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Temporary structure planned for Harrisburg Market vendors following fire

Harrisburg officials announced at a press conference on Tuesday plans to construct a temporary structure while the community works to rebuild following last week’s fire that ravaged Historical Broad Street Market. 

“Right now, we’re working with a number of companies that work on temporary structures,” City Business Administrator Dan Hartman said. “That’s something we’re hoping to have lined up in a few days. 

“Ultimately, we’re still hoping to have at some point in August a temporary structure in place that will allow vendors and customers and the public the chance to shop, not outdoors in a courtyard or anything, but in a climate-controlled environment that offers pretty much everything they had and then some,” he said. “That’s primarily where we’re at right now.” 

The site of the temporary structure is an empty grass lot at N. 3rd and Verbeke streets, a location not far from the Market’s fire-ravaged brick building. In the week since the fire, displaced vendors sold their goods in the market’s courtyard. 

Hartman said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams gave the directive as soon as the fire happened to get the project up and running and operational to limit vendors’ losses and damages. 

“What we want to do,” Hartman said, “is give them a great workspace that while everything works out on the historical preservation side and rehabilitation side, there is a place that is safe, secure, and allows them to do their business that they need to do. 

“With that in mind, that is the exact reason why we sprang into action to get this done as quick as possible.” 

Hartman said Gov. Josh Shapiro and his cabinet members have been supportive of city officials as they work with vendors through this initial disaster phase and their progression toward a rebuilding phase. Hartman added that there has been a “patchwork” effort consisting of charities, fund-raisers, municipal, county, state, and federal support to deal with the situation. 

“There is not a one-stop shop to handle all of this,” he said. 

Shapiro pledged his support at a press conference a week ago Monday and laid out the steps his administration is taking to help the reconstruction, including working with the Small Business Administration to support vendors. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is also working with vendors to help keep them in business during the rebuild. 

Shapiro said government at all levels is coming together to “do what’s necessary to support the rebuild.” 

Noting that there is “quite a bit of investigation work that has to happen,” Hartman said that it will be until the first or second week of August when “everything is wrapped up” on the investigation side. 

“Right now, as it pertains to a temporary structure, we’re working on getting a facility that will have all the modern amenities – flooring, it will be sided, air-conditioned and heated depending on the season, running water, electrical, things like that,” said Hartman. 

“Once we get that side of it done, it takes about one-and-a-half to three weeks from the time that order is into the time it’s being occupied.” 

Hartman said he believes the cost of restoring the building will be covered by Harrisburg’s insurance. 

“The whole thing is working itself through the process it needs to work itself out through,” said Matt Maisel, director of communications for the City of Harrisburg. “We need to constantly work with our insurance company, we’re working with the vendors, we’re working with the Market.”

US creates 236,000 jobs in March; unemployment rate 3.5%

U.S. employers added 236,000 jobs in March, suggesting to economists that the economy may not dip into recession despite numerous Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.

The national unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, just above the 53-year low of 3.4% set in January.

The Friday jobs report from the Labor Department also showed signs that inflationary pressures might be easing. Average hourly wages were up 4.2% from a year ago, down from the 4.6% year-over-year increase in February.

Last month’s number was well under the 326,000 jobs created in February.

“The labor market continues to show resilience despite the Fed’s efforts to tame inflation by raising interest rates,” said Eric Merlis, managing director and co-head of global markets at Citizens, in a statement. “Today’s report should not deter the Fed from continuing its efforts to bring inflation to its target zone.” “Today’s report is a Goldilocks report,” Daniel Zhao, lead economist at Glassdoor, told the Associated Press. “It’s hard to find a way it could have been better. We do see that the job market is cooling, but it’s still resilient.’’

March’s job growth was led by leisure and hospitality, which added 72,000 positions. Restaurants and bars accounted for 50,000 of those.

State and local governments added 39,000 and health care companies 34,000.

Construction companies, however, cut 9,000 jobs, that sector’s first such reduction since January 2022. Factories also reduced payrolls slightly for a second straight month as manufacturing slowed.

