Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Police Announce Promotions of Sergeants, Corporals

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2024

Pennsylvania State Police Announce Promotions of Sergeants, Corporals

The Pennsylvania State Police recognized the promotions of 22 sergeants and 59 corporals during a ceremony on June 21 at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg.
Five employees in the Bureau of Liquor Enforcement were promoted to Enforcement Officer 3 during the ceremony.

Promoted to Sergeant

Sgt. Justin R. Albert is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Albert enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Bryan B. Billger is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, Eastern Section. Sgt. Billger enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2019.
Sgt. Brian D. Cipko is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Cipko enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Timothy C. Cutshaw is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Sgt. Cutshaw enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Ty O. Denk is assigned to the Bureau of Records and Identification. Sgt. Denk enlisted in the State Police in 2008 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Lee S. Dudick Jr. is assigned to Troop R, Dunmore. Sgt. Dudick enlisted in the State Police in 2015 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Shannon M. Eichenseer is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Eichenseer enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Jason C. Everhart is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, System and Process Review Division. Sgt. Everhart enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Christopher R. Higdon is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, Eastern Section. Sgt. Higdon enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2019.
Sgt. Anthony P. Jendrzejewski is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Sgt. Jendrzejewski enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Timothy M. Jeter is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Sgt. Jeter enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Shadi W. Johnson is assigned as commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law, Central Section. Sgt. Johnson enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. David R. Jungling Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, System and Process Review West. Sgt. Jungling enlisted in the State Police in 2002 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Robert E. Minnick Jr. is assigned to the Policy and Legislative Affairs Office. Sgt. Minnick enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Robert P. Naprava Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Sgt. Naprava enlisted in the State Police in 2003 and was promoted to corporal in 2013.
Sgt. Michael P. O’Boyle is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Systems and Process Review Division. Sgt. O’Boyle enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Rebecca L. Parker is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Parker enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Sarah B. Rhinehart is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Rhinehart enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Justin M. Tkacik is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Tkacik enlisted in the State Police in 2005 and was promoted to corporal in 2015.
Sgt. Todd M. Tolan is assigned to Troop H, Harrisburg. Sgt. Tolan enlisted in the State Police in 2004 and was promoted to corporal in 2014.
Sgt. Christopher W. Tomlinson is assigned to the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement, Mount Airy Casino. Sgt. Tomlinson enlisted in the State Police in 2008 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Carmen F. Yurek is assigned to Troop K, Media. Sgt. Yurek enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.

