NEWS

ROULETTE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

SEPTEMBER MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

September 12, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

80 Railroad Ave., Roulette, PA, Potter County

September 12, 2024 — Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in partnership with Moms Clean Air Force, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the U.S. Department of Energy, and McGill University has launched an ambitious project to identify and facilitate remediation of orphan and abandoned oil and gas wells across Western Pennsylvania. Utilizing cutting-edge drone technology, this initiative aims to locate these hidden environmental hazards, which pose significant risks to public health and safety, as well as climate and the environment.

Orphan and abandoned wells can leak oil, gas, and toxic chemicals, contaminating the air, soil, and water. This project, which focuses on Clarion, Venango, and McKean Counties, will deploy drones equipped with magnetic sensors to detect these wells, many of which have remained undocumented for decades or even more than a century.

An open house event will be held to provide the public with information about a new project that uses drone technology equipped with magnetic sensors to find and document orphan and abandoned oil and gas wells in Clarion County. These wells pose environmental and health risks, and this project aims to locate and plug them to improve air quality, property values, and public safety.

In response to a bipartisan effort to help those affected by flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Debby on Aug. 9-10, President Joe Biden on Wednesday granted a Major Disaster Declaration, triggering the release of federal funds. It was the result of an inventory of damage to personal and public property compiled by township, borough, county and state agencies with volunteer assistance, all kicking off even before the waters had receded. Under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policies, disaster declarations can include separate qualification criteria for individual assistance and repairs to public infrastructure. Federal Coordinating Officer Mark K. O’Hanlon pointed out that the declaration allows for financial assistance to affected individuals and households in Potter, Tioga, Union and Lycoming counties. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has established a website through which flood victims can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov. They also may call the flood relief application hotline 1-800-621-3362.

Meanwhile, Randy Padfield, director of the Pa. Emergency Management Agency, said that PEMA is prepared to move quickly in response to the federal declaration. This could include deployment of a team to process damage claims in affected communities and establishment of disaster recovery centers, some of which could be mobile units traveling across flood-ravaged areas.

Seven members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation from districts affected by the flood signed on to an appeal spearheaded by U.S. Senator Robert Casey asking President Biden to issue the declaration. Congressman Glenn Thompson and Senator John Fetterman also supported the request. Earlier, a state disaster declaration provided an initial $5 million to deploy resources and personnel to the flood zone. The proclamation also waives some state regulations, including certain bidding and contracting procedures. PEMA is instructing residents and business owners to continue to report flood damage to their local township or borough.

On September 11, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania triggering the release of Federal funds to help people recover from Tropical Storm Debby that occurred August 9-10, 2024. Details of the disaster declaration and assistance programs are as follows: 

Declaration Number:                                                              FEMA-4815-DR

Incident:                                                                                  Tropical Storm Debby

Incident Period:                                                                      August 9-10, 2024

Federal Coordinating Officer:                                                Mark K. O’Hanlon

National FCO Program

Individual Assistance (IA):                                                     (Assistance to individuals and households):

IA-Designated Counties:                                                        Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union Counties.

OTHER:                                                                                      additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Individuals in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union Counties can apply with FEMA the following ways:

• Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Constituents may call the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

PEMA’s Central Area Office is preparing for a FEMA/PEMA Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment for Public Assistance that would begin on Monday, Sept. 16.  That process should be completed by Friday, Sept. 20. PEMA is also sending two assessment teams to cover Potter, Tioga, and Lycoming counties.  It’s possible that FEMA will be simultaneously setting up Disaster Recovery Centers and Disaster Loan Outreach Centers.

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its Annual Autumn Auction, set to take place on September 19 at the Bradford Club.   This highly anticipated event will feature a diverse array of items available for bidding, including exclusive experiences, Tom Seagren painting, signed Buffalo Bills items, limited edition Zippo lighters, one-of-a-kind items from our local businesses, fall decor and more, all aimed at supporting our local business community.  The Autumn Auction serves as a vital fundraiser for the Chamber, enabling us to continue our mission of promoting and supporting businesses,  as well as the local community throughout the Bradford Area.

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce thinking Christmas.  For the past few years and at the urging of residents the chamber has organized a night Christmas Parade that coincides with the lighting of the community tree.  The event is planned for Friday December 6 at 7pm. 

The theme this year will be Christmas music.  Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Solak says the broad theme will enable participants to select traditional to whimsy for float ideas.  Letters to past participants are going out this month.  If you did not receive a letter contact the chamber office for more information.

The Joe DeMott Port Allegany Community Development Fund, a designated fund held at the McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF), awarded their 2024 grant distributions to three local organizations that serve the residents of Port Allegany. The fund was established by Joe and his wife Sue to benefit the Port Allegany area for generations to come.

The fund, originally named the Port Allegany Community Development Fund, was renamed by the MCCF Board of Directors to honor the memory of Board Member, Joe DeMott, who passed away in 2020. Joe was instrumental in the establishment and ongoing development of the McKean County Community Foundation.

Coudersport Public Library will host “Magnificent Monarchs”, a free program and Monarch butterfly tagging demonstration, on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the endangered Monarch butterfly, and its amazing migration.  The program is geared for upper elementary school age through adult participants.

