Potter County Today

Members of the public are welcome to attend a major America250 observance to be held at 1 pm Saturday, Sept. 6, at Denton Hill State Park. Potter County’s “Liberty Tree” will be dedicated with a formal ceremony. Local musicians will perform and there were be a reception at the lodge. 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. Seedlings from an original Liberty Tree are being planted across the commonwealth. Goal is to have a certified Liberty Tree planted in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. The Sept. 6 ceremony is a joint project of the Potter County Historical Society (PCHS), local Freemasons, Pa. Bureau of Forestry and the Potter County Conservation District.

Other activities have fallen into place as Potter County celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spearheading the observance are PCHS, represented by David Castano; and Allegewi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, represented by Ilene Altenhein. Commissioner Paul Heimel is county liaison with the America250PA organization. Those interested in becoming involved should contact PCHS (814-274-4410) or DAR/Allegewi Chapter (814-274-9798).

The Potter County Commissioners have approved a $10,000 grant to Crary Hose Company of Westfield to support a regional live-burn training center for volunteer firefighters. The money will come from the county’s Pa. Act 13 repository. Those funds are generated from a state “impact fee” on shale gas production. Portions of the revenue are allotted to counties, townships and boroughs. Local fire departments had encouraged the commissioners to support the center, which is being created on an eight-acre parcel which was previously used for a leather tannery. Shown during the check presentation ceremony, from left, are Mike Raber from Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company of Ulysses, Commissioner Nancy Grupp, Crary Hose Fire Chief William Goltz, Commissioner Robert Rossman, Crary Hose Vice President Todd Streeter and Commissioner Paul Heimel.