State to layoff 319 workers Nov 17, 2009
HARRISBURG -- Historical sites will be shuttered, the wait for government services will be longer, swimming and camping seasons at state parks will be shorter, and hundreds of state employees will be looking for new jobs ... For example, the State Museum and State Archives in Harrisburg both will close on Mondays and Tuesdays; and the Drake Well Museum in Venango County will close for the winter. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Editorial: Closure of vet aid office a shame Nov 16, 2009
For instance, the GVOAC branch in Harrisburg, which supports Centre County, helped 3,048 veterans during the 2008-2009 year. Without the agency, these veterans will be left to explore other options. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Artist finishes county courthouse series Nov 16, 2009
She finished in June, after a concerted push occasioned by the fact that she agreed to provide prints of all 67 courthouses to hang in the new Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg, which opened this year. It was a little overwhelming, Howell said of seeing all the paintings displayed on the first floor of the building. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Tax protest draws hundreds to Harrisburg Nov 16, 2009
Advertisement State Harrisburg ... (AP) Leaders of a protest that brought hundreds of people to Harrisburg over the weekend say they hope to send a message to state lawmakers about fiscal responsibility and taxes. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Hundreds of tax protesters gather Nov 16, 2009
HARRISBURG -- Leaders of a protest that brought hundreds of people to Harrisburg over the weekend say they hope to send a message to state lawmakers about fiscal responsibility and taxes. Participants in the event hosted by the Pennsylvania Tea Party Patriots marched through the city to the state Capitol steps Saturday chanting "Can you hear us now?" They carried signs protesting everything from abortion to gun control and waved U.S. flags as Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It" blared... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Get Out Events, Hunting & Fishing Calendar: 11/15 Nov 15, 2009
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, Harrisburg. Applications and flies for pre-judging post marked by Jan. 20, 2010. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Taxation problem is taxing Nov 15, 2009
His bill has kicked for a couple of years around Harrisburg, where Freeman chairs the House Local Government Committee. The committee approved the bill overwhelmingly in the last legislative session, and it was backed by various associations representing counties, local governments and nonprofits. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
RivalsHigh Analysis: Pennsylvania powers emerge Nov 15, 2009
No. 41 Bishop McDevitt plays tomorrow against Harrisburg. Success is not limited to the West and the WPIAL. There are many teams in the Eastern half of the state that are playing very well, too. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
DOH announces H1N1 vaccine clinics for state Nov. 20-22 Nov 14, 2009
Clinic #1 (covering Dauphin, Lebanon, York, Juniata and Perry Counties) at the Dauphin County State Health Center, 30 Kline Plaza, Harrisburg 17104. Clinic #2 (covering Blair, Bedford, Huntingdon and Mifflin Counties) at the Blair County State Health Center, Cricket Field Plaza, 615 Howard Ave., Altoona 16601. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Latest probe charges may help Corbett's campaign Nov 14, 2009
The defendants were fingerprinted and photographed at a police department just outside Harrisburg on Friday, and brought before a district judge for preliminary arraignments and bail hearings ... AP Photo - Brett O. Feese arrives at a hearing in Harrisburg, Pa ... AP Photo - Paul Towhey is escorted by law enforcement to hearing in Harrisburg, Pa. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Harrisburg 10 have their day in court Nov 14, 2009
A day in court for the Harrisburg 10 ... Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press Former Pennsylvania House Speaker John Perzel R-Philadelphia, is escorted by law enforcement to a hearing in Harrisburg Thursday ... HARRISBURG -- Fresh from being fingerprinted and still in handcuffs, former state House Speaker John Perzel vowed yesterday to fight 82 criminal charges filed against him in a government corruption investigation. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Perzel among 10 charged in Pa. legislative probe Nov 14, 2009
Perzel among 10 charged in Pa. legislative probe - Somerset - Daily American. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
5 Questions: The Badlees return to the spotlight Nov 14, 2009
And we built the entire scene in our own back yard - mainly Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre and central Pa ... We are looking at Harrisburg, Allentown, Wilkes-Barre, Selinsgrove, maybe State College and Pittsburgh. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Ex-Pa. House Speaker Among 10 Charged in Probe Nov 13, 2009
