Pennsylvania
Lancaster County DA investigating attempted fraudulent voter registration applications • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Lancaster County officials said Friday that election workers prevented an attempt to submit fraudulent voter registration applications that were turned in at the county Board of Elections office shortly before the deadline Monday.
District Attorney Heather Adams said her office is investigating but declined to provide many details, saying that the investigation is ongoing and that the number of applications suspected of containing false or inaccurate information is still being determined. Adams said county detectives have been in contact with at least two other counties where similar applications are being investigated.
“We understand that there’s similar … registration applications that have been received. But beyond that, I am not commenting on where this is leading at this point,” Adams said.
The Pennsylvania Department of State, which oversees elections at the state level, said in a statement that it is aware of the fraud allegations raised by Lancaster County officials and is offering support for the investigation.
“The Department applauds the efforts of the election staff for their diligent work in spotting this potential fraud and bringing it to the attention of law enforcement. The Department guidance in cases like this is for counties to immediately contact law enforcement, which is exactly what Lancaster County officials did,” the statement said.
The applications in question were delivered to the Lancaster County elections office in a batch of about 2,500 and were flagged by workers there who noticed that numerous applications appeared to have the same handwriting and were filled out on the same day. Some of the applications were for previously registered voters and the signatures on the documents did not match those the county has on file, Adams said.
Lancaster County detectives began investigating and found applications with incorrect addresses, fake names, false personal identifying information and names that did not match the Social Security numbers provided, Adams said.
In some cases, applications contained correct personal identification information, such as the correct address, correct phone number, date of birth, driver’s license number and Social Security number, but the individuals listed on the applications informed detectives that they did not request the form, they did not complete the form and verified that the signature on the form was not theirs,” Adams said in a news conference Friday morning in Lancaster.
“At this point, it is believed that the fraudulent voter registrations are connected to large-scale canvassing operations for voter registrations that date back to June,” Adams said, adding that the majority of the applications in question are dated Aug. 15 and later.
While some of the applications in the batch of 2,500 were determined to be legitimate, Adams said the district attorney’s office investigation so far has determined that about 60% are fraudulent.
“We do have more to do today, and my understanding is that voter registration is still going through the box of 2,500 but should be completed sometime here today,” Adams, a Republican elected in 2019, said.
Forgery of a registration application is a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Violations of the Election Code carry penalties including a 10-year suspension of the right to vote, Adams said.
Democratic Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder urged residents not to be deterred from voting, saying that all registration applications aside from those identified as fraudulent will be processed and entered into the Pennsylvania Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors.
The county had 365,210 registered voters at the close of business on Thursday, a record surpassing that set in 2020 by about 11,000.
The investigation follows scrutiny from voting rights groups, the Pennsylvania Department of State, and local media after the Lancaster County elections office rejected voter registration applications from college students because they were registered in another state or did not have a Pennsylvania driver’s license.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania said the county violated federal law by removing the registration of one student because it happened within 90 days before the election.
Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt sent a letter to the Lancaster County commissioners informing them that county officials had incorrectly claimed that people qualified to vote in the county could not register until they had canceled their registration in another state. Anyone who is at least 18 years old, has been a citizen for at least a month and has lived in the district where they intend to vote for 30 days may register to vote in Pennsylvania, Schmidt said.
“Students attending a college or university in Pennsylvania are permitted to register in Pennsylvania if these criteria are met,” Schmidt said.
Republican Commissioner Josh Parsons accused Schmidt and media outlets of attacking election workers with “absurd” false allegations.
“We quickly debunked these allegations, both in public meetings and in communicating with the Department of State. All three commissioners are in unanimous and bipartisan agreement that our staff has acted properly,” Parsons said.
“Our staff adhere strictly to the law. They make sure that every legal voter can vote, but they do not cut corners on election security,” he said.
Officials urged residents who have questions or concerns that their personal information may have been misused to contact the Lancaster County district attorney’s office and check their voter registration on the Department of State website.
“As the county’s efforts show, multiple safeguards exist to ensure the integrity of our elections, and Pennsylvanians can have confidence that this November’s election will be safe, secure, free, and fair,” the Department of State said in its statement.
Lancaster County, in the south central part of Pennsylvania, has been a historically Republican stronghold, with former President Donald Trump carrying the county by 20 points over Hillary Clinton in 2016 and by 16 points over President Joe Biden in 2020. With Lancaster city at its heart, Democrats have made inroads in recent years capturing two state House seats and Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro losing the county by only 1 point in his successful 2022 campaign.
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.
Pennsylvania
Thousands flock downtown for Juneteenth parade celebrating racial progress and end of slavery
Pennsylvania hides some of its best sights in salt-mining canal towns, riverside boroughs of a few hundred people, and overlooks where the Susquehanna unspools below you. These nine small towns trade crowds for character: a 65-mile rail trail tracing the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon,” gas lamps flickering over a downtown that still has a family-owned department store, a lake that once held an amusement park and now holds stocked trout every spring. From the Endless Mountains of Bradford County to the Allegheny valleys, here are seven Pennsylvania towns worth the detour.
