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ournal-herald THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024 • Volume 43 – No. 31 ©2024, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
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White Haven selected as Blueprint Community by Ruth Isenberg
PA Senator David Argall and PA Representative Mike Cabell’s legislative aide Amy Michelli opened the March 25 White Haven Borough Council meeting with a special announcement— White Haven has been selected as a participant in the Blueprint Communities PA Program. Council adopted a resolution authorizing participation in the program.
Sen. Argall commented that the borough was “beating the odds,” being chosen as the “newest, smallest Blueprint Community.” The Blueprint Communities program began in 2005 in Pittsburgh, an initiative of FHL Bank for community redevelopment. Tamaqua
and Hamburg are previous participants, and Argall has seen success in both communities. “I know you’re already doing some of that right here,” Argall continued. Noting that the designation is for 10 years, he said the team members will be empowered to connect to resources to make things happen, to “turn you wish list into realities.” Michelli, who works in Cabell’s Sugarloaf office,
pledged Cabell’s full support; the House was still in session in Harrisburg, so he could not attend in person. Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce president Linda Miller expressed “thanks for this fabulous opportunity,” and noted the benefits of the town working together. Council then conducted its
See WHITE HAVEN, page 7
COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT in White Haven brought out children of all ages, parents, volunteers and friends on March 24. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the weather-related postponement gave everyone a chance to come together and celebrate. JH: Ruth Isenberg
Officials, EMS personnel consider ambulance crisis by Ruth Isenberg The John Murphy Room at the White Haven Area Community Library was full. Local government officials, fire and ambulance personnel and board members, and concerned citizens from around the area came out to hear representatives of the Pennsylvania Departent of Community and Economic Development address the crisis in EMS service on March 21.
Ann Morrow
The meeting was hosted by PA Representative Mike Cabell. Sen. David Argall stopped in, and Rep. Doyle Heffley, while not present, is following the discussions. Ken Hellendall, EMS Peer
Consultant, talked about burnout, lack of appreciation, and the need for EMS services to work together, though not necessarily merge. He noted that fire and EMS personnel are aging out in their
40s, rather than their 60s. He suggested several incentives that have worked in other areas, and discussed formation of an authority to allow municipalities to work together to share resources and coverage areas. Ann Morrow of the Local Government Policy Center of DCED
See EMS CRISIS, page 7