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Election Day Today!
Today is Election Day! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to verify your polling place for in-person voting.
Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. today.
If you choose to deliver it in person, you can only return your own ballot, not anyone else’s. And no one can deliver your ballot on your behalf unless you are a voter with a disability and have designated someone, in writing, to deliver your ballot, or if you need an emergency absentee ballot. Click here for more frequently asked questions about elections from the Department of State.
More information about voting is available at www.vote.pa.gov.
Please note: My offices will be closed on today due to election day. We will resume our regular office hours on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
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Taking Action to Protect Children and Fight Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is never an easy topic to discuss, but it is an important conversation we need to have. It is happening right here in our communities, and we all need to recognize the warning signs and know how to protect our loved ones.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, I hosted a Human Trafficking Awareness and Education event at North Street Community Church in Canton. We were fortunate to hear from Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters; Korrin Moon, president and founder of Lantern Rescue; and Debbie Colton, founder of Oasis of Hope in Canton. Each shared valuable information about recognizing human trafficking, online grooming and the exploitation of children, as well as steps we can take to help prevent these crimes.
Awareness and education are key to protecting our children and our communities. Thank you to our speakers for sharing their knowledge and to everyone who took the time to attend and learn more about this important issue.
I will continue fighting in Harrisburg for stronger penalties for those who commit these horrific crimes and for stronger protection for our children. The bill summaries below highlight the steps being taken in Harrisburg to address these issues.
Together, we can raise awareness, help prevent human trafficking and work toward safer communities for everyone.
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New Opportunities for Blossburg
Blossburg is no stranger to change and is an incredibly strong community filled with creativity and resilience. On Monday, Oct. 27, a new chapter began as Blossburg welcomed a new manufacturing partner.
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| Photo Credit: High on the Mountain Photography |
I joined local leaders to welcome Fagor Recycling Inc. to Tioga County! I am grateful to the partners of Fagor for believing in our community and recognizing all that our area has to offer, from a well-trained workforce with a strong work ethic to an outstanding quality of life.
Like many new ventures, this one will start small, but it has the potential to grow into something special for the Blossburg community and surrounding area in the years to come!
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Photo Credit: High on the Mountain Photography
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I am looking forward to new opportunities and a bright future for Blossburg.
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Celebrating Hannah Penzone’s Achievement as an Eagle Scout
On Saturday, Oct. 24, I had the honor of recognizing Hannah Penzone, daughter of Robert and Karin Penzone, for achieving the highest rank in Scouting America: Eagle Scout with Troop 2062 - Great Falls Council BSA of Tioga!
Throughout her time in Scouting, Hannah has held several leadership positions, including Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work, commitment and dedication. Hannah completed all the requirements of the Eagle Scout program, which helps Scouts grow in leadership, service and outdoor skills.
For her community service project, Hannah built a gaga ball pit for Lindley Community Church.
I had never played gaga ball before, so naturally, I had to give it a try! County Commissioner Sam VanLoon joined me, and I quickly learned he is much better at the game than I am!
I am proud to see young people in our community building their leadership skills, serving others and making a positive impact.
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Celebrating 150 Years of Luther’s Mills Community Church
On Sunday, Oct. 25, Luther’s Mills Community Church celebrated 150 years of faith and service. Although I was unable to attend the celebration, I was happy to provide a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in recognition of this special milestone.
The church’s history dates back to 1817, when a Methodist class was established in the small village of Luther’s Mills. The congregation began meeting in the early 1870s and held its first service in 1876 after a permanent church was constructed. After serving as a United Methodist Church, the congregation reopened independently in June 2023 under its current name, Luther’s Mills Community Church.
Today, the church continues to serve its congregation and community through weekly worship, Sunday School, a ladies auxiliary and weekly Bible study.
For 150 years, the members of Luther’s Mills Community Church have demonstrated their faith through service to God and their community. Their faith, determination, generosity and stewardship have helped make the church a meaningful part of the community.
Congratulations to the congregation on this remarkable anniversary, and may the church continue to be a source of faith, fellowship and inspiration for generations to come!
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Celebrating 100 Years of the Rotary Club of Troy
Organized on Oct. 22, 1926, and officially chartered the following month, the Rotary Club of Troy is celebrating 100 years of service to the community!
Throughout its history, the club has supported West Bradford through countless service projects and fundraisers. From supporting local Boy Scouts and helping students find employment opportunities to awarding scholarships, promoting literacy, sponsoring leadership camps and organizing international student exchanges, the club has made a lasting impact. Its members have also helped with transportation for the Troy High School basketball team, served monthly complimentary dinners and taken on community projects such as cemetery cleanups.
For a century, the Rotary Club of Troy has brought people together through fellowship and a shared commitment to serving others.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Troy and its members, past and present, for a century of dedication to our community. Here's to many more years of service!
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Protecting Kids from Internet Predators, AI
I recently voted in favor of two new state laws aimed at keeping our children safe in the age of internet predators and artificial intelligence.
Act 71 of 2026, formerly House Bill 1098 – also known as Alicia’s Law – creates a dedicated state grant program to fund law enforcement task forces focused on investigating and prosecuting internet predators who target children. The law is named after Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area woman who was abducted in 2002 at age 13 by a man she met online. Thanks to her advocacy, Pennsylvania became the 14th state to enact this law.
Act 87 of 2026, formerly House Bill 2474, requires mandated reporters of child abuse to immediately notify law enforcement when they become aware of suspected child sexual abuse material involving artificial intelligence-generated deepfake images. The legislation is intended to prevent reporting delays that can allow sexually explicit material involving children to continue circulating and additional victims to be targeted.
Act 71 takes effect immediately, while Act 87 will take effect in late January.
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