PA Announces First Probable West Nile Virus Infection Of Year
Pixabay Stock ImageCOUDERSPORT — Pennsylvania state health officials reported the first probable human case of West Nile Virus infection this year in a Potter County resident.Officials say samples are being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmatory testing. The departments of Health and Environmental Protection strongly recommend that all residents minimize their exposure to mosquitoes.“While we encourage Pennsylvanians to enjoy the outdoors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also want them to take proper precautions from mosquitoes while outside,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “With the first human case of West Nile Virus detected, we want people to protect themselves. Several simple steps can help protect yourself and loved ones from mosquito-related diseases.”Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day or night, the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, people can avoid mosquito bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellants and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducts regular surveillance and control to manage mosquito populations around the state. DEP has detected WNV-infected mosquitoes in five counties.“The first human positive case of the year should be a reminder to all Pennsylvanians to use a personal insect repellent or stay indoors during dawn and dusk to help prevent exposure to the mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “DEP monitors mosquito populations across Pennsylvania for the presence of disease.”The mosquitoes that transmit WNV breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. These areas can include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots and other types of plastic containers.Simple steps to eliminate standing water around the home include:Remove tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.Do not let water stagnate in birdbaths.Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with fish.Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores.Bti is a natural product that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.DEP will continue to survey affected communities to monitor mosquito activity and WNV. DEP biologists have initiated a survey of the mosquito population to determine the risk for further human illness. If necessary, adult mosquito populations will be reduced. These efforts will continue through October. Share:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
Share:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window) Image via PxHere / United States House of Representatives.WASHINGTON — A COVID-19 relief and stimulus package is a lot closer to being a reality than people realize and negotiators need to step forward and renew negotiations, according to Congressman Tom Reed.Reed, in a conference call Wednesday, said he spent all night Tuesday working the telephones to implore lawmakers to get back to the table.“The parties were extremely close to a deal that would have given relief to the people today. I am not giving up hope on the Covid-19 package because I think we were so close and we continue to be close,” Reed said.Urging continuing negotiations, Reed said “We are within inches of getting this done so let’s not walk away now.” While President Trump has offered to sign a stand-alone bill to give $1,200 to people, Reed said the government shouldn’t surrender the idea of finishing a package.“We need to do more in my humble opinion (than a stand alone bill),” Reed said. “The airlines, restaurants, small businesses with PPP, farmers, child care, K-12, they need to be in a position to get relief.”“If they just took the time to listen to each other and iron out the wrinkles,” a deal can be reached, he stressed.He said there are some differences regarding aid to local and state governments, but thinks there is room for movement on the issue.“I do believe there is a compromise position on state and local aid, however there is objection to state and local aid and you just have to recognize that.”He went on to say citizens will not be happy is they see money being spent on non-COVID related issues.“It’s clear that the question now has been called and its clear the last and best offers should be out on the table,” Reed said.As for Trump’s saying that Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have not been negotiating in good faith, Reed advised all parties to step back, take a deep breath, and get back to work.“I encourage the president and others to just take a deep breath, stand down and take a look at the bigger picture,” Reed said.One key concern among some law makers is whether those receiving unemployment should receive more money than they made while working, he said.He predicted the Problem Solvers Caucus will be a vital part of any solution.“We have been critical in showing that this can be done and needs to be done and I think we will be critical in getting this done in the next 24 to 48 hours.”
Get ready because the Heathers have arrived off-Broadway! The new musical, featuring a book, music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, begins performance at New World Stages on March 15. Directed by Andy Fickman, Heathers will open on March 31. In Heathers, Westerberg High is terrorized by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But outsider Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place—six feet under. Heathers stars Barrett Wilbert Weed as Veronica, Ryan McCartan as J.D. and Elle McLemore, Jessica Keenan Wynn and Alice Lee as the Heathers. Other cast members include Katie Ladner as Martha Dunnstock, Jon Eidson as Ram Sweeney, Evan Todd as Kurt Kelly, Tony winner Anthony Crivello as Ram’s Dad/Big Bud Dean, Dan Cooney as Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal, and Michelle Duffy as Ms. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom. Rounding out the ensemble are Dan Domenech, Cait Fairbanks, Rachel Flynn, Molly Hager, Charissa Hogeland, AJ Meijer and Dustin Sullivan. View Comments Show Closed This production ended its run on Aug. 4, 2014 Related Shows Heathers: The Musical
