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In this Update:
Remembering Richard “Dick” Knoebel
A memorial service held on Sunday at Knoebels Amusement Resort honored the life and legacy of Richard “Dick” Knoebel, and I attended to pay my respects to his family and remember his many contributions to our region. Dick served as president of Knoebels from 1988 until 2025, overseeing decades of growth while maintaining the traditions that have made the family-owned park such an important part of our community. Under his leadership, Knoebels earned national and international recognition, and he helped oversee the preservation and development of attractions including the Phoenix, Twister and Flying Turns. His impact also extended beyond Elysburg. Dick held leadership roles with Pennsylvania Amusement Parks & Attractions and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, which inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2014. Dick’s leadership helped make Knoebels a destination known well beyond our region while keeping it firmly rooted here at home. My thoughts remain with the Knoebel family and all who knew and worked alongside him. Grant Seminar Recap
Last week, I hosted a “How to Be a Better Applicant” grant seminar in Bloomsburg, bringing together 110 participants representing municipalities, first responders, nonprofits and other organizations from across the region. Pennsylvania Senate Funding and Resource Specialist Joe Marsicano provided practical guidance on strengthening grant applications, avoiding common mistakes and improving an organization’s competitiveness when applying for funding. The seminar also gave attendees an opportunity to ask questions about the grant process and better understand what funding agencies look for when reviewing applications. Thank you to everyone who attended. My district offices will continue working to connect local organizations with grant opportunities and resources that can help support projects and services in our communities. Back-to-School Safety Update & Funding Opportunities for Public and Nonpublic Schools
As students return to classrooms across Pennsylvania, there are several updates focused on keeping students safe both on the road and at school. Last September, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 65, which would strengthen Pennsylvania’s school bus safety laws by increasing the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet when a bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm activated. The bill would also establish increased penalties for repeat violations. Over the past five years, more than 25,000 drivers have been cited for school zone violations in Pennsylvania, including more than 8,000 citations for overtaking or illegally passing a school bus. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania breaks down the numbers here. Senate Bill 65 passed the senate on September 10, 2025, and is awaiting a vote by the full House of Representatives. Read more about this effort to boost school bus safety here. Schools can also now apply for the latest round of funding through Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program. Eligible schools can use the funding for safety and security improvements, staff training, CPR training and automated external defibrillator preparedness. Nonpublic schools can separately apply through the CPR/AED Training for Nonpublic Schools Grant Program. The AED initiative was established through Greg Moyer’s Law, named in memory of a Pennsylvania student-athlete who died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game. Strategies to Prevent Electric Bill Spikes Highlighted at Senate Hearing
Strategies to increase energy production and lower utility bills for Pennsylvanians were the focus of a public hearing by the Senate Majority Policy Committee. The committee heard from energy generators, utilities, business groups, taxpayer advocates and others. Pennsylvania is the nation’s top electricity exporter and second-largest natural gas producer. Testifiers discussed the retirement of electric generation both in Pennsylvania and across the broader PJM regional grid, warning that new generation is not being added quickly enough to keep pace with retirements and growing demand. Because Pennsylvania shares a regional electric grid with neighboring states, generation losses elsewhere can also affect reliability and electricity costs here. Testifiers also emphasized the need to build more reliable baseload generation to help keep prices stable and ensure access to energy. Read more and access hearing video here. Pearl Weaver – Girl Scout Gold Award
Pearl Weaver of Montour County has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. Last Thursday, I presented Pearl with a Senate citation recognizing the achievement and her Gold Award project, which created a curriculum and patch program for Girl Scout troops focused on consent and healthy relationships. Pearl devoted at least 80 hours to developing and completing the project, which will remain available for troops to use in the future. Congratulations, Pearl! REC Marks 10 Years in Selinsgrove
On Monday, I attended the Selinsgrove Regional Engagement Center’s (REC) 10th anniversary celebration and presented a Senate citation recognizing the milestone. The REC is a nonprofit community center in Selinsgrove that provides a space for people of all generations to connect, learn and serve. Over the past decade, the organization has grown from an idea for a local community center into an established resource serving Selinsgrove and the surrounding area. Congratulations to Kelly Feiler (pictured in the middle) and everyone who has helped establish, support and grow the REC over the past 10 years. Lithuanian Social Club in Mount Carmel Celebrates 100 Years
The Lithuanian Social Club in Mount Carmel marked its 100th anniversary on Saturday, and I was honored to present a Senate citation recognizing the milestone. Organized in 1925 and incorporated in 1926, the club has been part of the Mount Carmel community for a century. It has operated from its South Oak Street location since 1934 and has supported local youth sports, schools, libraries and other community efforts over the years. Congratulations to the Lithuanian Social Club on a century of service and involvement in the Mount Carmel community. Upcoming Senior Events in the 27th District
Two upcoming events will provide local seniors with information, resources and hands-on assistance. On Thursday, Aug. 27, I will partner with the Bloomsburg Public Library to host a Senior Technology Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon. The workshop will offer help with smartphones and tablets, information on common online scams and one-on-one assistance. Registration is encouraged by calling the Bloomsburg Public Library at 570-784-0883, and attendees should bring their device. Then, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, Rep. Joanne Stehr and I will host our annual Senior Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pavilion J at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg. The free event will feature government agencies, senior organizations, health screenings, information and resources, door prizes, giveaways and a complimentary lunch. Advance lunch registration for the Senior Expo is encouraged by calling 570-206-9207 or visiting my website. Satellite Office Hours
My office continues to offer satellite office hours in Beaver Springs and Danville to make it easier for residents to receive help with state-related matters closer to home. The Beaver Springs satellite office hours scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, are canceled and will resume on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beaver Springs Senior Center. The Danville satellite office hours normally scheduled for the first Monday of the month have been rescheduled to Monday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Montour County Administrative Building. Staff can assist with state agencies, PennDOT and other Commonwealth programs and services. To schedule an appointment, call my Shamokin Dam District Office at 570-743-1918. What to Know About Teen Gambling
Just because teens aren’t allowed to gamble doesn’t mean they don’t. Gambling among teenagers is a growing problem. Information is available to learn what teen problem gambling is, how to recognize the warning signs and where to go for help. Topics include: Why do people gamble? The “gambler’s fallacy,” and Who’s at risk? Learn more here from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Elk Cam Shows Largest Free-Roaming Elk Population in Eastern U.S.
Elk were once native to Pennsylvania but disappeared in the 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, Pennsylvania is home to 1,300 to 1,400 elk, making it the largest free-roaming elk population in the eastern U.S. Live from Elk State Forest in northern PA, the Elk Cam is a window into the world of these impressive animals, as well as turkey, deer and other wildlife. Best viewing times are mornings and evenings. The livestream is provided by HDOnTap and made possible with the help of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission. |
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