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Another Opportunity to Make Your Voices Heard on Proposed Verizon/Frontier Merger
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission hearing held at the Wellsboro Fireman’s Annex last week. More than 30 attendees provided over two hours of testimony for the judge’s consideration regarding the proposed Frontier-Verizon merger.
If you were unable to participate in the in-person Wellsboro hearing, two telephonic public input hearings will be held this Thursday, Feb 20, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Participants can call in, toll free, at 866-759-6860 and use PIN Number 71568747. An additional in-person hearing is tentatively scheduled in Tunkhannock on March 11.
At last week’s hearing, local officials, including me, presented concerns and outlined necessary improvements for a successful merger. We heard from residents who expressed their frustration in receiving reliable service. We also heard from a teacher who shared her frustration with the challenges students face. A local health professional and first responder shared the necessity for telehealth services and the need for everyone to have reliable service as a matter of safety. I appreciate the contributions of all who testified, highlighting the vital importance of reliable service in rural Pennsylvania.
The judges will review the testimony and then prepare a recommendation for the commission. I have emphasized the community’s need for a substantial investment in critical infrastructure to ensure reliable service for all. We are looking for answers that explain what is going to happen, where the changes will take place and when we can expect to see these changes.
Additional details about the telephone hearings, and how to pre-register, are available here.
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Celebrating 95 Years of Service!
This past weekend, I was honored to join Middlebury Township Volunteer Fire Department to honor two remarkable men during their annual banquet.
Donald Warren and Robert Bertsche have given a combined total of 95 years of selfless service to the department. Wow! Donald Warren, with 50 years of service, has served as president, a trustee and EMT. Robert Bertsche is honored for 45 years of service. Mr. Bertsche has served as assistant chief, captain and lieutenant, and now president.
These men consistently responded to calls at any hour, often placing themselves at risk to protect the lives and property of our community. It is such a great honor to celebrate our local heroes for their decades of service and sacrifice.
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Leaders Growing Leaders
Successful leaders are always growing and learning. Have you been wanting to grow and enhance your leadership skills and become more involved in the community?
Leadership Tioga County (LTC) is a unique program offered by Develop Tioga for our area to bring individuals together from all backgrounds, challenge them to increase their knowledge of Tioga County, and strengthen their leadership skills.
This week, I had the opportunity to join the leadership class. We had a lively, interactive conversation discussing integrity, persuasion and public speaking. Click here if you would like to learn more about this program. Enrollment for the next session will open in April.
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Slight Snow Delay for our Future Leaders
The snow may have delayed the scheduling of Southern Tioga’s FFA jacket ceremony in Harrisburg during the farm show; however, it remained a memorable occasion. The jacket ceremony is a long-standing tradition as jackets are placed on our next generation of FFA leaders, recognizing them for their dedication and hard work.
It is always an honor to participate and recognize these future leaders. Congratulations to the members of Southern Tioga FFA!
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Breakfast Meeting on Agriculture
Attention farmers! Sen. Gene Yaw, Rep. Tina Picket and I are inviting you to a free Breakfast Meeting on Agriculture on Thursday, March 20, at 10 a.m. at the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Wellsboro.
This is a great event where we can all learn more about the state of agriculture in Pennsylvania and discuss how we can work together to improve agricultural conditions in our region. The event will also feature a special guest panel to discuss mental health and relief programs for farmers. The panel includes Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; Amber Hughes, Penn State Extension mental health educator; Nicole Black, county executive director, Tioga County USDA – Farm Service Agency; and Amanda Miller, vice president, Bradford/Sullivan County Farm Bureau.
The breakfast is open to farmers and members of the agriculture community in Tioga and Bradford counties. Seating is limited, and registration is required.
The deadline to RSVP is Monday, March 3.
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Grants Awarded for Agricultural Innovation
Agriculture is such an important part of our history and heritage, but it is an equally important part of our future.
I was happy to join Sen. Gene Yaw recently in announcing two local agribusinesses that were awarded grant funds from the state to support their innovative approaches to doing business.
Tioga County’s multi-generational Painterland Farms, which founded Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt in 2020, received $475,000 for its Regenerative Farming Innovations project through legislative support.
Additionally, Woodland Biomass Innovations was awarded $50,000 for the site planning of a biomass-to-fuel facility. The pilot plant will utilize carbon that is already part of the natural cycle to produce gasoline that works with existing cars and distribution infrastructure.
Congratulations to these agriculture leaders and to all who work in and support this vital industry!
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Grants Awarded to Fire, EMS Companies in Tioga and Bradford County
Great news for public safety across our region! More than $750,000 in state grants have been awarded to fire and ambulance companies in Tioga and Bradford counties through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
Our fire and EMS personnel risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of our communities, and that mission has become more difficult for several reasons. As we work to adopt policies to encourage recruitment and retention of our first responders, these grants are a big help with the financial challenges our companies face.
Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt.
Click here for the list of grant recipients in Tioga County.
Click here for the list of grant recipients in Bradford County.
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Attention Bradford County! Join Us for Game Commission Night Next Month
We are looking forward to hosting our first Game Commission Night in Bradford County, cosponsored with Leroy Sportsman’s Association, on Tuesday, March 11, at the Peppers Auction Barn in Canton. Check out the flyer below for details and be sure to RSVP!
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