Harveys Lake
Harveys Lake is a small but approachable borough near the Back Mountain Region of Luzerne County, inviting those who seek outdoor recreation opportunities like boating, fishing, and biking. With a population of just under 3,000, this out-of-the-way town is named for the beautiful lake it surrounds. Harveys Lake was a bustling tourist destination throughout the 20th century. At one point it featured a casino, an amusement park, and Grand Hotel Oneonta. Nowadays, this modest town on a mighty lake is a lesser-known setting for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and those seeking to get away from the usual crowded vacation spots.
Boating is popular amongst locals and visitors alike, and personal vessels can be launched from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access on Lakeside Drive. The best way to fish on Harveys Lake is by boat, and there’s plenty of trout stocked in the springtime by the PFBC. It’s even possible to charter a fishing trip on the lake with a guide like Dry Creek Charters or rent a boat for fishing from Harveys Lake Pontoon Cruises. Purchase a guest pass at one of the beaches, like the one at Sunset Beach Club, and unwind with a swim along the lake’s shoreline. The slow pace of life in this town lends itself well to biking, too. The Harveys Lake Loop that runs through the borough is an easy, paved ride around the lake’s perimeter.
Saltsburg
About 36 miles from Pittsburgh is a remote borough sitting where the Conemaugh River and Loyalhanna Creek come together, creating the Kiskiminetas River. This location, combined with its history as a salt mining town, makes it an engaging yet secluded area to explore. The historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal ran through Saltsburg, and people can still visit and learn about the canal whose terminus was all the way in Philadelphia. The yearly Saltsburg Canal Days Festival every June is an ode to the canal history for residents and visitors interested in food, live music, and even a charity duck race.
It’s easy to find roads less traveled along Saltsburg’s hiking and biking trails, like the Westmoreland Heritage Trail or the Conemaugh River section of the West Penn Trail. When the river is calling, it’s easy to rent a kayak from Saltsburg Kayak and Canoe on Market Street for a leisurely float. Time is well-spent at the Rebecca B. Hadden Stone House Museum viewing historical artifacts and furnishings.
Hollidaysburg
Hollidaysburg is a beautiful small borough in Blair County, PA. With a population of around 5,600, the borough is small enough to be a calm getaway while still serving peak entertainment, views, and outdoor fun. History and recreation collide at Canal Basin Park, where historic markers and a canal lock replica invite onlookers to interact with the community’s past. The Anne Sloane Borland Performing Arts Pavillion provides live music throughout the summer months. View a quiet, breathtaking aerial of the borough from Chimney Rocks Park. The way up to the overlook via the Chimney Rocks Lookout Trail is a great way to take in the natural landscape.
The scenic views continue on old State Route 22, where gorgeous flowers are planted and maintained by the borough at Gateway Garden. Small-town hospitality is abundant at The Dream Restaurant on Allegheny Street, feeding nostalgia with home-style comfort meals. The living history of Hollidaysburg surrounds guests at the Allegheny Street Bed and Breakfast who choose to go out and explore the historic district.
Wyalusing
Wyalusing is a borough best known for the Wyalusing Rocks Overlook, a natural rock formation that offers grand panoramas of the Susquehanna River. The borough is a treat for visitors to the Endless Mountains Region of Bradford County. Wyalusing was originally settled by several groups of Indigenous tribes, such as the Susquehannock, the Iroquois, and the Delaware, before becoming a vital hub for logging and farming. Today, Wyalusing is home to 613 residents who cherish and appreciate their small town.
Spaces like Wyalusing Creekside Park are a phenomenal way to savor the scenery and participate in activities like disc golf and trail walking. The babbling Wyalusing Creek is sure to offer opportunities to catch smallmouth bass. The rich narratives of the borough and surrounding area are highlighted at the Wyalusing Valley Museum. Their location on Main Street makes it easy to book a private tour and browse items in the archive.
Curwensville
The valleys of the Allegheny Mountains are the place to find off-the-grid destinations. Curwensville is a town among them that offers adventure and outdoor fun. Like many municipalities in Western Pennsylvania, the area established itself through the extensive logging industry. The flow of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River nearby made this possible. Now, Curwensville is a valuable riverside town with lots of potential for exploration.
The most popular attraction is Curwensville Lake. Formed by the Curwensville Dam, folks can swim, boat, and fish throughout the spring and summer months. The ever-popular Irvin Park offers a kayak launch area, inclusive playground, and pavilion rentals all season. It’s also the location of the Curwensville Days Festival, a five-day event full of vendors, exhibits, and even a car show. Another annual happening is the Curwensville Blueberry Festival, which includes vendors and a farmers market. Outside of festival season, locals love to satisfy their sweet tooth at the Blue Kow on Susquehanna Avenue.
