Saturday, March 6, 2021
Whitesville, Andover, Willing, and Genesee dispatched for a structure fire
Allegany County Fire Wire
7:23 PM
Whitesville, Andover, Willing, and Genesee dept 37 dispatched for a structure fire on the Casey rd
UPDATE:
Downgraded to a rubbish fire. Independence pd reports controlled burn.
Lester B. Watson, 98, of Smethport, PA.
Peggy J. Leilous, 90, of Shinglehouse, PA.
Julian Peter Gerardy
Joel Carl Lloyd, 68, of Cummings, GA
INVASIVE ZEBRA MUSSELS FOUND IN “MOSS BALL” AQUARIUM PRODUCTS SOLD IN PENNSYLVANIA
HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 6) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is joining fish and wildlife agencies nationwide to alert consumers about aquarium products that may be infested with invasive zebra mussels.
These products, known as “moss balls,” are a popular type of living aquarium plant sold in several states, including Pennsylvania. It was recently discovered that a batch of these products, which are marketed under popular brand names such as “Betta Buddy” or “Mini Marimo Moss Balls,” was contaminated with invasive Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and distributed to pet stores across the country.
(Photo Courtesy: Idaho Department of Agriculture)
While several major pet product retailers, including Petco and PetSmart, have proactively removed these products from their shelves, PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, have confirmed the presence of these contaminated products in at least one Pennsylvania store.
“Zebra Mussels are one of the most troublesome invasive species in the United States and can cause major ecological and economic damage such as clogging water intake pipes, damaging boats, or damaging fisheries by impacting aquatic food webs,” said Sean Hartzell, PFBC Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator. “Zebra Mussels are small and can produce microscopic larvae, so any water containing contaminated moss balls may contain larval Zebra Mussels. The potential spread of this invasive species is a major concern for our aquatic resources in Pennsylvania."
Zebra Mussels are small black and white striped, “D-Shaped” bivalves about the size of a thumbnail or smaller.
(Photo Courtesy: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
The
PFBC urges anyone who has purchased a moss ball within the past several
weeks to follow U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) guidance on how
to properly disinfect moss balls and clean aquarium systems. This
guidance can be found on the USFWS website: https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/
“Because Zebra Mussel larvae may not be visible to the naked eye, it is important that everyone who recently purchased a moss ball follow this strict disinfection protocol,” added Hartzell. “Just because you can’t see the mussels in your tank doesn’t mean they’re not there. Don’t take any chances.”
The transportation or release of Zebra Mussels or their larvae into Commonwealth waters is considered unlawful (58 Pa. Code § 73.1).
Pennsylvanians who observe suspected Zebra Mussels or other aquatic
invasive species can report them to the PFBC through the “Report AIS”
portal of the Agency’s web page (https://pfbc.pa.gov/forms/
PACE RUSH PRO MODS HIT THEIR STRIDE & READY FOR BIGGEST SEASON EVER; 44 EVENTS INCLUDING RICHEST EVENT IN HISTORY- $2500 TO-WIN AT MCKEAN ON JUNE 19, $3500 TO WIN CHAMPIONSHIP EXPECTED TO BE HOTLY CONTESTED
By Mike Leone
(Pulaski, PA)...The Pace Performance RUSH Pro Mod Series together with Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC is set for its biggest and richest season to date. The 2021 slate of events for the RUSH Pro Mods will feature a record 44 events at four speedways in northwest Pennsylvania and western New York including their crown jewel event, the richest in history paying $2,500 to-win at McKean County Raceway on June 19! Drivers will also be competing for the $15,000+ Weekly Series point fund that will award $3,500 to the champion and is expected to be hotly contested throughout the season between the division's standouts.
The 2021 season will mark the sixth in Series history for the RUSH Pro Mods. After Justin Carlson won the inaugural championship in 2016, Dennis Lunger, Jr. is coming off his fourth straight title. Stateline Speedway was the first track to run the division weekly in 2016 before the Series expanded to Bradford Speedway and McKean in 2017. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the 2020 season, thanks to new Bradford promoter Dennis Cummings, the Pro Mods raced for their biggest weekly purses to date, and over the offseason, new life has been breathed into McKean thanks to Joel Smith and Ken Leet taking over the lease.
