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In this Update:
Breathing New Life into the Panther Valley
When the massive KME plant at the western entrance to Nesquehoning on Route 54 closed in 2021 after building top-quality fire trucks and emergency vehicles for decades, many of us feared it might stay empty forever. This was the economic heartbeat of the area, one of Carbon County’s largest employers, supporting hundreds of family-sustaining careers. With strong support from several local entrepreneurs, including the Kovatch family’s new generation of leaders, the site is now again a hub of activity. I visited the site earlier this week and was VERY impressed. Kathy Kovatch Reaman and Ric Reaman worked to redevelop several of the buildings into the Narrow Valley Sportsplex and a Bulldog Fire & Emergency Apparatus facility. The Narrow Valley Sportsplex features batting cages, indoor golf simulators, pickleball courts, basketballs courts, and more. The sportsplex is partially open already, with the rest to be open in the next few days. The new Bulldog facility both refurbishes and builds new fire trucks and emergency vehicles. Its workforce continues to grow as the company presently employs nearly 100 people at its Nesquehoning location, replacing many of the jobs that were lost when the previous plant closed. The Reading and Northern Railroad purchased the buildings on the north side of Route 54 to open its new Nesquehoning Campus, which features a passenger train platform, train maintenance facility, training classrooms and a gift shop. The new train station will encourage many of the visitors to Jim Thorpe to explore other local communities. Last year, shortly after I became the new state senator for Carbon and Luzerne counties, I hosted a summit with Rep. Doyle Heffley in Jim Thorpe focused upon how we can work together, regardless of political party or town and county boundaries, to breathe new life into more of our small towns. The impressive redevelopment of this vacant industrial plant is no longer just a dream—CONGRATS to all who have turned this vision into a REALITY! Pennsylvania Colleges Must Prevent Campus Antisemitism
Pennsylvania college students victimized by antisemitism are calling on the General Assembly to act. During a public hearing of the Senate Education Committee which I chaired, students and representatives from Jewish organizations called for the passage of the Stand with Israel Act. Aaron Kaufman, the Executive Director of Penn State Hillel, said, “I anticipate that Jewish students will unfortunately continue to face increasing levels of antisemitic activity. It is crucial that University leaders enforce their policies and codes of conduct to ensure that universities are safe and welcoming spaces.” Introduced by Sen. Steve Santarsiero of (D-Bucks County) and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R- York County), this legislation would prevent Pennsylvania colleges and universities that boycott or divest from Israel from receiving any state tax dollars. Since it was approved by a strongly bipartisan vote of 41-7 by the Senate, it has remained in the House State Government Committee for four weeks without any action. The antisemitic protests which we have all witnessed, including the defacing of the Ben Franklin statue on Penn’s campus pictured here, should NEVER happen again. Working Together to Save Penn Lake
I visited Penn Lake Park Borough Sunday afternoon for a public meeting about the status of the Penn Lake dam, which is in serious need of repairs. It was clear why so many residents are so passionate about saving the lake – it’s a beautiful location right in the heart of the community. Rep. Mike Cabell and I secured a state grant of $100,000 to support the repairs, but more must be done. If you ever have similar concerns about your community, please do not hesitate to contact us! Pottsville Pizzeria Celebrates 75th Anniversary
The first takeout food I ever remember as a young child, when visiting my Miller grandparents in St. Clair, came from the Pottsville Pizzeria, now celebrating its 75th anniversary. I still enjoy my visits there! I was invited to join their celebration last weekend. In addition to all of their incredible food, I was very interested to see their pictures displaying how their location has changed over the years. National Night Out Builds Stronger Community Bonds
I enjoyed seeing so many first responders and members of the community continuing the tradition of National Night Out in Frackville this week. Year after year, National Night Out builds stronger community bonds between police, firefighters, EMS, and all who work to keep our communities safe. Brenda Swank from my Mahanoy City office was there with books and information for children about safety and more. I was joined by Rep. Tim Twardzik. Police departments across the country will host National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Many other local communities will host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits. Senate Passes New Law Reducing Educational Challenges for Military Children
A new law passed unanimously by the Senate will help children of military families who face frequent reassignments with the challenges of moving between schools in different states. Children of National Guard and Reserve members now have the same help provided to those of active-duty military families through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact. The compact provides a consistent set of policies that make getting started in a new school, joining extracurricular activities, facilitating enrollment and meeting graduation requirements as easy as possible for military children. The law is designed to minimize educational disruption, making the relocation less stressful for parents and children. Bear Creek Township Receives State Grants for New Walking Trail and More
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and I joined local leaders from Bear Creek Township this week to celebrate two highly competitive state grants that will improve the quality of life for residents. Over $56,000 was awarded to Bear Creek Township Public Works to replace aging equipment and increase the capabilities of the department. Almost $46,000 was awarded to install a new walking trail and more at the Bear Creek Recreational Park. Replacing Damaged License Plates in Schuylkill Haven
Despite the heat, we replaced almost 40 damaged license plates at an event Rep. Tim Twardzik and I hosted in Schuylkill Haven this week. Thank you to Officer Tyler Flemming for inspecting plates and assisting people with their forms. Rep. Dane Watro and I will host a similar event on Tuesday, August 20 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Hazle Township Commons Building. For more information or to RSVP, please call 570-773-0891. PennDOT Now Hiring
The PennDOT Luzerne County Maintenance office will be hosting a hiring event on Tuesday, August 6. More information about employment options at PennDOT can be found here.
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