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Tioga County Commissioners Host Public Meetings on Flood Recovery
Residents across Tioga County gathered for the first of two public meetings focused on long-term recovery and resilience efforts following the August 2024 flooding event. The meeting, held on April 23 at Cowanesque Valley High School, was hosted by the Tioga County Commissioners and brought together representatives from Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and regional partners.
PEMA Director Randy Padfield and Kristen Hamilton from Develop Tioga were present to discuss recovery planning, answer community questions and explain how disaster recovery funding can be allocated. They also highlighted opportunities to rebuild infrastructure with a stronger emphasis on long-term resilience.
During the meeting, I provided an update on the work that we are doing in Harrisburg, including recent conversations with the governor’s office. I emphasized the concerns raised by our communities and our efforts to advocate for improved maintenance of creeks and streams. We are actively working to advance policies that help protect lives and livelihoods.
With $11.6 million in disaster recovery funding available, this meeting offered an important opportunity for the community to play a key role in shaping how these resources are used so that we can not only repair but improve local systems. The goal is to invest in long-term resilience and reduce future flood risk, strengthen infrastructure, and better support affected communities.
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The Reality of Human Trafficking
I recently had the opportunity to join Lantern Rescue President Korin Moon in an interview with Family Life News to discuss the realities of human trafficking and its impact on communities across Pennsylvania.
In the interview, I shared how human trafficking is often misunderstood and rarely matches the stereotypical image of physical abduction. In most cases today, it involves online grooming and exploitation, where predators use social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms to gradually manipulate victims.
I encouraged parents and caregivers that they can play an important role with a focus on prevention by staying engaged in their children’s digital lives, maintaining open communication and learning to recognize the warning signs. Human trafficking is preventable, and it requires our communities to remain informed, vigilant and actively involved in protecting children.
Listen to the full interview here.
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Innovation in Action: Wellsboro Students Advance to State Competition
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Pictured from left to right: Ethan Geneski, Jacoby Strang,
Taylor Main, and Jude Cuneo. |
It’s always encouraging to see the many ways our local schools engage students and inspire them to push beyond the classroom to achieve excellence. A recent example of this commitment to innovation and hands-on learning comes from the Wellsboro Area High School Engineering 3 class, which recently participated in the PennDOT Innovations Challenge.
As part of the competition, students had the opportunity to visit their regional PennDOT office, where they presented their ideas and solutions to real-world transportation challenges. Through hard work, creativity, and collaboration, the team earned a well-deserved first-place finish at the regional level.
In preparation for the state competition held on April 23 in Harrisburg, I, along with two other teachers, had the privilege of working with these students as they refined their presentation. We were able to provide feedback and offer suggestions to add to their presentation. Their dedication and willingness to learn and challenge themselves stood out every step of the way.
Opportunities like the PennDOT Innovations Challenge highlight the importance of experiential learning and demonstrate what students can achieve when they are encouraged to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. We should take great pride in all of our students who step outside their comfort zones, challenge their education and pursue excellence.
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Government Day Inspires Students to Engage in Civic Leadership
Bryce Bitner, a government teacher at Wellsboro High School, organized a Government Day event designed to give students a clearer, more personal understanding of civic responsibility and leadership. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with the people who shape and serve their communities every day.
Students from Bitner’s classes, along with participants from North Penn Mansfield, gathered to hear from a wide range of public servants. Local and state elected officials and law enforcement officers They spoke about the challenges they face, as well as the rewards that come from serving others and making a tangible impact.
Liz Vollman, district outreach coordinator to Sen. Gene Yaw, joined me as we walked students through the legislative process, explaining how an idea evolves into a bill and, ultimately, becomes law. It’s a process that can seem complex at first glance but breaking it down step by step helped students see how their voices and ideas could be heard.
While I was there, I had the opportunity to speak with students about the work we are doing in Harrisburg to combat digital human trafficking. I also helped them better understand the reality of human trafficking in our own community.
Human trafficking is a real and present threat in our area. I was grateful for the chance to use this time to educate students on what digital trafficking is, how it happens and how they can protect themselves. We also discussed what steps to take if they ever find themselves in a concerning or unsafe situation.
By the end of the day, students walked away with a deeper understanding of government and the realization that their voices matter and they can play an active role in shaping their communities.
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Veterans Service Officer Outreach in Troy
The Troy district office is hosting free veterans’ assistance hours on the second Thursday of each month to all veterans and their dependents. Call the Troy office at 570-297-3045 to schedule an appointment to speak with Bill McGovern, Veterans Service Officer from the American Legion. We are now scheduling appointments for May 14.
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Call Before You Dig
April is Safe Digging Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of calling 8-1-1 before digging to ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state.
Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents.
State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their lines are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.
Learn more at www.PA1call.com.
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Boosting Autism Awareness, Acceptance
April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly recognized as Autism Awareness Month. The designation aims to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, housing, health care and long-term support services.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs works to provide an array of support services for individuals of all ages, as well as their families. The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a statewide initiative to provide streamlined access to information for Pennsylvanians living with autism.
To learn more, visit www.paautism.org.
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PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has announced four upcoming seminars to help students explore their financial options to cover the cost of college:
• Borrowing for Higher Education – A seminar about loan options will be offered Thursday, May 7, from noon to 1:45 p.m. and Tuesday, June 23, from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
• Deep Dive into Covering the Gap – A seminar about understanding your college bill and making informed decisions about how to finance your semester will be offered Tuesday, May 19, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and Thursday, June 11, from noon to 12:45 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Voter Registration Deadline May 4
Time is running out! Pennsylvanians who are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 19 primary election should be sure to register no later than Monday, May 4.
To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the election; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary.
Under state law, only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats may vote for candidates in the primary election.
Citizens may register to vote online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Voters who prefer to vote by mail-in or absentee ballot have until May 12 to apply for the ballot and until 8 p.m. on May 19 to return it. For more information, click here.
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