Pennsylvania’s “Move Over Law” went into effect yesterday April 27th).  The law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into another lane to slow to at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.  An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have placed flares or posted signs.  The new law creates a new point system that imposes two points for violators.  Fines are set at $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense.  A 90-day license suspension is also imposed for a third or subsequent offense.  The law also sets additional fines of up to $10,000 for violators who injure or kill an emergency service responder or a person in or near a disabled vehicle.

Representative Kerry Benninghoff’s (R-Centre/Mifflin) Reedsville office has announced temporary entrance changes.  Constituents seeking service at Benninghoff’s Reedsville office must use the rear entrance until further notice.  Due to Brown Township’s ongoing Main Street project, the sidewalk and front steps are closed, but the office remains open for constituent needs.  Office hours remain unchanged and run Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm.  Residents of the 171st District can call the Reedsville office at 717-667-1175 with questions or to make an appointment.

Authorities are investigating a weekend burglary in Huntingdon County.  According to State Police, thieves broke into a residence on Waterfall Hill Road in Clay Township Saturday.  Items taken include 12-gauge and 20-gauge Mossberg pump-action shotguns, and a Barnett Ninja crossbow valued at $200. 

With more than a quarter million doses administered, the latest data from Geisinger indicates the COVID-19 vaccine is proving effective among those vaccinated in earlier phases. To date, Geisinger has administered 266,000 vaccine doses.  Based on Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines in December 2020, Geisinger employees were among the first groups to be vaccinated. As a result, the weekly average of new positive COVID-19 tests among employees has remained in the single digits since early February, down from the mid-30s in early December.  The average number of COVID-19 admissions for those 65 and older has also decreased significantly as vaccines have been rolled out to that age group starting in mid-January.  Vaccine appointments remain available at Geisinger’s four vaccine centers in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. You can self-schedule a vaccine appointment through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657.