Clinton County Commissioners Celebrate 4-H Achievements and Address Key County Grants and Agreements
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN— The Clinton County Commissioner’s meeting on Thursday, March 13, 2025, focused on recognizing the achievements of the local 4-H program while also moving forward with several critical county initiatives, including grants and agreements for rental assistance and housing affordability as well as for emergency services.
A highlight of the meeting was a proclamation celebrating Pennsylvania 4-H Week, which underscored the organization’s significant impact on youth in Clinton County. Commissioner Harding read the proclamation, which highlighted the role of 4-H as America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly 6 million young people nationwide. Notably, the program has had a positive impact on 1,223 youths in Clinton County by encouraging confidence, independence, resilience, and leadership. Delivered by Penn State Cooperative Extension, the program engages over 77,000 youth between the ages of five and 18 across Pennsylvania.
The commissioners proclaimed March 16-22, 2025, as Pennsylvania 4-H Week in Clinton County and encouraged residents to acknowledge and celebrate the program’s valuable contributions to empowering youth.
Christine Showers, 4-H Youth Development Coordinator/Extension Educator, shared exciting growth statistics, reporting that enrollments in the county have “skyrocketed” with a 200% increase compared to last year. Currently, there are 159 enrolled members, significantly exceeding the usual 90 at this time of year, with enrollment open until May. Additionally, Clinton County’s 4-H has 38 screened and enrolled volunteers and leaders. Showers credits the success in increased enrollments to a new program, “Farm Fun Week,” which was launched last summer in collaboration with the Keystone Central School District’s Summer Parks Program.
Showers introduced Mary “Midge” Kramer, Coordinator of the North Bend Farm Life Club, who has led the club in the North Bend and Renovo areas for two years. Kramer oversees Clover Buds for children ages five to seven and also leads 4-H for ages eight to 18. In just two years, the North Bend Farm Life Club has expanded to 24 members and has nine Penn State-approved volunteers. “I can’t express how grateful I am to the volunteers that we have,” Kramer said. “Without them, we can’t do anything.” The North Bend Farm Life Club offers a diverse range of activities, including cooking, gardening, animal experiences, sewing, STEM projects, and more.
Showers highlighted that Clinton County is participating in a pilot program for the Pennsylvania State 4-H focused on Clover Bud Livestock opportunities. “We are one of 16 counties in the state that actually opened up a club for five to seven-year-olds, [giving them] the opportunity to handle livestock. There will be livestock exhibitions at the fair this year for the five to seven-year-olds, which ought to be kind of fun,” she said. This program offers young children the chance to interact with livestock, adding another layer of enriching experiences for the county’s youth. “We’re really proud to be part of that task force and part of that test pilot program, and we’re really happy to be chosen to do that, so I’m really grateful for all of your support,” Showers added.
Ethan Howard, Penn State Extension Client Relationship Manager, attended the meeting and expressed appreciation for the exceptional work of 4-H volunteers and educators, remarking that they make him feel like he “has the greatest job in the world.” He also expressed gratitude to the commissioners for their continued support of 4-H and Penn State Extension programs, which he believes significantly impact local youth.
For parents or individuals interested in learning more about 4-H in Clinton County, Christine Showers can be reached via email at CQS6174@psu.edu or through the “Clinton County 4-H” Facebook page, which she regularly updates. Additional information is available on the Penn State Extension website at www.extension.psu.edu/programs/4-H/counties/clinton.
In addition to celebrating 4-H, the commissioners tackled several key county initiatives by approving agreements and funding applications aimed at enhancing community services. Noteworthy decisions included:
-2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG): The board sought approval for an application to secure grant funding through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for the fiscal year starting October 1, 2024, and continuing until September 30, 2025. The EMPG supports state and local governments in preparing for hazards and enhancing emergency management capabilities and readiness through improved planning and resources. The board unanimously approved the application upon a roll call vote.
Hazardous Material Response Fund: The commissioners also approved a grant application for the 2025-2026 Hazardous Material Response Fund through PEMA, aimed at boosting the county’s capacity to manage hazardous materials emergencies. The funding will enhance training programs and equipment, ensuring first responders are well-prepared to manage hazardous situations safely and effectively.
Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) MS Fund: The commissioners approved a sub-recipient monitoring agreement between the county, the Clinton County Housing Authority, and the Clinton County Housing Coalition, Inc. for the administration of the PHARE Fund. The PHARE Fund is a state program designed to address housing affordability and rehabilitation needs across the state. It allocates funds to support the development, renovation, and preservation of affordable housing options for residents. Commissioner Angela Harding moved to approve this agreement for grant funding in the amount of $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, effective March 13, 2025.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program: The commissioners also approved a significant funding agreement between the county, the Clinton County Housing Authority, and the Clinton County Housing Coalition, Inc. This agreement supports the administration of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), assisting residents with housing needs and promoting affordability throughout the county. Commissioner Jeff Snyder moved to approve the $100,488.60 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, effective March 13, 2025.
Correctional Facility Food Service: The board approved an amendment to the current agreement with Aramark for food services at the Clinton County Correctional Facility. Starting April 20, 2025, this amendment includes a 3.7% increase in meal prices, reflecting changes in the Consumer Price Index.
The board accepted the resignations of two key Agricultural Resource Conservationists, Megan Galvin and Abigail Chermack, prompting a call for new applicants who are passionate about conservation.
In his closing remarks, Commissioner Snyder addressed ongoing fire safety concerns, urging residents to exercise caution amid dry conditions and increased forest fire risks. Snyder highlighted that during Monday’s work session, Scott Kemmerer discussed the current high risk of forest fires in the county. Residents are asked not to burn at this time as the county monitors the situation and maintains contact with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for wildfire risk updates. The commissioners also encouraged municipalities to consider implementing burn bans due to dry and windy weather conditions. “Things are very dry, windy, and as Scott said, ‘you start a fire [and] you cause damage, you’re responsible for the damages’, so please be careful,” Snyder stressed.
Jonathon Plessinger, Director of the Clinton County Department of Emergency Services, was present at the meeting and reiterated the importance of using caution when burning and ensuring that fires are fully extinguished. He reported that emergency responders have already handled multiple wildfires throughout Clinton County. To stay updated on current burn bans and conditions, county residents should visit the Clinton County Department of Emergency Services Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ccdes35.
The next meeting of the Clinton County Commissioners will be held on Monday, April 24, 2025, at 9 a.m. Meetings are held in person in the second-floor conference room at the Piper Building, 2 Piper Way, Lock Haven, and are also available via live stream on the “Clinton County Government” Facebook page.
