SMETHPORT — Operation Green Light visited McKean County again this November, bathing the county courthouse in green each night to show support for America’s veterans.
McKean County Commissioner Chairman Tom Kreiner thanked every veteran who has served this country, during commissioners’ regular meeting Tuesday.
Operation Green Light is a nationwide program by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). The United States’ 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs are invited to participate and show support for veterans by lighting their buildings green from Nov. 4 through 11.
“By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported,” reads the NACo website.
Kreiner also thanked election workers for their hard work during last week’s election, noting the county saw approximately a 76.5% voter turnout.
Also during the meeting, commissioners approved several American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) reimbursements, including $10,000 to Bradford Regional Medical Center to support the Meals on Wheels program. Commissioner Marty Wilder noted that she knew of two additional state sources of funding that could be of similar use to county programs assisting the hungry, and had passed those on to county Economic Development Liaison Ann Robinson.
Other ARPA disbursements include $5,000 to the McKean County Historical Society for a flooring project, $357.66 to Annin Township for infrastructure/blight remediation, as well as $20,000 to both Foster and Eldred townships and $6,049.65 to Eldred Borough for community development/parks and recreation projects.
Regarding Department of Human Services agreements, commissioners renewed two resource family (formerly foster care) arrangements and Human Services Development Fund (HSDF) agreements, for transportation with Area Transportation Authority (ATA) and for emergency housing vouchers with LIFT. Mental health/intellectual disabilities agreements were renewed with Dickinson Center, Evergreen Elm and Futures Rehabilitation Center; as well as intellectual disability amendments with Care Unlimited, Community Links, Martha Lloyd and OneWell. Residential mental health was renewed with Ramsbottom Center, special advocate with CASA of McKean County and family-based multisystemic therapy (MST) with Beacon Light Behavioral Health System.
Further, commissioners appointed Bruce Foote to the Bradford District Flood Control Authority for a five-year term from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2029, and welcomed new county employees Daniella Langianese, 911 dispatcher; and Stone Page and Michael Taylor, part-time correctional officers.
Commissioners meet next at 10 a.m. Nov. 27.
