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Archive for October, 2019

Supporting Employment Opportunities For Disabled

October 30th, 2019 Comments off

The Potter County Commissioners recognized the importance of supporting employment opportunities for the disabled during their biweekly business meeting. Commissioners Doug Morley and Paul Heimel heard a presentation from representatives of Employment Support Services at Dickinson Center Inc. and passed a proclamation in support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Marsha Dippold, program director, pointed out that the abrupt loss of federal funding to operate the program has made it more challenging for Dickinson to meet all of the needs in the region. Just one in five disabled adults is actively employed, she pointed out. With support services and adaptations, the disabled can bring special talents and services to many workplaces. This, in turn, reduces the demand on social services. More information is available at 814-594-7093. Shown from left with the proclamation are Sunday Gledhill (Dickinson), Commissioners Doug Morley and Paul Heimel, and Marsha Dippold. (Photo by Halie Kines, Potter Leader-Enterprise).

Water Quality Protection Is Ongoing Challenge

October 16th, 2019 Comments off

Water quality is a top priority in Potter County, headwaters for three of the largest river systems in the Northeast. One of the members of the Potter County Water Quality Work Group, Penn State Extension water resources educator Danielle Rhea, was among the presenters during last week’s Potter County Local Government Day. It’s an annual gathering hosted by PSU Extension leaders and educators to keep public officials apprised of the organization’s broad range of services. Rhea reviewed the resources that Extension provides in five critical areas — drinking water quality, watershed management, stormwater management, agricultural use of water resources, and pond management.

She pointed out the challenges presented for residential water quality management in Pennsylvania, the only state with no construction standards or testing requirements for privately owned wells and springs. Exposure to contaminants in drinking water is among the leading causes of multiple health problems. Some 68 percent of Potter County’s homes are serviced by private water supplies. In terms of surface water quality challenges, Rhea pointed out that stormwater runoff is the leading source of pollutants entering streams and rivers. Penn State offers help to farmers, well/spring owners and others who are interested in protecting water quality. She can be reached at drs5277@psu.edu or 814-849-7361, extension 504.