Saturday, April 10, 2021
One Vehicle Crash on Rt. 287 in Delmar Twp.
Jay TWP. fire dept was dispatched to RT 555 near the Benezette store for a woman involved in a car accident with obvious leg injury
On April, 10 at 7:06 Jay TWP. fire dept was dispatched to RT 555 near the Benezette store for a woman involved in a car accident with obvious leg injury. EMS is driving her to the Benezette School to meet Stat Medivac
Kathleen Elizabeth Weimer, 59, of Farmers Valley, PA
Kathleen Elizabeth Weimer
Farmers Valley - Kathleen Elizabeth Weimer, 59, of Farmers Valley, PA, passed away Friday (April 9, 2021) at her residence.
She was born November 28, 1961 in Olean, NY, the daughter of Stewart and Elizabeth Murphy Hill. On October 6, 1984 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Olean, NY, she married Kevin S. Weimer, who survives.
Mrs. Weimer was a graduate of Olean High School Class of 1980 and worked for many local restaurants. She had a passion for cooking and entertaining for people.
She loved crafting and making gifts for those near to her. Her animals were her life and she spent most of her time caring and loving them. She was a member of the Smethport VFW.
In addition to her husband, Kevin, she is survived by:
Step mother: Jill Hill of Olean, NY
Two children: Jad (Bonnie) Weimer of Charlotte, TN and Jessica (Cory) McKeirnan of Coryville
Two grandchildren: Mackenzie and Jaden Weimer of Charlotte, TN
Two brothers: Ron (Lisa) Hill of Portville, NY and Randy (Linda) Hill of Olean, NY
Brothers and sisters-in-law: Randy (Sally) Weimer, Mick (Patty) Weimer, and Wendy (Raymond) Smith, all of Farmers Valley, Kathy (Gary) Henry of Aztec, NM, and Bonnie (Bill) Neely of Jefferson, OH.
Nieces and nephews: Mick, Mandy, Wes, Scott, Shelly, Jenny, Mike, Emily, Brandon, Brad, Katie, Rick, Wayne, Bret, Yvonne, and Karen.
Grandniece Joleen and Grandnephew Brandon also held a special place in her heart.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, along with her in-laws, Jenny Louise and Stephen Bauer, as well as Chester M. Weimer.
There will be no visitation or services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Richburg Dispatched To Large Wildfire
At 5:40 PM on Saturday, Richburg Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a large wildfire on Burdick Road near Emerson Road. Shinglehouse dispatched for standby at Bolivar.
Port Allegany Dispatched To Wildfire on Green Hollow Road
At 4:41 PM on Saturday, Port Allegany Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a wildfire on Green Hollow Road in Annin Township. Caller reports 10 acres, spreading rapidly with exposures. Officer on scene reports half acre, nearly out.
FINAL 2021-22 PA HUNTING/TRAPPING SEASONS APPROVED
FINAL 2021-22 HUNTING/TRAPPING SEASONS APPROVED
Modifications adopted for the 2021-22 seasons include:
· A statewide, 14-day concurrent antlered and antlerless firearms season, which was proposed to simplify regulations and provide increased opportunity, especially for younger hunters.
· Expanded Sunday hunting opportunity – The hunting Sundays during the archery deer and firearms bear seasons also would be open for other species (except migratory game birds and wild turkeys) that are in season on those dates. These expansions of Sunday opportunity are the only changes adopted for small game and furbearer seasons.
· Moving up the start of the extended bear season to begin on the firearms deer opener and include Sunday, Nov. 28 in the WMUs where the season is open.
· The closure of the fall turkey season in WMU 5A and reductions in season length for 14 other WMUs due to declining population trends. The recommendations are in accordance with Wild Turkey Management Plan guidelines to increase hen survival.
· The extended (post-Christmas) antlerless firearms season that traditionally has been held in certain counties in southeastern and southwestern Pennsylvania will be held in all of WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, given that antlerless harvests are evenly distributed throughout these WMUs regardless of firearms restrictions.
· The antlerless designation was removed from the late elk season to provide the Game Commission the flexibility to issue antlered elk licenses for this season.
The commissioners also set the number of antlerless deer licenses to be allocated, as well as the number of elk licenses to be allocated for the coming license year. Read the details........