With weekly racing at Stateline on Saturdays, Bradford on Sundays, eight events at McKean, and a midweek special at Genesee Speedway, 2021 is poised to be the biggest. The season will get underway on April 25 at McKean. Amongst the schedule will be "Manufacturers Night" presented by MSD Performance on June 12 at Stateline, which features thousands of dollars of valuable product giveaways to competing racers. The Pro Mods will be part of the World of Outlaws Late Model event at Stateline on June 17, and two days later race for their richest purse in their six-year history with $2,500 on the line at McKean! That event will also include the RUSH Late Models for $2,500 to-win and the RUSH Sprint Cars for $1,000 to-win.
Johnson Distributing of Olean, NY will present the June 19 $2,500 to win event titled, “One Last Ride,” in honor of Bud Johnson, a driving legend across the region, and Pete Parker, who fielded the famous #27 that Johnson piloted to countless victories at numerous area speedways in the 60s and 70s.
The RUSH Pro Mods will also be part of the two-day season ending events at Bradford on September 24-25 and McKean's "Fall Classic" on October 1-2.
There will be at least nine new drivers from various backgrounds joining the class in 2021; 20-year-old Timothy Eastman of Delevan, NY, 45-year-old Brett Ritter of Belfast, NY, 42-year-old Victor Earle, Jr. of Smethport, Pa., 57-year-old Dean Ingalls of Belmont, NY, 44-year-old Mike Eschrich of Mt. Jewett, Pa., 30-year-old Tyler Carlin of Belmont, NY, Dwayne Powers, along with "Futures Cup" racers 16-year-old Derek Peterson of Wilcox, Pa. and 15-year-old Ian DeGolier of Bradford, Pa. This group combined with an already stellar group of RUSH Pro
Mod racers is certain to give the division a tremendous boost both this season and moving forward.
"It's going to be a huge year for RUSH Pro Mod racers," acknowledged RUSH Director Vicki Emig. "The class is finally getting its legs as more and more racers realize how exciting and cost-effective the RUSH Pro Mod division is in comparison to other similar modified divisions, which is resulting in more and more drivers getting involved. It's tremendous to see at least nine new drivers ready to compete in the division this season. It's taken some time to get the division positioned where it is now, but I really believe 2021 is going to be the breakout year for the class. I know other regional speedways have been watching the development of the class as an affordable option for modified racing, and I expect this year's success and forward momentum to be a juggernaut for other exciting things to happen for the division in the future."
"Stateline initially wanted to develop this class, and through it all has been the anchor track staying steadfast on their belief that the region needed a cost-effective modified division," continued Emig. "Of course the pandemic hit them the hardest, but they are full speed ahead for 2021. We also have to thank Dennis Cummings for taking over Bradford last year and not only giving the Pro Mods a home in 2020, but offering tremendous payoffs throughout the season that were truly appreciated. After a two-year layoff, McKean returning to racing with Joel and Ken at the helm has really solidified the division's footing. We can't thank these promoters for their support and commitment to the RUSH Pro Mods."
2021 RUSH membership forms are available on the website at https://rushpromods.com/memberships.html
2021 Weekly Series Point Fund ($15,050): 1. $3,500 2. $2,000 3. $1,200 4. $1,000 5. $900 6. $800 7. $700 8. $600 9. $500 10. $400 11. $390 12. $380 13. $370 14. $360 15. $350 16. $340 17. $330 18. $320 19. $310 20. $300.
2021 Futures Cup Point Fund: 1. $300 2. $200 3. $100.
2021 RUSH Pro Mod Schedule*
Sunday, April 25 McKean County Raceway
Saturday, May 1 Stateline Speedway
Saturday, May 8 Stateline Speedway
Saturday, May 15 Stateline Speedway
Saturday, May 22 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, May 23 Bradford Speedway
Thursday, May 27 McKean County Raceway
Saturday, May 29 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, May 30 Bradford Speedway
Saturday, June 5 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, June 6 Bradford Speedway
Saturday, June 12 Stateline Speedway - "Manufacturers Night" presented by MSD Performance
Sunday, June 13 Bradford Speedway
Thursday, June 17 Stateline Speedway - with World of Outlaws Late Models
Saturday, June 19 McKean County Raceway - $2500 to-win
Sunday, June 20 Bradford Speedway
Saturday, June 26 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, June 27 Bradford Speedway
Thursday, July 1 McKean County Raceway
Saturday, July 3 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, July 4 Bradford Speedway
Thursday, July 8 Genesee Speedway
Saturday, July 10 McKean County Raceway
Thursday, July 15 Bradford Speedway
Sunday, July 18 Bradford Speedway
Saturday, July 24 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, July 25 Bradford Speedway
Thursday, July 29 McKean County Raceway
Saturday, July 31 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, August 1 Bradford Speedway
Friday, August 6 Bradford Speedway
Saturday, August 7 Stateline Speedway - Fan Appreciation/Autograph Night
Sunday, August 15 Bradford Speedway
Saturday, August 21 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, August 22 Bradford Speedway
Sunday, August 29 Bradford Speedway
Friday, September 3 Stateline Speedway
Saturday, September 4 Stateline Speedway
Sunday, September 5 Bradford Speedway
Sunday, September 19 Bradford Speedway
Friday, September 24 Bradford Speedway
Saturday, September 25 Bradford Speedway
Friday, October 1 McKean County Raceway - "Fall Classic"
Saturday, October 2 McKean County Raceway - "Fall Classic"
*Schedule is subject to change. Additional date(s) may be added.
