The Spark

The federal Roadless Rule, first enacted in 2001, remains at the center of a national debate over conservation and land use — and Pennsylvania’s only national forest is directly impacted. The rule restricts road construction and timber harvesting in designated “roadless” areas of national forests. It has faced legal and political challenges over the past two decades but has largely stood firm. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Mahon reported on a recent public meeting of a statewide panel responsible for determining how Pennsylvania will use millions of dollars from settlements with opioid makers and distributors. The funds are intended to help address the ongoing opioid crisis, but questions remain about how to balance immediate needs with long-term strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Meanwhile, Danielle Ohl reported on a cyber-attack that disrupted operations at the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office. Details of the breach are still being investigated, but officials said the attack raised concerns about the security of sensitive information and the resilience of the state’s digital infrastructure. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outdoor enthusiasts in south-central Pennsylvania have a new reason to explore the Bedford and Fulton County region, thanks to the opening of the Sideling Hill Trailhead at the Sideling Hills Service Plaza along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The new trailhead provides access to local hiking and biking trails, along with convenient amenities for visitors. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Marilyn B. Fuller-Smith was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer, her doctor’s insistence on a same-day mammogram saved her life. “From that moment until today, everything about my breast cancer journey has been a blessing, just an absolute blessing,” Fuller-Smith said. “I am the model of finding breast cancer early. Detection is the most important part. Find it early, don’t go without those mammograms.” Her diagnosis not only changed her life but also connected her to fellow survivors Jayne Blake and Donna Slusser. Together, the women have walked thousands of miles in breast cancer awareness events and built a sisterhood rooted in resilience, joy, and advocacy. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Pennsylvania moves into September, cooler weather may be on the horizon—but gardeners are facing an ongoing dry spell that’s putting stress on trees, flowers, and vegetable beds. Horticulturist Erica Jo joined The Spark to share advice on how to keep plants healthy during drought-like conditions. Her first piece of guidance: don’t forget about your trees. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Pennsylvania is once again gathering for a day of food, fun, and giving back as the Alex W. Smith Foundation hosts its 6th annual “Chili Cook-Off for a Cause.” The event honors the life and legacy of Alex Smith, a 22-year-old chef apprentice whose passion for food and people continues to inspire. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania is grappling with a workforce shortage in aging services, raising concerns about access to care for older adults across the state. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adams County’s barns are more than farm buildings — they’re living pieces of history. For the past two decades, the Historic Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC) Barn Preservation Project has been working to keep them standing. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With National Voter Registration Day being observed next week, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt is reminding residents how simple it is to get registered — and why it matters in every election, not just presidential years. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a stretch of cooler weather earlier this month, Central Pennsylvania is back to feeling more like summer. ABC27 meteorologist Dan Tommaso says the warmth will continue into late September — but the bigger story is the lack of rainfall. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as one high school band director’s dream in 1975 has grown into a program that has sent thousands of young musicians across Europe. American Music Abroad (AMA), based in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is celebrating nearly five decades of blending music, travel, and cultural exchange. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than two months past Pennsylvania’s budget deadline, school districts across the state are grappling with uncertainty, borrowing costs, and the possibility of program cuts as they wait for billions in state funding. Also, on The Spark Weekly: At the heart of WITF’s mission to provide trusted news, cultural programming, and educational content lies a dedicated team working behind the scenes: the development department. Leading the charge is Elisa Balestra, Vice President of Philanthropy, who joined the station 11 months ago and has quickly immersed herself in connecting the community to the station’s mission. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association may be best known for its long lines at the Farm Show milkshake stand, but Executive Director Dave Smith says the nonprofit’s mission goes far beyond a sweet treat. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosecutors allege Heller ran a multimillion-dollar ATM investment scheme that defrauded investors out of millions. “It’s a really complex case,” Umble explained, “but at its core, investors thought they were buying into profitable ATMs that didn’t exist.” According to Umble’s reporting, Heller allegedly diverted funds for personal use and to prop up his businesses. Federal investigators say the fraud reached into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Umble emphasized the local impact, noting that many Lancaster County residents and businesses were among those who lost money. “This isn’t just a headline-grabbing national case—it has real consequences here at home,” he said. The case is ongoing as federal prosecutors pursue charges. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to protect your family when the world itself is falling apart? That question is at the heart of Megha Majumdar’s new novel, A Guardian and a Thief. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea will once again fill downtown Mechanicsburg as the 8th annual Pennsylvania Tea Festival returns September 19th and 20th. Held in the lush herb gardens of The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances Tea Room, the event promises two days steeped in flavor, culture, and community. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As downtown Harrisburg continues to evolve, local planning experts see both challenges and opportunities in shaping the city’s future. Vern McKissick, a 30-year member of the Harrisburg Planning Commission who helped develop the city’s first Comprehensive Development Plan since the 1970s, reflects on how the energy around downtown projects has shifted over the decades. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the heart of WITF’s mission to provide trusted news, cultural programming, and educational content lies a dedicated team working behind the scenes: the development department. Leading the charge is Elisa Balestra, Vice President of Philanthropy, who joined the station 11 months ago and has quickly immersed herself in connecting the community to the station’s mission. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A collaborative study by the Clinic for Special Children in Lancaster and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has identified an ultra-rare genetic disorder called complement factor I (CFI) deficiency, which is significantly more prevalent in individuals of Old Order Amish ancestry. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the dancers of A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation take the stage in Central Pennsylvania this October, they’ll be bringing with them not only high-energy choreography but also centuries of cultural history. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.