Though unemployment remains higher for people of color than for white Americans, the unemployment rate for Black workers dropped in March to 5%, the lowest recorded in government records dating to 1972.

The March numbers are the last jobs report the Fed will see before its next meeting May 2-3, the AP reported. Its policymakers will gain a clearer view of inflationary pressures next week, when the Labor Department issues reports on consumer and wholesale prices.

Daniel Zhao is one of the economists holding out hope that the economy can avoid a recession brought on by Fed rate increases.

“Today’s job market does not look like one that’s about to tip into recession,” he said. “I wouldn’t bet against the job market.’’

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Geisinger cited for health plans claims violations 

Danville-based Geisinger is being asked to take corrective action by the state after receiving citations for a series of violations from 2015 through 2018. 

An Affordable Care Act market conduct examination by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PIC) found violations within claims processing primarily involving mental health and substance use disorder services by Geisinger Health Plan and Geisinger Health Options. 

Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys said Wednesday the examinations identified violations within claims processing, including claims being denied when they should have been paid.  

These denied claims were largely processed by behavioral health vendors, until 2019, when the company brought all behavioral health operations in-house, Humphreys said. 

“The Insurance Department’s top priority is consumer protection within the marketplace, and these examinations are an opportunity for the department to ensure that companies are held to high standards and consumers are receiving the benefits to which they are entitled,” said Humphreys. “The results of the exam will see some consumers receiving restitution, as well as expected process improvements within the company.” 

 Humphreys said Geisinger was cooperative during the examination, which covers the period from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016, and January 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018. A second claims experience period was added because the company indicated that it made several systems changes from 2016 to 2018, including the implementation of a new medical claims processing system. 

Geisinger issued a statement in response to the citation. 

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Insurance Department on opportunities to improve, which is very much aligned with Geisinger’s mission to make better health easier for the communities we serve. The review period for this most recent Market Conduct Exam dates back as far as January 2015, and we’re pleased to share that the violations cited in the report have either already been remediated or we are in the process of addressing them.”

The examination also reported additional Unfair Insurance Practices Act violations relating to unclear communications with members, maximum out-of-pocket miscalculations, and incomplete claim files, PID said. 

 In addition, the exam found mental health parity violations, as complete and timely quantitative and nonquantitative treatment limitation (QTL and NQTL) analyses were not available, nor were QTLs and NQTLs applied correctly in some plans. 

Humphrey said Geisinger hired an outside consultant in 2019 to help address mental health parity. 

The department has ordered Geisinger to take corrective action to address the violations. Claims that were incorrectly processed must be reprocessed and accurately paid with applicable interest.  

PID said the company must adjust internal controls to address required claims notifications, accuracy and clarity in its communications with members, and oversight of producer appointments and terminations. 

The company must also reprocess all claims for which incorrect visit limits or cost-sharing were applied and provide restitution to policyholders that were required to pay more than that policy allowed. The company must provide proof of payment, including applicable interest, to the department as claims are reprocessed.  

Geisinger is ordered to pay a $125,000 penalty. 

 To date, approximately 60,000 Pennsylvanian consumers have received $5.87 million in restitution as a result of the department’s ACA market conduct examinations of other major health insurers. 

 The department said it will continue to monitor and verify that Geisinger’s corrective actions have taken place, including through quarterly reporting, as well as through a reexamination process in the future. 

Pennsylvania’s gas tax to jump 3.5 cents in 2023

For Pennsylvania drivers, gas at the pump may soon cost more, thanks to a 2013 state law enacted to fund road and bridge improvements.

The commonwealth’s gas tax is scheduled to rise 3.5 cents in 2023, an increase levied on wholesalers that will likely be passed on consumers.

From the current 57.6 cents per gallon, the tax will rise to 61.1 cents per gallon next year, according to a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Meanwhile, the tax on diesel fuel is set to climb from 74.1 cents per gallon to to 78.5 cents per gallon.

