Category Archives: Potter County Today

Free tax counseling and preparation for Pennsylvania taxpayers with low and moderate incomes – particularly those age 60 and older — remains available from AARP tax aides at four Potter County locations.

Read more on Free Tax Counseling This Week In Coudersport, Galeton…

Potter County Natural Gas Task Force members were encouraged to stay informed and involved if they want to avoid some of the potentially negative aspects of increased natural gas development. Two speakers from neighboring Tioga County had plenty to say about the topic at Tuesday’s task force meeting.

Read more on Gas Drilling: What Legacy Will We Leave For Next Generations?…

Potter County’s official 2010 census results will be released in the coming week and they’re likely to reflect two disturbing trends: a loss in population since 2000 and a significant aging of the populace. The U.S. Census Bureau will release local-level 2010 population counts, along with demographic data, for seven more states this week.

Read more on Potter County Local Census Results To Be Released…

Training for citizens who are willing to monitor streams and rivers across Potter County for signs of degradation due to natural gas drilling or other causes is scheduled for Monday, March 7, from 6-9 pm at the Gunzburger Building auditorium in Coudersport. Anyone interested in becoming a “God’s Country Water Dog” is encouraged to attend. The training is free. Donations to offset the cost of materials and public relations are welcome. A second training element to be held next month will focus on baseline water quality monitoring, which is essential for documenting conditions prior to a disturbance in a watershed.

Read more on Volunteer Water Monitor Training Scheduled Monday…

Hazardous materials operations training will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 26-27, and Saturday, April 2, at the Coudersport Firehall from 8 am until 4 pm.

Students must register by March 14. For more information, contact Lucinda Greene at the Potter County Department of Emergency Services, 274-8900.

Read more on Hazardous Materials Operations Training Scheduled Locally…

The March edition of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force newsletter, Roundup, is now available through the county’s website, pottercountypa.net (click on Marcellus Shale/Natural Gas, then on Monthly Newsletter). Copies of the latest edition and all past editions can be printed directly from the website. Copies can also be obtained over the counter at the commissioners’ administrative office in the Gunzburger Building — first door on the right inside the Main Street entrance (please call 274-8290, Ext. 207, to arrange for pickup).

Read more on Local Natural Gas Newsletter Available On County Website…

There are immediate openings in a program to address homelessness in Potter County with temporary financial assistance for the needy. The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) provides direct help for those who are — or could soon become — homeless. HPRP may be of immediate assistance to those who have lost their jobs or fallen behind in their rent through no fault of their own.

Read more on Homelessness Prevention Program Has Openings…

Weaver

Coolidge

Next meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force will feature a look into the crystal ball to forecast the impact of Marcellus Shale gas development on the county in the years to come. It’s scheduled for 7 pm Tuesday, March 8, at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport. Two veteran officials from Tioga County will present a program that summarizes what has taken place there since gas drilling started to intensify in 2008. Speakers will be Planning Director Jim Weaver and County Commissioner Erick Coolidge. All signs point to the increased level of gas drilling sweeping westward across the northern tier counties. Issues that have arisen in Bradford and Tioga counties are likely to be seen locally as the industry continues to expand.

Read more on Gas Task Force Meeting Will Spotlight ‘Crystal Ball’…

Free tax counseling and preparation for Pennsylvania taxpayers with low and moderate incomes – particularly those age 60 and older — is available from AARP tax aides at four Potter County locations.

Read more on Free Tax Counseling Available At Four Locations…

A free training program to prepare first responders and community leaders for emergency and public safety incidents at natural gas wells is scheduled for Wednesday, March 2, at the Kettle Creek Hose Company firehall in Cross Fork from 6-10 pm. Similar training sessions that have been held in other area communities have attracted more than 100 emergency responders and public officials.

Read more on Wellsite Emergency First Responder Training Wednesday…

The Potter County Commissioners will be sponsoring a workshop in late March to assist townships and boroughs with public safety and law enforcement issues stemming from natural gas drilling and related activities. Details on the session, which will be held at the Gunzburger Building auditorium in Coudersport, will be announced soon.

Read more on Law Enforcement/Public Safety Workshop For Municipalities…

A pesticide update program will be held on Friday, March 11, at the 9-1-1 Center in Smethport at 1 pm. It’s especially geared toward those needing pesticide certification (2 category and 3 core pesticide credits).

Read more on Pesticide Applicator Program Scheduled March 11 In Smethport…

“Extra Help” with Medicare prescription costs is available to many Potter County residents. The Extra Help program assists income-eligible Medicare beneficiaries by providing lower premiums and co-pays for medications. There is also no coverage gap, sometimes referred to as “donut hole,” for qualifying beneficiaries, according to Darcy Shutt of the Potter County Area Agency on Aging. She can be reached for more information at (814) 544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560.

Read more on Medicare Beneficiaries May Qualify For Reduced Prescription Costs…

These are busy times in the Potter County Tax Assessment Office. Not only are all county and municipal 2011 tax bills being mailed, the staff is also processing school tax “homestead exemption” applications.

Read more on County/Local Tax Bills Mailed; School Tax Reduction Deadline Nears…

“Extra Help” with Medicare prescription costs is available to many Potter County residents. The Extra Help program assists income-eligible Medicare beneficiaries by providing lower premiums and co-pays for medications. There is also no coverage gap, sometimes referred to as “donut hole,” for qualifying beneficiaries, according to Darcy Shutt of the Potter County Area Agency on Aging. She can be reached for more information at (814) 544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560.

Read more on Medicare Beneficiaries May Qualify For Reduced Prescription Costs…