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In this Update:
Chief Jonathan Swank Honored for Over 30 Years of Service
Chief Swank began his law enforcement career as a patrolman and rose through the ranks to serve as Chief of Police. Throughout his years of service, he has been a steady and respected leader who prioritized the values of professionalism, accountability, and public trust. We were also joined by Mayor Bernie Swank, whose presence added a special significance to the event. I want to thank Mayor Swank for helping us honor this important milestone and for her continued leadership in the community. I extend my sincere gratitude to Chief Swank for his service and wish him all the best in this next chapter of life. Our region is safer and stronger thanks to his tireless dedication. Connecting Central PA Businesses to Global Markets
Helping Pennsylvania businesses grow and compete in the global economy is essential to strengthening our local communities and creating opportunity across the region. On Wednesday, September 17, the Bringing the World to Central PA event will offer local companies a valuable chance to explore international markets and connect directly with more than 40 of Pennsylvania’s authorized trade representatives. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brass 16823 in Bellefonte and is hosted by SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) in partnership with BusinessPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This annual event is free to attend, and I encourage businesses from throughout Central Pennsylvania to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether you’re just beginning to explore exporting or looking to expand your international reach, the resources and connections offered through this program can have a significant impact. Registration is required by September 8. You can sign up at https://bit.ly/BTW2CPA or contact SEDA-COG’s Director of Export Assistance, Noelle Long, at nlong@seda-cog.org or 570-524-4491 with any questions. Events like this are a great example of how state partnerships can open new doors for local businesses and grow our regional economy. I appreciate SEDA-COG and BusinessPA for bringing these opportunities directly to the communities we serve. Bill to Expand Body Camera Use for Law Enforcement Passes Senate
To boost safety and accountability, the Senate passed legislation to expand the use of body-worn cameras to additional law enforcement personnel. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 520 authorizes the use of body cameras by special agents with the Office of Attorney General, rangers with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and officers and deputies with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission. The bill also modernizes the legal framework for body camera usage to ensure consistency in how footage is recorded and managed, regardless of the department using it. New Law Protects Users of Virtual Currency
The legislature passed a new law to protect the increasing number of Pennsylvanians using virtual currency, such as Bitcoin. Act 7 of 2025 requires transmission of virtual currency to be treated similar to money transmission under state law. As more citizens use virtual currencies, the criminal element has increasingly focused on using this platform to evade prosecution. Pennsylvania will join 26 other states regulating virtual currency under their money transmitter acts so individuals can engage with virtual currencies at their own discretion with consumer safeguards in place. Nature Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Do you like to tell stories through photographs? The Susquehanna Greenway Photo Contest is accepting submissions through July 31. The contest focuses on life along the Susquehanna River through four categories: Recreation, Transportation, River Towns and Wildlife. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition in a traveling gallery. Find details and submission information here. You can view the stunning photographs from last year’s winners here. Flooded Roads: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
More than half of flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into flood water. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars. Please play it safe and don’t drive around barricades on flooded roads. Never willingly walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown. Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with PA Creameries
With nearly 5,000 dairy farms, Pennsylvania ranks third nationally in ice cream production. You can make your summer sweeter by visiting PA creameries through Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail. The trail connects dairy farm families and ice cream lovers at 52 destinations statewide. Travelers can plan their adventures, learn about participating creameries, and accumulate redeemable points by visiting trail stops and making purchases. Find a list of participating creameries, their features, and sign-up information here. And right here in the 27th Senatorial District, we are proud to have many local spots offering fresh, homemade ice cream made with Pennsylvania dairy. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend stop or just a cool treat on a hot day, there are plenty of great options close to home. You can explore local ice cream shops through these regional directories: Supporting your local creamery is a great way to enjoy Pennsylvania’s rich dairy tradition while celebrating National Ice Cream Month.
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