Raymond J. “Chub” THOMPSON, 56, of Ulysses, PA
Bradford Dispatched For Wildfire on High Street
At 2:19 PM on Saturday, Bradford City Firefighters were dispatched to the area of 286 High Street for a wildfire.
HAMILTON-GIBSON SEEKS STAGE MANAGER AND BACKSTAGE RUNNING CREW VOLUNTEERS
IN-PERSON AUDITIONS FOR FOUR FEMALE AND TWO MALE ROLES IN HAMILTON-GIBSON'S PRODUCTION OF "DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE" ARE FRIDAY, APRIL 16, SATURDAY, APRIL 17 AND MONDAY, APRIL 19 IN WELLSBORO
United Way Of Bradford Collects Items To Help At Risk Veterans
Big Elm, Millerton Dispatched For Oven Fire
At 10:15 AM on Saturday, Big Elm & Millerton Fire Companies have been dispatched to 5523 Main Street in Jackson Township for an oven fire.
RECALL. No fire, malfunctioning oven.
Jill Corey, 85, of Pittsburgh, Pa., formerly of Los Angeles, and New York Cit
Jill Corey
(Jill was a 1950's singing sensation who married baseball great Don Hoak of Roulette, PA)
Jill Corey, 85, of Pittsburgh, Pa., formerly of Los Angeles, and New York City passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA.
Born, Norma Jean Speranza, on Monday, September 30, 1935, in Avonmore, PA, the daughter of the late Bernard and Clara Grant Speranza.
Before her good-bye performance for a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall, she signed a contract to the Columbia Records label, she appeared on our “Hit Parade” and was on the cover of Life Magazine in 1953. It was said that she had a voice that would break your heart.
She was an avid bird watcher in Central Park, had a dazzling wit, was a loving mother and devoted wife to the late Donald Albert Hoak. Jill took an eight-year hiatus in her singing career to travel with her husband of eight years. He had the distinction of playing for both the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates being part of both of the 1955 and 1960 World Series.
After the death of the love of her life she made a comeback in her career.
She is survived by her only daughter and best friend, Clare Hoak (Greg Damjanovic) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Bernard, Dominic, and Earl and a sister Alice Yockey.
At her request, all services are private. Interment will take place at the family plot in Westview Cemetery in Avonmore, Pa. At the convenience of the family, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jill’s memory to the Humane Society at www.humanesociety.org or by calling 202-452-1100.
Jill Corey: The Overnight Sensation was married to baseball great Don Hoak, of Roulette, PA, father of Kim Hoak of Coudersport.
Montmorenci Road Closed by Police Incident with Shots Fired
At 1:25 AM on Saturday, fire police have closed Montmorenci Road due to a police incident with shots fired.
Ridgway ambulance is on standby at request of PSP. The location is in the same area as the standoff last week.
Friday, April 9, 2021
Jack L. Cheatle, 52, of 269 State Street, St. Marys, PA.
Roulette Ambulance to Atkins Road
At 4:25 PM on Friday, Roulette Ambulance has been dispatched to Atkins Road for a cardiac emergency.
Two DuBois sluggers reach 100 hit milestone
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Talon Falls, left, and Toner Corl both marked 100 career hits for Penn State DuBois in recent games. |
Louis B. Lucco, 97, of N. Main Street, Limestone, NY.
Liberty Township Supervisors Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2021
Liberty Township, McKean County
Route 155 Building
April 8, 2021
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The regular meeting of the Liberty Township Supervisors was called to order at 8:30 AM by Chairman, Dick Brown. Also present were Supervisor Neil Shepard , Supervisor Fred Ernst, Whitey Brundage of the Port Allegany Fire Department, Bill Owens of National Fuel and secretary, Cindy Speeth.
REPORTS:
1. Ambulance Report for February/March, 2021 had 9 calls.
2. Fire Report for March, 2021 was read by Whitey Brundage. There were 4 calls for Liberty Township. Mr. Brundage said that he wanted to STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT NO BURNING TAKE PLACE in the township. He also stated that the Sportsmen’s Raffle will be held on May 15, 2021 outside under two tents – one on the square and one on the street.
3. Secretary’s Regular Meeting Report for March 11, 2021 was presented and unanimously accepted on a motion by Supervisor Shepard and a second by Supervisor Ernst.