Allegany County Landfill Hang Tags Are Not Available For Purchase In Person
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, in-person sales of 2021 Residential Hang tags at the County Office Building and Landfill Scale Office have been discontinued.
Residential Hang tags may only be purchased online or through traditional mail.
Please do not visit the County Office Building or the Landfill Scale Office to purchase Residential Hang tags.
To purchase a Residential Hang tag online, please visit www.alleganyco.com and scroll down to find the “County Information” links, and select 2021 Solid Waste Facility Tag Online Payment. Select Residential Tag from the drop-down menu for payment type. Click next and complete all data fields to make your purchase. Your Residential Hang tag will be mailed to you.
To purchase a Residential Hangtag by mail,please visit www.alleganyco.com and scroll down to the “County Information” links,and select 2021 Solid Waste Facility Tag Application. Print the form and complete data in all fields. Mail the application with payment to the address on page 2. Checks must be made payable to Allegany County. Your Residential Hang tag will be mailed to you.
To purchase Disposal Tickets (pay-per-bag) by mail,please visit www.alleganyco.com and scroll down to the “County Information” links,and select 2021 Solid Waste Facility Tag Application. Print the form and complete all data fields. Mail the application with payment to the address on page 2. Checks must be made payable to Allegany County. Your Disposal Tickets will be mailed to you.
To purchase Disposal Tickets (pay-per-bag) in person, please visit www.alleganyco.com and scroll down to the “County Information” links,and select 2021 Purchasing Disposal Tickets to find locations throughout Allegany County where you can purchase Disposal Tickets in person. Checks must be made payable to Allegany Co
Power Outage for Gaines & Galeton Area Today (Saturday) From 2 PM to 4 PM
A power outage is scheduled for this afternoon from 2 PM to 4 PM in the Gaines & Galeton area according to an announcement on 911.
Grazia E. Tubbs, age 84, of Elkland, PA.
Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library Seeking Contest Prizes
Donna F. Giannattasio, (nee Suain,), 60, of Portville, N.Y.,
Donna F. Giannattasio
Donna F. Giannattasio, (nee Suain,), 60, of Portville, N.Y., died March 1, 2021.
She was the beloved wife of the late Tom Giannattasio; dear mother of Tom (Margaret) Giannattasio and Toni Giannattasio; loving grandmother of Ellie, Lucy and Leo; beloved daughter of Melissa (nee Speedy) and Harold Suain; sister of Mark (Tracy) Suain, David (Gina) Suain, Nancy (Todd) Yohe, Melissa (Mark) Steiner and Joan (Randy) Connor; dearest friend and partner of Richard Bales and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
There will be no prior visitation. Due to the pandemic restrictions a Celebration of Donna's Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donna's memory to Sisters of Charity Hospital Foundation, 2157 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214.
Arrangements by Amigone Funeral Home, Inc. Please visit Donna's Tribute Page to share memories and condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.
A Moment Of Love For Enzo Magaro ~ Lantern Release
A Moment Of Love For Enzo Magaro
Lantern Release will be Saturday, March 13, 2021 @6pm
.
A lantern release has been organized as a "A Moment Of Love For Enzo Magaro"
A limited supply of lanterns will be handed out to starting at 5pm at the gathering area next to the Chamber. You may pick up a free lantern from Flowers N Things or the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce starting Thursday, or purchase your own online.
The lanterns will be set off along a place of your choice on the Rails to Trails
https://www.facebook.com/events/733357527378389
Posted by Cameron County at March 05, 2021
Jay Township Fire Dispatched to Crash on Rt. 555
At 11:01 AM on Saturday, Jay Township Fire & EMS have been dispatched to Route 555, about a mile East of the Medix Hotel, for a vehicle crash with one male occupant injured. Caller reports vehicle went airborne, occupant is out of the vehicle and walking.
