New Pennsylvania law makes developers pay to decommission solar panels

July 27, 2026

As large-scale solar projects become a growing part of Pennsylvania’s energy mix, policymakers and communities are confronting an increasingly important question: What happens to the panels and other equipment when these facilities reach the end of their useful lives? Solar panels generally have a life span of 25 to 30 years; although systems may continue operating, be upgraded or be repowered. A new state law will ensure that when facilities are ultimately retired, landowners are not left with the cost of removing them. Senate Bill 349 was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on ...

New Pennsylvania Public School Code allows later start times

July 27, 2026

Pennsylvania’s Public School Code, which was updated as part of the 2026-27 budget deal, adds a provision allowing school districts to use existing state education funding to implement later school start times. The School Code, amended by House Bill 1505, permits school districts to use basic education, transportation and special education funding, among other state education dollars, to cover the costs of adopting later start times. Before adopting a later start time, districts would be required to post the proposal online and solicit public comment at two advertised school board ...

Social status: Penn Cambria teacher racks up followers by sharing budget travel tips

July 26, 2026

Penn Cambria High School social studies teacher Jessica Burlingame never thought she’d travel the world, let alone teach others on the internet how to do it on a budget. “You never know where life is going to take you,” she said. After launching her social media platform, ...

Sisters’ vision paved way for Portage play park

July 26, 2026

PORTAGE — Thirty years ago, sisters Dawn Tomasko Kline and Naomi Tomasko Stager envisioned bringing a one-of-a-kind playground to Portage after seeing a large wooden playground in another town. According to Shannon Weber, Stager’s daughter, they wanted to build a place that would spark ...

Horse farm owner turns property into haven for vets

July 26, 2026

Nurse and former Marine Aimee Morris draws on several careers and experiences to run Glenn Hope Care Farm. The 43-acre York County property, formerly her family’s farm, has become a multipurpose refuge for veterans. Dubbed a “care farm” for its health-focused services, Glenn Hope offers ...

Llyswen residents seek help with tree issues

July 26, 2026

City officials assured a Llyswen couple recently that the Public Works Department will continue to be in touch with them in connection with the longstanding problem of big, unstable trees on an unopened section of West Holmes Avenue next to their property. Tony and Kelly Deely of the 100 block of Wordsworth Avenue have dealt with issues on the 60-foot wide right-of-way for 40 years, including, in more recent times, trees that have fallen, including one that smashed their fence; a large tree that has tilted to a 45-degree angle and others that are threatening to fall, Tony told City ...