Latest news with #MetzlerForestProducts
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fire at Pennsylvania governor's residence in Harrisburg being investigated as arson
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Metzler Forest Products in Mifflin County on April 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services) *This is a breaking news story. As often happens in these instances, some information initially reported may turn out to be inaccurate. We'll move quickly to correct the record and provide the best information we have at the time.* State police are investigating a fire at the governor residence in Harrisburg as arson. Governor Josh Shapiro said troopers woke him and his family up around 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning to evacuate. Harrisburg city firefighters extinguished the blaze at residence along North Front Street. The governor posted details about the incident on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities,' Shapiro said. 'Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.' The fire occurred on the first night of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday marking the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Shapiro is Jewish. In a statement, state police, which is leading the investigation, says the blaze caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the home. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered through PSP Tips for the arrest and conviction for the person or people responsible. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shapiro touts the importance of Pennsylvania's forestry during Mifflin County stop
MIFFLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — Governor Josh Shapiro touted the benefits of state investments in an agricultural innovation grant program. He made the comments at Metzler Forest Products, located at 26 Timber Lane in Reedsville, which is using A more than $500,000 grant to expand its manufacturing capabilities. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Shapiro says forestry is a critically important part of the state's economy. He says about 60,000 Pennsylvanians work in the field and generate $ 39 billion a year. 'That is big business,' Shapiro said. 'That is a big deal. I know it's critically important to Mifflin County – hear me on this – it is critically important to Pennsylvania that our forestry industry be strengthened and have the support of our state government.' Shapiro says agriculture and forestry are among his administration's top five economic focuses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Shapiro wants you to know he's pushing back on Trump
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Metzler Forest Products in Mifflin County on April 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services) On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro visited a timber business in Reedsville to highlight his administration's investment in agricultural companies in the commonwealth. Mifflin County-based Metzler Forest Products is using a state grant to increase production of biochar, used by farmers to boost soil health and crop yields. But Shapiro had another message as well. Ahead of the visit, his press team touted the appearance as an effort to showcase'efforts to support Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural innovation in the face of economic uncertainty.' During his speech, Shapiro framed his administration's investments in Pennsylvania businesses in contrast with expected tariff announcements from President Donald Trump on Wednesday. For weeks, Shapiro, who was considered as a running mate for 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, has been highlighting how Trump administration policies have impacted the state and its industries. Last week, Shapiro announced a challenge to a Trump decision to cancel $13 million in federal funding to support Pennsylvania farmers and food banks. His office is also suing the administration over $2 billion of federal funding that was frozen early in the new administration. Shapiro has claimed credit for getting the president to unfreeze them after he visited the White House. 'While the federal government imposes policies that hurt our economy, Pennsylvania is leading the way in driving economic growth — investing in agricultural innovation, supporting our manufacturers, and delivering real results for farmers and their families,' Shapiro said in Reedsville. Metzler primarily sells domestically, which means they would theoretically avoid direct impacts from tariffs. And the money Metzler received was part of the Agricultural Innovation Grant program, which was created during budgets over the 2024-2025 budget, before Trump returned to office. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE But Shapiro noted that Pennsylvania is among the country's leading hardwood exporters. Since the beginning of the agricultural innovation program, roughly $2 million has gone to hardwood projects. Nate Metzler, who spoke at the event, said the company was started by his father and employs over 80 people. Shapiro was joined by other Pennsylvania timber and hardwood industry members who discussed the potential impacts of Trump's tariffs. Nick Gilson, the CEO of Selinsgrove-based Gilson Snow, which makes skis and snowboards, voiced his concern, since they've shipped products to 50 countries. He said 50% of their exports have historically gone to Canada, where boycotts of American products are growing over Trump's trade war and threats to take over the country and make it the 51st state. Canada has long been one of America's staunchest allies. 'I understand the intention behind the tariffs in protecting American manufacturing, but in actual practice, on the ground level, there are adverse side effects,' Gilson said. They raise input costs, strain supply chains and make it harder for American manufacturers to compete with foreign competitors. Beyond the cold economics, I also want to recognize that these tariffs are having an impact on the perception of American made goods.' Shapiro was also joined by Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish, Executive Director of the Keystone Wood Products Association Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. Following the announcement, Shapiro's office issued a press release saying the governor will be in Northampton County Wednesday to 'support Pennsylvania brewers and small businesses in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty.' Separately, the Department of Agriculture announced Redding and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will be in Duquesne to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts and proposed state investments on Pittsburgh-area farms and food banks.