Shickshinny
Named for the Shickshinny Creek that runs through the center of town, this borough is located between Berwick and Nanticoke in Luzerne County. The Historical and Preservation Society of the Greater Shickshinny Area helps its 715 residents remain active participants in maintaining its regional legacy. They’ve operated an informative historical museum in their building on Main Street that’s available by appointment and during scheduled open houses.
The yearly Shickshinny Borough Carnival is a delightful blend of food, vendors, and live music the town looks forward to in North Canal Park. Parks and recreation go off the beaten path on winding trails like the Mocanaqua Loop Trail or the Susquehanna Warrior Trail. Shickshinny has truly stunning natural formations. Little Shickshinny Falls is arguably the most beautiful. It’s only about 15 minutes’ hike up from the trail on Shickshinny Valley Road.
Wellsboro
The Tioga County seat of Wellsboro is visually stunning, with its most prolific landmark being the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. This six-million-year-old artifact of nature is part of Tioga State Forest. Many find their way to the canyon from the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which traverses 65 miles through Tioga and Lycoming Counties, respectively. It offers a low-grade path that lends itself well to hiking, biking, and even horseback riding in some sections.
The allure of gas lamps lining the streets downtown gives Wellsboro an almost magical feel. This feeling is amplified by the many shops in the borough, with Dunham’s being one of the last family-owned and operated department stores in the nation. A statue of one of the borough’s founders, Mary Wells Morris, is a welcome and graceful presence on Main Street. Just a few blocks down, the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center is an inviting space to appreciate more local art at one of its many planned exhibits.
Off the Beaten Path
When the natural beauty of Pennsylvania meets the amiable small towns of the various regions, it creates an incomparable experience. Chartering a boat to fish Harveys Lake is one example of that immersive energy. It’s celebrated in festivities like the Shickshinny Borough Carnival or the Canal Days Festival. At the end of the day, these off-the-grid areas have just as much excitement as their more populated counterparts in terms of atmosphere and offerings.
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — normally all easy to find at local farms this time of the year — but some orchards are still feeling the impact of a freeze that killed many of those fruits.
What’s normally a busy season is a quiet one for the Honey Bear Orchard after an April freeze took all their fruit crops for this year.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | ‘It just froze them’: Honey Bear Orchards loses $200K, fruit crops in April freeze
“We usually start Father’s Day with sweet cherries … and that day, it has just grown into a big day for us,” owner Nelson Heagy said. “Sometimes, the cars are lined up the whole way in the lane, 3 to 400 cars come in that day. Tomorrow it’s going to be quiet.”
The night of April 20, temperatures in Lebanon County dropped below 24 degrees — a devastating blow to farms whose fruit trees were unable to survive the cold temperatures.
In less than 24 hours, Honey Bear Orchards lost dozens of acres of fruit, including cherries, apricots, apples and peaches.
At the time, the orchard estimated it lost around $200,000, but Heagy says that’s not the worst part.
“It’s more the emotional, because financially, yes, we’re geared up for that and it’s meeting the people.”
After Gov. Josh Shapiro called on the USDA to help out Pennsylvania counties impacted by this freeze, the agency announced several counties were eligible for disaster assistance in the form of emergency loans.
READ MORE | Six PA counties included in disaster designation for farmers affected by April freeze
Adams, Chester, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster and York counties are included.
Absent from that list is Lebanon County, where Honey Bear Orchards is located.
We reached out to the USDA to ask why Lebanon County wasn’t included, but we haven’t heard back yet.
However, Heagy says it’s likely because there’s only two orchards in the county.
“A lot of people reached out and said, ‘What can we do?’” he said. “And it’s simply come back next year.”
They’re not the only farm that has to make do this season — Forge Hill Orchards in York County lost half of its crop in the April freeze.
Despite that, retail manager Abby Naylor says they’re lucky because they still have a little bit of everything.
“I think the best thing that people can do is just to buy local and help support the farmers that really lost a lot of their stuff.”
-
Business2 minutes ago‘I got crushed’: AI giants are funding ad wars in races across the country
-
Entertainment9 minutes agoA fake mountain and real magic transform Paris’ oldest bridge
-
Lifestyle11 minutes ago
Day 1,578 of WW3: The UN Security Council will meet on Monday to address Russia's latest strikes on cultural and religious sites, including the attack on Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. ANGH, of course. This is your Saturday Ukraine discussion
-
Politics17 minutes agoCan a new commission remedy California’s public defender crisis?
-
Sports27 minutes ago
2026 World Cup guide: Full TV schedule, game previews, results and standings
-
World39 minutes agoPoland and Ukraine’s ‘honours war’ intensifies
-
News1 hour agoNewsom declares State of Emergency for Boyle Heights warehouse fire
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoKids, teens can enjoy free lunch at over 90 parks across Los Angeles
