As COVID-19 cases decline across the Commonwealth, the Wolf Administration has announced plans to lift some targeted restrictions. Beginning Easter Sunday, April 4th, restaurants may resume bar service, and alcohol service will be allowed without the purchase of food. Indoor dining capacity will be raised to 75% for restaurants that are currently self-certified and those that undergo the self-certification process. Occupancy capacity for other businesses also will be increased, including gyms and entertainment facilities (casinos, theatres, malls) to 75%. Occupancy limits for indoor events will increase to 25% of maximum. Occupancy limits for outdoor events will increase to 50% of maximum. The state Capitol building in Harrisburg will reopen to the public today.  Requirements such as mask-wearing and social distancing are unchanged.

Huntingdon County officials have arrested a man for rape and other sex offenses.  According to State Police, 51-year-old Scott Ashman admitted to having sex with his son’s fiancé who is mentally disabled.  Ashman provided the victim with methamphetamine prior to sexual acts.  He was placed in the Huntingdon County Jail.

The Juniata High School Music Department is holding an instrument drive to obtain additional instruments for beginning students. Instruments and donations for repairs can be dropped off between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm at the Juniata High School office today (March 22nd) through March 26th. For more details, click here. 

The Board of Directors of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts has cancelled its July 2021 in-person event due to ongoing public health concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.  The staff will present artists and musicians in a virtual festival in early July. As events for the online experience are scheduled, they will be listed on the Festival’s website at arts-festival.com.