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TODAY is Election Day
This Tuesday, Nov. 5, 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. on election day. 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.
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Happy Anniversary!
It is always a pleasure to recognize those couples whose marriages have stood the test of time. Their commitment to the sanctity of marriage and family values contributes to the strength and unity of our communities and our Commonwealth. I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to these two outstanding couples.
Richard and Grace Niemczyk celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Oct. 26. They have been blessed by three children and seven grandchildren. While I regret I was unable to present it in person, we did obtain a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives recognizing this impressive milestone.
Joseph and Irene Bohnert celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Oct. 17. It was an honor to visit with them and present them a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in recognition of this extraordinary milestone. The couple has known one another since elementary school and wed soon after graduating high school. Their roots in Morris run deep! They have been blessed by four children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
I wish both couples more years of happiness with one another and with their loved ones.
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Honoring Our Veterans
This upcoming Monday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, a time to honor and appreciate the sacrifices these men and women made on behalf of our citizens and people around the world.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and sought to honor the veterans of the World War – the only world war to have occurred at that time. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday in 1938 to acknowledge world peace, and then was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate the contributions of veterans of all wars.
Be sure to look for a Veterans Day ceremony in your own community to show your appreciation.
For more about the history of Veterans Day, click here.
For more information about programs and benefits to support our veterans in Pennsylvania, visit the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs here.
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Grant to Support Mansfield Flood Mitigation Project
A $500,000 state grant was awarded last week for a critical flood mitigation project in the borough of Mansfield.
The funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), will be used to cover construction costs associated with the realignment and installation of a new arch pipe culvert. Other costs include utility relocations and wetland restoration.
We’ve all seen firsthand, far too many times, the devastating impact of flooding on our lives and livelihoods here in the Northern Tier. Whatever we can do to protect against future flooding is a worthwhile investment in our communities.
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Juvenile Justice Reforms Become Law
Two new laws adopted by the General Assembly aim to help ensure the juvenile justice system is working as it should to protect public safety and hold offenders accountable, while also aiming to steer young offenders away from committing future crimes.
Act 107 of 2024 requires more frequent review hearings of juvenile offenders who are in detention centers to determine whether their progress is consistent with the placement plan. The hearings will now occur every three months, rather than every nine months.
Act 108 of 2024 addresses how juveniles can seek expungement of their criminal record. Previously, a juvenile was only eligible for expungement for most misdemeanor crimes after waiting five years. Now, the wait time will be two years. It is still a five-year wait for those convicted of felonies, misdemeanor firearms crimes and indecent assault.
Both laws are based on recommendations made by Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice Task Force.
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‘Tis the Season to Watch for Deer
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With deer becoming increasingly active and the end of daylight-saving time putting more vehicles on the road between dawn and dusk, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert.
Data from around the country indicates Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest risks of a vehicle collision with a deer or other large animal. A recent report shows Pennsylvania led the country in animal-collision insurance claims in fiscal year 2023-24. The same report indicates Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-61 chance of a vehicular accident involving a big game animal, one of the highest rates nationwide.
Drivers can reduce their chances of collisions with deer by staying alert and better understanding deer behavior. Be especially alert in “Deer Crossing” areas, and remember deer tend to travel in family groups, so if you see one deer, more are likely coming. For more information about what to do if you hit a deer, click here.
To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. If the deer is on a locally owned road, contact the appropriate municipality.
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Oh, Say, Can You Sing?
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a little more than two months away, and the Department of Agriculture is inviting Pennsylvania singers to enter “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” a star-spangled sing-off to win a chance to sing live at the event.
Each morning, from Jan. 4-11, the Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Top vote-getters may also be selected to sing at special events, such as the opening ceremony on Jan. 6.
The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages, both individuals and groups, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 17. For details, including how to enter, click here.
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