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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • Volume 41 – No. 8 ©2020, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–141st YEAR, NO. 43
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CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–141st YEAR, NO. 17
WASB meeting readies district for opening by Seth Isenberg
Francis E. Walter Dam study is subject of public hearing next week The House Pennsylvania Majority Policy Committee will convene a public hearing on Wednesday, September 30, at Split Rock’s Town Center to discuss the ongoing reevaluation study of the Francis E. Walter Dam and Reservoir by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, by request of State Representative Doyle Heffley. The hearing is from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Split Rock Resort, 428 Moseywood Road in Lake Harmony. Scheduled to testify are officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Delaware River Basin Commission, and
New York City Department of Environmental Protection, along with several business owners and representatives of economic development associations in the Poconos. The Army Corps of Engineers began the study earlier this year to examine whether potential improvements to infrastructure or operational methods could allow water in the reservoir to be used for other purposes to support the ecological health of the Delaware River Basin. In particular, officials will consider management options that could release additional water
under drought conditions to help reduce salinity downstream. “Like many local residents, I have some serious concerns about the impact the study may have on the future of tourism and outdoor recreation in our region,” said Heffley. “I am grateful Policy Committee Chairman (Martin) Causer and the committee have agreed to conduct an in-depth look at this issue and the possible economic consequences for northeastern Pennsylvania.” “The Policy Committee understands and appreciates
the significant value that the Lehigh River brings to the region’s tourism businesses,” Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) said. “Wednesday’s hearing will give the committee a better understanding of the status of the Army Corp’s reevaluation study of the Francis E. Walter Dam and the impact of any changes to the water flow.” Members of the public who are would like to attend but cannot in person can watch it live at www.pahousegop.com or www.Facebook.com/PAGOPPolicy.
The regular Weatherly Area School Board meeting for September was held just as the District started classes online. Members of the Board toured both District buildings ahead of opening to see all the work that was done during the construction project. The results are a “near new building,” shared board member Brian O’Donnell. (Editor’s Note: See photos of just a few of the renovations in this issue on page 6.) The meeting, held on Zoom, made quick work of a short agenda. Readings of policy changes include updates on electronic devices, lesson plans, and immunizations, plus new language on communicable diseases and attendance, health examinations and more. The new school calendar was approved, along with some new rules for educators. Bills of $1,241,212 were approved to be paid from August to September 9. Additionally, $646,822 was okayed for pay See WASB, page 4