Pennsylvania
Tracking heavy snow in the Philadelphia; blizzard conditions possible near shore | Live Updates
Residents across South Jersey are preparing for another round of snow, but some are finding it harder to get the supplies they need after stores ran low during recent storms.
Hardware stores that typically keep rock salt and ice melt in stock are now facing shortages, leaving customers hoping to secure what remains before the next storm arrives.
Eric Davies, of Cherry Hill, was among those trying to prepare ahead of the weekend.
“Very sick of it, ready for spring, that first nice day of being able to open the windows and get some fresh air in the house,” said Davies.
Whether frustrated or determined, many residents say they are bracing for the possibility of several inches of snow.
Preps underway for weekend snowstorm
After seeing the forecast, Deanna Francesconi went to Westmont Ace Hardware in Haddon Township to make sure she was prepared.
“I said to him , ‘We’re gonna go today because the closer it gets to Sunday, the more they won’t have any more salt,’” she said.
Westmont Ace Hardware owner Bill Getzinger said demand has surged as customers try to avoid being caught off guard.
“People are starting to panic a little bit. The people that got shut out during the last storm, making sure they have their shovel, they have their salt, and are ready to go.”
Despite having one pallet of ice melt left, Getzinger said supplies are dwindling quickly. By Friday night, they were completely sold out.
Meanwhile, Cartun Hardware in Camden has already run out of salt entirely.
Owner David Garrison said supply chain issues have made it difficult to restock.
He said his supplier has struggled to meet demand after an unusually harsh winter.
“Early January, we got notice that 22 of the 25 different brands of salt were out for the season. Right now, there’s no calcium, no blends, no pet safe available from the suppliers,” he said
He said the shortage has left customers frustrated and forced some to look for alternatives.
“Everyone’s coming in saying, ‘ Can I have salt, can I get salt?’” said Garrison.
Garrison said his store has sold far more salt this year than in previous winters.
“This year we’ve gone through about 19 tons of rock salt. Last year we went through about 6 tons, and the year prior to that we sold two bags,” Garrison said
He added that even shipments expected last week failed to arrive.
“We have four skids on order, but they’re scheduled for delivery last week,” he added. “Did not come in.”
The demand has also led customers to purchase different tools to deal with the ice.
“We’ve sold out of our entire spring order of garden shovels in order to get through the ice and bricks that are out there,” said Garrison.
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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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