Corbett announced the latest charges in the ongoing grand jury investigation at a Thursday news conference at his Harrisburg office. The latest charges come 16 months after Corbett's office charged a dozen people connected to the House Democratic caucus, including former Democratic Whip Michael Veon, with similar offenses. (Newsmax)
Varisty Notebook: Coaches enjoy their senior moments Nov 13, 2009
Altoona will play in Class AAAA and Hollidaysburg in AAA. Altoona finished 2-8 this season and lost its final game to Harrisburg, 75-6. Altoona trailed at halftime, 62-6. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Tea Party, grassroots groups to attend March on Harrisburg Nov 13, 2009
Advertisement Local Harrisburg ... Organizers of Saturdays March on Harrisburg rally have invited Dick Armey, chairman of FreedomWorks, to be the keynote speaker ... A grassroots banquet hosted by Pennsylvania Revolution will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Harrisburg Hilton. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
How the Pennsylvania Legislature bonus scandal unfolded Nov 13, 2009
The following timeline traces the major developments in the Pennsylvania Legislature bonus scandal as it has unfolded in Harrisburg over the last three years ... Jan. 27, 2007 The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports that some Democratic House employees received hefty bonuses accompanied by letters saying: "Since this bonus payment is of an extraordinary nature not widely received by your colleagues, we cannot stress strongly enough the need for you not to discuss this with any other person or... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
State funding leaves veterans in cold Nov 12, 2009
The main branch in Harrisburg aided 3,048 veterans during the program's 2008-2009 year in 23 counties in central Pennsylvania, including Centre County. The center offers assistance with applications for health care, service-connected disability claims and a variety of other services. (Daily Collegian, PA)
State closing five veterans centers Nov 12, 2009
Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tom Barnes can be reached at or 717-787-4254. Looking for more from the Post-Gazette. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Reading the high school football crystal ball (12) Nov 12, 2009
(8, 7-3); Governor Mifflin (9, 6-4); Dallastown (10, 6-4); Muhlenberg (11, 6-4); Chambersburg (12, 5-5); Cedar Cliff (13, 6-4); Spring Grove (14, 6-4); York (15, 6-4); Harrisburg (16, 5-5). Most intriguing first-round game: Harrisburg vs. Bishop McDevitt at Landis Field Nothing else is even close this weekend ... It wasnt a secret that McDevitt did not want to see Harrisburg in the playoffs. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
City tax plight shows that size does matter Nov 12, 2009
They can certainly be comfortable in the knowledge that nobody in Harrisburg has the brains or even the desire to change the status quo. If there is change, it will have to come from the outside in, because political power is in the suburbs now. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Three taken to hospital after crash on turnpike this morning Nov 11, 2009
Neither driver nor Merideths passenger, 22-year-old Andrew J. Stoak of Harrisburg, wore a seat belt, police said. A hospital spokeswoman said Tuesday morning that Holyfield was in good condition and Merideth and Stoak had been treated and released. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Texting ban OK'd by state House committee Nov 11, 2009
House Transportation Committee House could approve bill to disallow use of cell phones while driving by year's end Wednesday, November 11, 2009 By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau. HARRISBURG -- Legislation to outlaw text messaging by drivers picked up speed yesterday, as a House committee approved it unanimously and two influential special interests came out in support of it. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
State judicial recount could begin Monday Nov 11, 2009
A recount could cost taxpayers as much as 1. 3 million, according to the Department of State. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Scranton mayor launches campaign for Pa. governor Nov 11, 2009
The Sentinel Online : News State : Scranton mayor launches campaign for Pa. Today Most Popular Stories. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Regional news: Man grabs dog, bit by gator Nov 10, 2009
black bear hunters HARRISBURG, Pa. Last year's black bear harvest was the second highest on record, and weather permitting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission expects hunters to have similar opportunities afield in the upcoming bear seasons. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
Reporter's Notebook: State grants awarded to local businesses Nov 10, 2009
A public forum titled Caps Off: A Discussion On Energy Rate Cap Removal will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the WITF Public Media Center in Harrisburg. Nell McCormack Abom, host of the stations Smart Talk, will moderate. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Brothers Three Brown Swiss Share Their Keys to Success in the Showring (30) Nov 10, 2009
