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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
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Game Commission Night: White-Tailed Deer and Habitat
Time is running out to sign up for this year’s Game Commission Night! This year’s focus is on white-tailed deer and their habitat. This is a great opportunity for sportsmen and women to learn more about our deer herd and ask questions of expert game commission staff. Be sure to RSVP, and I hope to see you there!
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A Community United
Like so many of you, I have been touched by the many, many stories of neighbors helping neighbors here in Tioga County in the wake of flooding left behind by Hurricane Debby. I’d like to share just a few of those stories that demonstrate how our community has united in support of one another over the last several weeks.
Thank you to our video team from the House Republican Communications Department for making this video possible, and to the dozens of people who submitted photos and videos of the flooding and aftermath, some of which are included here.
Watch next week’s Community Connection (or check out our Facebook page later this week), for the next video, which highlights actions we must take at the state and local levels to prevent such devastating flooding from happening again.
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Tioga County Flood Recovery Grant Applications Available Now
Tioga County, PA, residents who suffered the loss of their hot water heater or other home damage because of Tropical Storm Debby last month are being invited to apply for a Tioga County Flood Recovery Grant.
Applications are available here.
Grants are specifically designated to help cover the costs of a new hot water heater. However, people with any type of damage are encouraged to apply, as efforts will also be made to help identify additional resources that may become available to assist you with flood recovery efforts.
Paper copies of the application are available by contacting Develop Tioga at info@developtioga.org or by calling 570-723-8232. Paper copies are also available at the Westfield Borough office, 429 E. Main St., Westfield.
Please Note: If you filled out a Tioga County Hot Water Heater Grant Application you do not need to complete a Tioga County Flood Recovery Grant application. Develop Tioga will follow-up with you for additional information.
Funding for these grants is based on available funds made possible through the Tioga County Flood Relief Account donations accepted by the Tioga County Partnership for Community Health. Hot water heaters for approved grant recipients have also been generously donated by the Lions Club. If you are approved for a grant, funds will be paid directly to an approved vendor or contractor providing the hot water heater.
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Uncovering Human Trafficking Subject of Upcoming Policy Hearing in Morris
Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in our country, and rural communities like ours are no exception. Understanding these crimes and how the perpetrators operate is key to preventing such tragedies.
I look forward to welcoming the House Republican Policy Committee to the region later this month to hold a hearing titled “Uncovering Human Trafficking.” The hearing will feature testimony from community advocates and law enforcement officials. It aims to uncover the truth behind human trafficking and the actions we are taking to prevent these situations.
It will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 10 a.m. at Three Springs Ministries, 874 Linck Hill Road, Morris.
RSVPs are requested but not required. Visit RepOwlett.com/Events to sign up or call our offices in Wellsboro (570-724-1390) or Troy (570-297-3045).
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Take a Tour of the Tioga State Forest Sept. 21!
What a great opportunity to learn more about our wonderful state forest!
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry is offering a FREE public tour on Tioga State Forest Lands in Tioga County on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Forestry staff will take participants on a guided driving tour with stops highlighting the agency’s work in the region. You will have the opportunity to learn about forest health and management, forest stewardship, the current status of Pennsylvania’s forest resources, wildlife habitat management and recreational opportunities on state forestlands.
This tour is being offered at NO cost to participants, with lunch and transportation being provided.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. This public tour is capped at 50 participants. Registered participants will receive additional details about the event via email. Please email cwhipple@pa.gov with any questions.
Click here to register.
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Troy Office Schedule Change
Starting this week, the Troy office will be operating on a Monday through Thursday schedule. It will be closed on Fridays now through Friday, Oct. 18. Starting the week of Oct. 19, the office will return to a Monday through Friday schedule.
So, if you want to see Dottie and get her expert assistance, be sure to stop by Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4:30 p.m.
If you need assistance on a Friday when the Troy office is closed, feel free to call the Troy office number, which will be forwarded to the Wellsboro office, or simply come by to see us there at 74 Main St. You can also reach us online at RepOwlett.com.
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‘Jail Scam’ Reports on the Rise
Pennsylvania State Police are again warning people to be aware of scammers claiming their loved one is in jail and promising to release them in exchange for cash.
Scammers will usually make contact by phone and claim a loved one (typically a grandchild) is either currently in jail, or faces the possibility of jail, and will even cite specific names. They will then ask for an address where they can pick up the money.
State police offer these tips to protect yourself from this and other scams:
• Don’t feel pressured to provide payment for something or to someone.
• Do not give out sensitive information over the phone.
• NEVER place money in your mailbox or at your doorstep for someone to pick up.
• Do not give remote access to anyone for any of your devices.
• Never make a payment to someone with gift cards – it’s a scam!
Click here for additional tips to protect yourself from scams. If you or anyone you know is a victim of a scam, contact state or local law enforcement to have it investigated.
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PA Elk Cam Back for Another Season!
You can once again check in on the state’s elk herd from the comfort of your own home!
The Pennsylvania Game Commission, in partnership with HDOnTap and the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, has installed a camera on Elk County game lands that are typically a hub of elk activity as the bugling season heats up. In the coming weeks, bulls will become more vocal as they compete with one another for available cows.
In addition to the elk, viewers can expect to see turkeys, deer and other wildlife as well. The best times to view elk are at dawn and dusk.
If you’d like to see the bugling season in person, the PA Game Commission reminds visitors to always be “Elk Smart.” Give elk space, never feed elk and do your part to ensure the welfare of the herd. Learn more here.
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While Summer Winds Down, Bugs are Still Buggin’
Summer is winding down, but ticks and mosquitoes are as active as ever, so it’s important to continue taking steps to protect yourself outdoors.
Pennsylvania typically ranks in the top 10 in the country for Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents. Most cases can be treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can spread to joints, heart and nervous system.
The state Department of Health offers an online dashboard to show where ticks are prevalent and help people prepare to take appropriate precautions while enjoying outdoor activities.
Tips include covering exposed skin; wearing light colors to help detect ticks; using insect repellent that is EPA-approved for tick prevention; and spraying permethrin on shoes, clothes and gear. After being outside, check yourself, your kids, and your pets thoroughly for ticks and remove any attached. Shower to help remove any ticks you may have missed. Throw your clothes in the dryer using high heat to help kill any remaining ticks.
Residents should also take steps to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and by wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times, like dusk and dawn.
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Kids are Heading Back to School: Learn About Saving for Higher Education with PA 529!
Kids across the state are or soon will be heading back to class, and now is the perfect time to start saving for their next steps! Whether a child in your life is starting kindergarten or heading into their senior year, it’s never too early, or too late, to start saving with the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program.
Saving with PA 529 has big tax advantages and doesn’t impact Pennsylvania state financial aid eligibility. There are two great plans to choose from, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP).
Both plans can be used to help pay for a wide variety of education costs like tuition and fees, books, supplies, room and board, and more at technical schools, community colleges, four-year institutions and apprenticeship programs. Learn more at pa529.com today!
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