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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Federal Assistance on the Way for Tioga County Flood Victims
In case you missed it last week, the federal government issued a major disaster declaration in the Commonwealth, paving the way for much-needed aid for victims of last month’s flooding, including those here in Tioga County.
The declaration means residents who suffered damage during the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby will be eligible for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program provides direct benefits to homeowners and renters to assist with uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs because of the disaster. The program can help with temporary rentals, lodging reimbursement, home repairs and replacement, as well as some personal property, medical and dental expenses incurred due to the flooding.
I commend the Tioga County commissioners, Tioga County PA Emergency Services, dedicated first responders, business owners and citizens for making this happen by being diligent in reporting the damages they incurred to accurately demonstrate to the federal government the immense need in our communities.
FEMA crews are now on the ground working in our communities to assist people with applying for aid. To help ensure residents are providing information only to legitimate FEMA officials, the agency offered the following tips:
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FEMA representatives never charge a fee or ask for payment. |
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FEMA representatives will have a laminated identification badge and, if you have already applied, your FEMA registration number. |
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If you wish to begin your application on an electronic or mobile device with the assistance of a Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Team member while they are on-site in your community, you will need to provide your Social Security number as part of the application process. You can provide your banking information if you choose to receive funds via direct deposit. |
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An inspector may ask to verify your identity, typically using the last four digits of the applicant’s nine-digit FEMA registration number. More information on identifying a FEMA inspector can be found here. |
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If you are not sure who is taking your information or suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. |
A series of fact sheets and information about the assistance programs are available on my website.
FEMA is working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and will soon open Disaster Recovery Centers in the region to further assist impacted residents. I will keep you posted.
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Hearing About Human Trafficking THIS THURSDAY!
Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in our country, and rural communities like ours are no exception. We must work together to better understand these crimes to help prevent them, and support people who have already been victimized.
I encourage you to join me this Thursday, Sept. 19, as the House Republican Policy Committee holds a public hearing titled “Uncovering Human Trafficking.” It will be held at Three Springs Ministries, 874 Linck Hill Road in Morris, starting at 10 a.m. If you can’t attend in person, the hearing will stream live at www.PAGOPPolicy.com.
Among those scheduled to testify are Korrin Moon, founder of Lantern Rescue; Scott Henry, instructor, Northern Tier Law Enforcement Instructors Group; Jeff Rush, founder of Three Springs Ministries; the Hon. Tom Marino, Lycoming County district attorney; the Hon. Joseph C. Peters, Wyoming County district attorney; and Heather Castellino and Gabriel Fabian of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
RSVPs are requested but not required. Visit www.RepOwlett.com/Events to sign up or call our offices in Wellsboro (570-724-1390) or Troy (570-297-3045).
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Remembering 9/11
Thank you to the Mansfield community for welcoming me to speak at their 9/11 remembrance ceremony last week. It was a moving tribute to the lives lost on that terrible day. As the years go by, more and more people either have no memory of what occurred that day or were not even born yet.
For those of us who watched in horror on Sept. 11, 2001, let us do our part to remember. Do our part to make sure the next generation learns. And let us make sure those cowards who attacked us know these United States of America... will never be taken down. These United States will certainly fight back… That’s what we do!
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Happy 25th Anniversary!
Robert Packer Hospital’s (RPH) Towanda Personal Care Home is celebrating 25 years of outstanding service to the community! The facility provides housing, personalized support services and health care to people who require assistance to maintain an independent, active and self-sufficient lifestyle. They could not do it without the hard-working, dedicated caregivers who staff the facility. Thank you all for the vital services you provide our community!
Pictured with me, from left: Kyle McDuffee, site administrator of RPH; Joe Sawyer, senior vice president and president of RPH’s Towanda campus; Jamie Helmbright, Towanda Personal Care Home administrator; and Shawn Karney, vice president of operations.
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Game Commission Night Highlights White-Tailed Deer
We had an outstanding turnout for our Game Commission Night last week! Thank you to Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist David Stainbrook, supervisor of the Deer and Elk Section, and forester Chris Wood for joining us and providing some great insight into our white-tailed deer population and habitat. What species would you like to learn more about? We’re already thinking about next year’s program and welcome your feedback!!