Pennsylvania’s gas tax is already one of the highest in the nation, ranking in the top three.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Wolf announces plan to expand broadband in Pa.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has released the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Broadband Plan, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday. 

Both the immediate and long-term needs of Pennsylvanians are addressed in the State Broadband Plan. 

Wolf stated that broadband is as essential in today’s world as electricity and water but noted that there exists in Pennsylvania a digital divide. “This plan will ensure consistent, affordable, quality statewide broadband to keep children learning, businesses growing, and opportunities abounding for all Pennsylvanians.” 

In December 2021 Wolf signed legislation to create the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. Created through bipartisan partnership, the authority serves as a one-stop shop for all things broadband in Pennsylvania and manages more than $100 million in federal funds while working to close the state’s digital divide. 

The focus of the authority’s plan to expand broadband across the state is on improving broadband service infrastructure and availability, device and technology access, and digital literacy and technical support. As there are up to 800,000 unserved Pennsylvanians, the plan includes steps to achieve universal broadband access. 

Meeting this goal means committing to the following: 

  • Maintaining current and accurate data on unserved and underserved populations 
  • Reducing obstacles to broadband deployment 
  • Supporting and maintaining a skilled workforce 
  • Ensuring devices are made available and affordable 
  • Ensuring multiple affordable service options are available 
  • Ensuring affordable options are sustainable 
  • Providing training so that every person can meet foundational digital literacy skills 
  • Developing a technical support network. 

Brandon Carson, the authority’s executive director, said in a statement that if Pennsylvania is to remain competitive, equal access to the internet, regardless of income or location, must be provided. “Broadband access affects every area of our lives – from work, to education, to health, and safety. Closing the digital divide helps enhance our communities and fosters economic growth and innovation for all Pennsylvanians.” 

In 2018, the Wolf Administration launched a $35 million Pennsylvania Broadband Investment Incentive Program to expand broadband in rural areas. 

In 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development launched the Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program to further support the deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure to unserved areas with $10 million in funding. 

New Pa. House Republican Leaders speak to issues for 2023-24 Legislative Session 

Continuing to advocate for issues in their respective districts as well as statewide, Representatives Joshua Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), and Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland), were elected by their peers last week for leadership roles in the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus in Harrisburg. 

Leadership elections were held at the state Capitol and included all returning House Republican lawmakers, along with 23 new members. 

Kail was chosen to lead the House GOP Policy Committee. As chairman, he will conduct hearings on key issues, gather testimony and information from important stakeholders, and team with colleagues in the House Republican Caucus to identify critical issues and develop policies to address them. Crucial issues addressed by the Policy Committee in recent years include emergency medical services, job creation, and rural broadband accessibility. 

Kail said in a statement that he is humbled to have the support of colleagues to take on his important role. “For years, we have been visiting communities across Pennsylvania to receive vital information from real people on the short- and long-term issues they face such as crippling inflation and the rise in crime. It takes a team effort to help guide Pennsylvania in the right direction, and I look forward to the work ahead to ensure the people’s voices are heard in Harrisburg.” 

Elected Republican whip for the 2023-24 Legislative Session, O’Neal will be responsible for tracking House votes and informing his Republican colleagues of upcoming issues and legislation. He currently serves on the Appropriations, Environmental Resources and Energy, Insurance, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees. 

“It is an honor to be chosen by my peers to help lead the caucus for the next two years,” O’Neal said in a statement. “I’m ready to get to work helping to continue to make the Commonwealth a place where people want to live and work. I look forward to helping to guide our caucus in a mission to uphold fiscal responsibility, limited government and policies that promote strong communities.” 

O’Neal will begin his third full term in January. He was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Republicans following a May 2018 special election. As a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, O’Neal served on active duty following his graduation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and served a tour in Afghanistan. He rose to the rank of captain and while in combat was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor. 

Delozier was elected to serve as Caucus Administrator. She will oversee the operation of the Printing and Motor Licensing departments, as well as assigning member offices, coordinating office moves, and managing parking resources for the caucus. 

