Latest news with #Cicadas
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Future of Lakemont Park could be off the tracks as rides sit dormant
LAKEMONT, Pa. (WTAJ) — Leap the Dips is the world's oldest roller coaster and joined the list of National Historic Landmarks in 1996. But with Lakemont Park not operating its beloved rides for the second summer in a row, it's beginning to show up on a different type of list — one of abandoned places in Pennsylvania. The old trolley park sits dormant and deteriorating, sparking online discussions that the amusement park may be abandoned. But those claims are unsubstantiated as the recreational side of the park remains open including the mini golf course, basketball courts and batting cages. 'An abandoned amusement park would be they block the gates and keep everybody out,' said Dave Hahner, a historian with American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). 'That is possibly one of the shining moments that we can possibly look at, the fact that the park is not closed yet.' ACE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the enjoyment, knowledge and preservation of roller coasters. Hahner said the community worries it will lose Leap the Dips, a crucial piece of amusement park history. 'It's the oldest opera— it was the oldest operating roller coaster and it was one of the last side friction roller coasters operating in North America,' Hahner said. Cicadas emerge in Centre County for first time in 17 years Skyliner, Lakemont Park's other wooden coaster, is one of the last coasters designed by John Allen, a premiere coaster designer in the mid– to late–1900s. It proudly towers over the outfield of PNG Field. ACE preservation director Josh Brown said it creates a unique experience for both the amusement park and baseball fans. 'We hear a lot of people like it's it was the most fun riding Skyliner when they could heckle somebody from the other team in the outfield, you know while riding it,' Brown said. While people on social media have suggested the park sell off the old coasters if they won't operate them, Hahner said that's not an option for Leap the Dips due to the coaster's age. As safety standards have changed over the 123 years since Leap the Dips was built, the coaster has been grandfathered in, but if moved, would have to be modernized and would lose what makes it special, according to Hahner. It would be required to have automatic breaks and an electronic monitoring system. Hahner said even without these features, the ride is still very safe, meets state standards for safety, and since it only uses one car at a time, there's no chance for collisions. Lakemont Park claims the old wooden coasters are too costly to repair and maintain, but it doesn't explain why the entire amusement park is shut down. 'They do have other rides that are currently dormant,' Hahner said. 'They have the C.P. Huntingdon train ride, the antique car ride and Go–Karts, all of which I'm just kind of puzzled as to why, especially the Go–Karts, as to why they're not operational like any good, family entertainment center.' The park is ultimately owned by Blair County and it's not the first time they've faced such hardships. According to the Blair County Historical Society, the county commissioners accepted ownership of the park from the Altoona & Logan Valley Electric Railway in 1936 after a flood left most of the park damaged and finances were depleted. At the time, there was concern the park would be abandoned, but it reopened the following year after being restored. Today, Lakemont Park is leased to a group known as the Lakemont Partnership who is responsible for operations of the entire property. Blair County Commissioner Dave Kessling said in an email he's worried the Lakemont Partnership is simply leaving the park to fall apart. 'They have chosen not to open the park rides for the past two years and in my opinion, they will continue to allow the park to deteriorate as they state it is too costly to maintain. We cannot force them to open the park with the rides.' Dave Kessling, Blair County Commissioner Brown said there are funds available to help, through a preservation grant. Lakemont Park has received donations from ACE on 15 separate occasions, totaling around $70,000. But no one from the county or Lakemont Park has applied for funding since 2023. According to sources, the last time any work was done to repair or upkeep the wooden roller coasters was four years ago and no future work has been scheduled. Hahner said that because Leap the Dips is a national historic landmark, Lakemont Park is obligated to maintain the ride to where it's not going to fall over. While it does not have to be in operating order, there is concern that the lack of continued maintenance will cause the coaster to fall into complete disrepair. 'For every year that you wait, more damage is done by weathering,' Hahner said. WTAJ has reached out to the park to ask what they plan to do to reopen the rides. They have not responded to emails and sent calls straight to voicemail. ACE said they'd like to see Lakemont Park be taken over by an operator who will revitalize and get the coasters back on track but no plans are in the works so far. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Catastrophic' Honeybee Deaths In The U.S. Could Mean Higher Prices At The Grocery Store
Commercial beekeepers across the United States are sounding the alarm, detailing what's being called a 'catastrophic' loss of honeybees in less than a year. Between June 2024 and March 2025 beekeepers lost 62% of their honeybees, an estimated 1.6 million colonies, according to a survey conducted by Project Apis m., a non-profit organization that supports beekeepers and beekeeping science. 'Beekeeping businesses are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their survival from colony losses we haven't seen in nearly 20 years,' said Patty Sundberg, President of the American Beekeeping Federation. The honeybee deaths add up to an estimated $600 million in lost honey production. And while beekeepers are accustomed to losing some of their bees every year, many businesses may not be able to recover from this season's devastating losses. (MORE: Cicadas In April? It Could Happen In These 13 States) One beekeeper in the survey said, 'We borrowed from our house, from our retirement, from family. We borrowed to keep the business going. Now those bees are gone. This is what it means to have back to back losses on a farm. We took a large loss two years ago. We borrowed against our long-term investments to buy back into bees. We ran our bees again. We focused on their health. We asked for help. We did what we were supposed to do. But when the losses hit again, there is no way to recover. It's all gone. The equity on the house is gone, our retirement is gone, the family member's money is gone. All that's left are empty boxes. We don't even have the dead bees. They are gone too.' But this doesn't just impact bee farmers or your favorite honey at the supermarket. Project Apis m. says honeybees pollinate 75% of crops, including almonds, apples, blueberries, melons and pumpkins, so the honeybee shortage could lead to produce shortages and higher prices at grocery stores. Scientists are not sure what's to blame for the large-scale and 'unexpected' deaths. Researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture are investigating potential pathogens, parasites, and nutritional problems. Cornell University is also looking into environmental factors including how extreme weather and climate change may impact colony health. MORE ON Spring Snow Blankets Parts Of Texas Tornado Terror: Family Recounts Moment Tree Falls On Home First Major 2025 Hurricane Season Outlook Released
