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Outdoor

Our opinion: No slowing home-heating costs

With the exception of those hardy families who stubbornly hold out as long as possible before turning on the heat for the season, many of us have probably flipped the switch by now. Nights in the lower 40s will do that. If recent reports are accurate, keeping that heat on is going to be more expensive this year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency’s Winter Fuels Outlook, an increase in average heating prices is forecast this winter for all parts of the country, and all heating fuels. Compared with last winter, EIA forecasts U.S. households will spend 54% more for ...

He knew just where to fish

When I was growing up in Erie, my bedroom was also a family “trophy room” of sorts. Looming over the head of my bed on the wall was the large mounted head of a 12-point buck white-tailed deer which one of my older half-brothers had shot. On the wall right over my bed was the snarling ...

Waterworks

It’s a difficult economic time for many, but the state Fish and Boat Commission has announced an opportunity. It is recruiting the 23rd class of Waterways Conservation Officer Trainees. “WCOs protect, conserve, and enhance Pennsylvania’s aquatic resources through law enforcement, ...

ANF continues to reopen

Additional recreations sites on the Allegheny National Forest are reopening. Public Affairs Officer Christopher Warner told the Times Observer that several sites will open Friday, May 22, including Dewdrop, Kiasutha, Hearts Content campground, the Tidioute overlook and the lower loop at ...

A gathering place for birds

There is both skill and art involved in taking natural materials and fashioning them into a useful object. Humans have done this in the past, harvesting plants and turning them in shelters, clothes, furniture and tools. I can’t help but wonder how they figured it out, and if they watched the ...

Probation, community service imposed in deer abuse case

BROOKVILLE, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania man accused along with a youth of repeatedly kicking a wounded deer in the head and pulling off its antler has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor cruelty to animals and four summary offenses, authorities said. WJAC-TV reported that 18-year-old Alexander Smith was sentenced last week to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service, according to the Jefferson County prothonotary’s office. His hunting license was also revoked for 15 years. The Brookville resident was originally facing multiple felonies related to aggravated cruelty ...