 2019, 4:55 PM EDT / Source: TODAY By Alesandra Dubin At TODAY we take care to recommend items we hope you’ll enjoy! Just so you know, TODAY may get a small share of the revenue. Using interviews with specialists, online reviews and personal experience, TODAY editors, writers and experts take care to recommend items we really like and hope you’ll enjoy! TODAY does have affiliate relationships with various online retailers. So, while every product is independently selected, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the revenue. READ MORE Indoor plants not only act as a quick decorating tool, they also help clean the environment and air around them. But if you're worried you have a black thumb, fret not! TODAY Home found the best 15 indoor houseplants that anyone can keep alive and thriving. Video Will Begin In... 3 How to protect your garden when cold weather rolls around Aug. 16, 201804:30 Note: If you've got kids or pets, be sure to check if the plant is toxic before purchasing. Pothos Getty Images Why you want it: First of all, this indoor plant has an air-purifying quality that can absorb and strip toxins (like formaldehyde) from materials in the home (like carpet). How neat is that? It has trailing stems and works well in a hanging basket or as a climbing plant with some training onto a trellis or whatever object that will support it. How to care for it: This indoor houseplant can produce stems that trail 8 feet or longer, so just cut them back when they get too long and your plant will continue to look full and healthy. It can thrive in an array of lighting conditions, but low light may diminish the leaves' variegation. Allow soil to dry somewhat between watering. Pothos does well in an array of normal room temperatures. Where to buy it: 9GreenBox Golden Devil's Ivy Pothos In 4" Pot, $2, Amazon 9GreenBox Golden Devil's Ivy Pothos In 4" Pot $1.99 Amazon $11.99 Walmart $8.63 $9.99 Jet Aloe Jeremy Hopley/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images Why you want it: This succulent with long, pointed leaves has medicinal properties, as you probably well know. It can also grow 3-feet high to make a big impact indoors. Smaller varieties, like the popular aloe vera, work great in small, sunny indoor spaces. How to care for it: Aloe likes room temperatures around 70 degrees and a lot of sunlight. As you might expect for a succulent, this indoor houseplant prefers dry soil, so avoid frequent watering for the best results. Where to buy it: Costa Farms Aloe Vera Plant, $14, Amazon Costa Farms Aloe Vera Plant $14.32 Amazon $14.32 Home Depot Spider Plant Lynne Brotchie/Garden Picture Library/Getty Images Why you want it: These unusual-looking indoor plants add visual interest to a room, and they haven't fallen out of fashion after years of popularity. Spider plants come in a number of varieties and work well as hanging plants. How to care for it: Spider plants do well with evenly moist soil and bright or medium lighting conditions. Room temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees keep them thriving. Where to buy it: Hirt's Gardens Ocean Spider Plant In 4" Clay Pot, $14, Walmart Hirt's Gardens Ocean Spider Plant In 4" Clay Pot $5.99 Walmart $13.99 Amazon $5.99 Sears English Ivy Getty Images Why you want it: There's a real timeless elegance to ivy, and it trails down furniture for a pretty effect. Plus, it's easy to start a new plant for yourself or a friend by cutting off a section of the stem. Think instant hostess gift! (OK, not completely instant. It takes about two weeks or so to start growing.) How to care for it: English ivy likes moist soil and cooler room temperature conditions, ranging from the mid-50s to about 70 degrees. Where to buy it: Hirt's Garden Gold Child English Ivy, $10, Amazon Hirt's Garden Gold Child English Ivy $9.99 Amazon Jade Plant Brick House Pictures/Iconica/Getty Images Why you want it: For those who love the look of a succulent — not to mention, the ease of care — a jade plant offers thick, lush leaves and visually interesting branches. It grows slowly and has the potential to live from the day your kids are born until their high school graduations ... at the least! It also looks great in a pretty pot when paired with other succulent varieties. How to care for it: Jade plants don't require a lot of water, so keep soil somewhat dry. It prefers bright light and ordinary room temperatures. Where to buy it: Shop Succulents Jade Plant, $15, Amazon Shop Succulents Jade Plant $14.89 Amazon $15.00 Etsy Rubber Tree Alexander Walter/Stone/Getty Images Why you want it: This easy-to-grow indoor houseplant will grow into an 8-foot-tall tree for a major pop of greenery in a room. If you prefer a smaller plant, make your rubber tree into a shrub shape by pruning any long stems. Extra bonus: The dark green leaves have an attractive shiny finish. How to care for it: Allow the surface of the rubber tree's soil to dry out in between watering. It thrives in lighting conditions from medium to bright, and a range of room temperatures between about 60 and 80 degrees. Where to buy it: Jmbamboo Burgundy Rubber Tree Plant, $15, Amazon Jmbamboo Burgundy Rubber Tree Plant $14.99 Amazon Dieffenbachia De Agostini Picture Library/Getty Images Why you want it: The leaves of this pretty indoor plant can grow up to a foot long, and provide a tropical-looking accent to home decor. The whole plant can grow 6-feet high for a cheery room focal point. How to care for it: Dieffenbachia thrives in normal room temperature not colder than the mid-60s. Keep the soil evenly moist, and provide medium or low-lighting conditions for the best result. Where to buy it: Splash Dieffenbachia, $16, Amazon Splash Dieffenbachia $15.99 Amazon Peace Lily Tom Dobbie/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images Why you want it: Surely you've seen this indoor houseplant in many homes, since it has such pretty, curving white blooms and dark leaves and it's easy to grow. How to care for it: This houseplant favors low humidity and also low light, making it great for rooms with few windows. It prefers moist soil throughout the pot and tolerates standard temperatures to about 85 degrees. Where to buy it: Peace Lily Plant, $4, Walmart Peace Lily Plant $3.85 Walmart Snake Plant Verity Welstead/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images Why you want it: It doesn't get much easier than this indoor houseplant — also known as mother-in-law's tongue. It has variegated leaves that grow upright, and some varieties have yellow or white edges. It has small, white flowers that bloom only rarely. How to care for it: This indoor plant grows well in a whole range of lighting conditions. The air should be somewhat dry, as should the soil. Any normal room temperature should suit it just fine. Where to buy it: Costa Farms Snake Plant, $33 (usually $36), Amazon Costa Farms Snake Plant $32.94 $36.11 Amazon $29.07 Home Depot Ficus Sian Irvine/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images Why you want it: This indoor tree has shiny leaves to add cheer to any indoor space. Its stems can be braided for a tidy topiary effect we love. How to care for it: This tree likes full sun or at least bright, filtered light. Most varieties (there are about 800!) prefer several days of dry soil in between thorough watering. Room temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees work best. Where to buy it: Jmbamboo Gardens Starlight Weeping Fig In 4" Clay Pot, $24, Amazon Jmbamboo Gardens Starlight Weeping Fig In 4" Clay Pot $23.99 Amazon Heartleaf Philodendron Dave King/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images Why you want it: This is a trailing indoor houseplant that loves to make its way down mantles or bookshelves. Its perky, dark green leaves come to a heart shape where they meet the stems. How to care for it: This may be the quintessentially easy indoor plant. It thrives in a range of lighting conditions, from low to sunny, preferring indirect light. It does well anywhere close to standard room temperature. Let the surface of the soil dry between watering; it should not be constantly wet. Where to buy it: Hirt's Gardens Heart Leaf Philodendron In 4" Pot, $1, Walmart Hirt's Gardens Heart Leaf Philodendron In 4" Pot $0.99 Walmart $9.00 Amazon Peperomia Matthew Ward/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images Why you want it: A whole array of small indoor houseplants with textured, shiny, often colorful leaves fit into this category. Some popular, attractive and easy-to-manage indoor varieties include watermelon, red-edge and ripple peperomias. How to care for it: Peperomias favor indoor temperatures from about 60 to 75 degrees and medium or low-lighting conditions. The surface of the soil should dry out between watering. Where to buy it: Hirt's Gardens Burgundy Ripple Peperomia In 4" Pot, $5, Amazon Hirt's Gardens Burgundy Ripple Peperomia In 4" Pot $4.99 Amazon Shamrock Plant Flickr/Life Through My Lens/Getty Images Why you want it: This jaunty indoor houseplant has bright green leaves that look like shamrocks, plus sweet white flowers on tall stems. How to care for it: This houseplant loves bright but indirect or filtered light. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering thoroughly about once per week. Where to buy it: Easy To Grow 20 Green Shamrrock Bulbs, $16, Amazon Easy To Grow 20 Green Shamrock Bulbs $15.95 Amazon Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree Samantha Okazaki / TODAY Why you want it: This lovely indoor tree (actually a species of ficus) has large, dark green leaves that seem to form the vague outline of a fiddle or violin — that's how it got its name. How to care for it: This indoor plant likes room temperatures between about 65 and 75 degrees, and exposure to bright to medium light. The surface of the soil should dry out slightly between watering. If it starts to look a bit pale, try moving it to somewhere less bright. Where to buy it: Hirt's Gardens Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, $20, Amazon Hirt's Gardens Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree $19.50 Amazon $19.08 $24.99 Jet Areca Palm Telefora.com Why you want it: This pretty indoor house palm is a great inspiration if you're dreaming of tropical climates — or just trying to conjure the look in your home decor. It can grow to about 7-feet tall for a dramatic touch in a room, but a smaller pot will keep it contained if you'd like it to stay smaller How to care for it: The areca palm does well in indirect light. Keep the soil somewhat dry, only watering on alternate weeks or so. Where to buy it: Costa Farms Areca Butterfly Palm Tree, $40, Amazon Costa Farms Areca Butterfly Palm Tree $39.99 Amazon $40.39 Home Depot Video Will Begin In... 3 See this NYC apartment with more than 600 plants Oct. 12, 201701:43 This article was originally published on Feb 12, 2016. SEE VIDEOS ; https://www.today.com/home/easiest-indoor-house-plants-won-t-die-you-t73006
  18. Jefferson County Courthouse at 150: Missing Pieces March 26, 2019 12:50 am· Author: Andrew Bundy BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – The Jefferson County Courthouse may be a symbol of justice, but to County Commissioners John Matson and Jeffrey Pisarcik, the courthouse is something to be celebrated. Constructed 150 years ago, the courthouse dominates Main Street in Brookville, and Matson feels that the imposing structure is one of the many reasons people should come to his county. “You need excuses for people to come here,” he said, “and the courthouse is a good reason to drive people here.” The courthouse was dedicated in 1869, according to a pamphlet by Laura Lynn Yohe. It had many renovations over the years, including plumbing being installed in 1927 after residents called the bathrooms “barbarous.” Yohe said that protesters wanted the courthouse torn down and replaced. The 1927 renovations added to the courthouse and repaired the jails. The courthouse exterior has been almost the same since it was completed, though interior renovations have changed the building. Many of the 1927 features have been restored to look as they once did. For Matson, the idea of the courthouse is more than a symbol. It is a piece history as well as a work of art. “This is the nicest building in the county,” he said. “If it’s not, the courtroom is the nicest room in the county. It’s fabulous. The courtroom reminds us of the past and what our community was.” Matson pointed out that Brookville was well-to-do when the courthouse was constructed. It had six hotels to keep up with the courthouse business. The court has also set some precedents for the country. “More people have been hanged in Jefferson County after 1900 than before,” he said. “We had a twice-hanged man. They hanged him once, and it didn’t work, so they tried it again, and succeeded. After that, the country decided you can’t kill someone twice.” However, what history Matson has found also comes with some holes. “We need to fill in the missing pieces,” he said. “The records are all spread out over different agencies.” Yohe’s pamphlet is where Matson gets much of his information. However, the seven-page folded information packet only covers a small chunk of the history of the courthouse. In fact, the courthouse did not have many copies of Yohe’s work left. Pisarcik said that the community could help fill in some of the historical gaps. “We have great historians in this area,” Pisarcik said. “Talking to some historians in Punxsutawney, I learned that our first judge was from there. Jenks Street is named after him.” Pisarcik and Matson look forward to getting more information about the courthouse as they approach the 150th. Pisarcik said that the courthouse belongs to everyone in the county. “People call it the Brownsville Courthouse,” Pisarcik said. “That’s wrong. We all own it. It’s Jefferson County’s. It’s irreplaceable. All the money spent to restore it is well worth it. People should come to the courthouse to see it, to see the positives.” The courthouse has reminders that it belongs to the community, however. Matson said that the bell tower has graffiti dating back to the 1870s. However, some of the history of the courthouse can only be told by those who worked there. That is why Matson is inviting anyone who worked there or had an experience there to tell their stories on the Facebook page. In the meantime, Matson will still gather as much information as he can to be prepared for the 150th. “People take a lot of pride in where they’re from,” Matson said. “The courthouse itself is something to be proud of.” This is the second article in a multi-part series celebrating the Jefferson County Courthouse’s 150th anniversary. Check back later for additional articles. http://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/jefferson-county-courthouse-at-150-missing-pieces/
  19. Throwback Thursday: 1912 Alley Popper Railroad Trestle Collapse in Woodward Twp. Posted on Thursday, March 14, 2019 by Gant Team in Features, Local News, Top Stories (Provided photo) The Altoona and Philipsburg Branch of the Pittsburgh and Susquehanna Railroad came into service in 1894, as a local business enterprise, to haul coal and passengers throughout the Moshannon Valley. The line ran from Philipsburg to Osceola Mills and Houtzdale and then on to Ramey. The line ended in Fernwood in Gulich Township. From its beginning, the Alley Popper Railroad competed locally with the large and powerful Pennsylvania Railroad. In the village communities of West Moshannon and Kendrick in Woodward Township, the Alley Popper’s engineers designed and had built a 2,130 feet wooden trestle in order to skirt over top of the existing Pennsylvania Railroad line. The trestle kept the rail line relatively level and made it possible to avoid a right-of-way conflict with the Pennsylvania Railroad. But how long could such a wooden structure continue to withstand the many tons of train engines and full coal cars that traveled on it day after day and year after year? On Nov. 22, 1912, the trestle collapsed. Its support beams went down in an orderly fashion, “like dominos,” as was written in reports of the time. The true miracle was that the train engine and cars stayed put on the rails without tipping over. The photos show just that. One wonders how, considering the limited heavy equipment of the day, the train was removed and the trestle rebuilt. (Provided photo) https://gantdaily.com/2019/03/14/throwback-thursday-1912-alley-popper-railroad-trestle-collapse-in-woodward-twp/
  20. What are 'ghost apples'? Record low temperatures create freaky phenomenon These clear apples aren’t an optical illusion — here’s the real deal behind the viral photos. Ghost apples can happen when ice casings of apples hang from a tree.Andrew Sietsema/Facebook Feb. 13, 2019, 10:15 AM EST / Source: TODAY By Julie Pennell Nature is certainly capable of creating some pretty amazing things, and one resident of Sparta, Michigan, just happened to be in the right place at the right time to see one of the winter's most beautiful formations. Last week, Andrew Sietsema was pruning some of his apple trees after freezing rain had hit the area and while he was working, he snapped a few pictures of what he has since dubbed “ghost apples” — hollowed-out ice casings of apples that were never harvested. Sietsema told NBC affiliate WOOD-TV that the apples are of the Jonagold variety, "but we'll call these Jona-ghosts,” he said. So, how exactly does something like this form? Susan Brown, Herman M. Cohn Professor of Agriculture and Life Science at Cornell University, explained to TODAY Food that the flesh of some apples, especially those that remain on trees late after the harvest season, will decay into almost an applesauce-like consistency. “The skin keeps it in like a filled water balloon,” she said. Due to a combination of freezing rain and prolonged subzero temperatures, ice initially encased the whole fruit, but then the rotted apple mush seeped out from the bottom of the icy sphere, leaving the detailed, hollowed-out impression of an apple. “I like the term that was coined ‘ghost apple,’” Brown said. “What I love about this story and the excitement it generated is that it showcases all the hard work our apple growers do in all weather conditions. The fact that Andrew Sietsema was out in freezing conditions, tending to his trees, allowed him to capture this beautiful occurrence.” Photos of the clear "fruit" have been reposted and liked hundreds of times across various social media platforms. Many are simply in awe of the unusual phenomenon: While this may seem like a rarity, Brown (who herself hasn’t seen a ghost apple first-hand), said she’s heard from many researchers and growers that they have seen this occur before and that it’s most common with Golden Delicious and Jonagold apples. Jonagolds, known for their crisp flesh and tartly sweet flavor, are an offspring of the Golden Delicious. The professor expects that Sietsema was basically just in the right place at the right time ... and had his smartphone handy. “Others have seen it in their orchards, but only those brave enough to face the elements after an ice event,” she said. “I would imagine that after this report and photos, you may have more [people] venturing out to see if they can spot any. I’m sure other growers out pruning may also document their own ‘haunted’ orchards.” SEE TWEETS; https://www.today.com/food/photos-ghost-apples-are-going-viral-what-are-they-t148759
  21. Turkey & Biscuit Dinner - Feb.23 --- Rt.28-Hazen -Warsaw Fire Hall Time - 4 PM to ? sold out - Adult $8 --Children- 12 under -$4 --- Preschool=Free Take outs Available -328-2528 --- Benefits the Warsaw Twp. Vol. Fire Co.
  22. SEE VIDEO REPORT ; https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/dep-approves-report-detailing-cause-of-2017-landfill-collapse/1754814918
  23. Great out come, and prayers work. Beautiful little girl.
  24. 36 Classic Recipes Grandma Knew by Heart Katie Bandurski 3 days ago Slide 1 of 36: Homemade biscuits add a warm and comforting touch to any meal. My grandmother makes these tender biscuits to go with her seafood chowder. —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York Get Recipe Previous SlideNext Slide 50 budget-friendly casseroles to make today. PopSugar Full screen 1/36 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home Grandma's Biscuits Homemade biscuits add a warm and comforting touch to any meal. My grandmother makes these tender biscuits to go with her seafood chowder. —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York Get Recipe SEE SLIDES ; http://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/recipes/36-classic-recipes-grandma-knew-by-heart/ss-BBSrDWh?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=HPCDHP
  25. Collector Cars Published 1 day ago Gary Sinise raised $1.3 million for veterans and first responders with an old Jeep By Gary Gastelu | Fox News Actor Gary Sinise raised $1.3 million to help members of the military and first responders by selling a1981 Jeep CJ7...twice. The custom truck was auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson auction on Friday, with proceeds earmarked for the Gary Sinise Foundation, which runs a variety of programs aimed at entertaining and assisting veterans, active duty military, America's emergency services and their families. Flying into the future Click For More Info See how drone technology is being used to ensure a brighter future for you and your environment. Sponsored by FirstEnergy FOX NEWS INTERVIEW WITH GARY SINISE The red, white and blue Jeep was built by Richard Rawling's Gas Monkey Garage and initially sold for $200,000, with another partner on the project, heavy equipment broker Sunbelt Rentals, donating an additional $1 million to the organization. The buyer then sent it across the block again and it sold a second time for $100,000. "My first car auction, it's going to be hard to top that," Sinise told The Arizona Republic. "There were a lot of veterans out there in the audience so I got to acknowledge them and say thank you." The Jeep has been fully restored and modified with a 4-inch lift kit and features the foundation's logos. FIRST 2020 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 SOLD FOR $1.1 MILLION AT CHARITY AUCTION https://www.foxnews.com/auto/gary-sinise-raised-1-3-million-for-veterans-and-first-responders-with-an-old-jeep
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