4. Treasurer’s Report for the month of April, 2021 was presented and
unanimously accepted on a motion by Supervisor Ernst and a second by
Supervisor Shepard. Chairman Brown stated that in the General Fund there were bills paid in the amount of $22,381.00, revenues received in the amount of $61,506.62 and a balance of $147,323.65. In the State Fund there were bills paid in the amount of $13,019.05 and a balance of $209,188.69. In the Sewer Fund there were bills paid in the amount of $8,000.00 and a balance of $1,180.18.
Chairman Brown said that we have to get one more load of skid and then the building will be full and we will have 500 tons out in the back.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. PSATS News Bulletin was presented by Chairman Brown. Liberty Township’s portion of the American Rescue Plan will be $149,587.00. It will be distributed as follows: one half in June of 2021 and the other one half a year later unless the Governor decides to use it in his budget.
2. PennDot News Bulletin was presented by Chairman Brown.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Letter from McKean County Assessment Office regarding refund for overpayment of taxes for Mary Alice Dalaba was read by Chairman Brown. On a motion by Supervisor Shepard and a second by Supervisor Ernst it was unanimously agreed to send Mary Alice Dalaba a refund check in the amount of $37.78.
Chairman Brown read a letter from the McKean County Tax Claim Bureau regarding our claim to surplus money from Geoffrey Mincer, 61.80 acres on Dexter Hollow. It didn’t pertain to Liberty Township so nothing needed to be done.
All correspondence was made available to the public.
OLD BUSINESS:
PUBLIC CONCERNS:
The Supervisors told Bill Owens (National Fuel) that they had only just received the Agreement between National Fuel and Liberty Township regarding the township working on a Sunday to replace a culvert across Skinner Creek Road so that it would not interfere with access to Skinner Creek Road by National Fuel for their pipeline project. The Supervisors will discuss the Agreement and let National Fuel know if there is anything that they think should be changed.
Fire Chief Brundage was asked what would happen if someone was burning on their own property and it accidentally went over onto a neighboring property – would the fire department fine the person who was burning? He said not usually –if there was a lot of damage DC&R would have to get involved and then they would fine people because their insurance would be paying the owner of the damaged property.
As no further business was brought before the Board, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:50 a.m. on a motion by Supervisor Ernst and a second by Supervisor Shepard.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lucinda Speeth
Secretary/ Treasurer
Dianne L. (Webster) Killingstad, 80, of Wellsboro, PA
Potter County Democrats recently welcomed JILL BECK, candidate for Pennsylvania Superior Court
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JILL BECK is pictured here with members of the Potter County Democratic Committee. |
Fillmore, Wiscoy-Rossburg Dispatched for Barn Fire on County Road 27
At 1:07 PM on Friday, Fillmore, Wiscoy-Rossburg Fire Depts have been dispatched to a barn fire at 11547 County Road 27 in Hume. Fillmore responder reports smoke showing.
Fillmore ambulance is needed at the scene of the fire for a person down with minor burns. Air medical requested on standby.
Wyoming County units have also been dispatched to assist. Additional units from Centerville and Houghton dispatched.
Tankers from Rushford, Oramel, & Rushford. Short Tract & Houghton dispatched. Cancel New Hudson.
Dr. Theresa V. Tucker, D.C., 69, of 520 Center Street, St. Marys,
Robert J. Bullers, 50, of 674 Pontzer Avenue, St. Marys, PA.
William H. Mattison, age 86, of Lindley, NY
William H. Mattison
William H. Mattison, age 86, of Lindley, NY, passed away on April 7, 2021 at Corning Hospital in Corning after an extended illness.
Born July 26, 1934 in Gaines, PA to the late Nellie Peer and Carl Mattison. He was employed by MGI Industries.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors.
William is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirlee of Lindley; children, Deborah, Christopher, Candace and Jay; grandchildren, Chirstopher, Frank, Brooke, Jammie, Josh and Joellen; brothers Kevin of Corning and Gary of Florida; sister-in-laws Barb Rumsey, Sharon Sodder, and Dorothy Conrad; brother-in-laws Don, Ed and Jerry Wheeler; many great-granchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his canine companion, Missy.
