With Mifflin County in the midst of an increase in the number of COVID-19 infections, the county’s commissioners and public safety office are strongly encouraging all community members to wear masks outside of their own places of residence. Commissioner Kevin Kodish noted that county municipalities would have the option of enacting mask wearing mandates, as the Borough of State College did back in August. For the foreseeable future, residents should wear any style of mask, maintain social distancing and not take unnecessary risks/exposures. In an effort to limit exposures, effective Monday, November 16 the county courthouse will be open for visitors by appointment only. Learn more about the commissioners’ recommendations here.

Two people were charged with animal cruelty in Juniata County. According to State Police, chickens were struck with a metal curtain rod on Turkey Valley Road in Susquehanna Township on November 6th. A 59-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman were charged in District Court.

Governor Tom Wolf signed the 12th renewal of his Opioid Disaster Declaration yesterday. The declaration was signed to help Pennsylvania fight the opioid and heroin epidemic that rapidly increased two years ago. The plan allows the state to loosen regulations and work outside of typical procedures to provide aid and initiatives to help those suffering from opioid use disorder and those who work to prevent and treat substance abuse. In addition, the declaration allows resources to be redirected and reorganized to better align with programs from multiple agencies and then assist these programs in working together to mitigate the crisis in the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania bowhunters are about to make history. The first ever day of regulated Sunday big-game hunting will take place on Sunday, November 15th, for archery deer hunting only. In total, there are three Sundays – all in consecutive weeks – when limited big-game hunting will occur in 2020. Sunday, November 22nd is open for bear hunting during the statewide general bear season, and Sunday, November 29th is open for deer hunting during the firearms deer season. On those three Sundays, hunters on private land are required to carry written permission from the landowner.