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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
List your Yard Sale FREE on our Auction & Yard Sale page: Send to shurfine40@gmail.com
The McKean County Conservation District will offer a Manure Management Plan Writing Workshop on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the McKean County 911 Center at 17175 Route in Smethport beginning at 1:00 PM.
Staff of the McKean County Conservation District will walk participants through the development of a manure management plan for their farm. Every PA farm that has animals or land applies manure must have and implement a written Manure Management Plan. This plan is also one of the plans required to be eligible for funding under the new Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program.
Registration is free. Please register by March 17, 2023by calling the District at 814-887-4025.
Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, which is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Aveanna Healthcare is offering Shift Differentials, competitive rates of pay, flexible scheduling and weekly pay. PRN work is available in all areas. Direct Care Workers, no experience needed, we provide all training! Must be 18 years old, and be vaccinated for covid or be willing to apply for a medical or religious exemption. RN/LPN Payrate based on acuity and experience Base rates start at $22-$30/ hour. CNA base rate $14/ hour, School cases $17/hour. DCW base rate $12/hour
RN/LPN
Fulltime nights available in Bradford, Kane, and Rew.
Full time days available in St Mary’s, and Bradford.
Part time Days in Roulette, St Mary’s, Port Allegany
Part time nights in Eldred, Port Allegany, Bradford, St Mary’s
Part time evenings in Emporium.
CNA
School cases in Johnsonburg, Kane, Port Allegany, Coudersport, and Warren
Evenings Roulette
PRN in Port Allegany, Bradford, Kane, Eldred, Smethport, Ludlow, Lewis Run, Rixford, Rew, and St Mary’s
DCW/CNA/HHA
Days and evenings in Kane, Ludlow, Roulette, Bradford, Rew, Eldred, St Mary’s, Smethport, Rixford, and Lewis Run
Please call Today at 814-642-9500 to set up your phone interview today!
Cameron County Children and Youth Services has an opening for a full-time County Caseworker position. Caseworkers provide a range of case management services to children and families to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
Salary: $37,000 (with a $2,000 increase upon completion of training and promotion to Caseworker 2)
Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree which includes, or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences OR a combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences, and one year of experience performing paraprofessional case management functions.
Clearances and a valid driver’s license will be required.
Education Opportunity: Caseworkers with a bachelor’s degree, who are employed by Children and Youth Services for a minimum of two years, may be eligible for the CWEL program, which provides substantial financial support, including tuition and other expenses, to a caseworker in completing a graduate level degree. Individuals enrolled in this program would enter into a contract with the agency to continue employment following their studies for a period of time.
For further information, please contact Children and Youth Services at (814) 486-9351 or email hfarren@cameroncountypa.com.
Bonnie Lucille McClain, 88, of Kane, PA, died on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at her home.
She was born on January 8, 1935, in Ridgway, the daughter of Thomas E. and Mabel A. Reaghart McClain.
Bonnie has been a resident of the area her whole life. She worked at the Arcade Restaurant then at Texas Hot Lunch in Kane. She enjoyed quilting and sewing and loved her family.
She is survived by one son, Merle McClain and wife Leslie of Davenport, Iowa, 3 grandchildren Trisha (Kalub) Ard of Sullivan,IL, Alex (Tiffanie) Young of Lovington, IL, and Alissa McClain of Hammond, MN, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Scotty Allen McClain, 4 brothers, and one sister.
Visitation for Bonnie L. McClain will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, from 12:00PM until 1:00PM.
Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Coudersport Rotary Club was very pleased to present a $200 check to Dalton Miller for his Eagle Project at their January 30, 2023, meeting at A&W West End Grill. Dalton will build a “Care Closet” at the Coudersport Jr/Sr High School for students who need personal hygiene items, non-perishable food, and clothing items. Pictured: Rotarian Courtney Cole, Dalton Miller, and Rotary President Lynne Ruffner
Jane Meyer, 61, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023 after a lengthy illness.
She was born September 23, 1961, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Willis and Esther Roth Meyer. At the age of four Jane was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and Esther and Willis made the difficult decision to send their beloved little girl to a residential program in Philadelphia to learn motor and life skills. At the age of eight, thrilled to be back home, she began a program of home-bound schooling. In 1975 the local school district started a class for the physically handicapped and eventually Jane was mainstreamed into a local class for high school. Her high school graduation in 1980 was a proud moment and just the start of a rich life for a ferociously determined Jane. As a young adult, Jane moved to Pittsburgh to take classes in independent living, studying everything from meal preparation and financial management to self-protection and decision-making.
