Attorney Robert Kevin Lavelle has been hired as the new law clerk for Potter County President Judge Stephen Minor (left), succeeding Matthew Metzger, who moved from the area. A Scranton native, Lavelle earned a political science degree from Bloomsburg University and a law degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School. As law clerk, he assists Judge Minor in research and in the preparation of opinions and orders. Lavelle is also responsible for maintenance of the law library at the courthouse, which is available to the court staff and area lawyers. A separate responsibility of the law clerk in Potter County is the review and processing of no-fault divorce decrees. Hundreds of divorce cases are filed in Potter County by out-of-county law firms, due to the county’s lower fee structure. (Photo courtesy of Endeavor News)
Potter County farmers are facing stiff challenges to remain in business and there are no easy solutions. But conditions do change over time. That was the assessment from Nicole Santangelo Carutis, agronomy educator with Penn State Extension, in a presentation to the Potter County Commissioners on Tuesday. PSU Extension and other agencies continue to work with the farming community to help its members endure the current conditions, with the expectation that profitability will eventually improve.
Dairy farmers have been especially hard-hit, Carutis said. Three more dairy operators in Potter County have gone out of business over the past three years and a fourth will soon pull out. The amount of milk yield per cow has risen to record levels, which has created an oversupply in many areas. Potter County farmers are handicapped by the expense of getting milk to the larger consumer markets. Some have responded to the marginal dairy economy by expanding into livestock and crops, for which start-up costs are not as high as dairying.
The situation is brighter when it comes to crops, Carutis pointed out. Production per-acre has risen as a result of many factors. She added that, despite current challenges, commodity prices and agricultural trends tend to be cyclical. Potter County has some inherent advantages for agriculture, including adequate precipitation. Historically, local farmers have shown their resourcefulness in times of trouble. In the long run, agriculture in its broadest sense — which includes forest production — will continue to be Potter County’s biggest industry.
Programs being provided by Penn State Extension, supporting farming, youth development, environmental protection and other aspects of rural living, were paraded in front of Potter County Commissioners Doug Morley, Paul Heimel and Susan Kefover this week at the Potter County Education Center. Here, Toby Neal, 4-H educator, details programs operated year-round to educate young people, help them explore areas of interest and possible careers, and develop social skills and leadership. There are 13 active clubs in Potter County with a total membership of roughly 180, Neal said. Nearly three dozen adults are involved as leaders. The commissioners also heard from Nicole Carutis, agriculture; Heather McKean, water resources; and Kathy Mitchell, master gardening and environmental/conservation education. Additionally, they learned details of activities that have been launched to control invasive species in the region.
Times have changed in township and borough governing. New state laws have added responsibilities — but also opportunities — for public officials to improve services for their constituents. Last week, elected officials and administrators had an opportunity to receive training during a two-day “boot camp” at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport. Potter County Commissioners Doug Morley, Susan Kefover and Paul Heimel approved a proposal by Planning Director Will Hunt to provide the class. It’s part of a broader effort to develop a stronger county/municipality partnership in Potter County, and to equip local leaders with knowledge and skills required to do their jobs effectively. Officials from Potter, Tioga and Elk counties participated. Instructors were provided by the Pa. State Assn. of Boroughs. Among topics to covered were: Meeting Procedures, Sunshine Law, Managing Public Comment, Committees and Boards, Ordinances and Resolutions, Bidding Requirements, Fire and Police Management, Personnel Management, Municipal Budgeting, Taxation Requirements, Basic Planning and Zoning, Risk Management, Public Works and Code Administration.
Applications are still being accepted the state’s 2017 Property Tax/Rent Rebate. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. Annual income limits are $15,000 for renters and $35,000 for homeowners, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits. Additional information is available here.
Small business owners and people who would like to go into business can get some practical advice from an expert source in Coudersport. For more than two decades, the Clarion University Small Business Development Center has provided counsel. Now, a specialist has scheduled office hours to complement other SBDC services. Aleshia Marshall, business outreach consultant, shared details with the Potter County Commissioners last week. She is available from 9 am to 3 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Potter County Education Center in Water Street in Coudersport. Other times are available by appointment. More information is available at 814-393-2060. Among the topics that will be covered in each appointment are financial analysis options, market research, business plan development, environmental compliance issues, marketing, management and others.