Clinton County Commissioners’ Meeting Highlights: From Nutrition Workshops to Tough News on Rockview State Correctional Facility

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN— At the Clinton County Commissioners’ meeting on Thursday, September 18, 2025, representatives from Penn State Extension outlined programs available to county residents, which include various nutrition and health initiatives. The board also accepted the retirement of Tina Lesser, Clerk II for the Magisterial District Justice 25-3-01, and recognized her years of dedicated service. Commissioner Angela Harding concluded the meeting by addressing the potential impact of the Department of Justice’s recommendation to close the Rockview State Correctional Institution, and an announcement was made about the Hometown Hero’s Banner celebration at Triangle Park in Lock Haven, slated for Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m. 

The meeting opened with a presentation by Laurie Weinreb-Welch, Nutrition Educator for the Penn State Cooperative Extension, joined by Ethan Howard, Client Relationship Manager for Penn State Extension. Laurie provided the board with a detailed overview of a wide range of community health and wellness programs designed to benefit residents throughout Clinton and Lycoming Counties across every stage of life. 

As a food, family, and community educator, Laurie highlighted a range of initiatives available to residents of the county. These include the “Everybody Walk Across PA” virtual walking program, “Dining with Diabetes” classes, the “Build Your Bones” osteoporosis workshop, Lifelong Improvements through Fitness Together (LIFT) for adults over 40, and nutrition education programs specifically for low-income families, among other course offerings.

The workshops Laurie facilitates demonstrate a holistic approach to community health and well-being that extends far beyond traditional educational outreach. To discover more about these workshops and other educational opportunities offered online and in-person through Penn State Extension, visit www.extension.psu.edu for a complete list of courses and registration information.

The commissioners’ meeting also celebrated the distinguished career of Tina Lesser, who is retiring after 22 years of dedicated service as Clerk II in the Magisterial District 25-3-01 office. In recognition of her long-standing commitment to county government from April 2, 2003, to October 2, 2025, the commissioners presented her with a heartfelt certificate of appreciation.

Lesser was accompanied at the meeting by several colleagues and supporters, including Magisterial District Judge Keith Kibler. Judge Kibler personally expressed his gratitude to Lesser, describing her as a “very dedicated, hard-working, and intelligent employee” throughout the eight years they have worked together.

Lesser herself expressed gratitude to her friends and colleagues, saying, “I’ve worked with these guys for so many years and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” she said. “I’m going to miss it.” Commissioner Angela Harding even lightheartedly thanked Lesser for her kindness when handling past parking ticket issues, highlighting the personal connections Lesser had built during her long tenure with Clinton County.

Later in the meeting, Commissioner Harding delivered a response to the announcement regarding the closure of Rockview State Correctional Facility. “The Department of Justice gave their final report to Governor Josh Shapiro, and they have recommended the closure, specifically of Rockview,” she explained. “It’s sort of sending shock waves through a lot of people in both Centre and Clinton County,” she added.

Harding went on to say, “Central Pennsylvania, according to a report, stands to lose about $118 million annually because of these closures, and while they claim that there’s going to be savings, I would argue that the savings are going to come at a cost of Centre and Clinton County, both from the families that are living in our community and driving to Rockview or Quehanna Boot Camp, which is also going to be closed.” She continued, “It’s just another example of how rural Pennsylvania continues to take hits by decisions that are made under the roofs of savings. So, I just want to share that I’m very, very disappointed about this decision. My heart goes out to the families that live in our community and have good-paying jobs, and while they are offering employment at other facilities, 62% of the current Rockview staff are going to have to drive further to work if they take another position at another location.”

Commissioner Harding closed by expressing her hope that the families in Clinton County affected by the closure will be able to secure stable employment and continue to reside in the county.

In a more uplifting moment, Harding invited community members to attend the Hometown Heroes Banner Ceremony on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Triangle Park, Lock Haven. This event will honor local service members and first responders who have made significant contributions to the community and beyond.  

The next meeting of the Clinton County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Meetings take place at the Piper Building, 2 Piper Way in Lock Haven, in the second-floor conference room. For those unable to attend in person, meetings are also livestreamed on the “Clinton County Government” Facebook page. 

Members of the public who wish to comment on any agenda item may do so during the public comment period at the start of each meeting by calling 570-893-4000. Questions or comments can also be submitted via email to commissioners@clintoncountypa.gov by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Clinton County Government Facebook page within 24 hours prior to each meeting. To schedule a presentation for a work session meeting (held on Mondays), please contact Desiree Myers at dmyers@clintoncountypa.gov.