In 1986 Jane realized her life-long goal to live independently when she moved into her own apartment at Allegheny Independent House in Wilmerding, PA where she lived for over 20 years. She took college classes, attended baseball games, shopped, spent time with friends, and loved hosting her family. She was a pioneer in independent living, receiving numerous awards for her fortitude and courage.
In 2009 Jane moved back to St Marys to be closer to family, and has lived at Elk Haven since 2011 where she found the care and comfort she needed to make her life full. Jane was proud and excited to accept a position there delivering mail to residents. Her family shares the loss of her brilliant, funny, joyful presence with her Elk Haven family.
Jane loved reading, swimming, Yahtzee, backgammon (games of any sort), football (she loved the Dallas Cowboys) and all types of learning (books, classes). Her life’s motto was “never give up” and her familiar “thumbs up” gesture was her go-to symbol of affirmation and of her unflagging positive attitude. Anyone who engaged with Jane was immediately gifted with her mega-watt smile. The challenge of CP helped to make Jane an extraordinary person whose indomitable spirit touched many lives.
Jane is survived by two sisters: Cindy Sabik (Mark) of Cleveland, OH and Lori Renwick (Joseph) of St. Marys; three brothers: Bill Meyer (Vicki) of Cleveland, OH, Jeff Meyer (Tina) of St. Marys, and Joel Meyer (Jennifer) of St. Marys, and by many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her sister Mary (in infancy).
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Queen of the World Church on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 10:00AM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk Haven Nursing Home memorial fund or Elk Haven Nursing Home activities fund, 785 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, 4400 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, https://hmsschool.org/donate/ .
Pamela R. Callahan, 69, of 201 W. 7th St., Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois, DuBois, PA on Thursday morning (February 16, 2023). She was born July 6, 1953 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Henry G. and Loretta M. Wollaston Klees. She married David Callahan in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Emporium, PA.
Pam graduated from Cameron County High School. She worked
briefly for the FBI and then in the local service industry, in addition to raising 4 very special children and a husband.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Kerri Crunkilton (Richard), Westminster, MD; two sons, James Callahan (Chelsea), Emporium and Mark Callahan (Hope), Culpeper, VA; six grandchildren: Kendra, Madison, Katelyn, Lexi, Eisley and Luke; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Willis G. Klees, and a sister, L. Sandra Lyon.
The family will receive friends at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on March 10, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm followed by a service at 6:30 PM officiated by Father Matthew Ryan.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cameron County Ambulance Service, 299 E. Second Street, Emporium, PA 15834.
Harold J. Young, 95, of Bradford, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
He was born on October 15, 1927 in DuBois, a son of the late Charles and Kathleen Munshower Young.
He was a 1945 graduate of the former St. Catherine’s High School, DuBois and he earned his Associate degree in accounting from St. Francis of Loretto.
On July 28, 1951 in Atlantic City, NJ, he married Mary Ann Rumberger who survives.
He was a former Township Supervisor for Smithfield Township in Huntingdon County; a charter member of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company; a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church; a former member of the Bradford Exchange Club; while living in Huntingdon he belonged to the Jaycees; after his retirement he bought an RV and traveled around the USA and Canada with his wife. He was an avid golfer and a former member of the Pine Acres Country Club. When he was younger he enjoyed going to Canada and fishing with his dad.
He was employed as an accountant for the JC Blair Memorial Hospital at Huntingdon, the DuBois Hospital and finally the Bradford Hospital; where he retired in 1984.
In addition to his wife of 71 years, Mary Ann Young of Bradford, he is also survived by five children; Patricia (Steve) Kornacki of Bradford, Steve (Tommie) Young of Bradford, Bruce (Kris) Young of Springville, NY, Michael (Barb) Young of Towson, MD and Christine (Aaron) Truitt of Reynoldsville; twelve grandchildren, Paul (Jessica Doman) Kornacki, Kristin Kornacki, Bryan Kornacki, Travis Neely, Stephanie (Shane) Speaker, Rebekah Young, Sarah Young, Amanda (Rupert) Young, Mike Young, Jon (Carlee) Young, Zach Truitt and Ian Truitt; six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Edward Young.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday at the St. Bernard Catholic Church with the Rev. James Gutting, senior associate pastor, as celebrant.