He was predeceased in death by sisters, Helen Janice, and Sheila; and brother Darius.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Kenyon Funeral Home. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com
Raymond J. “Chub” THOMPSON, 56, of Ulysses, PA
Allegany County town hosts Paramount Pictures movie shoot in Northern Allegany County
Lights! Camera! Allen!
Allen? Yes. Right now, Paramount Pictures is shooting a full-length feature film in the sparsely populated Town of Allen in northern Allegany County. Cast and crew are on location at an Amish farm on a dirt road. The production company is using the Short Tract fire hall as its base camp.
The movie, which could be released next year, is set in a fictional Amish community, which is why Paramount location scouts chose the white, two-story Amish-built farmhouse. The property had been vacant. Read more....
Bradford Township, Lewis Run Dispatched For Rock Slide
At 12:29 PM on Friday, Bradford Township & Lewis Run Fire Depts dispatched to a rock slide on West Warren Road.
Retaining Wall Project on Route 414 in Morris Township, Tioga County Begins Next Week
Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel Route 414 in Morris Township, Tioga County are advised a retaining wall project will resume next week. The project is located at the intersection of Wilson Hill Road and continues north for .58 miles towards Morris, Tioga County.
On Wednesday, April 14, Route 414 will be closed between Wilson Hill Road and Dixie Run Road in Morris Township, Tioga County, while the contractor LTT, Trucking, LLC, begins construction of multiple retaining walls and roadway reconstruction, due to embankment failures between Babbs Creek and Route 414.
A detour using Wilson Hill Road, Route 4002 (Oregon Hill Road), English Run Road and Route 287 in Tioga and Lycoming Counties will be in place until mid-November, weather permitting.
Motorists should be alert and drive with caution in the area.
LTT Trucking, LLC., is the primary contractor for this $4,900,000, three-year project, which is expected to be completed in 2022.
Lane Restriction on Little Pine Creek Road in Cummings Township, Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that lane restrictions will start next week on Route 4001 (Little Pine Creek Road) in Cummings Township, Lycoming County, for repairs to two embankment failures.
On Monday, April 12, the contractor, LTT Trucking LLC, will begin constructing a retaining wall at two locations along Little Pine Creek Road. The first location will be approximately .75 miles north of the intersection with Route 44. The second location is approximately 2.2 miles north of the intersection with Route 44.
Motorists can expect 10-foot wide single lane conditions with temporary traffic control signals at each work location. Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, watch for lane changes, sudden stops, slow moving vehicles, and drive with caution through the work zone.
LTT Trucking, LLC, is the primary contractor for this $1.7 million embankment repair project, which is expected to be completed by September 30, weather permitting.
Lane Closures Continue Next Week on I-180 in Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – A High-Tension Cable Barrier Project continues next week in Lycoming County. The high-tension cable barrier system will be installed on Interstate 180 between the Route 87 overpass in Fairfield Township and the Lycoming / Northumberland County line.
On Monday, April 12, the contractor Penn Line Service, Inc., will continue installing the new high-tension cable barrier system in the median, starting at the Route 405 interchange in Muncy Creek Township and will continue to the Lycoming / Northumberland County line. Work will be performed during daylight hours. Motorists can expect the left (passing) lane to be closed where work is being performed. No work will be performed during the weekend.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for slow or stopped vehicles, expect lane changes, expect travel delays, and drive with caution through the work zone.
Work on this project is expected to be completed in November 2021.
PennDOT Cameron/Potter County Maintenance Work Schedule for the Week of April 12 – April 16, 2021
Emporium/Coudersport, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Cameron/Potter County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of April 12 – April 16, weather permitting. Motorists should travel with extra caution in these and all work areas. Motorists should be aware that due to the nature of highway maintenance and emergency work, crews could be working on any highway at any time of the day or night.
This work will be done in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and State Department of Health guidance as well as COVID-19 safety guidance, including protocols for social distancing, use of face coverings, personal and job-site cleaning protocols.