“As the Caucus Administrator, I will undertake responsibilities to ensure the Caucus can work effectively and efficiently,” she said in a statement. “It is my goal to continue the good work of the Printing and Motor Licensing departments to serve our Pennsylvania residents. 

“Our new leadership team is made up of many different backgrounds. I look forward to working closely with this group.” 

Along with Delozier, O’Neal, and Kail, the new leadership team will consist of House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-York), Caucus Chairman George Dunbar (R-Westmoreland), and Caucus Secretary Martina White (R-Philadelphia). 

The work of the House Republican team will begin in January with the start of the 2023-24 Legislative Session. 

Lancaster among Pa. counties receiving investments in Water Projects

Lancaster is listed among the Pennsylvania counties receiving investment funding for drinking water, stormwater, and non-point source projects through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), Gov. Tom Wolf announced. 

The investment totals $236 million for 23 projects across 15 counties. 

“I’m encouraged to see continued, increased investments in our clean water infrastructure across the commonwealth, and these awards mark a historic occasion,” Wolf said. “This round of water quality funding will deliver the first dollars from the infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, signed by President Biden in November of 2021. This funding will create generational change in improving our environment and planning for future growth.” 

In Lancaster County, the Weaverland Valley Authority received an $899,739 loan to install a new well pump to increase the capacity of the existing well to 145 gallons per minute, and a new connection between the current Twin Springs distribution system and the Blue Ball distribution system. This Drinking Water Project will provide a redundant water source for the service area, increasing system adequacy and safety. 

Stormwater Project investment for Lancaster County saw Stehli Mill, LLC receive a $1,859.676 loan to install 3,752 feet of storm sewer piping, filters, and infiltration basins at the historic 11-acre Stehli Silk Mill property. The project will significantly reduce stormwater runoff into the City of Lancaster’s combined sewer system and prevent future overflows from entering the Conestoga River. 

Lancaster County’s Non-Point Source Projects include the following: 

Lancaster County Conservation District received a $467,800 loan to install a manure stacking structure, storage tank, and 3,200 feet of streambank fencing at the Christ Miller dairy farm in Bart Township. The project will reduce approximately 4,083 pounds of sediment, 4,969 pounds of nitrogen, and 2,149 pounds of phosphorous annually from Nickel Mines Run, which is an impaired waterway. 

Also, the Lancaster County Conservation District received a $683,500 grant to install a manure storage tank, underfloor waste storage system, and 220 feet of streambank fencing at the Benuel Stoltzfus dairy farm in Bart Township. The project will reduce an estimated 2,451 pounds of sediment, 5,168 pounds of nitrogen, and 2,247 pounds of phosphorus annually from Nickel Mines Run, which serves as a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. 

“As communities have been planning for the opportunity to take advantage of this momentous federal investment, federal, state, and local partners have ensured that we can distribute this funding efficiently and equitably,” said Wolf. “Funding through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act will truly address some of the neediest populations in Pennsylvania with some of the worst legacy environmental issues, including lead contamination and emerging contaminants. 

“As we continue to ensure the communities have access to this funding, they can ensure that at-risk populations are safe to drink clean water and enjoy their own environmental gifts.”

Lancaster-based woman-owned telemedicine company receives small business grant

Lancaster-based OvaryIt LLC recently announced that it will receive a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institutes of Health.

The $214,719 in funds will be used to study the use of OvaryIt’s proprietary technology platform to increase the adoption of pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services nationwide.

OvaryIt, LLC is a woman-owned company “with a strong mission to increase access to family planning services and advance women’s health through technological innovation, direct-to-consumer contraceptive services, and scientific research,” a release said.

Women in rural areas have a more difficult time accessing contraceptive services, the release noted. Also, unintended pregnancy remains a major issue in the country, causing significant health and financial problems to mothers and their children, disproportionately affecting women of color and women of lower socio-economic status.

Mary Kucek, founder and CEO of OvaryIt, wrote in an email that 19 million women in the U.S. live in what is deemed a contraceptive desert, but 90% of the population is within 5 miles of a pharmacy. Though many states allow pharmacists to prescribe contraception, “the current paper-based process is inefficient and difficult to incorporate into daily practice for busy pharmacists. Therefore, even though many pharmacists are eligible to prescribe contraceptives, few do.”

