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UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Decking the halls for the Christmas Cheer Breakfast
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer ideas that will bring festive joy without breaking the bank? Here are some fun and functional finds that are sure to delight your loved ones this holiday season. Whether you're stuffing stockings for family, friends or coworkers, these thoughtful little gifts are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. Start with the Vinyl Record Coaster Set – a quirky and nostalgic gift for music lovers that doubles as a practical home accessory. For those who are always on-the-go, Silicone AirPod Cases and Cleaning Kits make a stylish and useful stocking stuffer, helping them keep their devices safe and clean. Cosy Kelabia Women Fuzzy Socks are a warm and snug treat, perfect for chilly winter mornings. Need something to help keep the home fresh during the holidays? Arm & Hammer Odour Busterz Balls are a subtle yet effective solution for keeping rooms smelling holiday-fresh. And for those who like to stay organized, Inch Ruled Notes with Tabs are ideal for jotting down gift lists, holiday recipes or to-do lists while adding a pop of colour to their stationery collection. These stocking stuffers are not only thoughtful but practical, ensuring that your gifts are both memorable and useful all season long! Stay organized and inspired with the SIIXU Colorful Undated Daily Planner , a stunning blend of style and functionality. With its compact 5.8"x8.5" size and 128 pages (64 sheets), this planner is designed to be your perfect on-the-go scheduling tool. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional or someone who simply loves to stay organized, find everything you need to keep your life on track while adding a touch of creativity and colour to your day. Key features: Compact : This planner fits easily in your bag or backpack – perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle who needs to stay organized wherever they go. 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Stay warm this winter with the OCOOPA UT2s Mini Hand Warmers , designed for convenience, efficiency and safety. This 2-in-1 rechargeable hand warmer set is perfect for outdoor activities, cold hands or thoughtful gifting. Key features: Magnetic : Easily snap the two warmers together for compact storage or separate them for individual use. Instant heat, long-lasting warmth : Enjoy warmth in just three seconds with three adjustable temperature settings up to 126°F . Each hand warmer provides up to four to six hours of heat . The split USB-C cable allows for simultaneous charging of both. Keep your bathroom or vanity organized with the two-pack acrylic Q-tip holder dispenser set . These sleek, clear plastic canisters offer both practical storage and stylish decor for your home. Elevate the look of your tissue box with the charming Umbra Casa tissue box cover . Designed with a modern and playful aesthetic, this house-shaped cover adds a unique touch to any room while keeping tissues easily accessible. Key features: Engage your feline friend's instincts and playfulness with HuggleHounds HuggleKats Sardinies . These soft, plush toys are designed with cats in mind, ensuring they’re the perfect size and weight for easy gripping, carrying and hours of fun. Key features: Enhance your Stanley Cup with these four-piece Silicone Straw Covers – cute, functional toppers designed to fit Stanley 40oz tumblers and most straws with a 0.4-inch (10mm) diameter, offering a dustproof and splashproof solution. Key features: Stay cosy and stylish with Kelabia Women Fuzzy Socks – the perfect blend of warmth, comfort and fashion. Crafted from premium materials, these fuzzy socks are designed to keep your feet snug all day long, making them a must-have for colder months. The pack includes seven pairs of socks , available in various patterns for endless styling options. Key features: Elevate your hair styling game with Kitsch Gold Metal Claw Clips , the perfect blend of function, durability and fashion and designed to securely hold your hair in place. Key features: Quality craftsmanship : Made from durable materials and professional-strength springs, these metal hair clips are built to last. Their strong, reliable grip, even for thick hair, ensures your style stays put throughout the day. Easy-to-use : With easy-grab handles , these clips make it simple to style your hair quickly and effectively, whether you're creating a full updo, a chic messy bun or just clipping back sections of hair. Better hold : Perfect for all hair types, these large claw clips are designed to comfortably hold long, thick, curly or straight hair. Their size and design ensure they stay in place all day. 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Add a touch of charm to your home with the TWONE White Cloud Magnetic Wall Key Holder . This whimsical key hanger, shaped like a fluffy cloud, brings a cute and functional flair to your kitchen, living room, bedroom or bathroom. Say goodbye to boring key racks and embrace this novel design. Key features: READ MORE: Cosy, minimalist, practical or free-spirit: What’s your dorm room personality? READ MORE: The best gifts for those building a life together
CHICAGO — Pat Hughes was reciting the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up In Blue” on a chilly December morning when I realized we’d gone way off topic. The reason for the call was the official announcement that Hughes and Ron Coomer had signed a multiyear extension to continue broadcasting Chicago Cubs games for WSCR-AM 670. The two-year deal takes them through the 2026 season, and Hughes, the Hall of Famer who turns 70 in May and will be in his 30th year of doing Cubs games on the radio, is not close to contemplating retirement. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
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