Human Service Programs Public Meeting Nov. 8
Hundreds
of people are directly affected by programs offered by Potter County
Human Services (PCHS), but few take the opportunity to provide input on
how those services are delivered. An organization that’s in place to
accommodate public comments and suggestions will hold its next meeting
on
Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 pm in the PCHS building at
Roulette. PCHS operates programs for victims of alcoholism and other
drug abuse, older citizens, the mentally ill, children who are at-risk,
and the intellectually disabled. Members are appointed by the Potter
County Board of Commissioners. They are Anne Nelson (chair), John
Moshier (vice chair), Charles Wicker, Susan Valentine, Cameron Kockler
(youth representative), Linda Swift, Dr. Victor Brown, Kassie Irwin,
Gail Allen, Gary Perkins, Denise Minderler (consumer), Michele Mather
and Dawn Deiter. Anyone interested in being considered for appointment
to the board should contact the Commissioners Office at 274-8290,
extension 207.
During the board’s most recent meeting, PCHS Administrator Jim
Kockler presented a summary of the impact that the state’s fiscal
2012-13 budget will have on the agency’s programs. While demand for many
services is growing, state funds were cut for some programs.
Commissioner Susan Kefover reported on criminal justice initiatives,
including a long-term “specialty courts” project that will be
implemented incrementally through the local court system and the Potter
County Criminal Justice Advisory Board.
Departmental reports were as follows:
- Colleen Wilber, director of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services,
discussed steps being taken to educate the public on the growing
problem with synthetic drugs in Potter County, notably products being
marketed to addicts under deceptive names such as “bath salts.” Wilber
also commended case management specialist Crystal Thomas on her work
with clients.
- Children and Youth Services recently went through required licensing review and received full accreditation.
- Intellectual Disabilities is undergoing licensing review.
- Sherry Hoffman, director of the Area Agency on Aging, reported that Sue Lush is the new waiver program supervisor.
- Coordinated Services‘ food program is beginning
operation. A limited sum of money has been put aside for emergency
transportation situations while state funds are awaited.
By
A Mount Jewett man is accused of raping a woman early Friday morning. Court records say 32-year-old Paul Swank had sex with the woman while she was unconscious in a wooded area of Sergeant Township between 2 and 2:40 a.m. 
A Lewis run man is facing a number of charges after allegedly being
found with drugs and paraphernalia while he was drunk on Mechanic Street
early Sunday morning. 
PA Career Link (McKean and Potter Counties) are pleased to announce that the State of Pennsylvania has recently filled the Veterans Employment Representative Position. The position will be staffed by Byron Sutton an Army Veteran, who will devote his time between the Bradford and Coudersport Career Link Offices where he will provide assistance to area Veterans. 
The Veterans’ Employment Representatives specialize in assisting veterans in their efforts to return to work, seek addition career objectives, or to apply for other services offered to veterans. Services provided include veteran priority on all job listings, customized job search assistance, job fairs, employer recruitments, and other events.
It's Open Mic Night every Friday night from 6:30 to 10:00 PM at Abundant Blessings Tea Room & Cafe' across from Wagner Hardware on Main Street in Coudersport. 
Special menu for Friday night includes Chicken Quesadillas, chili and cornbread, personal pepperoni, Garlic tomato pizza, twice baked chicken wings with our own special sauce, artichoke spinach dip with tortilla chips, buffalo chicken dip with tortilla chips, Grilled Salmon Salad, Pies, Scones, cookies, cheesecakes. 
