Madison Twp. Columbia County

FOUND DOG Found on Ants Hill Road in Bloomsburg. Proof of ownership required. With information or to claim, contact 570-784-3669, Ext. 1.

Grants Support Future of PA Agriculture The Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications for two grant programs aimed at supporting the future of the state’s top industry agriculture. Specialty Crop Block Grants... These grants will enhance the state’s competitive position and stimulate market growth for designated high priority crops, including hemp, hops, hardwoods and honey; barley, rye and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting; and conservation cover crops. Eligible projects enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops, for example, through research to increase conservation and environmental outcomes, enhance food safety, develop new and improved certified seed varieties, or improve pest and disease control. The program will open for applications on Monday, Jan. 25, and close on March 5. For additional information: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov//Specialty-Crop-Block-Grant Ag And Youth Grants These grants will fund projects such as ag education and workforce development programs, seminars and field trips, agricultural safety training, capital projects, or equipment purchases that will help build a strong future workforce for the industry. The program offers two types of grants: direct, non-matching reimbursement grants of up to $7,500 to defray costs of an eligible project other than a capital project; and matching reimbursement grants of up to $25,000 to defray the costs of an eligible capital project or equipment purchase, where the grant covers no more than 50% of the project cost. The program will open for applications on Monday, Jan. 25, and close on March 5. F or additional information: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov//Ag-and-Youth-Grant-Program For more about the Commonwealth’s agriculture industry, visit agriculture.pa.gov.

Does Your Home Contain Radon? January is National Radon Action Month. An estimated 40% of Pennsylvania homes have higher levels of radon than national safety standards, due to the state’s geology. However, residents can perform a simple test to detect this gas, which is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks and enters homes through cracks in the ...foundation or other openings. High levels of radon tend to be found in basements, but the gas can be found anywhere in the home. Winter is a good time to test for radon, because doors and windows are generally closed, providing more accurate results. Simple radon test kits are inexpensive and available at home improvement and hardware stores. The American Lung Association is offering a limited supply of free tests. For more information: https://www.lungradonkits.org/pa/ To learn more about radon and how to test your home: https://www.dep.pa.gov//Rado/Pages/Radon-in-the-home.aspx

We're already thinking SPRING in Madison Township and with that comes Spring CLEANING! Do you have some things lying around you want to get rid of? Looking for a place to recycle? Wondering what they will take? Check out Bloomsburg Recycling Center: https://www.bloomsburgpa.org/recycle/

State Police Warn of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams The Pennsylvania State Police issued a disturbing warning last week about scammers using COVID-19 vaccine distribution as a means to steal people’s money and/or personal information. Scams already circulating include:... Emails claiming to offer a vaccine waiting list, early access or doses shipped to your home. These emails may have poor grammar and spelling, as well as links that may contain malware that, once installed on your computer, steals your information. Texts, robocalls or messages on other platforms containing links to websites that promise the vaccine but solicit personally identifying information such as addresses, banking or credit card information. The sites may claim to be official sites belonging to manufacturers, medical providers or public health organizations and may be difficult to spot as fake. Social media posts with disinformation or misinformation about the vaccine’s origins or efficacy or claims of political motivation. These posts may really be selling worthless or harmful products. To help protect yourself, never provide money or personal information to anyone who requests it in exchange for special access to the vaccine; instead, rely on public health agencies for information about vaccine availability. Also, be sure your computer has the latest updates and an antivirus program. Delete any email from people you do not recognize or that has attachments you are not expecting.