Multiple PA Permit Violations Included in Today's DEP Report
PA Permit Violation Issued to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Tuscarora Twp, Bradford County | ||
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/04/2021 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Tuscarora Twp, Bradford county. SWMA 301 - MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE - Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. | ||
Incident Date/Time: 2021-03-04 00:00:00 | ||
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling Read all 71 reports...... |
Emergency Food and Shelter Program Applications Available
OSHA training available at Penn State DuBois, serving a variety of industries
St. Marys Area United Way Awards Grant
Elk County- Jason Gabler, St. Marys Area United Way President presented a $70,000 grant award to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys Chief Executive Officer, Joe Jacob.
John L. "Jack" Gilfert, 86, of Eldred, PA
John L. "Jack" Gilfert
John L. "Jack" Gilfert, 86, of Eldred, PA, passed away on Wednesday (March 3, 2021) following a lengthly illness.
Born on Aug. 24, 1934, in Kane, he was the son of Clyde and Nora Olson Gilfert. On Jan. 24, 1959, in Eldred, he married Nancy M. Frampton, who survives.
Jack was a 1952 graduate of Kane High School, then went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. During his time serving he served in Todendorf, Germany and Fort Eustis, Va. He also is
a veteran, serving in the Korean War. Jack also was a 1957 graduate of Bryant & Stratton College, Buffalo, N.Y. Korean War Veteran
He was a former CEO and Co-Owner of Fibercell Corporation in Portville, N.Y., until his retirement. Jack also was a life member of the Port Allegany VFW, served on the Eldred Borough Council, and was a life member of the Eldred Fire Department, joining in 1959.
Surviving including his wife are three sons; John (Tracey) Gilfert of Cuba, N.Y., James Gilfert of Eldred, and Joel (Lisa) Gilfert of Portville, N.Y.; two brothers-in-law, John "Crow" Shay of Eldred and Bill Frampton of Tulsa, Okla.; eight grandchildren, Justin Gilfert of Bristol, Va., Morgan (Richie) Dowell of Eldred, Rheannon (Nick) Coleman of Gibsonia, Senneca (Ariann) Stone of Pittsburgh, Channing (Cory) Niver of Brevard, N.C., Holden Bernstein of Olean, N.Y., Tiernney Bernstein and Maddox Bish of Portville, N.Y.; ten great-grandchildren, James and Nora Dowell, Julia, Shane, Trey and Liam Simpson, Micah Bernstein, Blake Niver, and Liam and Evan Mix; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Keith Gilfert in 1998 and Larry Gilfert in 2009, and one sister Natalie Gilfert in 2001.
A private service will be held by the family and burial will be in St Raphael's Cemetery, Eldred.
Memorials may be made to the Eldred Library and Historical Society, PO Box 166, Eldred, PA 16731.
Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com
Friday, March 5, 2021
Galeton, Germania Dispatched for House Fire
3/4/21 Mutual Aid Structure fire – Otto Township
Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department
3/4/21 Mutual Aid Structure fire – Otto Township
At 1936hrs DCVFD was dispatched on 2nd alarm for box 9-2 to a working structure fire (garage fire that had extended into a single wide trailer) on Looker Mountain Trail in Otto Twp.
7 members and 4 Chiefs along with Squad 11 responded at dispatch. Station 11 crews split once on scene by command as one crew conducted an interior search of residence while the other crew assisted with fire suppression on the fully involved garage. Other members assisted with scene lighting, tool staging and assisting with air bottle exchanges. Station 11 was on scene for approx. 1 hour assisting Otto Twp. VFD and other mutual aid fire departments.
Rekindle on 3/5/21 @ 4:36hrs
DCVFD was Dispatched for Squad 11 to set up water supply at the Clark street bridge on box 9-2 for a rekindle of a structure fire from last night. Squad 11 responded at dispatch, set up a draft from the dry hydrant and supplied water to tankers. Chief 11, Chief 1110 and Chief 1130 also responded. Squad 11 and personnel were on scene for approx.. 1 hr.
Enzo E. Magaro, 13, of Rich Valley Road, Emporium, PA
Enzo E. Magaro
Enzo E. Magaro, 13, of Rich Valley Road, Emporium, PA, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at his home.