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A Great Time at Sheriff’s Night Out!
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The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office held another outstanding Sheriff’s Night Out event over the weekend at the Ives Run Recreation Area. It’s such a great opportunity for the community to meet the men and women sworn to protect them and our communities. The kids had a blast, too, checking out emergency vehicles and enjoying bounce houses, balloon animals, games and more. Thanks to Sheriff Frank Levindoski and his team for their great work on this event and in the community on a daily basis.
Speaking of their service in the community, here are just a few of the educational public safety programs the sheriff’s office can provide:
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License to Carry Seminar covering PA’s stand-your-ground law, Castle Doctrine law, rules for carrying and more. |
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Active Attack (shooter) Response Training for civilians (schools, churches, medical facilities, businesses), covering history of attack events and locations, and responding using A.D.D. – Avoid, Deny, Defend. |
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Vulnerability Assessments of schools, churches, businesses, homes, etc. to identify strengths and vulnerable areas to a potential attack. |
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Self-Defense Training (no experience required), covering how to legally protect yourself and your family with simple and effective techniques from certified instructors. |
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Firearms training (3D virtual training and simulation) with certified instructors, covering positional shooting drills, moving target drills, de-escalation drills and deadly force (shoot or NO shoot) drills. |
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NRA: Refuse To Be a Victim course covering self-defense, home defense, traveling and more. |
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Blue Envelope Program to help drivers with special needs communicate better with law enforcement and others during a traffic stop or crash. |
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Child ID Kit to help in the event your child is missing. |
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Many other programs and presentations available for children and people of all ages, including stranger danger, drugs and alcohol, firearms safety, senior citizen scams, etc.) |
Click here to learn more about the Sheriff’s Office.
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Notable Road Work in Mansfield, Liberty Continues
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is updating two ongoing roadway projects in the region.
As construction continues on Route 6 and Main Street (Route 2005) in Mansfield, contractors are performing base and joint repairs on North and South Main streets this week. Additional work will be completed on the sidewalks, ADA ramps and drainage throughout the project area. Work will be performed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed.
This $7.2 million construction project includes milling and resurfacing 0.5 miles of Route 6 between the Tioga River and Swan Street in Mansfield Borough and 3.8 miles of Main Street between Decker Street in Richmond Township and East Main Street in Mansfield Borough. Additional work includes drainage improvements, utility relocations, construction of ADA ramps, and rehabilitation and deck preservation of the bridge that carries Route 6 over the Tioga River in Mansfield Borough. Work on this project is anticipated to be completed in 2025 and includes a winter shut down.
As construction continues on Water Street (Route 414), Blockhouse Road (Route 2005) and Williamson Road (Route 2007) in Liberty Borough and Liberty Township, contractors are performing drainage work on Williamson Trail Road (Route 2007) between Blockhouse Road and Mase Road (T-800). Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed. Work will be performed during daylight hours, weather permitting. Motorists should be alert, expect delays in travel and drive with caution.
This two-year, $6.2 million roadway improvement project includes drainage work on Route 414 (High Street/Water Street) and Blockhouse Road, roadway reconstruction, retaining wall, sidewalks, curbing, and resurfacing of 1.7 miles of Williamson Road. Work is expected to be complete in November of 2025, weather permitting. Motorists can expect a winter shut down between construction seasons.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District3.
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911 Text Service Available in All Counties
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is reminding citizens you can now text 911 in any county across the Commonwealth.
Texting 911 is as simple as texting a friend. Type 911 in the “to” field and explain what is happening in your text. Include your location.
Texting 911 is ideal if the person trying to report the emergency is deaf, hard of hearing or has a speech disability; is having an emergency and cannot talk on the phone; is in a situation in which it is not safe to call 911.
PEMA recommends calling if at all possible, as it provides background sounds and context clues to aid operators and emergency responders. But if you can’t call, texting is the next best thing.
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Be Prepared!
September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), and this year the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is placing special focus on the importance of starting the conversation about disasters that could occur where you live or work.
Talking about potential emergencies can help everyone take the steps necessary to prepare, such as:
Learn more about potential hazards and how to prepare for them at www.ready.gov.
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