PennDOT temporarily waiving certain restrictions on commercial drivers hauling heating oil, propane gas

Last week, PennDOT temporarily waived the federal hours of service limitations for drivers of trucks carrying heating oil and propane gas. This is in response to increased demand for heating fuel during these frigid weeks for homes and businesses.

Drivers are required to take a mandatory rest period after 11 hours behind the wheel. PennDOT’s exception allows for drivers to operate 14 hours behind the wheel. The waiver is in effect through Feb. 28. 

The temporary waiver will allow for uninterrupted service of much-needed home and business heating fuel in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.

Radon testing encouraged

Home testing for high levels of radon is being encouraged by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection during the winter months, when concentrations of the gas increase with the closed windows and doors in our homes and other buildings.

Attributed with causing 20,000 deaths annually, radon is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The colorless, odorless, radioactive gas occurs naturally with the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks.

DEP recommends purchasing a radon test kit at a home improvement store or hiring a certified radon testing company to determine the concentration of radon in your home. An unsafe radon level can be countered with a professionally-installed mitigation system.

Warm up with PA Farm Show recipes

Warm up a cold winter’s day with award-winning recipes from the 2015 PA Farm Show, in its 99th year of celebrating the role of agriculture in the Commonwealth. 

Among the 2015 winners, you will find Blue Ribbon Apple Pie, Angel Food Cake, Chocolate Cake, Brownies, and Thumbprint Cookies. 

From soup to dessert, you can serve winning Farm Show dishes based on 2015 recipes and those receiving accolades over the last decade of competition and showmanship.

Dog licensing reminder

If your dog is three months or older, January 1, 2015 was the deadline for licensing your dog, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

While dog licenses can be purchased throughout the year, dog owners can avoid a fine and have peace of mind knowing that a license can help locate Fido if he decides to take a run around the neighborhood.

Berks County residents may find more information about purchasing dog licenses here; Schuylkill County residents here.

Revenue from fees supports shelter operations and the work of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

Winter driving awareness campaign

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is providing critical wintertime safety information for motorists. To Get Ready, consult the Winter Guide to better understand PennDOT’s role and take a quick Winter Safe Driver Quiz to see if you are prepared for cold weather travel.

View a four and a half minute PennDOT video for a greater understanding of the magnitude of winter operations geared to your motoring safety, including maneuvering when encountering a snow plow. 

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