Castanea Supervisors keep busy with many things happening in township

By Christopher Miller

CASTANEA TOWNSHIP – The three Castanea Township Supervisors met Monday evening at their regular Supervisors meeting for the month of September.

A township resident named Cindy brought up a few incidents within the past month of a gas or electric scooter operating individual operating their scooter in the night hours with no reflector or electric light to identify themself as being on the roadway.

“He almost rear-ended me, it’s so dark out now by 8 o’clock,” Cindy said.

Supervisor Brandon Coleman assured Cindy that as he encounters these individuals he speaks with them about remaining visible and “being seen” at all hours while using their scooters on the road.

Ditch work will be commencing in the coming months after near-biblical flash flooding struck the southern Clinton County area only a couple of weeks ago.

“There was 3.9″ of rain in a 90 minute period,” Coleman said. “Before the rains we had identified four ditches that needed work, but now we have added three more to that list, but the pipes are clear and open if we get rain, so the water will run away.”

As for the ongoing water saga between the township and the City of Lock Haven, a couple of the water leaks have stopped, a water shut off valve had been recently repaired on Mackey and a leak was found and fixed in a brand new water line along with the homeowner having replaced their water line into their home. Brandon Coleman also inquired with the City of Lock Haven as to when they city would be out to repair some road patches and he stated that, “this is now in the hands of Greg Wilson and the Roads Foreman and that the contract was awarded, but they would come out to the township when they could get enough time to do so.” Supervisor Coleman stated that he would send a letter if the project was not done by October 21 and that they “would find a contractor to do the work.”

Rick Schulze of the Recreation Committee spoke of a couple happenings within the coming month in the township.

A bridge dedication and ribbon cutting has been planned for Monday, September 30 at 5 p.m. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at Castanea Fire Company and that the group will walk over to the bridge. If it is raining the ribbon cutting will take place at the fire department in the engine bay. The bridge is being named Founders Bridge commemorating all of the founders of the Castanea area.

The 4th Annual Halloween Parade will take place on Sunday, October 27 at 4 p.m. with a rain date of Monday, October 28 at 6 p.m. The parade route will be from Brown Street to McElhattan Avenue, ending at the Castanea Fire Company. Line up begins at 3 p.m. The recreation committee is seeking: costumed marchers, decorated vehicles, hot rods, 4-wheelers, side-by-sides, decorated riding mowers, scout groups, school cheerleading groups, non-profit organizations, car dealers, dance troupes, floats, clubs and civic organizations, and school groups to join in on the parade. There will be a free children’s magic show following the parade. Anybody with questions should contact Rick Schulze at FSCHULZE@comcast.net.

As well, the Recreation Committee is also beginning to plan their Christmas Tree lighting event and are pleased to announce that a local Christmas tree farm has donated a tree for the township.

In other news…

Trick-or-Treat in Castanea Township was voted on to be held on October 31, Halloween night, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The days and times for the 2025 budget meetings were planned for Monday, October 21 at 6 p.m. and Monday, November 18 also at 6 p.m.

Township Supervisors are considering a quote to completely replace their coal-fired HVAC system and upgrade to a new, two-zoned heat pump system at a cost of between $15,000 and $20,000. The old coal furnace in the shop would be converted to a propane furnace, and the old oil burner would still be in place as a backup in case of failure. Currently, the coal-fired furnace requires someone to come by the township building every two days, even on the weekends, to keep the furnace full and lit. “Coal is dirty and labor intensive, so we are excited to have this new system be able to heat and cool the building,” Coleman said.

Rick Schulze reintroduced the idea of creating a township flag and selling modified versions for township residents to purchase and proudly display in their yards.

“At the annual supervisors meeting in Hershey there is a parade of township flags and over 80 townships in the state participate in this,” Schulze told the group. “We already have a logo in place and would just need to put this on a flag.” The supervisors agreed that Rick should pursue looking further into this concept and idea.

Lastly, township supervisors voted in favor of hiring Shelly Davis as a part-time office staff at the township building. There were two applicants for the position.

All three supervisors Brandon Coleman, Charles Clukey, Jr., and John Gradel were in attendance Monday night.

The next township supervisors meeting is Monday, October 7 at 7 p.m.