The second phase of a new COVID-19 relief grant is now open for eligible hospitality businesses in Mifflin and Juniata counties. SEDA-COG is urging businesses to apply as soon as possible for the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) grants since funds may be quickly exhausted.  Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 to help alleviate 2020 revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In Mifflin County, contact Mark Colussy at 717-242-0887.  In Juniata County, contact Brad Kerstetter at 717-436-7729.  Eligible businesses can apply at the Community Giving Foundation’s website at https://csgiving.org/chirp/ until June 15th or until funds are exhausted.  For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Authorities in Centre County are investigating a homicide in relation to a domestic incident.  State Police troopers responded to a report of an unresponsive male at about 4:30 am Thursday on the 200 block of Mountain Avenue in Haines Township.  Upon arrival, troopers discovered the victim, Robert Farwell, had sustained a stab wound.  Farwell was transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.  The investigation will continue.

An area man faces three counts of animal neglect after an incident March 31st in Lewistown.  Borough Police charged 21-year-old Daniel Laughlin of Granville after an investigation.  On numerous occasions, Laughlin parked his van on the 300 block of South Main Street, leaving three dogs in the vehicle.  During the latest incident, a puppy fell out of an open window and could not get back inside the van.  A concerned citizen took temporary custody of the pup and cared for the animal.  Laughlin relinquished custody of the puppy to One Dog At A Time.  One Dog at a Time (ODAAT) is a humane rescue group dedicated to helping dogs and other animals in need.

A Juniata County woman claims she was the victim of a scam.  The incident occurred March 30th in Mifflintown. The victim told State Police she purchased $3,500 in VISA debit cards believing she would receive $250,000 in return.  The funds were never deposited in the victim’s account.