Early on, we agreed that a 1st or 2nd place finish at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pa. was necessary before we would consider making the trip. (Agri-View, WI)
State to lease 32,000 acres for gas drilling Nov 10, 2009
Advertisement State Harrisburg. State to lease 32,000 acres for gas drilling. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Pa. prostitution case tossed over gov't-funded sex Nov 9, 2009
prostitution case tossed over gov't-funded sex - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports. WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Pa. (WCAX.com, VT)
Retired Sentinel publisher to receive award Nov 8, 2009
PNA, based in Harrisburg, is the nonprofit trade association for print and online media in Pennsylvania. Its goals are to promote the importance of a free and independent press and provide a forum for critical and innovative thinking about the future of the industry. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Deportation is often both a beginning and an end for many illegal immigrants Nov 8, 2009
He was one of 107 Mexican men who had started out that morning in shackles at the York County Prison and had been placed by immigration officials on a chartered plane at Harrisburg International Airport for a flight to the border ... About noon, the immigrants filled a bus and headed for the Harrisburg airport ... Flights leave Harrisburg at least once each weekday. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Freight trains show path for people, too Nov 8, 2009
5 million in a dedicated passenger track between Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and ridership now warrants 14 fast daily round trips ... 5 million study to improve service on the "Keystone Corridor West'' between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Democratic U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan of northeastern Ohio and Jason Altmire of McCandless also have been pushing to extend the Keystone High-Speed Rail Corridor from Pittsburgh to Cleveland. The Federal Railroad Administration will award $8 billion in stimulus funding... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Nation's intake of deportees burgeons Nov 8, 2009
A day earlier, the Texas plane had transferred 107 Mexicans from Harrisburg to the U.S.-Mexico border. Those Mexicans were replaced by the group of 112 Guatemalans, who were being held at the Willacy Detention Center in Texas. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Hunting: Going to the 'turkey' dogs Nov 8, 2009
A campaign led by John Plowman, turkey dog enthusiast and former Game Commission legislative liaison from Harrisburg, was instrumental in getting the law changed in 2007. The tactic remains rarely used, but Pennsylvania hunters can now know the pleasure, and effectiveness, of hunting with specially trained turkey dogs. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Top 25 Matchup on Senior Day Nov 8, 2009
MASN, which is available regionally and nationally on DIRECTV channel 640 and DISH Network channel 432, is the official television home of the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Ravens and reaches nearly 6 million homes in a seven-state region from Harrisburg, Pa. to Charlotte, N.C. Each LSN football telecast will air tape-delay on MASN on the Tuesday following each contest. (Goleopards.com)
New look for science fair Nov 7, 2009
Seven local colleges Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State College of Medicine, Messiah College, Shippensburg University, Wilson College, Harrisburg University and Harrisburg Area Community College will provide judges, mentorship and guidance to students, as well as financial support, Ritter said ... The fair also runs on donations from corporations, including Hershey Corp., the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, PPL, Target and Rite Aid, and from membership and entry fees from the participating... (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Saturday's Sentinel police log Nov 7, 2009
Christopher Conway, 35, of Harrisburg was arrested at 5:06 p.m. Nov. 5 on charges of being a fugitive from South Carolina justice. The arrest followed a two-vehicle crash in which Conway was involved on Interstate 81 north at mile marker 49 in South Middleton Township. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Breaking down the science fair Nov 7, 2009
From our perspective, its important to encourage students of all ages to be interested in science, said Michael Hanes, president and CEO of Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg, one of the fairs sponsors. We want students to truly understand what science is all about, Ritter said. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Charges considered against Perzel Nov 6, 2009
