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Next Week!! Join Us to Learn About Protecting your Children from Human Trafficking in a Digital World
We are just over one week away, and we are looking forward to hearing from Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters and Korrin Moon, president and founder of Lantern Rescue, who will share their expertise and advice at two upcoming seminars to help you learn more about the dangers of human trafficking. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will join us at the Wellsboro session as well. If you have young people in your life, you do not want to miss this informative night, which will help identify the risk and protect your children from this heinous crime.
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Student Government Seminar
On Thursday, March 13, Sen. Gene Yaw hosted his annual Student Government Seminar, with over 200 high school students attending! Students, teachers, local and state government officials, advocacy groups, and members of the media took part in the event at Pennsylvania College of Technology where students are given the opportunity to debate important issues, develop legislation and vote on “mock bills” in an open session. Bryce Bitner, teacher from Wellsboro High School says, “We appreciate Senator Yaw for hosting the event every year, as it truly shows his dedication to the young students in our district and Commonwealth by improving their understanding of the legislative system.”
I was unable to attend, but students from Troy, Wellsboro and North Penn-Liberty represented District 68. So proud to see our local students learning about the legislative process and building connections for a stronger community. I'd like to extend a big thanks to the schools and teachers for helping prepare the next generation of American leaders.
Kendra Pardoe, a teacher from Troy High School, shared that her students look forward to this event every year. She says, “I think it is so important for the kids to learn and be a part of the legislative process. Oftentimes you only hear about a bill after it is passed but this event gives them the opportunity to be engaged in the process of creating a bill.
Mr. Bitner brought his AP Government class and he shared, “The biggest takeaway for our kids were valuable communication skills, working through disagreements, and balancing ethics and representation. One of the biggest challenges our legislators face is balancing representing their constituents and their own personal belief system and faith.” The event was eye opening to students to see what all goes into making a bill into a law.
Daniel Schultz, a student at Wellsboro High School, learned firsthand that persuasion isn’t always easy, even with the best ideas. “You could have an idea that you thought was so good and that everyone would like. No matter their political, religious, or personal beliefs, that idea will never be accepted by everyone, no amount of modifications (or amendments) will get it there.”
Students from Troy High School, Hart and Haden, shared a very similar experience. They learned that there are many different perspectives on issues. Haden said, “We didn't always agree, but in the end, we came up with a good compromise on something that we all could agree on.” Hart said he was surprised how hard it was to get a bill to pass because of all the details and that it took persistence to explain it and get your point across.
Mr. Bitner summed it by saying, “I think the event was a fantastic representation of the challenges and obstacles our legislators face and gives our kids a better understanding and appreciation for what legislators like Senator Yaw and Representative Owlett do in Harrisburg and for our communities.”
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Breakfast Meeting on Agriculture
We had a great turnout—almost 200 people — for the “Breakfast Meeting on Agriculture” that I co-hosted with Senator Gene Yaw and PA State Rep. Tina Pickett at the Tioga County Fairgrounds. I'm a Tioga County farm boy myself, and now I get to go to Harrisburg and represent Tioga and Bradford counties, so I value the opportunities I get to talk with farmers and hear their concerns. Our farmers and others in the business of agriculture are some of the hardest working and dedicated people you will ever meet, so events like this are important to me. As we work together, we can continue to strengthen our agriculture community.
We started off the morning with a “milk toast” given by Tioga County Dairy Princess Elena Hazelton. Elena lives on a dairy farm in Mansfield and is a true dairy enthusiast! She is enjoying her time educating people on the importance of dairy, and she is doing a great job supporting the local farmers in the community. We also enjoyed a great breakfast from Sugar Mama’s Appalachian Maple, whose menu featured items from farmers across Tioga and Bradford counties!
Following breakfast, we were able to share about some important legislation on water quality, stream maintenance and environmental improvements. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined us for a panel discussion on mental health and relief programs for farmers. The panel encouraged neighbors to continue helping neighbors and to remember that it is the community that keeps them strong. Even in the tough times, there is always some good to be found.
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Eagle Scout Does Spring Clean-Up
On Thursday, March 20, I met up with Levi Root at Saint Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Wellsboro to admire his community service project, fulfilling his Eagle Scout requirement, the highest achievement in Scouting. This project had special significance for Levi as his Nana is buried there. He shared that while considering this project, an Eagle flew overhead, confirming for him this was the work he was meant to do. I visited the cemetery to witness his remarkable work - cleaning and repairing headstones, installing park benches, and even adding gravel to the road! I commend Levi for identifying a need and filling it. It was an honor to present Levi with a citation from the House of Representatives recognizing his exceptional contributions.
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Is Your License Plate Hard to Read? Pre-Register Now!
Have you noticed your PA license plate fading, falling apart? Is it difficult to read? Those hard-to-read PA license plates could cost you a ticket of $100! We are offering you a simple way to have your plate replaced at no charge. Call 570-724-1390 to pre-register here for your fastest drive through option. Please be sure to have your driver’s license and registration handy when calling in to pre-register.
For additional information on PennDOT license plate reissuances, click here for frequently asked questions.
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Introducing Our Youth to Trout Fishing!
Just a reminder this Saturday, March 29, is Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day across the Commonwealth.
To participate, youth anglers (those under the age of 16) must have either a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License. More information about the mentored youth program, as well as a link to obtain a permit or license, is available here.
Next Saturday, April 5, is the first day of trout season. If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your fishing licenses and permits and get your gear organized. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) online at www.fishandboat.com or the FishBoatPA mobile app for more information.
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