Born July 1, 2007 in Coudersport, he was the son of Ryan and Brandi Graham Magaro. Enzo was a lifelong resident of Emporium and an eighth grade student of Cameron County High School. He was a member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Emporium and its Youth Group.
He played Cameron County Junior High Football and Basketball, Cameron County Little League Baseball, and was an active member of the Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities (CCOYA) organization. Enzo was an avid reader. He had a lifelong passion for fishing in streams, at the Gerg's pond, Lake Clear Creek and anywhere he could cast a line. Enzo was also deeply devoted to his beloved dog “Coffee”.
In addition to his parents, Enzo is survived by: two sisters, Milla and Aria Magaro both at home; his grandparents, Greg & Deb Magaro “PopPop & MiMi” of Emporium, Wendy Magaro “Mammers” of Boston, VA, and Scott & Nancy Graham "Bam & Pap” of Emporium; his great grandmother, Nancy Brown “NaNa” of Emporium; "adoptive” grandparents, Ken & Joann Gerg “Mr. & Mrs. Gerg” of Emporium; four aunts, McKenzie Magaro of Empoirium, Adrienne “Titi” (Chris) Rouette of Boston, VA, Laura “Lulu” (Tom) Isaac of Yorktown, VA, and Kendra Graham of Emporium; three uncles, special uncle Chris Brown, also Caleb (Nicole) Graham and Britt Graham all of Emporium; cousins, Ethan Isaac, Jaxon Rouette, Soryn & Remi Graham, and Asher & Kai Graham, all of whom he loved dearly.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Emporium. The family will receive friends from 1-2:30 p.m. at which time a message of hope from Pastor Lionel will follow. Interment will be in Newton Cemetery, Emporium.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, 27 W Fourth St., CCOYA, 174 Nickler Rd., or the Cameron County SPCA, 678 S Mountain Rd., all in Emporium.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Coppersmith-Condon Funeral Home, Emporium.
Rudolph N. BOWMAN, 85, of Genesee, PA, formerly of Ulysses, PA, Klamath Falls, OR.
The public WILL BE able to attend Roulette Township Supervisors Thursday
Roulette Township
The Roulette Township Supervisors will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 11 at 6 pm in the Township Office.
The public WILL BE able to attend, however, there will be limited seating to comply with social distancing.
The meeting will also be broadcast on Facebook Live.
Mansfield Dispatched For Crash on Route 6
At 3:25 PM on Friday, Mansfield Fire & Ambulance has been dispatched for a vehicle into a camper crash in Richmond Township near 16695.
Glenn D. Larson, 67, of Russell, PA.
Roulette Ambulance To Sartwell Creek Road
At 12:24 PM on Friday, Roulette Ambulance has been dispatched to Sartwell Creek Road for a woman ill.
Bradford Fire Dept. Dispatched To Explosion on High Street
At 11:50 AM on Friday, Bradford Firefighters have been dispatched to an outdoor explosion near 142 High Street.
RECALLED by Captain 1-30.
Capitol Update By Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
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Thank you to the folks at Truck-Lite Co., LLC for hosting me on a tour of their Coudersport facility last Friday. It was great to see the new addition and learn more about the custom LED headlamp manufacturing taking place there! They are also looking to hire, so check out their Facebook page for more information. Pictured with me from left: Employee Cassie Gross; Joe Kellner, Plant Manager; Greg Certo, Vice President of Human Resources; Tyler Benedict, Vice President of Manufacturing; and Andrew Liuzzo, Marketing Communications Specialist. |
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The House Majority Policy Committee, which I chair, heard testimony Wednesday reaffirming the potentially devastating economic impacts of Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal on businesses already struggling due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Testimony focused on the governor’s proposed 46% increase in the Personal Income Tax, which is paid by a large percentage of the state’s employers, as well as the proposed hike in minimum wage and increased energy taxes. The budget proposed by the governor is really out of touch with the reality facing business owners in all sectors across the state. Increasing taxes and artificially inflating wages – on top of the revenue losses caused by COVID-19 mitigation efforts – would significantly increase the cost of doing business in the Commonwealth and the end result would be the loss of thousands of jobs. There is absolutely no question we need to enact a budget that is supportive of the people who employ our citizens and make our economy go, rather than the governor’s plan, which does nothing more than kick our employers while they’re down. The following people testified before the committee: Sam Denisco, PA Chamber of Business and Industry; Jim Fris, PJW Restaurant Group; Scott Rudich, Round Guys Brewing Company, Lansdale; Joe Aldcowski, Diaz Manufacturing, Montrose; Guy Berkebile, Guy Chemical Company Inc., Somerset; Carl Marrara, PA Manufacturers Association; and John W. Bailey, Bailey Coach, Spring Grove. Read more about the hearing here. Video of the hearing, as well as links to written testimony, is available here. |
