The local plague of spotted lanternflies has worsened and does not show signs of letting up, officials said.

        The Hereford Board of Supervisors discussed the efforts to contain the spread of the lanternfly infestation at their Oct. 20 workshop meeting.  

        Township secretary/treasurer Norann Warmkessel noted the insects were "very thick in a lot of areas" and that in some areas the mature lanternflies "fly in your face." The first frost did not exterminate as many as officials had hoped, and 12 properties, particularly in District Township, were heavily covered.

        Officials are attempting to remove the types of trees in wooded areas that the insects are drawn to, added Warmkessel.     

        "Really, the only hope is pesticides," stated Chairman John Membrino.

        The infestation and subsequent quarantine area has spread into Montgomery County and as far as Covered Bridge Road in Pleasantville, Berks County.

        Membrino reminded the audience that a meeting about the lanternfly problems will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. at Brandywine Heights Middle School in Topton. The public is encouraged to attend.

        In recycling news, the supervisors voted to remove both the used oil and paper recycling bins from the municipal building property. No income is being derived from it, and both the paper and oil are messy.

        Warmkessel pointed out that people will drop oil off even when the tank is full, and often put in gasoline and antifreeze, rendering the oil unrecyclable.

        The township has not received a check from the paper recyclers in two years, despite efforts on the part of Warmkessel, and the bin is often overfilled, allowing paper to blow around.

        The supervisors stated that there is a paper recycling bin at Huff's Church, and residents are encouraged to use it.

        Township residents are advised that the recycling has ceased at the township building and they should no longer drop off oil or paper.

        In maintenance crew news, the supervisors voted to hire Austin Szilli of Gap Road in Longswamp Township.  Chairman John Membrino extended congratulations and noted "you have no finer boss than Chris Day."

        In other news, township resident Tom Manion appeared at the meeting to ask the supervisors about the possibility of getting a school bus sign at Seisholtzville Road and Stein Road. Manion has two children who board the bus at that location, and has observed that the road is becoming increasingly dangerous. It has been difficult to get in touch with PennDOT, so the supervisors determined that writing letters to PennDOT, the state representative, and the state senator would be the best course of action.

        Manion offered to pay for the sign.