Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania school is helping kids
I have learned once we can identify a child’s strength, we are then entrusted to grow that child into their full potential. That may mean it doesn’t always look linear or traditional, and that may be exactly what your child needs.
When weighing the options of education, it would be remiss for parents and guardians to discount cyber learning. Here in Pennsylvania, Reach Cyber Charter School is a state-accredited alternative to your child’s intellectual growth, including social and independent development. It’s a place for those who seek an adaptable, high-quality educational experience for their children in grades K-12.
CEO Jane Swan knows all too well the benefit of individualized learning, as this former teacher became an advocate for her daughter Rebecca, who was born with special needs. Standing for change within the education system, Swan eventually found herself in the world of cyberlearning — not just for Rebecca but for thousands of other students to come.
Reach proudly shares that all of their almost 600 teachers are certified when the state requires only 75% to be certified. Their school board is led by an independent board of trustees, which oversees the school’s operations. Reach includes counselors, career readiness counselors, mentors, anti-cyberbullying and community coordinators, to name a few.
Reach stands apart with its STEM integration throughout the curriculum in ways that aren’t offered within a traditional classroom. The school provides STEM camps, kits and clubs run by teachers who specialize in this department. If you’re lucky enough, you may even catch the STEM program on wheels with their STEM trailer. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet and collaborate with others while working in group settings with educators.
In addition, Reach’s career readiness program sets it apart. There are numerous specialized courses students can take when they have a vision for their future and career endeavors.
Reach educators believe in fostering socialization through a variety of methods throughout the year, both educational and extracurricular. A fun fact: Reach also hosts proms!
Reach offers year-round pacing so students can go to school all year. It also offers open enrollment, so parents and guardians can make an educational switch when the time is right for their student. If they need to take things a little slower, or if they want to go accelerated and are bright and want to find and learn more things, they can do that as well. They have the option to accelerate once they enter high school.
“It’s a place where you can come and belong. Discover your gifts. It’s a place for children to be who they are. Maybe to come to a safe place for the first time in their lives. It is a place to grow and to learn. And sometimes it’s a place to just come for a short period of time. But overall, it’s a place of culture of caring. And it’s a place where we’re dedicated to inspiring and nurturing students,” said Swan.
To learn how Reach can help your child “reach” their full potential and learn more about enrollment, visit Reach Cyber Charter School’s website.
Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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