HARRISBURG -- A statewide grand jury is considering recommending charges against former House Speaker John Perzel, R-Philadelphia, and a number of others in connection with millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded computer data that investigators believe was used for political campaigns. The jury met late last month. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Gubernatorial hopeful Tom Knox advocates reforms Nov 6, 2009
Knox, a Philadelphia businessman and one of five Democratic hopefuls, called Thursday for imposing first-ever limits on campaign contributions in state election campaigns. In an e-mail to hundreds of thousands of Democratic voters, he also advocates a ban on gifts and other freebies from lobbyists to public officials. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
LaGrotta claims innocence in scandal Nov 5, 2009
HARRISBURG -- Two years after pleading guilty to crimes he now says he did not commit, former state Rep ... Agents from the attorney general's office "wanted me to say things like, 'Wow, it was like I did no work for you,' and he could say, 'Yeah.' But it wasn't like that. I worked hours and hours. It was a real full-time job" driving Mr. LaGrotta around his legislative district and back and forth to Harrisburg, said Mr. Genova, now 25. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Ohio casinos will mean local competition Nov 5, 2009
But Mr. LaTorre said the new legalization makes it all the more imperative that lawmakers in Harrisburg approve table games in Pennsylvania, a topic now being debated among legislative leaders. "We at least would be able to have a level playing field," once casinos are built across the border, Mr. LaTorre said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
McCullough, Brobson expected to win seats Nov 4, 2009
With 96 percent of the vote counted, Pittsburgh area attorney Patricia McCullough and Harrisburg attorney Kevin Brobson were leading the pack of four candidates with 28 percent and 26 percent respectively ... A practicing attorney at the Harrisburg offices of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Mr. Brobson, 38, has focused primarily on state administrative law. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Pa. says Adams County 5-year-old is first child death from swine flu Nov 4, 2009
The Sentinel Online : News State : Pa. says Adams County 5-year-old is first child death from swine flu. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Melvin wins seat on Pa.'s high court Nov 4, 2009
For Commonwealth Court, which hears lawsuits filed against state agencies and appeals of decisions by most state agencies, Republicans Patricia McCullough, a Pittsburgh lawyer, and Kevin Brobson, a Harrisburg lawyer, won two open seats in another tight race. They outpolled Democrats Barbara Behrend Ernsberger and Linda Judson, both Pittsburgh lawyers. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Orie Melvin bucks odds for state Supreme Court Nov 4, 2009
Supreme Court seat Wednesday, November 04, 2009 By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau ... HARRISBURG -- Superior Court Judge Joan Orie Melvin, an Allegheny County Republican, overcame large deficits in campaign cash and voter registration yesterday to win a pivotal seat on the state Supreme Court. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
GOP Wins Control of Penn. Supreme Court Nov 4, 2009
Unofficial returns for Commonwealth Court showed Republicans Patricia McCullough of Upper St. Clair and Kevin Brobson of Harrisburg edging out Democrats Barbara Behrend Ernsberger and Linda Judson, both of Pittsburgh. Judges on statewide appellate courts are elected to 10-year terms and can stand for yes-no retention votes after their first terms. (Newsmax)
Pa. investing in Navy Yard rail facility Nov 3, 2009
investing in Norfolk Southerns Philadelphia Navy Yard facility - Philadelphia Business Journal. for free extra services. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Reporter's Notebook: Characters come to life in parade Nov 3, 2009
We want the community to know that career education doesnt necessarily belong just to the schools, said Ross Berger, a representative of Harrisburg Area Community College and a member of the Partnerships Board of Directors. The goal of the Partnership is to help build career development in the local school districts. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Man charged in crash with taxi that killed 2 in Harrisburg Nov 2, 2009
Advertisement State Harrisburg ... Harrisburg police chief Charles Kellar says the defendants blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit, he tested positive for marijuana and he told officers that he was texting at the time of the crash ... Police say Denezzas car crossed the center line on Harrisburgs Market Street Bridge at about 2:35 a.m. on Oct. 3 and hit the taxi head-on. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Reduced Legislature is a war of attrition by reluctant fighters Nov 1, 2009