Aladdin Related Shows View Comments from $57.50 Adam Jacobs There was magic in the air at Barnes & Noble on June 20 as the stars of Aladdin made many wishes come true by signing CDs. Not only did Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart and Jonathan Freeman autograph a gazillion copies of the original Broadway cast recording, they also posed for this winning Hot Shot. The addictive album was just released on Walt Disney Records on June 17, so hurry up and get a copy so you can check out “A Whole New World,” “Friend Like Me” and the rest of the fab score. And be sure to catch this smash hit musical at the New Amsterdam Theatre live on Broadway. Star Files
It’s time to make a date with Elisabeth Moss! Tickets are now available to see the Mad Men star, along with Jason Biggs and Bryce Pinkham, in Wendy Wasserstein’s The Heidi Chronicles. The revival, directed by Pam MacKinnon, will begin performances on February 23, 2015 and officially open on March 19 at the Music Box Theatre.The Heidi Chronicles won both the Tony and the Pulitzer in 1989. This is the first revival since the original production shuttered in 1990. The show spans over 20 years, following Heidi Holland (Moss) from high school to her career as an art historian and how she copes with feminisim, men, politics and motherhood.The production will also feature Tracee Chimo, with additional casting to be announced later. View Comments Bryce Pinkham Star Files Related Shows Show Closed This production ended its run on May 3, 2015 The Heidi Chronicles
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder Related Shows View Comments Bryce Pinkham Show Closed This production ended its run on Jan. 17, 2016 Bryce Pinkham did tell Broadway.com that “I’d be surprised if there was not more Monty Navarro in my future!” He will return to the role he originated in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder from July 28, replacing Jeff Kready at the Walter Kerr Theatre.Pinkham received a Tony nod for A Gentleman’s Guide. He departed the production earlier this year to star in The Heidi Chronicles opposite Elisabeth Moss; his other Great White Way credits include Ghost and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.Written by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder follows Monty Navarro, a long-lost member of a noble family who stands to become the next Earl of Highhurst—if he can eliminate the eight other relatives (all played by Jefferson Mays) who precede him in line for the title. In addition to Best Musical, the tuner garnered Tonys for bookwriter Robert L. Freedman, director Darko Tresnjak and costume designer Linda Cho.The current cast also includes Jefferson Mays as the D’Ysquith Family, Scarlett Strallen as Sibella, Catherine Walker as Phoebe D’Ysquith and Judy Blazer as Miss Shingle. Star Files
Related Shows View Comments Clever Little Lies Marlo Thomas will once again star in Joe DiPietro’s comedy Clever Little Lies. Directed by David Saint, the production will play a limited engagement September 18 through January 3. Opening night is set for October 14 at off-Broadway’s Westside Theatre Upstairs. Additional casting will be announced later.Clever Little Lies follows a family with a mother who always knows what’s happening among her flock. As their son struggles under pressure from his overbearing mother, a confidence is shared between father and son that escalates into an unexpected family disclosure that could change their entire dynamic.Thomas last appeared on Broadway in Relatively Speaking. Her other Great White Way credits include The Shadow Box, Social Security and Thieves. She is best known for her run on TV’s That Girl.Clever Little Lies made its world premiere at George Street Playhouse in 2013 and ran last summer at Guild Hall. Show Closed This production ended its run on Jan. 24, 2016
Star Files Sierra Boggess View Comments
Here’s a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today and over the weekend. P!nk Tuner Still in the WorksUpdate on the P!nk musical. The tuner, which had previously been called MEAN (The Musical) and is inspired by both the songstress’ life as well as featuring her music, has been renamed True Love. Directed by Jonathan Warman, choreographed by Liz Piccoli, with a book by Kerri Kochanski and music and lyrics by Alecia Moore (P!nk’s real name), the show is set for a second developmental workshop on October 10. It will take place at the Emerging Artists Theatre’s New Works Series festival at TADA! Theater, the location of its first reading back in May. We continue to keep our eye on this one…Meet Sierra Boggess, Lisa Howard & MoreAre you a fan of Sierra Boggess, Lisa Howard, Montego Glover, Chip Zien, Adam Heller, Michael X. Martin, Anne L. Nathan, Nick Spangler and Edward Hibbert? Of course you are, and now’s your chance to meet them! The former It Shoulda Been You company members will take part in a special in-store performance and CD signing at Barnes & Noble at 150 East 86th Street on October 12 at 7PM. It’s all to celebrate the release of the musical’s cast recording, and librettist and lyricist Brian Hargrove, along with composer Barbara Anselmi, will also appear at the event. The album, which is currently available digitally, will drop in stores on October 9 on Ghostlight Records.Lena Hall’s Into Sin & SalvationLena Hall will release her live album Sin & Salvation—Live At The Carlyle on September 28. The record recreates a front row seat at the Tony winner and Grammy nominated star’s engagement at Big Apple hotspot, The Carlyle, and includes renditions of material from artists as diverse as Tori Amos, Hozier, Led Zeppelin, James Brown and more. Miss seeing Hall live? She is currently on tour with the (hopefully) Broadway-bound Josh Groban.Rebecca Hall Weds Machinal Co-Star Morgan SpectorRebecca Hall (no relation to Lena!) tied the knot with her Broadway co-star Morgan Spector in Saugerties, New York on September 26; the pair met during their run in Machinal last year. According to Us Weekly, David Blaine attended the nuptials and did magic tricks for the guests. Of course he did. Congratulations to the happy couple!
