Potter County Today

A proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was approved by the Potter County Commissioners. It followed a discussion of issues that have strained the services of A Way Out, the local domestic violence and sexual assault services agency. Shown from left are Commissioners Robert Rossman and Nancy Grupp; Michele Boden and Dave Hyde from A Way Out, and Commissioner Paul Heimel.

Domestic violence and sexual assault trends across the nation are concerning, and Potter County is hardly immune from the epidemic. Two representatives from A Way Out, the county’s victims’ services and public education agency, shared details as guest speakers for the Potter County Commissioners’ passage of a resolution recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Executive director Dave Hyde, executive director, reported that the agency’s caseload has risen for both domestic violence and sexual assault incidents. He cited two long-standing challenges: lack of housing and limited transportation options. Other factors include economic issues, substance abuse and untreated mental illness. As a result, more victims are staying in unsafe conditions.

Meanwhile, Hyde said the state budget impasse, coupled with plummeting donations to A Way Out, could force changes that further limit the agency’s services. State allocations provide the majority of A Way Out’s operating budget. Board members will be meeting to discuss options that could include employee furloughs and fundraisers.

A Way Out offers confidential emergency short-term shelter, 24-hour crisis counseling and many other services. The agency offers a 24-hour helpline, 814-274-0368.

Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Robert Rossman and Paul Heimel continue to seek volunteers willing to serve on any of several county authorities, commissions and advisory boards. In an effort to broaden diversity, geographic representation and background knowledge, the Board of Commissioners periodically issues call for volunteers. Goal is to build a roster of qualified individuals who have a willingness to serve. As vacancies arise or incumbents’ terms expire, the commissioners rely on that these rosters to determine potential appointees for agencies such as:

Potter County Planning Commission. Administers subdivision and land use/development regulations; countywide comprehensive planning and community development; Revitalize Potter County initiative; regional advocacy on transportation funding priorities and other initiatives; GIS services; reliable resource/liaison for township and borough governments.

Potter County Redevelopment Authority. Economic development; support services for business and industry; administration of federal/state grants and loans for economic development.

Potter County Housing Authority. Administration of programs meeting needs for safe, healthy and affordable housing.

Potter County Human Services. Multiple advisory boards to guide administrators on meeting local social service needs.

Potter County Solid Waste Authority. Operation of transfer station/recycling center in Gold; administration of state-approved solid waste management/flow ordinance.

Potter County Hospital Authority. Public agency assisting UPMC Cole in acquisition of funds for capital improvements and implementation of long-term planning objectives.

Farmland Preservation Board. Responsible for purchase of development rights to preserve agricultural land.

Local Emergency Planning Committee. Coordinates activities of firefighters, emergency medical services, fire police and related responders; liaison with Potter County Department of Emergency Services for training, funding opportunities, drills/exercises to test preparedness.

Those wishing to be considered for appointment should contact Paige Barroqueiro at 814-274-8290, ext. 214 or pbarroqueiro@pottercountypa.net.

Coudersport has been named the 2025 Heritage Community of the Year by the Pa. Route 6 Alliance, based on a series of events and activities taking place under its Heritage Community Work Plan to make the town more vibrant. These range from downtown revitalization activities by a re-energized Chamber of Commerce, to festivals organized by volunteer organizations and charitable activities to support cancer patients and underprivileged citizens. “Coudersport is undertaking meaningful projects that show what we can achieve together,” said Candace Hillyard, executive director of the Pa. Route 6 Alliance. More information about the organization and the awards program can be found at paroute6.com. Shown from left during the presentation ceremony are Jill Grosch, representing Rep. Martin Causer; Tamara Bleggi, representing Sen. Cris Dush; Will Hunt, Potter County planning/community development director and Pa. Rt. 6 Alliance board secretary; Nancy Grupp, chair, Potter County Commissioners; Chamber of Commerce officers Shelley Butler and Caroline Powers; Danielle Stilson, Chamber member and Pa. Rt. 6 Alliance representative; and Pa. Rt. 6 Alliance representatives Dan Glotz, board chair, and Candace Hillyard, executive director.

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.

Joe Kurtz (right) and his assistants Kevin Coates (left) and Dan Foster are known informally in county circles as the “A-Team.” Evolution of the Maintenance Department to a skilled labor team has saved Potter County hundreds of thousands of dollars while improving working conditions and preserving historic buildings.

A trio of Potter County employees have earned national recognition with a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties. Maintenance Supervisor Joe Kurtz and assistants Kevin Coates and Dan Foster qualified for the award based on innovation and excellence that have saved the county hundreds of thousands of dollars while improving working conditions. “The awards program shines a spotlight on the hard work and innovation happening in county governments,” said NACo President James Gore. “Potter County’s example of excellence will be held up as a model for other rural counties across the nation to follow.”

Seeds for the success were planted in 2021 when the commissioners authorized Kurtz to expand the department. His employees have since evolved from general workers to skilled laborers. Expenses of outside contractors have been reduced by an estimated 80 percent. At the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building, the team recently renovated two outdated bathrooms in a hallway, saving the county an estimated $75,000; created a conference room/technology center for county and public use; renovated a section of the basement to accommodate relocation of the Domestic Relations Department, eliminating an expensive rental contract; and expanded the offices of the Planning, Community Development and GIS Department, among other improvements.

Also, Kurtz, Coates and Foster rehabilitated a vacant county building at Mapleview for use as a combination District Court and Veterans Services headquarters; obtained and installed a modern clockwork with grant funding to replace the failing courthouse tower clock; performed repairs and upgrades at 911 emergency communications tower sites; and converted a vacant lot to a community garden with 32 raised beds. Earlier, under Kurtz’s leadership, several major projects at the historic Potter County Courthouse were completed at significant cost savings. These included painting of the exterior, windows replacement, renovation of the courtroom, and replacement of the front staircase, among others.

“Potter County’s approach to these critical functions is a rarity among rural counties,” said NACo’s Gore. “Professionalism of the department came during a time when the county’s tax base was declining and its financial reserves descending. Costs for labor and materials were rising. The timing of developing these critical in-house skills and services could not have been better.”