Cameron County 0240
Bridge Flushing:
● State Route: Various State Routes throughout the County
Sweeping:
● State Route: Various State Routes throughout the County
Potter County 0260
Sign Repairs:
● State Route: Various State Routes throughout the County
Bridge Flushing:
● State Route: Various State Routes throughout the County
Ditching:
● State Route: SR 4001 Sartwell Creek Road
SR 1008 Empson Road
SR 1001 Fox Hill Road
Brushing:
● State Route: SR 872 Costello area
SR 4023 Eleven Mile Road
Sweeping:
● State Route: Various State Routes in Austin area
Cutting Pipe Trenches:
● State Route: SR 244 – entire route
Motorists are encouraged to “Know Before They Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
Coudersport Councilman Urges Constituants To Get Vaccinated Saturday, April 10 at CARP
I want to thank Pfizer/BioNtech, UPMC Cole, UPMC Health Care System, and the PA DOH for making the Covid-19 vaccine available to everyone in our community. This vaccine is the first step toward getting us back to normal and I am writing to encourage everyone to vaccinate this Saturday, April 10, 2021 between 9am-1pm at Coudersport Area Recreation Park (CARP).
Getting back to normal begins with herd immunity, which is either from infection or vaccination of a minimum 70% of population. In Potter County alone, that would equal around 12,000 people. Infections rate that high would be disastrous for our community, which is why vaccine immunization is so important.
I understand that there is hesitation with these new vaccines, but after reviewing the science I would say they are safer than eating over-processed fast food or drinking energy drinks and definitely better than the possible side effects of this virus.
I realize this plague has become more than just that and that both sides of the political spectrum have used it for political gain. Covid-19 doesn’t care what your political beliefs are or which news channel you watch, it only cares about killing healthy cells in your body. Being involved in both medicine and politics, I would believe in the bio mechanical engineers and epidemiologists when it comes to your health, not political scientists or news anchors.
After receiving the Pfizer vaccine, I want to ensure everyone that I feel fine. The jab is no worse than that of a flu vaccine and I had less side effects then with the flu shot or any of the numerous immunizations received in my healthcare career.
Again, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this valuable opportunity this Saturday, 9am-1pm at CARP to protect your self, family, friends and the children of our community, by simply getting a jab in the arm.
Stay Safe, Mask Up, Wash Your Hands, and Get Vaccinated
Thank you for your time,
Todd Husson
Coudersport Borough Council Ward 1.
PA Permit Violations Issued
PA Permit Violation Issued to BKV OPR LLC in Bridgewater Twp, Susquehanna County |
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 4/08/2021 to BKV OPR LLC in Bridgewater Twp, Susquehanna county. 78a86 - CASING AND CEMENTING - DEFECTIVE CASING OR CEMENTING - Operator failed to report defect in a well that has defective, insufficient or improperly cemented casing to the Department within 24 hours of discovery. Operator failed to correct defect or failed to submit a plan to correct the defect for approval by the Department within 30 days. |
Incident Date/Time: 2021-04-08 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
PA Permit Violation Issued to BKV OPR LLC in Bridgewater Twp, Susquehanna County |
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 4/08/2021 to BKV OPR LLC in Bridgewater Twp, Susquehanna county. 78a85(a)5 - CASING AND CEMENTING - CEMENT STANDARDS - The operator failed to prevent gas flow in the annulus. In areas of known shallow gas producing zones, gas block additives and low fluid loss slurries shall be used. |
Incident Date/Time: 2021-04-08 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
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I was honored to join in the celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Frances Sherman Auxiliary of Lieutenant John C. Roche Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 212 last week. The Frances Sherman VFW Auxiliary was instituted in 1921 with 129 members. It is named in honor of Frances Sherman Boyle, who served in the American Red Cross in France during WWI. The auxiliary has made great contributions to the community through its support of veterans, local schools and senior centers throughout its history and continues to do so today. Congratulations and thank you all for your service! Pictured in the group photo, from left: Bradford Mayor James A. McDonald, VFW State Commander Ron Peters, VFW Post 212 Commander Steve Kloss, Department of PA President 2020-2021 Wendi Hennemann, Jr. Vice President Dept. of PA VFWA Valerie DeCorte, Frances Sherman VFWA President Amy Peterson, me and Sen. Cris Dush. |
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Legislation to improve pandemic fundraising options for fire and ambulance companies, as well as other nonprofit organizations that support community initiatives such as scholarships, youth sports and Scouting, has been approved by the state House. House Bill 290 would specifically authorize Small Games of Chance (SGOC) licensees to conduct online raffles and drawings and use a mobile payment service (not credit cards) for payment. Participants would have to be verified as residing within the Commonwealth and be at least 18 years of age. The bill also would increase individual prize limits to $4,000 and weekly prize limits to $50,000 to further aid fundraising efforts. The changes would expire with the end of the COVID-19 disaster emergency or May 1, 2022, whichever is later. The bill now goes to the Senate. |
