Potter County Today

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.

More activities have fallen into place as Potter County gears up for an extended “America250” celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spearheading the county’s engagement are the Potter County Historical Society (PCHS), represented by David Castano; and the Allegewi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, represented by Ilene Altenhein. Many partners have already come aboard. Commissioner Paul Heimel is serving as the county’s liaison with the America250PA organization in Harrisburg. Those interested in becoming involved are asked to contact PCHS at 814-274-4410 or the DAR/Allegewi Chapter at 814-274-9798.

—DAR/Allegewi Chapter members began the observance by placing displays in the PCHS Museum and the Eliot Ness Museum. On May 17, 2025, they will place wreaths at the sites of the 11 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Potter County. Wreaths will remain in place through July 2026. DAR members are also holding two special events to which the public is invited. At 10 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025, they will hold a memorial service at the Lymansville Cemetery in honor of the Revolutionary War soldiers. DAR activities will culminate with a rededication of the David Zeisberger monument at the courthouse square at 11 am on July 3, 2026.

—Bells Across Pennsylvania: As part of the America250PA statewide project, PCHS will provide an honorarium for students at each of the six public school districts in Potter County to fashion fiber glass bells with localized history themes to be permanently displayed. Art teachers at each school will be asked to coordinate the projects. Bells will initially be displayed for public viewing at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum.

—Liberty Tree: During the Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty often convened under the nation’s original Liberty Tree in Boston, to discuss their opposition to British rule in the colonies. This historic tree became a beacon of hope to colonists and a symbol of American freedom. Seeds from a scion of an original Liberty Tree have been grown into seedlings and are being planted across the commonwealth. Goal is to have a certified Liberty Tree planted in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. PCHS, local Freemasons, Pa. Bureau of Forestry and the Potter County Conservation District are working on a plan to have a tree planted and commemorated at Denton Hill State Park at 1 pm on Saturday, Sept. 6. PCHS will sponsor a reception at the lodge following the ceremony.

—Young Heroes Outreach Program: Developed to help students in grades 4-8 to learn and practice the civic leadership and skills that will help them develop into responsible, ethical citizens. PCHS will provide guides with localized content for each school district to use during the 2025-26 school year. Pennsylvania Lumber Museum staffers Jennifer Haines and Josh Fox will also be engaged, hosting field trips customized to include content relevant to the boroughs and townships in each school district.

–‘Pa. Proud’ Servicemember Spotlight: DAR, PCHS and local veterans service organizations are working on localized “spotlights” to memorialize selected Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans. A series of articles on the Revolutionary War soldiers connected to Potter County will be prepared by DAR for local media. PCHS is compiling accounts of Civil War veterans, focusing particularly on those who were held as prisoners at Andersonville, Ga., Richmond, Va., and Salisbury, N.C. Spotlights will culminate with Memorial Day observances in 2026.

—Road to Pennsylvania: America250PA is promoting walking, running, biking or wheeling through races, organized walks/hikes or other events. In partnership with the DCNR and county partners, America250PA will also highlight and encourage visitation to state parks, county parks and local historic points of interests. Locally, PCHS is identifying trails with historical connections to railroading within Lyman Run, Denton Hill, Ole Bull and Sinnemahoning state parks. A hiking brochure will be produced with local railroad photographs. Plans could expand to include scholastic cross-country teams, hiking clubs, running clubs and other potential partners.

—Dedication of a new Asylum Peters grave marker at Ayers Hill Cemetery, properly identifying him as an early pioneer settler in Potter County (1808). Still in its formative stages, this ambitious project by the Potter County Historical Society represents the spirit of the founding of America, the inherent contradiction of white supremacy and slavery in a nation dedicated to freedom and liberty, and related themes embodied by the life history of a Potter County pioneer. PCHS will pay for the new marker and reaching out to potential partners to ensure a fitting commemoration of Asylum Peters’ life.

—America250 Apron Contest: Potter County Fair Board is holding a patriotic apron contest in conjunction with the 2025 fair. It’s part of a statewide America250 celebration organized by the Pa. State Association of County Fairs. Cash prizes will be awarded to top entries. More information is available from Judi Turton at 814-848-7204.

—American250 Parade: Organizers are reviewing options for sponsoring a Potter County America250 Parade on July 3, 2026.

—Township/Borough Engagement: Summit, Harrison and Stewardship townships are the first Potter County municipalities to sign up through America250PA. For more information on how to sign up, township and boroughs can visit the website, america250pa.org or send email to info@america250pa.org.

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.