today.pottercountypa.netPotter County Today

Timely news from the Potter County government Home About Potter County Coronavirus Summary: WEDNESDAY P.M. Update August 5th, 2020 Comments off Three area counties recorded more COVID-19 coronavirus cases between Tuesday and Wednesday. Three more tests came back positive in Clinton County, nine more in Lycoming County, and one more in Allegany County, N.Y. Entering Wednesday, Pennsylvania’s case count stood at 115,714 (an increase of 705 since Tuesday), with 7,244 fatalities. Current area numbers are as follows: Cattaraugus, 164 cases, 6 deaths; Tioga, 36 cases, 3 fatalities; Potter, 20 cases; McKean, 33 cases, one death; Lycoming, 351 cases, 20 fatalities; Allegany, 81 cases, 2 deaths; Cameron, 6 cases; Clinton, 118 cases, 5 fatalities; and Elk, 46 cases, 2 deaths. Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel are now accepting applications for grants to assist businesses and non-profit organizations adversely affected by the pandemic. Details can be found in the story below and will be regularly updated on the county website, pottercountypa.net . Owners of restaurants and bars, as well as others affected by Gov. Tom Wolf’s most recent round of public health and safety measures are adapting to the new measures. A summary of them appears here . Further details on Governor Tom Wolf’s directive requiring that face protection be worn whenever anyone leaves home can be found here . Additionally, Gov. Wolf has issued details on his recommendation that domestic travelers returning from certain states with high numbers of COVID-19 cases quarantine for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania. Specifics can be found here . Assigned bus seats, mask breaks and no school lunch lines are all part of the joint guidelines for school reopening announced last week by the state Departments of Health and Education. While each school district is able to adjust to fit its own needs, these guidelines serve as the most detailed preview provided to Pennsylvania families about how schools will look if they reopen late next month. Schools reopening — even with these guidelines — is reliant upon people following social distancing guidance from the Department of Health, Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said during a press call Thursday. A summary of the new guidelines and their impact can be found here . Locally, school administrators are developing state-mandated health and safety plans as they prepare for the 2020-21 school year. These plans cover three scenarios: resumption of in-person classes with health and safety provisions in place, a hybrid of in-person and remote instruction, or a remote learning system involving online learning and other alternatives. Three testing sites for the COVID-19 coronavirus are available in Coudersport. In addition to the testing site at UPMC Cole for physician-referred patients, tests are also being administered at Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 1-800-635-8611 to complete an eligibility assessment) and Rite Aid Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 814-274-0439). County Grant Program To Cushion Impact Of Pandemic August 3rd, 2020 Comments off A grant program to help businesses and non-profit organizations adversely affected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic began accepting applications today. Potter County Commissioners are directing federal funds provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to cushion the blow of the ongoing public health crisis. Primary purpose of the program is to provide immediate relief so that small businesses and non-profit organizations can retain employees, continue operations, and remain sustainable. Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel recognize the need to inject the money into the local economy as quickly as possible. “Because these are federal dollars that have been allotted to the county, we’ve been working hard to meet all of the administrative requirements,” said Commissioner Grupp, board chair. “It is our goal to make this process less cumbersome for the businesses and organizations who need the help now.” Local applicants could qualify for up to $25,000. Funds can be used for payroll (preference will be given to those applicants that did not receive Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan Funds); rent/mortgage payments; personal protective equipment or other COVID-19 related supplies; and operating expenses. An online submission process now in place to expedite the processing of applications will close at 4:30 pm Monday, Aug. 17. To access is, go to pottercountypa.net and click on “Help for Small Businesses” in the upper right corner. Written applications will also be accepted. For details, contact Potter County Community Development Director Ellen Russell at (814) 274-8290 extension 209. Questions about the program can also be directed to her by phone or by email at erussell@pottercountypa.net. Detailed program eligibility requirements, including information about the application process, can be found here . Open-Air ‘Market Village’ Envisioned For County Property July 31st, 2020 Comments off An open-air retail center would be established on the vacant lot across from the county jail under a plan unveiled at a recent meeting of the Potter County Board of Commissioners. County Planning/GIS Director Will Hunt discussed a project being developed by the Revitalize Potter County Work Group to create a semi-permanent “village” with multiple short-term rental spaces at the corner of Second and North East Streets in Coudersport. A $4,500 grant has been approved by the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team to retain the services of a landscape architect/engineer who will conduct a feasibility study and develop a conceptual design. Hunt emphasized the retail space could complement the Potter County Farmers Market, with short-term occupants marketing agricultural products, prepared food, locally crafted items or other products. It would be modeled after the successful Tionesta Market Village in Forest County, shown in the accompanying photograph. The work group envisions the lot becoming a gathering place where live music and other entertainment or educational programs could be presented. The group is investigating the establishment of similar open-air markets in Galeton, Ulysses, Roulette and other Potter County communities. Community organizations, such as chambers of commerce, would be contacted to partner with the county. Commissioners Seek Volunteers For Boards, Authorities July 29th, 2020 Comments off Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Paul Heimel and Barry Hayman 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 will 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 plan; 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 m...