Area dairy farmers participated in a National Family Farm Coalition conference to spotlight the tightening financial crunch plaguing small fair farms. Among them was a familiar name among Potter County dairy producers — Arden Tewksbury of Wyoming County. He is a lifelong dairyman and advocate for small dairy farms. Tewksbury told a nationwide audience that it costs Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers about $2.00 to produce a gallon of milk, but they only receive approximately $1.32 for the product. There is still money to be made in the milk business, but it’s going to companies at the other end of the tanker trucks who process, package and sell the finished product.
The coalition strongly backs federal legislation to improve dairy farmers’ return on investment. Tewksbury said he believes American consumers would support the legislation, even if the pricing adjustments meant higher milk prices. He also claimed that small farmers have little standing in Congress, while corporations — many of which want to import more milk products — have lobbying clout and deep pockets.
Coalition members pointed out that there are about 57,000 dairy farms in the nation, and one-third of them are at risk of disappearing as the crisis gets worse. As this happens, the importation of milk protein will increase.
Trout Unlimited is spearheading training for volunteers who will monitor area streams and rivers for any impact from natural gas drilling. At this month’s Potter County Natural Gas Task Force meeting, TU representative Dr. Peter Ryan announced that volunteers are being recruited from area watershed protection groups.
They’ll be checking waterways for any potential degradation due to natural gas drilling or any other causes. Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council is supporting the monitoring system in Potter, Cameron, McKean, Elk and Jefferson counties.
Dr. Ryan also reported on the recent tanker accident on Peet Brook Road, a tributary to the Allegheny River. Of the 4,200 gallons of contaminated water that was released, all but 400 gallons was recovered and there was evidently no major impact on the waterway. He said the spill was a reminder that, despite regulations, accidents will happen.
“Volatility” was the word of the day as an investment manager met with the Potter County Retirement Board Thursday to discuss the status of the county employees’ retirement fund. Jeff Davidek from the firm C. S. McKee explained that the fund lost about $700,000 in value between April 1 and June 30. However, a rally in July erased most of that loss.
As of Thursday, the fund had a value of $9.3 million. It’s up by 11 percent since July 2009. Despite the roller-coaster market of the past several years, the fund shows appreciation of 2.5 percent since 2005.
Davidek said C. S. McKee continues to invest heavily in the energy and health care sectors. He is cautiously optimistic that the second half of 2010 will see a rebound. Members of the Retirement Board include Commissioners Doug Morley, Susan Kefover and Paul Heimel, County Treasurer Krista Miller and Chief Commissioners Clerk Todd Brown.
The Potter County Fair returns for its 74th running on Sunday (Aug. 1) and continues through next Saturday night, Aug. 7, at the Millport fairgrounds.
Once again, there is no gate admission charge and no parking fee. As always, there will be rides, exhibits, refreshments, animal displays and entertainment and more.
Carnival rides are at reduced prices Monday through Saturday from 1-5 pm. Special events are as follows:
- Sunday: 3 pm, pony pull; 6, opening ceremonies and kiddie parade; 6-10, music by Faith Praise.
- Monday: 7-11, music by Country Pickin’.
- Tuesday: 9 am, youth horse show; 11:30, Grange show and awards; 4, beef show; 7, baked goods auction; 6-7 and 8-11, music by Quigg Hollow.
- Wednesday (Senior Citizens Day): noon to 4, music by Hum Johnson and Country Gold; 1, sheep show; 6, kiddie horse show; 7-11, music by Two Mile Band.
- Thursday: 8 am, open horse show; 9 am, open dairy show; 7-8 and 9-11, music by Happy Days; 8 pm, queen crowning.
- Friday: 9 am, junior dairy show; 6, trophy horse show; 7, 4-H/FFA junior livestock auction; 7-11, music by Stray Bullet.
- Saturday: 10 am, old-timers’ horse show; 6-10, music by Legends; 10, fireworks display.
More information on the fair is available by calling 814-698-2368.
Older residents are reminded that they can qualify for $20 in checks to buy fresh vegetables. Potter County Area Agency on Aging will provide checks to those who meet the following criteria: at least 60 years of age during the year of 2010 (must show proof of age); resident of Potter County (bring proof of address); must fall within income limits as follow — one-person household, $20,036; two people, $26,955; three, $33,874; four, $40,793; five, $47,712.
Checks are available at Potter County Human Services in Roulette, or at senior centers in Coudersport, Shinglehouse, Ulysses and Galeton. They’ll also be distributed by the Agency on Aging staff during public sessions at Austin at 11:30 am Aug. 16 and Sept. 20; at Genesee United Methodist Church, from 10 to noon on Aug. 25; and at Harrison Valley Community Building, from 2-4 pm on Aug. 25.
Seniors who reside in nursing homes, personal care homes or other residential facilities where meals are provided are not eligible. For more information on the program, contact Barb Kiel at 1-800-800-2560.
Training activities are scheduled for two dates in August to prepare for the launch of the new Potter County Drug Enforcement Task Force. District Attorney Andy Watson is working with a core group of local law enforcement officers and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office to develop the local task force. State funds will cover expenses. Work of the task force will complement ongoing drug investigations.
Officials are especially concerned about the drug abuse problem among the county’s youth and young adults. Studies show that there is a growing epidemic of prescription drug trafficking, as well as abuse of other controlled substances. Law enforcement is just one aspect of the county’s response to the drug problem. Potter County Human Services (PCHS) has been working with local school districts in support of programs geared toward early intervention to help students who demonstrate signs of drug abuse. District Attorney Watson, in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office, is planning to visit each of Potter County’s schools in September to address these issues. He has also been appointed to the PCHS Advisory Board.
Additionally, PCHS is working with other county agencies and Dickinson Mental Health Center on programs to help prepare Potter County Jail inmates who have been diagnosed as addicts to adjust for re-entry into society.