The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced an expansion of its COVID-19 vaccination plan based on updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state is currently in Phase 1A of its plan, which initially focused on health care providers, EMS personnel and people living or working in congregate care facilities. On Tuesday, eligibility was extended to individuals age 65 and older, and those ages 16-64 with certain medical conditions deemed by the CDC to put them at greater risk of severe illness from the virus. For additional information on the updated criteria, to determine eligibility or find a vaccine provider, visit www.pa.gov/guides/get-vaccinated

Funds to Help Local Schools

More than $2 billion in federal stimulus funds, approved by Congress last month, were released to the state’s school districts and charter schools to support food programs, technological improvements and other education services impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In our area, the Conewago Valley School District will receive a $2 million grant; Fairfield Area schools, $410,000; Gettysburg Area School District, $3 million; and Littlestown Area, $935,000. The Commonwealth is distributing the funds based on an existing formula that considers the number of low-income students served by school districts and charter schools More information visit www.education.pa.gov/Schools

Veterans: Start the New Year Off Right with Benefits Review

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging veterans to meet with a professional to ensure they are receiving or maximizing the benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice. The county director of Veterans Affairs is also available to help. In Adams County, contact Stan Clark, 117 Baltimore St., Suite 201-A Gettysburg; phone: 717-337-9835; email: sclark@adamscounty.us. For more information on state programs and services supporting veterans, visit dmva.pa.gov.

Grants Support Future of PA Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture will soon begin accepting applications for two grant programs aimed at supporting the future of the state’s top industry – agriculture. Specialty Crop Block 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.

Ag and Youth 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 will close on March 5. Click here for additional information. For more about the Commonwealth’s agriculture industry, visit agriculture.pa.gov.

Free Workshops Planned for Aspiring Small Business Owners

The Adams Economic Alliance, together with the Small Business Development Center at Shippensburg University, will hold a FREE workshop series for aspiring small business owners. For more information visit AdamsAlliance.org.