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Working to help the Commonwealth recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the House approved three bills this week aimed at supporting employers, schools and more. House Bill 605 would protect against costly frivolous lawsuits by providing civil liability protections to health care providers, schools, small business owners, farmers, restaurants and others who did their part to help keep people safe during the pandemic. The bill does not protect those who put anyone at risk, and anybody who exhibits gross negligence can and should be held accountable. The measure is the first in the “Commonwealth’s COVID Comeback” package to earn House approval. The House also approved two bills to aid bars and restaurants, which were particularly hard hit by COVID-19 mitigation orders. House Bill 427 would increase the discount licensed establishments receive from state stores when purchasing liquor products from 10% to 15%. House Bill 425 would allow a licensee that closes permanently to sell their liquor or wine to another licensee, helping those who did not survive the crisis. All three measures now go to the Senate. |
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Discussing Natural Gas Policy
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As chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, I hosted a meeting with David Callahan of the Marcellus Shale Coalition to discuss with members the issues and challenges facing our natural gas industry. Pennsylvania is the second largest natural gas producer in the United States, accounting for 19% of the country’s total natural gas production. And of the state’s 67 counties, 34 have at least one producing well. The industry is a great job-provider and contributor to our economy. The conversation will be helpful as the General Assembly considers legislation impacting this key industry. |
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It’s been reported a number of states are considering developing so-called “vaccine passports” that would provide proof that passport holders have either received the COVID-19 vaccine or recently tested negative for COVID-19. Every Pennsylvanian who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should have the opportunity to get one, and we are working hard to make sure that happens sooner rather than later. But whether or not to obtain the vaccine is a personal choice to be made by each individual. Requiring a “passport” to prove vaccination status is a huge overreach into people’s personal lives, and especially into their private medical information. I would be opposed to any effort to create such a passport in Pennsylvania. |
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For Pennsylvanians looking to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, eligibility has now expanded beyond Phase 1A, which primarily focused on people age 65 and over and those age 16-64 with high-risk health conditions. As of this week, people in Phase 1B were eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment. Phase 1B includes: people in congregate settings not otherwise specified as long-term care facilities, and persons receiving home and community-based services; U.S. Postal Service workers; manufacturing workers; clergy and other essential support for houses of worship; public transit workers; and education workers. Starting Monday, April 12, all residents in Phase 1C will be eligible to start scheduling vaccination appointments. This phase includes essential workers such as those in the following fields: transportation and logistics; water and wastewater; food service; shelter and housing; finance, including bank tellers and insurance carriers; information technology and communication; energy, including nuclear reactors; legal; federal, state, county and local government workers, including county election workers, elected officials and members of the judiciary and their staff; news media; public safety; and public health workers. Starting Monday, April 19, all residents will be eligible to start scheduling vaccination appointments. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, including the state’s vaccination plan and how to schedule an appointment, click here. |
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Legislation to improve public safety and save taxpayer dollars by targeting repeat DUI offenders passed the House this week. House Bill 521 would authorize courts to require an alcohol monitoring device as a condition of bail, probation or parole for repeat offenders. A repeat DUI offender is an individual who is pending adjudication for a DUI and has one or more prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years, or is pending adjudication for two or more DUIs. Data shows recidivism rates for repeat DUI offenders who wore a device for at least 90 days are 50% less than those who were alternatively sentenced. In York County, the program has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of DUI offenders arrested for another DUI within the first year, in DUI victims served by the district attorney’s office and in the number of alcohol-related crashes. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. |
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The Department of Human Services is extending the 2020-21 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season and will now accept applications through April 30. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service. The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. For example, the income limit for an individual is $19,140; for a couple, the limit is $25,860; and for a family of four, it is $39,300. Additional information about the program is available here. Apply at www.compass.state.pa.us or contact your local County Assistance Office. |