She said the NIH grant will allow OvaryIt to research the feasibility of using its proprietary technology to create a more efficient process while increasing patient safety through built-in features and best practices. “By creating an improved solution, we aim to increase the availability of high-quality pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services to combat the access-to-care and health equity issues that are unfortunately far too common in the U.S.”

In the release, Kucek said, “Pharmacists are well-trained, trusted health care providers and are highly capable of providing safe contraceptive services. When we built the OvaryIt platform, our primary mission was to increase safe contraceptive access for all. We strongly believe that (it) has the potential to change the contraceptive landscape and will empower more pharmacies to provide these services to promote more equitable and inclusive contraceptive access.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Lebanon VA expands health care eligibility for Veterans

Health care eligibility for certain Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post 9/11 Veterans was greatly expanded on October 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Lebanon VA Medical Center announced Friday.

The PACT Act was signed into law on Aug. 10, 2022, by President Biden, and authorizes one of the largest health care and benefits expansions in the history of the VA.

“This expansion will bring generations of new Veterans into VA health care, and increase the health care benefits of many more, which will result in the one outcome that matters most: better health outcomes for Veterans,” said Robert W. Callahan, Jr. CEO and director of the Lebanon VA Medical Center. “I highly encourage these Veterans to apply now for the health care they’ve earned and deserve.”

Eligible to apply for enrollment are Vietnam era Veterans who served in the following locations and time periods:

· Service in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975

· Service in Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base between Jan. 9, 1962, and June 30, 1976

· Service in Laos between Dec. 1, 1965, and Sept. 30, 1969

· Service in certain provinces in Cambodia between April 16, 1969, and April 30, 1969

· Service in Guam or American Samoa (or their territorial waters) between Jan. 9, 1962, and July 30, 1980

· Service in Johnston Atoll (or a ship that called there) between Jan. 1, 1972, and Sept. 30, 1977

Gulf War Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after the Persian Gulf War may be eligible to enroll in VA health care as of Oct. 1. This enrollment includes Veterans who, in connection with service during such period, received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Service Specific Expeditionary Medal, Combat Era Specific Expeditionary Medal, Campaign Specific Medal, or any other combat theater award established by Federal statute or Executive order.

Also as of Oct. 1, Post-9/11 Veterans who have not previously enrolled in VA health care now have a one-year window in which they may be eligible to enroll if they:

· Served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or

· Served in a combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after Nov. 11, 1998, and

· Were discharged or released between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013

Lebanon VA Medical Center (VAMC) is one of 170 medical centers in the nation with the sole purpose of providing medical care to America’s Veterans. Lebanon VAMC serves Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill, and York counties.

York’s Susquehanna Riverlands one of three new state parks

Susquehanna Riverlands in York County is one of three new parks added to the 121-state park system, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Tuesday.

Vosburg Neck in Wyoming County and Big Elk Creek in Chester County are also part of the $45 million investment aimed at conserving close to 3,500 acres of crucial natural and cultural resources while also meeting the demand for new recreational opportunities.

The names of the three new parks are temporary. Final names will be determined during the planning process.

“Our beautiful state parks are among the finest in the nation,” Wolf said. “I’m proud to have secured funding in my final budget to make this investment in our park system which will not only preserve invaluable natural resources and habitats for wildlife but provide in-demand access for Pennsylvanians to enjoy the beauty of nature and recreational opportunities.”

Wolf in 2016 added Washington Crossing to the commonwealth’s state park system. Including the three new parks, he has added four parks in eight years, the most of any governor in the last 40 years. His final budget includes an historic $696 million investment in conservation, preservation, and recreation.

“Each new park is unique in its value to a great system,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams. “All of the new parks are steeped in cultural pre-and post-colonial history, centered around important water resources and represent fantastic natural resource value.”

