Journal-Herald
the
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 • Volume 41 – No. 24 ©2021, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–142nd YEAR, NO. 7
SINGLE COPY– 75¢ (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–141st YEAR, NO. 33
Taxes go up to fund dam project in Penn Lake by Seth Isenberg
Local legislators both begin 6th terms Heffley takes oath of office for sixth term in PA House
to working on their behalf on the considerable challenges that lie ahead as our regional and state economies recover Rep. Doyle Heffley last week from the devastating impact took the oath of office to begin of the pandemic,” Heffley said. his sixth term in the Pennsyl- “As a member of the Approvania House of Representapriations Committee, I will tives during a ceremony at the continue to advocate for a state Capitol in Harrisburg. balanced budget that does not Heffley also announced that place an added tax burden on he has been reappointed to hard-working families. I will serve a second term on the also continue pushing to imHouse Appropriations Comprove our local highways and mittee, which plays a key role for projects that create jobs in developing the state budget. and economic activity in Car“I was truly humbled to bon County. Finally, my focus take an oath to once again on resolving the addiction serve my neighbors in Carcrisis will not waiver, as I plan bon County. I look forward See HEFFLEY, page 3
Mullery sworn in to sixth term as state representative
State Rep. Gerald J. Mullery, D-Luzerne, took the oath of office at the state Capitol on January 5 to begin his sixth term representing the 119th Legislative District. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, for which Mullery will also be serving as Democratic chairman of the House Labor & Industry Committee. “I’m honored the people of the 119th District have trusted
me to return to Harrisburg to be their representative,” Mullery said. “This legislative term starts as many of us continue struggling and facing immense challenges, and I will ensure our communities get the support they need, and our voices are heard.” The priorities Mullery said he will focus on include relief for struggling small businesses and their employees; the creation and maintenance of local, family sustaining jobs; safe neighborhoods; good schools; low taxes; and environmental protection. Mullery said his Nanticoke See MULLERY, page 3
Penn Lake borough council’s December meeting, held online on the 17th, put the borough on track for a 2021 dominated by the project to replace the dam. To do this, council approved 2021’s tax ordinance setting the tax rate at 4.6 mills (4.2 mills for dam repairs and .4 mills for the expenses of operating the borough). The 2021 Budget was then adopted. Regarding the dam, there was a lot to share starting with the 2020 inspection report from Borton Lawson. Plans are to seek proposals for project design, with notice to go out soon. The Dam Advisory Committee has met with three engineering firms so far. Members have also reached out to area banks to see if they would be interested in loaning money for the project at favorable rates. Grant applications went to the Federal Emergency ManSee PENN LAKE, page 3