Governor Wolf signed a proclamation of disaster emergency yesterday in anticipation of significant rainfall and widespread flooding expected from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. According to the National Weather Service, updated rainfall predictions have returned to around 4.5 inches predicted for the majority of Mifflin County as the storm track has moved slightly South. The heaviest precipitation will fall from lunchtime on. The Juniata River is now forecast to crest at 21 ft. Thursday night. Expect a rapid rise in local creeks and streams, roads are likely to be flooded. A flash flood watch is in effect until 8AM Thursday. Local schools and businesses have closed their doors in preparation. We have the full list of closings here.

Pennsylvania has reversed course Tuesday; the Wolf Administration has issued a mask mandate for K-12 schools. According to the announcement made by the PA Department of Health, the order will take effect Tuesday, September 7, a day after Labor Day and will require students, teachers, and staff to wear masks when inside, regardless of vaccination status. The order will remain in effect until otherwise terminated. Less than a month ago, Governor Wolf had ruled out the possibility for a statewide mask mandate for schools after requiring them last year. But the highly contagious delta variant has changed the administration’s mind about what is needed to keep students in class. The press conference comes a day after the Commonwealth reported more than 9,000 new positive COVID-19 cases over a three-day period.

At least six sexual assaults and attempted assaults were reported in August on Penn State’s campus, the most in a single month since seven in October 2016. The spike comes during what sexual violence experts refer to as the red zone, the six-week start of the fall semester when such assaults typically reach their peak. Classes started Aug. 23. The first arrival day for new students was August 16. University spokesperson Lisa Powers said Penn State remains committed to the safety of everyone in its community so they can learn, work and thrive in a supportive and fair environment, free from sexual assault and all forms of discrimination. While it’s difficult to know specific reasons for the fluctuating number of reported assaults, the university’s hope is any reported increase comes as the result of more victims feeling empowered to come forward.

Rockview State Police are investigating an employment scam in Centre County. Officers responded to an incident in Halfmoon Township early August. Upon arrival, it was discovered a 70 year old man was told he would be working for a company remotely, only to have $4,950 removed from his bank account. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the State Police at Rockview.