Promoted to Corporal

Cpl. Kelly N. Abati is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Abati enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jonathan I. Bailey is assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Computer Crimes, Southeast. Cpl. Bailey enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Jaskaran S. Bains is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. Bains enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jacob T. Beers is assigned to Troop C, Clarion. Cpl. Beers enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. William L. Bell III is assigned to Troop J, Embreeville. Cpl. Bell enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Richard M. Bordonaro is assigned to Troop E, Corry. Cpl. Bordonaro enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Michael E. Brenot is assigned to Troop C, Marienville. Cpl. Brenot enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Brittany N. DeCarlo is assigned to the Bureau of Forensic Services, Harrisburg Regional Laboratory. Cpl. DeCarlo enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Max T. DeLuca is assigned to Troop D, Butler. Cpl. DeLuca enlisted in the State Police in 2007.
Cpl. Scott M. Enedy is assigned to Troop J, York. Cpl. Enedy enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Aaron J. Falcone is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Special Emergency Response Team West. Cpl. Falcone enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Riley M Ferris is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Cpl. Ferris enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Katherine V. Franck is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Cpl. Franck enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Anthony S. Giarrizzo is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. Giarrizzo enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Matthew J. Grasso is assigned to the Bureau of Research and Development. Cpl. Grasso enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Cody R. Greenawalt is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Greenawalt enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Gregory S. Gutta Jr. is assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. Cpl. Gutta enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Steven J. Hammar is assigned to the Executive Services Office. Cpl. Hammar enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Gregory B. Hays is assigned to Troop B, Pittsburgh. Cpl. Hays enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Kevin Holford is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Holford enlisted in the State Police in 2006.
Cpl. Jonathan M. Housenick is assigned to Troop H, Gettysburg. Cpl. Housenick enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Christopher P. Isbitski is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Central Canine Unit. Cpl. Isbitski enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Robert F. Jacobs III is assigned to the Bureau of Training and Education. Cpl. Jacobs enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Brian E. Janoski is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Janoski enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Zachary J. Julian is assigned to Troop B, Pittsburgh. Cpl. Julian enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Travis S. Kauffman is assigned to Troop D, New Castle. Cpl. Kauffman enlisted in the State Police in 2010.
Cpl. Jacob M. Kelliher is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Kelliher enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Matthew D. Klaips is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Canine Section, as a Narcotic Canine Handler assigned to Troop P, Wilkes-Barre. Cpl. Klaips enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Cody J. Klinger is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Cpl. Klinger enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Brian J. Knirnschild is assigned to the Hazardous Device and Explosive Section, Bureau Of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Knirnschild enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Cody R. Krahe is assigned to the Bureau of Forensic Services, Ballistics Section, Erie. Cpl. Krahe enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Katelin L. Kurtz is assigned to the Bureau of Research and Development. Cpl. Kurtz enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Alec N. Leiby is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Leiby enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Kelly R. MacIntyre is assigned to the Office of Community Engagement, Heritage Affairs Section, Area IV. Cpl. MacIntyre enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Ian J. MacTavish is assigned to Troop C, Lewis Run. Cpl. MacTavish enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Zachary F. Martini is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Martini enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Eric S. McCleaf is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. McCleaf enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Eileen T. McDermott is assigned to Troop F, Montoursville. Cpl. McDermott enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Andrew T. McWilliams is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. McWilliams enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Shaun G. Milkovich is assigned to Troop D, Kittanning. Cpl. Milkovich enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jared R. Muir is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Muir enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Ross V. Munsee is assigned to Troop C, Punxsutawney. Cpl. Munsee enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Brian V. Noll is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Noll enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Daniel R. Phillips is assigned to Troop L, Schuylkill Haven. Cpl. Phillips enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Daniel W. Poponick is assigned to Troop A, Greensburg. Cpl. Poponick enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Vincent J. Scardilli is assigned to Troop K, CARS Unit. Cpl. Scardilli enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Nicholas Scrivani is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Electronic Surveillance Section. Cpl. Scrivani enlisted in the State Police in 2011.
Cpl. James M. Shearer is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Shearer enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Jeffrey A. Simmons is assigned to Troop, K, Media. Cpl. Simmons enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Peter T. Smith is assigned to Troop P, Wilkes-Barre. Cpl. Smith enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Joseph A. Titler is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Titler enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Christopher R. Tobias is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Tobias enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Travis M. Turkalj is assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. Cpl. Turkalj enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Richard C. Weinstock is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Weinstock enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Jesse L. Whitman is assigned to Troop F, Emporium. Cpl. Whitman enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. John A. Wood is assigned to Troop E, Erie. Cpl. Wood enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Evan M. Worth is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Southeast Canine. Cpl. Worth enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Jason E. Young is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Western Canine Unit. Cpl. Young enlisted in the State Police in 2005.
Cpl. Ronald M. Ziobro II is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Cpl. Ziobro enlisted in the State Police in 2014.

Promoted to Enforcement Officer 3

Marcus J. Angello is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Special Investigation Unit, Central Section. EO3 Angello enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Eric M. Kaseler Is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, District Enforcement Office #7, Punxsutawney. EO3 Kaseler enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Kevin D. Klatt Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Special Investigations Unit, Eastern Section. EO3 Klatt enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Ryan M. Melnyk is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, District Enforcement Office #3, Harrisburg. EO3 Melnyk enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Paul J. Wolfe is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Pittsburgh District Enforcement Office. EO3 Wolfe enlisted with the State Police in 2000.

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Pennsylvania

Sweet Summer: 59 creameries unite dairy lovers with Pennsylvania farms on Ice Cream Trail

Published

2 hours ago

June 6, 2026

Press Room

Sweet Summer: 59 creameries unite dairy lovers with Pennsylvania farms on Ice Cream Trail

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. (WFMZ) — 59 creameries across the Commonwealth are serving up a sweet summer connecting dairy lovers with Pennsylvania farms.

June 4 kicked off the Ninth Annual Scooped Ice Cream Trail.

Ice cream lovers can register online and fill out a digital passport as they visit participating creameries. Each visit earns points towards various prizes.

The owners of Batch Microcreamery in Center Valley tell 69 News they’re excited to be part of the trail for the third year in a row, attracting visitors locally and out-of-state.

“This is the third location of the ice cream trail that I’ve been on,” said Kamden Acevedo.

Acevedo is originally from Staten Island and said he’s motivated to try other locations on the trail throughout the state.

“I love ice cream. I’m going to try, I’m going to try my hardest honestly,” Acevedo stated.

Dana Reibman and her daughter are just happy for the sweet treat.

“We’re all up for ice cream all the time. We come here probably about once a month because we like trying the different flavors. As you can see, she really enjoys the cookie monster flavor,” Reibman explained.

The ice cream trail continues through Sept. 7.

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Pennsylvania

PA law would restrict cellphones in schools. Pittsburgh already bans them

Published

12 hours ago

June 5, 2026

Press Room

PA law would restrict cellphones in schools. Pittsburgh already bans them

Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives passed a bill requiring schools to create policies restricting student cellphone use.
Pittsburgh Public Schools already has a policy banning student cellphone use during the school day, which was approved in late 2025.
Under Pittsburgh’s policy, students must turn in their phones to school personnel for the duration of the school day.

