The Potter County Jail Board public meeting originally set for Friday, Oct. 4, has been cancelled due to schedule conflicts. Next meeting of the board will be held at noon on Friday, Nov. 1, at the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building auditorium. Telephone access will be available at 814-274-0844; PIN is #114477.
Board members are Commissioner Paul Heimel (chair), Sheriff Kevin Siska (vice chair), Commissioner Nancy Grupp, Judge Stephen Minor, District Attorney Andy Watson, and Commissioner Robert Rossman.
Those with questions or comments about the jail are reminded that they can submit them to the board through email sent to pcjailboard@pottercountypa.net.
Hands-on assistance continues to arrive in the flood-ravaged communities of Harrison Valley, Westfield and other areas hammered by the remnants of Hurricane Debby on Aug. 9-10. More than $2 million has already been approved for homeowners and renters. Residents of Potter, Tioga, Lycoming and Union counties are eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA can help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other needs caused by the disaster, including:
- essential items such as water, food, medical supplies, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuel.
- rental assistance for hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options.
- repair or replacement of vehicles, appliances, room furnishings, computers, books, uniforms, tools, and other items required for school or work.
- moving and storage fees, medical expenses and child care.
Flood victims can apply by calling 1-800-621-3362 or visiting the website, disasterassistance.gov. Both FEMA and the Pa. Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) are providing services. A Disaster Recovery Center is open from 8 am to 6 pm on Monday through Saturday at the Penn-York Camp Camp and Resort, off Rt. 49 north of Ulysses. Similar centers are operating at the Valley Christian Church at 146 Maple Street in Westfield and in Cogan Station. At each site, flood victims can get in-person help to apply for federal assistance, update their applications and learn about other available resources. Those who are covered by insurance are advised to file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA can’t pay for covered losses. FEMA staffers are also making neighborhood visits, wearing laminated identification badges. Anyone who suspects fraud is advised to call 1-866-720-5721.
FEMA recent issued an advisory, “FEMA Assistance: Myths vs. Facts,” to address misconceptions that have been brought to the agency’s attention. To see the document, click here.
Also, the U.S. Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery Center at the Westfield Community Building. SBA offers help to businesses that experienced losses during the flood. Businesses and other property owners in Potter, Tioga, Lycoming and Union counties are eligible for both physical and economic injury disaster loans. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Cameron, Centre, McKean and Clinton counties can qualify for economic injury disaster loans. More information is available at 1-800-659-2955.