Mamie Parris, Ramin Karimloo, Mandy Gonzalez, Rob McClure, Lesli Margherita & Denis Arndt(Photos: Bruce Glikas, Emilio Madrid-Kuser & Joan Marcus) Queen Lesli Has Us Wigging OutWe all know Lesli Margherita loves a good wig, but we’re starting to grow a bit concerned. Between lightsaber battles with Susan Blackwell, the Matilda queen revealed just how deep her obsession goes. She has upwards of 100 wigs in her arsenal, and she’ll even create hair pageants by lining them up to pick a winning wig. That’s, uh, different, but we’re not one to judge. Now, can you do this, Lesli? There Are Mommy Issues at Holiday InnThe cast of Holiday Inn seems to be having a great time jumping rope and tapping (is everyone but Mandy Gonzalez tapping?), but they may need a psychotherapist to work out some stuff. Lora Lee Gayer warms up by singing “Mommy made me mash my M&Ms,” and Megan Sikora belts out, “My mom’s mad” up the scale. You might want to see if Mendel is accepting clients, ladies. Idina is idina. for a ReasonGet out your crowns and swords because Idina Menzel’s new solo album is now available! The blazing supernova shared the intention behind the styling of the self-titled album: idina. (Period included.) “There’s lower case for humility,” she says, “but a period for a little attitude for those who mess up my name.” That’s the best way to get back at a certain Oscar presenter: punctuation. Maaaamie’s…All Alone in the Moonlight… Mamie Parris is currently rocking out in School of Rock, but the Broadway beltress will soon trade the top of Mount Rock for the Heaviside Layer as Cats’ new Grizabella. She’s even been practicing her Glamour Cat makeup skills in her downtime at her current Broadway gig. We love the look, Mamie, but we’re not sure a cat’s nose, whiskers and smudged lipstick screams “authoritative girlfriend.” Happy Friday, and Happy Idina Menzel/Kristin Chenoweth Day! Please take a quick break from writing to your members of Congress about why the day they both release solo albums should be considered a nationally recognized holiday because we’ve going through all of the wildest stories from this week on the Great White Way. Over the past seven days, we learned why Idina is the new E. E. Cummings, just how many wigs Queen Lesli has and more. Study up below with the Lessons of the Week! Rob McClure’s Rotten! Dreamcast Is FuzzySomething Rotten! boasts an assortment of wacky performers, but if McClure had his way, they’d all be replaced by Muppets. He’s even cast it all out in his head and given us a taste of how they’d sound. There isn’t a single show we wouldn’t like to see the Muppets put on. We hear Miss Piggy and Gonzo were transcendent together in Love Letters at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit. Nicolas Dromard Also Has a Tap-Happy PastBefore he was walking like a man in Jersey Boys, Nicolas Dromard was tapping up a storm. Broadway’s Tommy DeVito traced his desire to perform back to seeing a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film on a field trip. This led to him tapping under his desk in school, getting in trouble and channeling that energy in dance classes. If only Mandy went to school on Fred and Ginger field trip day… Chris Sieber Kept Rolling Along at PromProm should be a memorable night, whether you go with your high school sweetheart, best friend, or the jock who invited you because his girlfriend feels bad about the other girls making fun of your period. No matter who was Christopher Sieber’s date, it was surely a night to remember: he wore roller skates. Sounds like a blast—and potentially an early audition for Starlight Express. Ramin Went from Chased to ChaserWhat do you do after you play a French prisoner on the run? Playing a Russian general hellbent on revenge isn’t a bad choice. Ramin Karimloo has joined the list of stars lined up for Anastasia; the Les Miz Tony nominee will take on the role of Gleb. Going from fleeing from an inspector chasing you to becoming a general chasing a princess? Sounds like you’re projecting, Ramin. Don’t worry, we know a guy. Mandy Gonzalez Joined a Tapping CircleWe all know Hamilton’s Mandy Gonzalez is a vocal beast. But when she was a high schooler at Broadway Theater Camp, Gonzalez faced the foreign world of tapping with the late Gregory Hines. When thrown into a “challenge circle,” Gonzalez ditched tapping for belting. When you’ve got it, flaunt it, and when you don’t got it, be thankful Angelica doesn’t tap. (Just kidding: She’s a beast at everything, tapping included.) Denis Arndt Can Give You a RideDenis Arndt is making his Broadway debut in Heisenberg at the age of 78. Some might say he’s a little mature to be considered a fresh face, but it’s never too late to make your first Broadway bow. Besides if it doesn’t work out, he still has a fallback: The veteran is still a licensed pilot. Who wouldn’t love to ride in a helicopter while hearing stories about working with Mary-Louise Parker? View Comments
The Color Purple’s cast and creative team celebrated one year on Broadway on December 10. After opening in 2015, the John Doyle-helmed revival went on to garner the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. Broadway newcomer Cynthia Erivo, who also played the role of Celie in the 2013 Menier Chocolate Factory production, went on to nab the Tony Award for Best Actress and now a Grammy nomination for her stunning work in the production. The cast and crew enjoyed a purple (of course) cake to commemorate the anniversary of the opening, and Broadway.com was there to get in on the action. Take a look at our hot shot of the event, and be sure to catch The Color Purple through January 8, 2017! Related Shows The Color Purple Show Closed This production ended its run on Jan. 8, 2017
The cast of ‘The Color Purple'(Photo: Emilio Madrid-Kuser) View Comments