Have a happy — and safe — Thanksgiving

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Whether you’re hitting the road to be home with family, or hosting the brood at your place, there’s a few simple tips from local and state experts to make your travel and holiday safer and happier. First, of course, I’ll throw in one of my own: don’t talk about politics. No, seriously. Don’t. I’d suggest other, less explosive topics such as “how...

Time for Costello to show just a hint of courage

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Sometime later this afternoon, U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-6) will hold a town hall meeting. That’s the good news. The bad news is that he’s holding it in Historic Courtroom 1, limiting it to 100 people, it was announced Thursday and filled up within minutes — and no one can record the video. Some sort of modern-day Stasi will be at the door, demanding “papers,...

State Police warn on Valentine’s ‘Sweetheart’ scams

In recognition of Valentine’s Day, the Pennsylvania State Police reminds the public – particularly users of dating and matchmaking websites – to protect themselves against online sweetheart scams. Also referred to as a romance scam, the sweetheart scam is a common way for thieves to trick strangers into sending them large amounts of cash. The perpetrator typically preys on the loneliness...

State Police looks back on achievments of 2016

This week, State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker reviewed the department’s achievements and the State Police issued a run down of some of the steps they’ve taken to keep the citizens of Pennsylvania safe in 2016. “In 2016, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has continued to carry the designation of the “First and Finest” state police agency in the country while advancing into...

State Police to ramp DUI enforcement for holidays

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will join with more than 10,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide to participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” impaired driving enforcement campaign from Dec. 16, 2016 to Jan. 1, 2017.  Troopers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers with high-visibility patrols and at DUI checkpoints, according...

State Police to focus on seat belts, impaired driving for holidays

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invite parents and caregivers to make this holiday season a safer one by taking advantage of free car seat checks across the state that will complement the nationwide Click It or Ticket “Operation Safe Holiday” enforcement effort occurring from November 20 through December 4. Troopers and other department...

Coffee with a Cop, Wednesday

CALN — The Pennsylvania State Police Embreeville Station will hold a Coffee with a Cop event to be held on Wednesday, March 30th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Dunkin Donuts located at 3907 Lincoln Hwy, Downingtown, PA 19335. The event provides a unique opportunity for citizens and police officers to come together to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee in an informal, neutral...

PSP Strong to support State Troopers in need

You can show your support for PSP STRONG by ordering a number of products, including t-shirts, from the organization’s Web site. WILKES-BARRE – PSP STRONG, INC. announced this week it is now officially a public charity with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.  Contributions donated to PSP STRONG are fully tax-deductible retroactive to...

State Police seek help on attempted kidnap

PENN — State Police are asking for help from the public to learn more about an attempted kidnapping of a township girl on Tuesday and to be extra vigilant in reporting suspicious activity near school bus stops. Police said that after a 10-year-old girl got off her school bus in the area of Oxford Circle and Penn Drive, as she was walking home along the sidewalk, she was accosted by a man, who...

State Police seek applicants, focused on women, minorities

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania State Police is encouraging more people, particularly women and minorities, to join their ranks.  “We are dedicated to having a force that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve,” said State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker.  “We must hire the individuals who have a genuine interest in providing quality service through leadership to the people...