Situated in Hellam Township, the Susquehanna Riverlands site warrants conservation as it occupies 1,110 acres of natural resources already preserved and protects important water and forest resources. The wooded tract is located within 30 minutes of a heavily populated area where land for recreation use is at a premium. It Is adjacent to Hellam Hills and Wizard Ranch nature preserves, which combine to protect the spacious tract along the Susquehanna River between Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster.

“By working side by side with DCNR, we are creating a conservation landscape that future generations will benefit from,” Lancaster Conservancy president Phil Wenger said. “Conservation needs both public and private organizations to partner to offset the impact increased development has on water and air quality, as well as ecological decline, to ensure our natural world doesn’t disappear before our eyes.”

Progress seen in modernizing education for $132.5 billion ag industry

State Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding tours Conrad Weiser High School’s agriculture program facilities – PHOTO/PROVIDED

Pennsylvania has the highest percentage of young agriculture producers in the nation, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistic Service. 

To celebrate the 2,598 producers under age 35 and the progress in modernizing agriculture education, Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, Acting Secretary of Education Eric Hagarty and Commission for Agriculture Education Excellence Executive Director Stephon Fitzpatrick joined student leaders and educators Monday at Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia, Berks County, to tour its cutting-edge facilities and student projects. 

“The agriculture industry cannot continue to feed the world without feeding the minds of our youth,” Redding said. “The innovative programs we’re seeing today are representative of an education that exposes students to the possibilities in agriculture, sparking their imaginations for how their curiosity, passions, and interests can be put to work in our industry.” 

Redding said programs across the state are preparing an increasingly more diverse group of students who will be agile in adopting technology and solving the complex challenges that come with climate change.  

“From hydroponics to animal care, urban gardens to FFA, agriculture education opens up endless opportunities for students to engage in learning that will lead to meaningful, family-sustaining careers,” said Hagarty. “The departments of Education and Agriculture, along with the Pennsylvania Commission for Agriculture Education, are committed to ensuring that learners across the commonwealth can take advantage of high-quality, engaging ag ed curriculum and programming in their school, no matter which city or town they call home.” 

The programs create relevant, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in agriculture, a $132.5 billion statewide industry that provides more than 593,000 jobs across the state. The 2.4% increase in the agriculture workforce since 2018 shows that jobs will be in demand when students graduate, Redding said. 

Jobs range from farm managers to high-tech equipment mechanics, and from field biologists to entomologists to veterinarians. All must be equipped to adapt to changing technology and climate challenges, he said. 

The Wolf Administration, in coordination with the General Assembly, created the 15-member Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence in 2017 to help create and implement a statewide plan to align educational programming with increasingly technological needs of today’s employers. The commission’s third biennial report was released during today’s event, outlining progress made on the commission’s recommendations. 

Highlighted commission accomplishments include: 

  • Growth in the number of approved secondary ag education programs statewide from 131 to 178 since the commission’s inception, with five more pending approval. 
  •  Hiring a dedicated, specialized commission staff with expertise in agriculture-focused career and technical education and diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  •  Assessing the state’s ag education Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and implementing a strategic plan to address gaps, which has led to New Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) chapters in four urban high schools and Delaware Valley University. 
  •  Strengthened or renewed partnerships with Rodale Institute, the Food Policy Advisory Council, and other non-governmental entities specializing in urban and organic agriculture. 
  •  Built ties with the Franklin Institute to help build student connections to ag careers in their initiatives. 

PennDot hosting Adams County job fair

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is hosting a recruitment event for job seekers from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Adams County Maintenance Office, 1185 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg.

PennDOT is looking to fill the following positions in Adams County: winter temporary and permanent CDL (commercial driver’s license) operators, starting at $21 an hour, and transportation equipment operator trainees, starting pay $19.38 an hour.

On-the-spot applications, interviews and driving skills testing will take place. Applicants need to bring their current CDL license and medical examiners card.

Laptops and staff will be available to help participants navigate the new electronic application system, and human resources staff will be there to discuss benefit options and opportunities for permanent employment.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer