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Cold-weather life jacket law underway

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds boaters, anglers, and hunters on Sunday, the annual cold weather life jacket requirement went into effect. From Nov. 1 through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters. Even on warm, sunny days, from late fall through early spring, water temperatures can remain frigid on rivers, lakes, and streams across the Commonwealth. Sudden ...

Retirement system earns recognition for transparency in reporting

The Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) continues to earn national recognition for transparency and excellence in financial reporting with two awards this year, building on its longstanding record of achievement. PSERS received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR) for its Summary Annual Financial Report (SAFR) for the 10th consecutive year. The agency also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual ...

Pennsylvania ‘advanced age’ population balloons as number of kids shrinks

When a new Legislature gets to work in Harrisburg next year it will grapple with a state financial picture in which the ink is mostly red - but the bigger picture is that Pennsylvania continues to turn gray. The school-age population in the state shrank by more than 3% in the five years ending in 2025 and will shrink at even greater rates between now and 2035, according to a new report from the state Independent Fiscal Office. Meanwhile, the "advanced age" category increased by nearly 10% in the same stretch and will continue growing at a rate of 18% or more. Lawmakers in Harrisburg ...

Russell UMC to host dinner Saturday

The Russell United Methodist Church will host a chicken and biscuit dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the church, 17 N. Main St., Russell. The cost is $15 each and proceeds will benefit the Ministry Center. Pictured are Lisa Rivett and Marcie Brown.

EMS retiree answered call for decades

In 1975, a high school friend convinced Randy Hettenbaugh to join the North Warren Volunteer Fire Department, as a junior member (under 18). Little did he know that those weekly drills he learned would turn into a lifelong career of service. He remembers the summer of 1976 when a siren ...

Senate passes crisis center EMS transport bill

With the state legislative session nearing its end, the state Senate has passed legislation that gives EMS providers the ability to transport patients to crisis centers. Senate Bill 1403, sponsored by Sen. Frank Farry with co-sponsorship support from Republicans Traccy Pennycuick, Rosemary BRown, Camera Bartolotta, Joe Picozzi and Elder Vogel, was unanimously approved by the state Senate recently. The bill will now go to the state House of Representatives for consideration. “This legislation removes unnecessary barriers and gives our EMS professionals more options to continue ...