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.
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.
4-H was saluted during Thursday’s meeting of the Potter County Commissioners with not only a proclamation, but also with testimony from one of the teens who are currently benefitting from the youth development program. Spencer Gee, Penn State Extension educator who coordinates 4-H in Potter County, introduced her guest, Dana Williams, who’s actively involved with two local clubs. Gee expressed her appreciation for the county’s support, which includes an annual budget allotment and use of office space at the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building.
Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Robert Rossman and Paul Heimel formally proclaimed March 16-22 as Pennsylvania 4-H Week in Potter County. 4-H began in 1902 as an educational program for rural youth, focusing on practical, hands-on learning in areas such as farming and homemaking. It has evolved to encompass a broader range of youth development and leadership experiences. More than 77,000 youths ages 5-18 are currently engaged across Pennsylvania. Well over 1,000 Potter County young people have participated in activities such as animal science, health and wellness, leadership, public service, goal setting, public speaking and others. Gee also commended the adult leaders who have served as mentors and hands-on supporters of 4-H members. More information is available at 814-274-8540. (Shown from left are Commissioner Paul Heimel, Spencer Gee, Commissioner Robert Rossman and Dana Williams).
A moment of silence was observed at the F. W. Gunzburger County Office Building on Friday, memorializing U.S. Army Specialist Mike Franklin, who lost his life in the Global War on Terrorism 20 years ago, on March 7, 2005. A banner hangs on the wall next to the Main Street entrance. It was originally hung in downtown Harrisburg, through a partnership of a local civic organization and the American Gold Star Mothers. The banner was donated to the county by SPC Franklin’s parents, Tina and Bill Franklin, when they moved to Arizona.
The Coudersport soldier lost his life when an improvised explosive device detonated near his screening area in Ramadi, Iraq. SPC Franklin, who was a month shy of his 23rd birthday, was not scheduled to be on duty during that shift on 5. But he unselfishly agreed to stand in to help a friend. The checkpoint he was patrolling was established to trap guerrilla fighters through a dusk-to-dawn curfew. Similar operations were taking place in other towns in western Iraq, which were seeing heavy guerrilla fighting. A car had stalled and couldn’t be restarted. Just as Franklin and another soldier were about to begin searching the vehicle, the bomb was detonated by a remote-control device.
After her son’s death, Tina Franklin became involved with the work of Gold Star Mothers, an organization of those who have lost a son or daughter in battle. She has made multiple trips to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to visit injured service members. Tina and Bill Franklin suggest that those wishing to honor military personnel who have fallen in war consider service to others through community organizations, churches or government agencies.