Potter County Today

Potter County continues an extended “America250” celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spearheading the observance are the Potter County Historical Society (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). Here’s a summary of upcoming events and ongoing activities:

Bells Across Pennsylvania: Members of the public are encouraged to attend a dedication ceremony for Potter County’s America 250 Liberty Bell, to be held at 1:45 pm on Friday, Dec 19, in the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building. Each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties was provided with a 3’ by 3’ fiberglass bell to be painted by a local artist in a theme that reflects the history, culture or people of its specific county. Additionally, PCHS has provided funding and materials for students at each of the six public school districts in Potter County to fashion bells with localized history themes. Art teachers at each school have been coordinating the projects. The six bell-shaped silhouettes were crafted at The Carpenter’s Shop in Ulysses by Calvin Horning. They are 3’ by 3’ and manufactured from native hardwoods. Each school district received a $200 stipend for supplies. Bells will initially be displayed for public viewing during the Dec. 19 ceremony and then placed at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum prior to being permanently located at each school.

Nurturing Our Next Generation: Goal is 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, knowledge of their communities and respectful of their heritage. 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 host field trips customized to include content relevant to the boroughs and townships in each school district. Thirty guides featuring Potter County history will be distributed to each school district for classroom use.

Proud Service Member: Local spotlights to memorialize selected Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans are being provided to the local media. Focus is on the Revolutionary War soldiers connected to Potter County, prepared by DAR; and Civil War soldiers, provided by Ed Worman, Civil War historian for PCHS. The latter profiles focus particularly on those who were held as prisoners at Andersonville, Ga., Richmond, Va., and Salisbury, N.C. The project 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 interest. Locally, PCHS is identifying trails with historical connections to railroading within Lyman Run, Denton Hill, Ole Bull and Sinnemahoning state parks. A hiking guide/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.

American250 Parade: Organizers are planning a Potter County America250 Parade on July 3, 2026. Details will be announced. DAR/Allegewi Chapter and the Coudersport Rotary Club are working on the arrangements. DAR members will hold a rededication of the David Zeisberger monument and other activities at the courthouse square at 11 am.

Township/Borough Engagement: Summit, Harrison and Stewardship townships and Austin Borough are signed up through America250PA. For more information on how to register, township and boroughs can visit the website, america250pa.org or send email to info@america250pa.org.

Real estate taxes in Potter County will remain at their current rate in 2026. In addition, Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Robert Rossman and Paul Heimel have decided not to collect the $5.00 per-capita tax that many other counties levy. Actions were finalized at the commissioners’ business meeting on Nov. 26. A copy of the county’s draft 2026 operating budget is available for public review at the commissioners administrative office in the Gunzburger Building. It calls for spending of just over $14 million, an increase of $265,000 from the current spending plan — subject to revision before final adoption later this month. Real estate taxes will remain at 24 mills. A mill is one-tenth of one percent, levied against a property’s assessed value. Because state law prohibits county governments from collecting an earned income tax, similar to the levies of townships, boroughs and school districts, property owners bear the heaviest tax burden.

Potter County Human Services (PCHS) has received numerous inquiries from individuals and families who are concerned about the potential suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that could begin for some recipients as early as Saturday. Human Services Administrator Thomas Patterson reports that the agency is working with community partners to link those in need with appropriate support as needed. Individuals with unmet needs are advised to call 211 to reach a regional resource navigator, or they can reach PCHS directly at 1-800-800-2560. 

Marsha Dippold (second from left) has directed employment support services across the region for many years through Dickinson Center Inc. She accepted a copy of a Potter County proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month from Commissioners (from left) Paul Heimel, Nancy Grupp and Robert Rossman.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is being recognized in the region, thanks largely to a concerted effort by Marsha Dippold of Dickinson Center Inc. Dippold, director of employment support services (ESS) at Dickinson, said the agency has helped dozens of individuals with disabilities find employment in Cameron, Potter, Elk and McKean counties. During a presentation to the Potter County Commissioners, she reported that a record number of that county’s disabled residents have been placed in jobs through ESS over the past year.

Clients are provided with assistance through the entire job search process, from constructing resumes, practicing interview skills, and applying for jobs. The support continues after being hired until the employee, employer, and employment specialist are all confident that the job can be performed independently. Disabled individuals with full or part-time jobs take fewer medications, enjoy reduced rates of heart disease and have lower suicide rates. Employment opportunities also allow the disabled to eliminate or lessen their dependence on government assistance programs by supplementing that income with earned income.

Nationwide, the unemployment rate for the disabled is twice that of the non-disabled. “Finding work puts these individuals one step closer to independence,” Dippold said. “We need to continue to educate the community and reach out to local businesses and industry. There’s a staggering amount of untapped potential in our region.”