Michael Pepper and Rene Kicklighter were honored for their rapid and conscientious response in the wake of severe flooding that struck northeastern Potter County last August. Brian Natali (left, Pa. Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs) and Alvin Loveless (Pa. Assn. of County Veterans Services Directors) presented them with the Pennsylvania Veterans Service Award.
Hundreds of people sprang into action last August after the remnants of Hurricane Debbie caused severe flooding in the Harrison Valley and Westfield region. Among those answering the call to duty were veterans service officers in Potter and Tioga counties. Last week, representatives from two veterans organizations honored these five public servants by presenting them with the coveted Pennsylvania Veterans Service Award. Potter County Director of Veterans Affairs Michael Pepper and his assistant Rene Kicklighter, now retired, received their medals during Thursday’s meeting of the county commissioners. Both are military veterans themselves.
“Michael and Rene worked feverishly for weeks to help veterans who were affected to get the money they needed to help with their recovery from storm damage,” said Brian Natali, a director with the Pa. Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs. Natali said DMVA provides $1,600 grants for veterans in need of temporary emergency system. Through the work of Pepper and Kicklighter, as well as their Tioga County counterparts Tim Cleveland, Jodi Stevens and Rhianon Forrest, approximately 60 vets were able to receive the money quickly. They traveled to the flood-stricken communities to work directly with the victims and submit their claims for expedited processing. The grants were unrestricted, so they could immediately be used for everything from food and emergency housing to household goods and transportation.
Potter County Human Services (PCHS) is working closely with the Potter County Board of Commissioners, county departments, and others to assist individuals impacted by the planned closing of pharmacy services at the Rite Aid store in Coudersport, effective Wednesday, May 21. PCHS caseworkers are available to help clients of the agency’s Children & Youth, Aging, Mental Health, Coordinated Services, Drug & Alcohol and Intellectual Disabilities programs. This includes assistance in understanding the options available and transferring of prescription services to another pharmacy of choice. Updated information, including details on mail order and/or home delivery services, is being posted on the PCHS website (click here) and is also available at a toll-free phone number, 1-800-800-2560.
A delegation from the God’s Country Chapter of ABATE attended last week’s meeting of the Potter County Commissioners to underscore messaging behind the designation of May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. Gary McKay (back, fourth from right), the chapter’s legislative coordinator, pointed out that there are more motorcycles than ever on the roads. At the same time, distracted driving statistics for car and truck operators have been soaring, putting bikers at greater risk. Grass clippings and gravel left on roads and streets also pose hazards. Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Robert Rossman and Paul Heimel approved a proclamation calling on motorists and property owners to be safety-conscious. They presented a signed copy to members of ABATE, formally known as the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education.
Mental Health Awareness Month in Potter County kicked off with a proclamation by the county commissioners and a series of public awareness activities being coordinated by Kayla Wright, director of mental health services. The observance is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote the importance of mental well-being. A statewide hotline, 988, is available 24/7 for those who need help. Shown from left are Kayla Wright, Commissioner Robert Rossman, Human Services Administrator Thomas Patterson, and Commissioners Nancy Grupp and Paul Heimel.