Entombment will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Elk County Commissioner Matt Quesenberry, up for relection in 2023, stands in front of Dem Headquarters
(St. Marys, PA) If you haven’t heard yet, the Elk County Democratic Committee is keeping its 2022 Headquarters for the 2023 election cycle. This is the first time in the committee’s history that they have been able to have a headquarters in an odd year municipal election cycle through the generosity of a handful of key donors. The committee is marking this achievement by hosting a 2023 Grand Opening at their Headquarters, 210 Brusselles St. in Downtown St. Marys on Friday, February 17th starting at 6:00pm. The event is open to Democrats from Elk and surrounding counties.
They will have light refreshments and drinks, and encourage all local and statewide Democratic candidates to join them and help celebrate. This will kick off the first weekend of the 3 week petition signing period so it is a great opportunity to stop in, meet candidates, and sign petitions to get them on the May primary ballot. In Elk County, all County row offices are on the ballot in 2023 along with numerous township, city, borough and school director (school board) positions.
Along with local races, there are also four statewide offices on the ballot – one vacancy on Commonwealth Court, two vacancies on Superior Court and one vacancy on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Committee has petition forms for Elk, Cameron, Jefferson and Forest County Democrats to sign for several of the Democratic statewide candidates and they will be available to sign at the Grand Opening.
In addition, the Committee is hosting a food drive for local charities and will be accepting non-perishable items. They did this in 2021 during Covid and collected hundreds of pounds of food to help local families and they hope to exceed that amount this year.
Following the Grand Opening, the Headquarters will be staffed several other days throughout the end of the Petition Signing Period which ends Tuesday March 7th to allow Democrats that cannot make the Friday 17th event to sign petitions.
For more information about the Committee, questions about running for office, or to find out when the Headquarters is open, visit their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ElkCoDC, email elkcountydemocrats@gmail.com or call/text (814) 636-1030.
Photo provided. The Tannahill Weavers ninth concert of their current USA tour is in Wellsboro.
This Sunday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. the Tannahill Weavers will perform their fire-driven instrumentals, foot-stomping jigs and reels, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies on the Coolidge Theatre stage at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
They are known worldwide for their exuberant and humorous performances, harmony singing and acoustic instruments.
This premier Celtic band began their current 18-show USA tour on Feb. 8 in Minnesota. Their ninth concert is at the Deane Center on Sunday and their last in West Virginia on March 4.
Roy Gullane is the lead singer and plays guitar. Singing harmony are Phil Smillie on flute, bodhran and whistles; Malcolm Bushby on fiddle and bouzouki; and Iain MacGillivray on bagpipes, fiddle and whistles.
This concert is BYOB with audience members encouraged to bring their favorite snacks and beverages and sit at a table with family and friends.
Admission is $25. For tickets and to reserve a table, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220 or go to the website at deanecenter.com.
Irvin S. Pontious, 81, of Cuneo Road, Kersey, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, in DuBois, PA.
He was born on January 22, 1942 in Kersey, PA, a son of the late Alvin and Olive Himes Pontious.
He was married to the late Carol Groeger Pontious, who preceded him in death in 2008.
Irvin was a lifelong resident of the area and worked for Stackpole Carbon Company, Brockway Glass, and Motion Control. He was a longtime and faithful member of the Ridgway Rifle Club, and also volunteered his time as a 4-H leader for Stride for Stride. He had a passion for horse training, and also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also loved going for bike rides, hiking, and his dog, Calamity.
He is survived by 2 daughters; Penny Wonderly and her husband Joe and Jennifer Anderson and her husband Ed, both of Kersey; one son; Irvin “Chip” Pontious, Jr. and his wife Renee of Sigel, by 9 grandchildren; Jonathan DeFrain, Amanda Baum, Jacob DeFrain, Dylan Pontious, Alyssa Pontious, Devin Pontious, Dahlton Pontious, Jade and Jax Pontious, and by 6 great-grandchildren; Gavin, Karmela, Olivia, Owen, Leo, and Noah.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Irvin was preceded in death by his son; Jason Pontious, two sisters; Shirley Anderson and Dorothy Swanson, and by two brothers; Floyd Pontious and Howard Pontious.
A Memorial Service for Irvin S. Pontious will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Krise Funeral Home in Kersey, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846, with Rev. Ron Burkett officiating.