If Pennsylvania sees statewide restrictions on cellphones in schools, would anything change in Pittsburgh?

It’s too early to say for sure.

On June 1, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation that would require school districts to adopt phone restrictions, leaving the details of the exact policy’s implementation up to individual districts, according to USA TODAY. Now, if cleared by the Senate — which already passed another version of the proposal with almost unanimous support — it will go to Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has repeatedly said he supports getting cellphones out of classrooms with a bell-to-bell ban.

“Here in Pennsylvania, Democrats and Republicans agree: We need to let our kids be kids again,” Shapiro said in a June 4 post to his X account.

But Pittsburgh’s already ahead of the curve when it comes to banning cellphones during school hours because of a school board policy approved in late 2025.

Here’s what to know.

Are cell phones banned in Pittsburgh schools?

Yes, cellphones are banned during the school day at Pittsburgh Public Schools.

In December 2025, Pittsburgh Public Schools Board voted to ban the use of phones by students during the school day, Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.

Under the policy, the possession of phones by students is prohibited. While they may bring cellphones to school, the devices must be turned in to school personnel during the school day.

There are exceptions to the policy in cases where a student may need a phone for instructional activities, an Individualized Education Plan, a Section 504 Plan or for other reasons approved by a school administrator.

Why are schools banning cellphones?

Numerous states have already banned cellphones in schools, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and others, according to ABC News.

This year, Indiana and Kansas banned phones during the day, implementing policies that require students to keep their phones in inaccessible locations through the entire school day, USA TODAY reported.

Recently, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming passed or updated less restrictive legislation on phones in schools, according to an analysis by the Becca Schmill Foundation, the Institute for Families and Technology, Smartphone-Free Childhood US and Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation.

Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania may follow suit.

Do cellphone bans work?

Yes and no.

Cellphone bans keep kids off their devices, but they don’t appear to impact test scores, attendance, self-reported classroom attention or perceived online bullying, according to a study published in April by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Additionally, researchers found that during the first year of a cellphone ban, disciplinary incidents rose and students’ reported well-being fell, though the effects subsided as the years passed.

Still, there’s a push for bans nationally, with the U.S. surgeon general’s office warning on May 20 that “compulsive” screen use is linked to poor sleep, substance abuse, developmental disruptions and social, mental and behavioral issues. The office suggested that cellphone bans in schools are a way to help put excessive screen time in check.

Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s beloved 100-year-old amusement park still refuses to charge admission

Published

23 hours ago

June 5, 2026

Press Room

Pennsylvania’s beloved 100-year-old amusement park still refuses to charge admission

In an era of pricey theme parks and gated admission, one Pennsylvania amusement park is still letting guests in for free.

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, has been admission-free since it opened nearly a century ago.

Knoebels opened its doors on July 4, 1926 — and will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, as the nation celebrates America’s semiquincentennial.

Many of the earliest amusement parks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries operated without admission fees, especially so-called “trolley parks,” which made money from charging guests for rides, food and drink.

Park owner Brian Knoebel, 52, recently told PA Local he “had to pinky-swear” to never change the free-admission model.

“It’s who we are,” he said. “It’s that traditional park.”

Knoebel said he recognizes that grandparents “get more satisfaction out of watching their grandkids ride the rides than they do themselves.”

“And Grandma and Grandpa are on a limited income,” he said. “So they don’t pay to park. We don’t force you to buy food in the park — if you want to bring a picnic lunch, then bring a picnic lunch.”

Knoebel, who said his ancestors came to America from Germany and worked as lumberers, said the amusement park began as a modest venture.

“After church on Sunday, they’d come down and park their horse and buggy off to the side, and frolic in the stream and have a little picnic,” he told PA Local.

“My great-grandfather would feed and stable your horses for, I believe, a quarter.”

Knoebel added, “Little by little, he started building some picnic tables and park benches, and on July 4, 1926, we opened a swimming pool, a restaurant — appropriately named ‘The Restaurant’ — and we rented a steam-powered carousel.”

Despite the park’s growth, Knoebel said its old-fashioned atmosphere has remained intact, including the canopy of trees, shaded walkways, creekside seating and classic attractions.

“How has it changed? We started with one ride, and one food stand, and the pool,” he said.

“We now have 60 rides, I believe 38 food stands, 24 games, and water slides … Quarter-mile down the road, we own the 18-hole golf course, complete with a bar and tavern.”

Overall, Knoebel said that he and his family “absolutely know our brand.”

“We know our fans,” he said.

“And that throwback amusement park from yesteryear is exactly who we continue to be,” he added.

“We don’t have roller coasters that reach the clouds. We have rides for thrill seekers … but, of course, we have more traditional rides.”

Knoebels is the largest free-admission park in the United States. “Knoebels does not have a gate, and you only pay for what you want once you are at the park,” the venue says on its website.

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