Emily Shosh, educator for the Potter County Conservation District, will discuss conservation efforts for Monarchs and other pollinators. Participants will also learn about citizen science opportunities, including tagging, and assist with tagging of live, wild butterflies on-site!                                    

Saturday, September 14th, is the Turtlepoint Farmers Market, located at the Turtlepoint Community Park! This event will be running from 9-12! There is a large line up of vendors this month! Birch and Twig will be coming with their mustard and vinegar varieties! As always, free samples will be available. Jenna-June will be returning with healing skin salves, body butters, bug repellent and body scrubs. Studio 7 Fashions and More will be setting up to showcase their latest items. Rise Above Farms will be selling farm fresh eggs, fresh baked goods and homemade breads. The Peaceful Pages will be present selling all crocheted hand-made works! Thorny Bush Farm will be present to sell artisan honey blends. Quiet Acres will be present to provide baking supplies and handmade aprons. And Mrs. Farmelo will be around to talk all things Kombucha and Kefir! 

Messy Mountain Organics is returning with vegan hand crafted soaps, as well as garden produce. She also will be providing homemade beer bread and other homemade goods. Really Rural Woodworks will be returning where you will be sure to find a handcrafted bowl or gift. D’s Queen Bees will present to sell honey and beeswax products. As well as Larsen brothers for pumpkins and maple syrup. We also will have a variety of Amish baked goods including pies, cookies, donuts and bread. 

Addie Bell’s Produce Stand for a Cause will be there to help provide all your produce needs for individual and bulk vegetable sales! All proceeds benefit a local cause in the surrounding community.

September  is a great month to come out to the Farmers Market because it’s the peek of growing season! This is the time to stock up on all your favorite produce locally grown and meet the farmers who grew it! As always, we welcome all vendors to come set up, as there is no official set up fee! We just take donations towards the upkeep of the park. The Turtlepoint Farmers Market is hosted at the Turtlepoint Community Park, the 2nd Saturday from now until October. Follow us on Facebook for updates and more information.

Cameron County will bring out the werewolves, princesses and ghostly ghouls in October.  The fun begins October 19, when The Willows Bar and Restaurant host a Halloween Jeep/Costume Cruise In.  This is the second year for the event which will begin at 2pm.  There will be a scavenger hunt and live music.

Emporium Borough Mayor Justin Zimmer announced this week Trick or Treat will take place Saturday October 26 from 6pm-8pm by porch light invitation.  Many other Halloween activities are planned for that day beginning with the return of the Smoker’s Haunted Halloween Extravaganza.  The afternoon event in the town square in Emporium will include games for kids and of course candy!  Businesses throughout the county are invited to downtown to hand out treats from 4-6pm.  Trunk or Treat will be held in a new location this year.  The parking lot of the Cameron County Innovation Center (former Cabin Kitchen) will host vehicles handing out treats. 

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Solak says this event draws crowds from across the region.  “We want residents or businesses who don’t see many trick or treaters come downtown and pass out treats.”  Anyone wishing to participate as a business, or in the trunk or treat is asked to contact the chamber office at 814-486-4314.

The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) was pleased to award a total of $15,239 in grant monies from the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund. These dollars will go toward several different projects that will serve and aid the community. This endowed fund awards grant dollars to eligible organizations, schools, and religious groups that benefit the residents of the Johnsonburg Area School District.

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce is moving next month to the former Cabin Kitchen Restaurant.  The building at 24 West Fourth Street in Emporium has been a restaurant for more than 70 years.  Following a devastating fire in February 2003, the structure was rebuilt in 6 months and reopened feeding residents and travelers.  In 2022 the property was offered for sale.  The chamber will convert the property to a multi-use facility and begin the move in process October 1. 

The idea of a multi-use facility began in the fall of 2022 when the chamber was looking to relocate from its rented location.  Chamber executive director Tina Solak says the facility will focus on entrepreneurs and growth for existing businesses while promoting the county for tourism and attracting new businesses. 

POTTER COUNTY REPUBLICAN MEETING AND DEBATE WATCH PARTY!

Monthly meeting will be held tonight from 7:30 to 8:30 with a debate watch party to follow.

COME JOIN THE FUN!

Today, September 10th 

At: A & W West End Grill

Paid For By The Potter County Republican Party

Penn College athletes find success

Four of eight Pennsylvania College of Technology fall sports teams tasted victory this past week, and another saw an individual player stand alone at the top.

Men’s Golf

Senior Peyton Mussina of Montoursville posted a two-day 9-under-par 135 total and led from wire-to-wire, winning by 11 strokes and taking medalist honors at the 109-player Mountain Valley Classic.

In team competition, the Wildcats finished sixth of 20.

In Friday’s first round, played on the par 72, 6,852-yard Sinking Valley Country Club in Altoona, Mussina was bogey-free in shooting a 68 and opening a four-stroke lead.

On the par 72, 6,748-yard Summit Country Club at Cresson on Saturday, Mussina recorded seven more birdies en route to a 67 that tied his collegiate career low as he medaled for the seventh time.