Family and friends will be received at the Krise Funeral Home in Kersey from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Humane Society.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Kersey, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Hello, my name is Ashley Gledhill. I am currently the Potter County, PA 1st Deputy Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts. I would like to announce my candidacy for Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts in the upcoming primary election on May 16, 2023.
I am a lifelong resident of Potter County and graduated from Coudersport Jr/Sr High School in 2006. Directly following graduation, I attended OBI majoring in paralegal studies.
I was married in 2014 to my husband, Kristopher Gledhill. We own a home and small piece of property in Austin, PA, and we have a 2 ½ year old lab named Axel.
My journey working at the Potter County Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts office began in 2018 when I was hired as a 2nd deputy, and I knew I had found my place, and I became very passionate about my position. I served as a 2nd Deputy for several years and was then promoted to 1st Deputy.
During my years of service, I have learned how to prepare court documents, bail, pleas sentences, restitution and more. I have also had the opportunity to build a great working relationship with all involved in the judicial system, including Judges, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Attorney General’s Office, local and out of town attorneys, and the public. I believe this has played a significant role in preparing me for serving as the Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts. I have a total of 11 years of experience in the legal field and 14 years of office experience.
I have developed a love for this office and the exceptionally hard-working staff that comes with it. I am eager to serve Potter County with professionalism, kindness, and a fair and humble heart. I am dedicated to the needs of the public and will look forward to serving the residents of Potter County. I would greatly appreciate your support and vote on May 16, 2023, in the primary election.
Endorsed by Kathy Schroeder, Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts
UPGRADED to Fire-Vehicle Crash W/ Entrapment & Fire
**FATALITY**
Due: R6,ER6, TA6, AMB29-1, MEDIC24-2
At approximately 0531 this morning, 2/17/23, Company 6 was alerted for a vehicle accident with unknown injuries at the 145 mile marker in the East bound lanes of Interstate 80 just prior to the Rest Area entrance.
As units were dispatched and Chief 6 went responding, Centre County 911 advised that the call was going to be three (3) tractor trailers now with entrapment and fire. Upon additional information coming in, Chief 6 had 911 upgrade the response.
0542 – Chief 6, Fire Police 6 and Engine Rescue 6 arrived on scene and began assessing the scene. Chief 6 advised that there was negative entrapment and no fire with 2 patients injured, one with critical injuries and took Command. More info on Snow Shoe Fire Facebook page.
I, Jessica Herzing, am excited to announce my candidacy for the office of Cameron County Commissioner on the Republican Ballot.
You may know me from my time leading the Cameron County Project, as the staff accountant at Judd A. Schager CPA, or because I grew up in Emporium and my Dad is Clinton Weekley.
As project coordinator of the Cameron County Project, I championed the need for residents’ voices in local decision-making. I invited residents to re-engage with our communities and put your ideas and priorities into the hands of those who could make them a reality. I will continue seeking resident input and promoting our county’s need for active and engaged residents.
I bring eight years of accounting and business advisory experience to the position. I am well-versed in fund accounting and grant administration, budget preparation and audit process, and navigating local, state, and federal regulatory environments (and their red tape), making me a capable steward of our county’s resources and budget. I appreciate that Cameron County is unique in its size and economic struggles, and a one size fits all approach isn’t going to cut it. Our future success lies in collaboration, knowledge sharing, smart fiscal management, and greater transparency.
I graduated from CCHS in 2005. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration from IUP and another in accounting from Central Penn College. I moved back to Cameron County in 2011, and my husband, Toby, and I are raising our two kids here in Emporium.
I serve on the Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties and the Guy and Mary Felt Manor Board of Directors. I volunteer with local organizations like the Super Saturday Committee and Cameron County Community Chest and lead the Kingdom Kids children’s ministry at the Emporium First Methodist Church.
I’m a big-picture thinker, analytical, honest, and practical. I have a proven record of accomplishing what I set out to do for our community. I understand the dire need for economic and community development for Cameron County to thrive. I am passionate about ensuring a Cameron County residents can be proud to call home. I have what it takes to be an effective Commissioner. I would appreciate your support in the primaries this May.
Michael L. Mascho, owner of the Mascho Funeral Home, Bradford, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for McKean County Coroner in the May 16th primary.
He is a fourth generation native of McKean County who was born and raised in Bradford. He is a 1995 graduate of the Bradford Area High School and he also attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford before finishing his education at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he earned his degree in 1999. While attending college he had various training in Anatomy, Pathology, Microbiology and Psychology as well as many other aspects of deathcare. After completing his education; he returned to Bradford to serve his internship and work at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes as a funeral director until 2006 when he had the chance to move to Cumberland County, furthering his experience with another funeral home. In 2008 he took advantage of the opportunity to move back to his hometown and purchase the former Koch-Chatley-Gaeto Funeral Home. In 2011 he earned his New York State Funeral Directors license in order to better serve the local community. Michael is currently a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, the Western Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, and St. Bernard Catholic Church.
Mascho said “Being the owner of a funeral home puts me the unique position to use my own equipment and facilities for the county’s benefit at no added cost to the taxpayers.” “It is a benefit to the county when a funeral home owner is the coroner. I have a job where I am already on call 24/7. This is why the McKean County Coroner has been a funeral home owner for the past 40+ years.” “One may ask how can someone be expected to be the coroner while employed somewhere else? If you hold another job where people count on you; how is one able to just up and leave if an emergency occurs when you are needed elsewhere?”
“For the past 24 years I have worked hand in hand with the McKean County, Elk County, Potter County and Cameron County Coroner’s offices. I gained a great rapport while working alongside several McKean County Fire Departments (whether it being the city or volunteer departments), the Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford City Police Department, Foster Township Police Department and the Bradford Township Police Department on many occasions when a tragedy occurred as well as countless members of the medical profession in determining cause of death and filing death certificates in Pennsylvania as well as New York State.” “There is something to be said for having hands on experience versus not having real world experience.” “On a multitude of occasions medical personnel have asked for my professional opinion for my thoughts on what a cause of death could be when someone had died unexpectedly.”
“Having been a funeral director for as long as I have; I know what it takes to work with a family during a tragedy. It is something that takes years of experience to be able to deal with delicately.” “There is nothing more important than family. I am able to provide the people of the county the type of compassion and empathy they need and deserve when they may unfortunately find themselves faced with these situations in their own family.” “Also; with being a funeral director the public has access to me whenever they may have questions or concerns. I have a publicly known phone number I personally answer and I am also readily available as I live right here at the funeral home.”
Currently the county does not have morgue for the deceased and when someone needs to be held until an investigation is completed or until a family has been located; the county uses a funeral home. If elected Mascho would like to build a morgue for the county’s use without using any taxpayer money. Mascho says “This is a thought that I have had for a few years now and if elected I would like to further pursue this idea. It is something that I can use for my own business; so, if I could build this with my own funds for my funeral home’s use and let the county use it without any charge, saving the taxpayers any financial burdens why wouldn’t I?” “Being a business owner since 2008 I have the intimate knowledge on keeping costs down by being as financially responsible as possible and yet still being able to perform effectively; this is a trait that I will bring to the coroner’s office with me when elected.”
Mascho who lives in his hometown of Bradford with his wife Olivia Dunn Mascho and their five-year old son Michael Jr., gratefully asks for your support in the upcoming primary and to also follow his campaign Facebook page (Michael L. Mascho for McKean County Coroner) to get up to date information about his campaign.
At 2:19 PM on Friday, Roulette Fire Dept. has been dispatched along with mutual aid from Port Allegany & Coudersport to a working mobile home fire at 22 Oak Lane in Roulette. Port & Coudersport hold in quarters. Reporting possibly a small furnace fire.
So it seems as if the snow related activities scheduled to be part of our upcoming Snowmobility Weekend on February 17, 18, & 19 will be a bust… But, WE WILL STILL HAVE OUR PANCAKE BREAKFAST ON SATURDAY 2/18. So, come over and get a delicious breakfast in support of the museum and its programming. Thanks!
Thank you to McKean County Commissioners Carol Duffy and Tom Kreiner for the opportunity to discuss several issues facing the region, including reauthorization of 9-1-1 funding, support for mental health services, broadband expansion, workforce challenges, emergency services and more.
Watch Out for Common Tax Season Scam
With the tax filing season underway, the Department of Revenue is encouraging Pennsylvanians to be on the lookout for scams that are designed to trick people into turning over sensitive data and personal information.
One recurring scam is “Final Demand for Payment” letters that threaten wage garnishment and seizure of property or assets unless the recipient calls a phone number to satisfy a lien. Some signs to watch out for include: the phony letter comes from an entity that doesn’t exist, doesn’t include a return address, refers to taxes owed to the “state” of Pennsylvania rather than “Commonwealth,” and it fails to include any specific information about your account.
