Black Forest Broadcasting

…Region’s unemployment goes up….State’s winter report monitors snow and ice depths…Mansfield state police looking for man who tried to steal a vehicle exhaust…

Region

Unemployment increased between October and November in all five counties served by Black Forest Broadcasting according to the state Labor Department. Unemployment went up from 4.8% in Potter County to 5.0%; from 4.7% to 5.1% in McKean County; from 5.1% to 5.5% in Cameron County; from 3.6 to 3.9% in Elk County and from 4.4% to 4.6% in Tioga County. Pennsylvania’s jobless rate for the period was 4.0% and the national average was 3.7%. Chester County had the best rate but it also saw an increase from 2.5% to 2.7%. Forest County had the worst rate in Pennsylvania going from 5.9% to 6.7%.

Statewide

The Pennsylvania state parks Winter Report allows winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts to monitor snow and ice conditions with state parks. The Winter Report is updated weekly (at a minimum) by state parks during the winter season. The report lists the ice thickness and what ice activities are available at that park. Sometimes a park can have ice, but if it is not thick enough, then the activities are not available.The report also lists the snow thickness and what snow activities are available at that park. Sometimes a park can have snow, but if it is not thick enough, then the activities are not available.The report is searchable by park and by winter outdoor recreation activity.

Tioga County

State police at Mansfield are looking for an unknown male who tried to steal a vehicle exhaust at 14 Whitneyville Road in Charleston Township at about 1:30 pm December 14. The would-be thief was wearing orange pants and a black long sleeve shirt. The vehicle is owned by Dustin Thompson of Mansfield and the part is valued at $50. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 570.662.2151.

Upcoming events—See our calendar of events for more

December 31,  Deer Family—Elk Country Visitors Center

9am-12pm, Join  staff as we learn about the elk and their many cousins that live in North America. If you have any questions, please contact our Con Ed staff at (814) 787 – 5173                      Emails: Ben Porkolab ConEd@kecaus.com

December 31: New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk—Cherry Springs

6:30-7:30, One hour in person  1.5 mile walk. Snowshoes will be available if necessary. No pre-registration required.  People of all ages are invited to join the park educator for the free, one-hour, in-person, 1.5-mile New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk along level ground in the night sky public viewing area. Snowshoes will be available if conditions require. Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. The program will end by 7:30 p.m. leaving time for New Year’s Eve plans. Wear warm clothes and sturdy winter boots. Registration is NOT required. For more information about this free program, call 1-814-435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.

January 1: First Day Hike—Sinnemahoning State Park

10 am. Meet at Pavilion No. 1 FMI: www.stepoutdoors.org

January 1: First Day Hike—Lyman Run State Park

1:00 p. Meet at Lower Campground Parking lot. FMI: www.stepoutdoors.org