There's another proposal in Harrisburg to reduce the size of America's Largest Full-Time State Legislature -- only this one would take 44 years ... Kim Ward, a first-term Republican senator from Westmoreland County, says the past 10 months in Harrisburg presented "the prime example" of why the current oversized model is counterproductive: a state budget approved more than three months late ... Dick Thornburgh, the Republican governor from 1979 to 1987, knows how tough it is to restructure... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Red-light cameras may come to Pittsburgh Nov 1, 2009
HARRISBURG -- In the past 10 years, many states have begun putting digital cameras atop poles near traffic lights to photograph the license plates of cars that speed through signals that have turned red. These "red light cameras" are generally seen as a good way to increase traffic safety and save lives of motorists and pedestrians. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
State ramping up efforts on curb cuts Nov 1, 2009
Not fixing those ramps would be akin to the state erecting the capitol and then relying on the city of Harrisburg to maintain it, he said. Mr. Finnegan and others -- including lawyers, local officials, politicians and contractors -- point to a range of factors leading to the need to spend hundreds of millions for new or updated handicapped ramps -- over and above what PennDOT spent in the early 1990s after the disabilities act took effect. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Union Lauds Auditor Generals Report On Procurement Reforms, But Says It Only Scratches the Surface Oct 31, 2009
The Sentinel Online : News State : Union Lauds Auditor Generals Report On Procurement Reforms, But Says It Only Scratches the Surface. Today Most Popular Stories. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Pelosi's Not-So-Public Option Oct 31, 2009
" Pelosi's plan also drops a number of provisions that had been advanced at the committee level to promote consideration of "Medicare for All" models and to allow states to experiment with single-payer plans. That's an especially bitter pill for House progressives, who has won support for state-based experimentation in committee votes. Groups such as were quick to raised alarm bells because some of the most innovative responses to the health-care crisis are being forged at the state level. While... (CBS News)
Pa. renews push for federal approval to toll I-80 Oct 31, 2009
The Sentinel Online : News State : Pa. renews push for federal approval to toll I-80. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Pa. Turnpike says AG has subpoenaed its documents Oct 31, 2009
The Sentinel Online : News State : Pa. Turnpike says AG has subpoenaed its documents. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Pa. Throws Out Corrupt Judge's Convictions Oct 30, 2009
8 million, "which is alleged to be the proceeds of the charged criminal activity," according to a news release issued by the U.S. attorney's office in Harrisburg. MMIX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. (CBS News)
W.Pa. casino project seeks bankruptcy protection Oct 30, 2009
casino project seeks bankruptcy protection - Somerset - Daily American. Centaur LLC said Thursday it will continue to pursue the launch of Valley View Downs o in Pennsylvania. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Grand jury probes turnpike operations Oct 30, 2009
More information came out after an online publication specializing in the toll road industry reported that FBI agents had raided the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission headquarters near Harrisburg last week. The commission and the FBI both strenuously denied the reports by Toll Roads News, an internet site based in Frederick, Md. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Steady stream of swine flu vaccine expected Oct 30, 2009
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania expects to see a steady stream of H1N1 vaccine through mid-January, so residents should be patient and have confidence that it will be available, officials said yesterday ... Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tom Barnes can be reached at or 717-787-4254. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Top 2011 linebacker hearing from BC Oct 30, 2009
There has never been a shortage of linebackers coming out of Pennsylvania and that line will continue in the 2011 class with Harrisburg (Pa. Bishop McDevitt recruit Sean Barowski being one of the big names so far. (Boston College Sports -- Rivals.com)
Read more... Oct 30, 2009
The Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., and the in Harrisburg jointly released , which found that Pennsylvania outstripped every state in the nation except Michigan in the loss of employer-sponsored health care between 2000-01 and 2007-08. The report analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data from 2000 to 2008. (PNN Online)
Rendell won't skirt World Series bet (Yesterday) Oct 29, 2009
HARRISBURG -- Well, the people of Pennsylvania can be thankful about one thing -- they won't have to look at Gov. Ed Rendell wearing a New York Yankees skirt ... Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tom Barnes can be reached at or 717-787-4254. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