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The House Majority Policy Committee is still seeking input from small business owners for the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Business Survey it launched last month. The goal is to gather feedback for use by the caucus’ Economic Recovery Task Force as it works to develop and implement policies to restore the state’s struggling economy. The survey is open to employers in all sectors and businesses of all sizes. The brief survey seeks information about your business or industry and then invites feedback about the challenges facing your particular business or industry, the type of assistance that would be most beneficial, the one most impactful thing state government could do to support your future success, and any other ideas to kickstart the Commonwealth’s economic recovery. Please take a few moments to fill out this survey and share your insights and expertise. We must get the Commonwealth on the road to recovery as soon as possible and we can only do that by working together. Click here to take the survey. We will be taking responses through March 19. |
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House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) has announced plans to have the House Government Oversight Committee investigate the Wolf administration’s handling of nursing homes and other senior and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, roughly half of all COVID-19 deaths in Pennsylvania are attributable to nursing homes. Questions remain about data reporting related to nursing homes and especially about a March 18 order from the Department of Health requiring nursing home readmissions from hospitals of COVID-19-positive patients, among other things. It has become increasingly clear the administration is not being transparent about this issue and is either unable or unwilling to answer some of the most basic questions concerned families have had during this pandemic. This is unacceptable. All Pennsylvanians – and particularly those who lost loved ones in our nursing homes and long-term care facilities – deserve better. According to Rule 45(A) of the Pennsylvania House Rules, the Pennsylvania House majority leader can refer investigations to the House Government Oversight Committee. The House Government Oversight Committee is comprised of five Republicans and four Democrats and has subpoena power to compel documents and witnesses. |
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The importance of getting all children back in their classrooms and people back to work was at the forefront of the final week of state budget hearings by the House Appropriations Committee. On Monday, the committee questioned officials with the state Department of Education about providing a plan for vaccinating teachers, implementing clear guidelines and returning our children to the classroom. Secretary Noe Ortega conceded that the 2.5 hours of synchronous online learning per day that many students are currently receiving is insufficient. On Tuesday, the committee questioned officials with the state Department of Labor and Industry, which is charged with overseeing the state’s unemployment compensation (UC) system. Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier repeatedly acknowledged the lengthy delays unemployed Pennsylvanians have experienced over the past year and the need for the agency to do its job better. The hearing also revealed a half million jobs permanently lost following the governor’s shutdown orders and a lack of consultation with the agency about the impact of the governor’s proposed 46% income tax on small businesses. Additional hearings this week included the Department of Human Services, which was questioned about its perpetual cost overruns and 40% growth of its budget during the Wolf administration; and the secretary of the Budget, who fielded a variety of questions about the governor’s $40 billion proposal. All budget hearings are available for viewing here. |
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A new state law will call on the Pennsylvania National Guard to improve the coordination and distribution of COVID-19 vaccine in the Commonwealth. The bill was approved unanimously in the House and Senate last month and signed into law by the governor this week. Under Act 4 of 2021, the guard will work with the Department of Health and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to develop plans for the establishment and operation of community vaccination sites in each region of the state. The law also requires the governor to submit a report to the General Assembly outlining how the National Guard has been integrated into the state’s vaccine plan. |
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In case you missed it, Gov. Tom Wolf made two announcements this week regarding COVID-19 mitigation orders and vaccine eligibility. On Monday, the governor announced the following changes to his mitigation orders:
On Wednesday, the governor announced he would expand phase 1A of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan to include teachers in an effort to get students back in classrooms full time. Specifically, he said the state will use upcoming shipments of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine for PreK-12 teachers and other school staff. He also will be making use of the National Guard in this effort, as authorized in a new law passed by the General Assembly last month. For more information about COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, visit www.health.pa.gov. |
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For diabetes patients who rely on insulin, access to their medication can be a matter of life or death. But as costs have spiraled in recent years, many people are having difficulty affording their insulin, and some are even forced to resort to the dangerous practice of rationing. All three major U.S. manufacturers offer patient assistance programs that offer options for patients who have private commercial insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, or no insurance at all. GetInsulin.org is a user-friendly patient advocacy website that guides patients through a few simple questions and then provides answers on eligibility, an explanation of the program and an “action plan” for patients to access the program. |