Policy Committee Holds Hearing to Highlight Needs of First Responders
Click here to view video. With police, fire and emergency medical services agencies (EMS) across the state struggling with financial and personnel challenges, I participated in a House Republican Policy Committee hearing Wednesday at the Capitol to gather feedback on solutions to these problems.
According to the law enforcement panel, recruitment of law enforcement officers is dropping to crisis or even catastrophic levels, while retention rates are also decreasing. That leaves state and local law enforcement agencies with fewer officers to meet the increased responsibilities for protecting our communities. Strong support for police officers and financial incentives are vital to reversing this decline.
For fire and EMS agencies, the personnel issues are equally challenging, as are finances. Ambulance companies need insurance reimbursements that better cover actual costs for service, as well as dedicated funding. Fire companies need help removing barriers to workers compensation insurance coverage and financial help with the rising cost of equipment. And both firefighter and EMS representatives said incentives are needed to recruit and retain personnel.
Property Tax and Rent Rebate Clinics Continue Next Week
My office is hosting five clinics next week to assist with filing for the 2022 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. There is no cost for assistance, and no appointments are needed. Just bring the necessary documentation.
Next week’s schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, Feb. 21 • Mt. Jewett Senior Center, 8 E. Main St., Mt. Jewett – 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 • Oswayo Valley Senior Center, 128 Lyons St., Shinglehouse – 9 a.m. to noon. • Emporium Senior Center, 105 E. Fourth St., Emporium – 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Appointments preferred. Call 814-486-3707.) • Port Allegany Senior Center, 216 N. Main St., Port Allegany – noon to 1:30 p.m. • Coudersport Senior Center, 165 Route 6 West, Coudersport – 1-3 p.m. Additional clinics are scheduled in Bradford on Feb. 27 and Austin on March 1. Help is also available at my offices in Bradford, Coudersport and Kane. Details about the program and schedule are available at www.RepCauser.com.
House Finally Returns to Session Tuesday
After being locked out of the House Chamber by Democrat Speaker of the House Mark Rozzi for the last six weeks, we are finally being called back into voting session next week.
Session is scheduled Feb. 21-23 and the first order of business must be the adoption of operating rules for the chamber. Typically, these rules are adopted the same day we take the oath of office – in this case, Jan. 3 – but the speaker recessed the chamber before taking up the rules and hasn’t called us back. As a result, we have been unable to vote on or even introduce any legislation to address the issues facing our Commonwealth.
New Debit Cards Being Sent to UC, SWIF Claimants
The Pennsylvania Treasury has announced that beginning on or about March 6, new prepaid debit cards will be mailed to Unemployment Compensation (UC) and State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF) recipients.
Money Network prepaid debit cards, issued by My Banking Direct, will replace U.S. Bank ReliaCards® currently in use. New prepaid debit cards will be mailed to UC and SWIF recipients who receive benefit payments via prepaid debit card beginning next month. The new card will arrive in a plain white envelope with an Omaha, Nebraska, return address. Recipients should be sure to remove the card before discarding the envelope.
Claimants should note any remaining balances on U.S. Bank ReliaCards® will not transfer to the new Money Network prepaid debit cards. Those with remaining funds on U.S. Bank ReliaCards® should continue to use the card until it reaches a zero ($0.00) balance. Remaining funds can also be transferred to a personal savings or checking account.
Effective April 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will return to normal renewal processing procedures for Pennsylvanians enrolled in Medical Assistance and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
That means all Medical Assistance and CHIP recipients will need to complete an annual renewal to see if they are still eligible for coverage. Renewals will be completed over 12 months. Renewals due in March 2023 will be the first affected by this change.
To ensure you receive timely information about your coverage, it is important to ensure DHS has accurate information on hand. Updates about your contact information and the number of people living in your household can be made via www.dhs.pa.gov/compass.
Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2023 Class
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its third class of cadets, which begins in July 2023. The KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education and learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility to build a better life.
The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old male and female Pennsylvania residents who are failing to progress in high school or may not be on a clear path to graduating. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. The program lasts for 17 months, with the first five months consisting of residential training at Fort Indiantown Gap followed by one year of mentorship back in the community.
The KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The Pennsylvania Treasury has announced that beginning on or about March 6, new prepaid debit cards will be mailed to Unemployment Compensation (UC) and State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF) recipients.
Effective April 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will return to normal renewal processing procedures for Pennsylvanians enrolled in Medical Assistance and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).