Defend – Don’t Defund – Our Public Libraries

It’s been heartening to learn that so many Library supporters are speaking out in opposition to the Potter County Commissioners’ 2025 budget proposal, which reduces funding to the county’s five public libraries. The public’s robust and well-informed response to this crisis is a testament to the high value local residents place on library services.

However, we have learned of significant errors in the Commissioners’’ formal response to those who reach out, as well as in conversations between members of the Board of Commissioners and the public. We would like to take this opportunity to make library supporters aware of those grave errors.

For background, the Commissioners’ proposed budget, which will be voted on December 26 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gunzburger Building, cuts the county’s library subsidy from $60,000 to $50,000, and reduces the annual special programming grant to each library from $2,500 to $1,500. These cuts will have immediate impacts on all five Potter County public libraries, necessitating reduced operating hours and services, which will affect patrons of all ages, and scaled-down summer learning programming, which will hit libraries’ youngest patrons hard.

In their responses to Library supporters who oppose the proposed reductions, the Commissioners maintain “Primary responsibility for library funding rests with the Commonwealth.”  This statement is erroneous. The State Library Code reads as follows:

Section 144.2. Purpose of State aid.

The purpose of financial assistance for local libraries by the Commonwealth is to encourage and enable local investment in the improvement of public library service and fulfill those educational, informational, and recreational needs of its residents served by public library agencies. Decisions relating to the granting of aid to a given library will be influenced by this objective.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners’ Wildlife Management Committee today held a virtual meeting to discuss and recommend proposals for the 2025-26 hunting and trapping seasons.

The committee advanced the following proposals to the agenda for January 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting:

• Expanding “Ag Tag” seasons and making the application process easier
• Increasing the number of antlerless licenses that an individual can be in possession of in Wildlife Management Units 5C and 5D.
• Limiting the number of elk licenses that can be drawn by nonresidents annually
• And requiring hunters to purchase a qualifying Pennsylvania hunting license before applying for an elk license.

While these proposals, as part of the January 2025 meeting agenda, will be considered by the full Board of Commissioners, no change would be adopted unless a majority of the board votes twice to approve it – first preliminarily, then finally, in January and April.

The committee also discussed additional proposals that were not advanced to the January 2025 meeting agenda. Those were:

Dear Community Members, Stakeholders and Collaborative Partners,

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season is upon us, we at A Way Out want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership throughout 2024.

This year, your generosity and commitment have enabled us to provide essential services, advocacy, and hope for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in our community. Because of you, we have:

• Provided safety and stability to those in crisis through housing assistance and advocacy programs.
• Our counseling services expanded to support more individuals in their journey toward healing.
• Partnered with organizations to bring professional therapy to survivors dealing with lifelong trauma.
• Hosted prevention and awareness initiatives to educate and empower our community.
• Expanded our programs to reach underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to our services.
• Launched DEI-focused initiatives that honor the diverse experiences of survivors and amplify marginalized voices.
• Strengthened collaborations with community partners to promote inclusive advocacy and education.
• Provided critical resources and support to individuals and families navigating the impacts of trauma and violence.

These achievements would not have been possible without your compassion and dedication through a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and just community. Whether you contributed through donations, volunteered your time, or advocated for our cause, your efforts have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

As we celebrate this season of giving and reflection, we are reminded of the strength that comes from a community united in purpose. Together, we are creating a safer, more supportive environment where survivors can find the help and hope they deserve.

On behalf of the board, staff, and the individuals we serve, we wish you a joyful holiday and a New Year filled with peace, health, and happiness. We look forward to continuing our work together in 2025 to make an even greater impact.

Thank you for being a vital part of our journey and for standing with us as we strive to make a lasting impact.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Dr. David Hyde
Executive Director
A Way Out

We are pleased to announce that firefighter/ paramedic Christopher Salerno will be promoted to lieutenant effective December 30th of this year. As lieutenant Chris will be assigned to shift 3 under Captain Tehle, where he will assist in managing the day to day operations of the fire department to include but not limited to emergency response, training, maintenance, personnel management and fire/EMS reporting. Chris possesses strong leadership skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a thorough understanding of firefighting techniques with his most notable training being paramedic, firefighter 2, EMS instructor, vehicle rescue technician and hazardous materials operations.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is pleased to announce the District 2 winners of the Paint the Plow safety outreach contest.

Paint the Plow is a statewide outreach aimed at promoting winter driving safety and fostering appreciation for high school art programs and student creativity. Students are invited to paint a plow blade with an original design based on a provided theme. This year’s theme was “Use your reason when it’s freezin’.”

Galeton Area School of Potter County won the “Fan Favorite” award, which was determined by online voting through www.penndot.pa.gov/PaintthePlow.

Members of the public were invited to vote for their favorite plow from seven area high schools that entered in this year’s regional contest. Votes were accepted from December 9, through December 15, 2024. Galeton School received 348 votes to win the 2024-25 “Fan Favorite” honor.

The winner of the “Judges’ Pick” award was Elk County Catholic High School, which was determined through judging by PennDOT representatives.

During the winter weather season, the painted blades are used to maintain state-owned roadways.

Statewide, 76 schools participated in Paint the Plow and over 21,000 votes were cast. Photos of all the plows can be viewed on PennDOT’s Paint the Plow website.

Additionally, PennDOT reminds motorists to give plow trucks on the road plenty of space, staying at least six car lengths behind. There may be blind spots where it is difficult for the plow operator to see the smaller vehicle. Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a “plow train,” and keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle.

GOOD NEWS for Roulette Township Residents. Alan is back and the recycle hours are back to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The hours starting this Friday, December 20, 2024.