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Here's why skunks may be hanging out under your home
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Noble Armstrong is the owner of Armstrong's Wildlife Solutions. He's been helping people deal with skunks, raccoons, and other animals that make their way into people's property — and ruin it — for over 12 years. He says he has affection for most of the critters, but not so much for the skunks. 'Every moment that you're dealing with a skunk they can spray you at any time,' he said. 'So, once the skunk is out of my cage trap, in the release site and gone, I can take a breath, because I know I'm not sprayed.' Armstrong says he got a call from the owner of a home on Sodus Point, complaining of a bad smell coming from underneath. It's a cottage, so below is a wide-open space where skunks, such as the ones going under the cottage, like to hang out. 'That smell is very strong, and underneath the building, the smell will radiate through the house,' said Armstrong. Cicadas season 2025: Which states will see them and when will they make it to WNY? After he inspects the area, Armstrong sets up cameras to catch the animal in action, and then he comes up with a game plan. Usually, that involves setting double-sided traps. 'If there's an animal under here it allows that animal to come out into our trap, and the doors close, and it gets captured,' he said. 'But, it also is open on the outside, so if an animal is wandering around and they want to go under that building, they have to go through my trap to get in there.' Once the animal is safely caught, Armstrong recommends doing exclusion work, which means covering any holes you have around your home with — what he calls — 'critter shields.' 'We want to close off that hole, so no other animal is going to get in and isn't going to be a problem down the road,' he said. Armstrong says animals like raccoons and skunks are more than a simple nuisance, they can ruin your insulation and chew on wires. Plus, they could be carrying disease. The skunk at the cottage in Sodus Point was a smart one and managed to avoid the traps. But, after making sure there were no animals under the home, Armstrong installed the critter shield. Hopefully, that'll save this homeowner from unwanted guests. Armstrong is glad he didn't get sprayed but says if you ever do, the secret to getting the smell out is to mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. You then lather it all over the skunk's victim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School hosts Career Exploration Extravaganza
BUCKHANNON, (WBOY) — Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School students got a glimpse into their futures during the Career Exploration Extravaganza, an event designed to help students explore potential career paths. While most middle school students are unsure of their future career plans, events like this provide valuable insights into different professions. Organized by the school's career class, the event featured more than 30 local businesses and organizations, each setting up booths to explain their respective industries and career opportunities. 'We want to give these kids lots of different options so they can start thinking about their paths and getting the education they need to pursue their goals,' said Samantha Leput, Principal of Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School. 'Whether they're interested in the military, technical education, college, or going straight into the workforce, we want to prepare them as best as we can. At this stage, they may not know what they want to do, but we're here to help guide them.' Cicadas returning to West Virginia in 2025: What counties will see them? Among the vendors at the event were local law enforcement, homeland security, NASA, a locksmith, and WBOY 12 News, offering students a broad range of career possibilities to consider. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mayor-President Monique Boulet discusses growth and investments in Lafayette Parish
LAFAYETTE, La. ()– In Lafayette, Mayor-President Monique Boulet delivered the State of the Parish Address to update the progress throughout the parish. At the business luncheon, Lafayette Parish residents, businesses and stakeholders got to learn about the progress Lafayette Parish is experiencing from renovations to investments. Mayor-President Boulet shared the importance of investing in and growing Lafayette Parish to create a lasting and thriving community. 'I am honored to represent our great city and will continue to build these important relationships centered around our language, our culture, and our economy,' she said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Recognizing different agencies and updating the improvements within departments throughout the parish, Boulet shared efforts in modernizing infrastructure, strengthening public safety and improving the quality of life. 'Carencro's massive waterline replacement program, Scott's new sewer plant, Broussard's Downtown and Main Street revitalization project, Youngsville continue safety investment in converting intersections to roundabouts, and Duson's fight to preserve its elementary school,' she listed. She said the past 14 months since she's taken office, have proved with hard work, Lafayette will be a great place to live. 'We have only just begun the hard work of giving our citizens a government as good as the people who call Lafayette home,' she said. Boulet's administration is dedicated to structuring a lasting parish for future generations by ensuing financial and structural elements. Cicadas return in 2025: Which states will see them? Mayor-President Monique Boulet discusses growth and investments in Lafayette Parish Retired bus driver honored for 16 years of service after traumatic experience Iberia Parish Library System faces closure if millage renewal does not pass Opelousas City Council begins talks on renewing sales tax for potential election Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
