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In this Update:
Over $37,000 Returned at Our Unclaimed Property Event in Minersville
Rep. Tim Twardzik and I recently held a very successful Unclaimed Property Event with PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s staff at the Minersville Public Library. In just over three hours, we helped return more than $37,000 in unclaimed property to the rightful owners— one of the highest return totals for this type of event. One individual alone will receive nearly $15,000 in unclaimed funds. Special thanks to the Minersville Public Library for hosting us and to Jolene from the PA Treasury for helping make this event a success! If you think the PA Treasury may be holding unclaimed property that belongs to you, contact one of my offices to see how we can help. Argall Report: Crime Continues to Decline Across the Hazleton Region
This month’s Argall Report highlights the encouraging crime trend decline across the Hazleton region. During a recent meeting of the Senate Majority Policy Committee & House Policy Committee in Hazleton, we learned that crime is declining in many areas across the region, with drug related cases and property crime down as compared to the previous decade. Hazleton’s reported violent crime rate is also well below the national average. But there is still a lot of work to do! One message came through loud and clear: successful efforts to prevent and reduce crime start with strong community partnerships and community members doing their part. Watch the Argall Report by clicking here. Around the District
I was invited to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Miller Bros. Construction in Schuylkill Haven. Founded by Jim and Bill Miller, Miller Bros. has proudly served Schuylkill County and the surrounding region, providing commercial construction, engineering, and development services for five decades. I congratulated Jim and his entire team on this impressive milestone and wished them continued success.
Thank you to the hundreds of local people who attended the two senior expos hosted across our region.
Rep. Dane Watro hosted his annual expo at the Laurel Mall in Hazle Township, and Rep. Jamie Barton hosted his annual expo at the Landingville Community Fire Company. Over 50 vendors were at each event to highlight their services, including Brad Hurley from our Hazleton Office, and Colleen Koppenhaver and Melanie Weikel from our Pottsville Office.
Between meetings across the district, I was recently invited to attend Yuengling’s Blueberry Beer release and tasting event in Pottsville. I very much enjoyed the new offering—a light, Pilsner style beer with a ripe blueberry flavor. You can join the tens of thousands of people who visit America’s oldest brewery at the Brewery, Museum, and Gift Shop, located in downtown Pottsville, which is open 9-5, Monday through Saturday.
I recently had the opportunity to welcome ten new exchange students to Marian Catholic High School near Tamaqua. The students represent Brazil, Cambodia, France, South Korea, Spain, and Vietnam and will participate in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities here in our community. We discussed a variety of topics, including education opportunities here locally, the structure of government in Pennsylvania and the United States, my experiences in Europe with Scouting, and much more. I wished all of them much success as they continue their studies at Marian Catholic!
I was recently invited to attend the Rock, PA Festival in Washington Township, near Pine Grove. The two-day event, which was hosted by One Rock, One Community, featured kids’ activities, a petting zoo, food trucks, live entertainment, and a car show, where I presented awards to a host of winners! I especially enjoyed the beautiful 1960 Thunderbird. My dad once told me that he and my mom, when they started their first jobs, had plans to buy a late 1950s Thunderbird—but they ended up with me, instead!
Rep. Doyle Heffley and I were invited to attend a meeting Sunday night with first responders and the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources at the Nesquehoning Hose Company #1 to discuss trail safety improvements and EMS accessibility to Glen Onoko Falls.
The goal: get the scenic trail open safely to the public and reduce the impact on local EMS volunteers in the event of an emergency. The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources also reminds the public that trespassing in this area is strictly prohibited until the project is completed due to a high risk for injury or death. Those found trespassing continue to face arrest and steep fines.
Rep. Doyle Heffley and I recently congratulated Pat Reilly, president and CEO of Mauch Chunk Trust Company, on his well-deserved retirement after more than 50 years in banking. Pat began his career in 1976, working his way through the ranks of local banking, eventually becoming president and CEO of Mauch Chunk Trust in 1996. Beyond the bank, he spent years serving as the board chairman at Marian Catholic High School, chairing the Blue Mountain Hospital Board and Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, and leading the Partners for Progress visioning group. Congratulations, Pat!
Christine Verdier, my chief of staff, recently joined Rep. Tim Twardzik and leaders of the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) at their monthly meeting to review the organization’s progress in breathing life into the downtown. PADCO recently applied for a Main Street designation through the PA Main Street Matters program, which recognizes a community’s formal commitment, leadership, and structured vision to revitalize its traditional downtown business district or commercial corridor. I look forward to continuing to work with PADCO and local leaders to breathe new life into Pottsville and all our local communities. Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action
As students across Pennsylvania return to school, it is past time for the commonwealth to ensure fairness for women and girls taking part in collegiate and high school sports. Earlier this year, at the urging of students and parents, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation – twice – to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Month after month, the House leadership has avoided voting on this reasonable legislation grounded in fairness. The bill has been moved to multiple House committees in a series of parliamentary maneuvers to avoid a vote. The longer the House delays, the more female athletes are at risk of being unfairly forced off the field or the winner’s podium. We must enact the Save Women’s Sports Act to restore common sense to scholastic sports. New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing
Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect next month. Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:
The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. The new law takes effect Oct. 19. October 8: License Plate Replacement Event in Hegins
Is your license plate worn out? You can get it replaced for free at an event I’m hosting with Rep. Joanne Stehr on Thursday, October 8 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Hegins Township Building (413 Gap Street, Valley View). A local police officer will be on hand to inspect your plate to determine if it qualifies for a free replacement. For more information or to RSVP, call 570-773-0891. Focusing on Our Local Communities: Meet East Norwegian Township’s Jack Ketner
Welcome to the latest edition of Focusing on Our Local Communities, where we interview, on a bipartisan basis, a key local leader in one of the 102 municipalities that I represent in Carbon, Schuylkill, and Luzerne counties. This week, we’re focusing on East Norwegian Township Supervisor Jack Ketner. A Democrat, Ketner was born and raised in East Norwegian Township in Schuylkill County and graduated from St. Clair High School in 1963. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and served as a “River Rat” during the Vietnam War. Following his distinguished service, he attended Williamsport Community College, became a state-certified welder, and went on to work for PPL Electric Utilities until his retirement in 2003. Ketner has served as a township supervisor for nearly 53 years. “I never wanted to be in politics. But I thought one of the supervisors at that time wasn’t doing a very good job, so I decided to run against him and 50 years later, I’m still here,” said Ketner. “When you do this job, you do it for the community. When a constituent calls me, I try to get to that issue as quick as I can. I don’t want them to have to come to the meeting. I always try to solve every issue and if I can’t, I tell them personally and honestly why it can’t be solved by us.” Ketner is a member of the AMVETS and recently received the Volunteer of the Century Award from the Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown for his many years of service at St. Clare of Assisi. As roadmaster, Ketner takes pride in the condition of the township’s roads. “Our roads are all spread out, and we only have one full-time employee and the rest are part-time, but they do a great job. You won’t find a pothole on our roads,” added Ketner. “Another thing I’m proud of is working with Frank Zukas years ago to help set up the St. Clair Industrial Park. Also, financially the Township is in great shape and we’re never in the red.” Quote of the Week
“America has seen tough times before. We’ve always known how to get through them. And we’ve always believed our best days are ahead of us. I believe that still. But we must rise to the occasion, as we always have; change what must be changed and make the future better than the past.” – U.S. Senator John McCain |
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