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In this Update:
Projects to Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands Awarded $8.1 Million in State Funding
projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands and restore polluted streams were just awarded almost $8.1 million in highly competitive grant funding:
Thanks to these awards, there will now be even fewer black wastelands and polluted streams in our region. We’ve made significant progress since I grew up near abandoned coal pits in Tamaqua’s east end, but much work remains ahead. I sponsored the original Growing Greener program, the largest investment in conservation in Pennsylvania history, because these big improvements mean more green fields, clean streams, and healthy communities. Hazleton Area Rises to Sixth Largest School District in PA
After breaking into the top 10 list of PA’s largest school districts last year, the Hazleton Area School District has risen from ninth to sixth, up to 13,737 students. After many decades of decline, the Hazleton region is now one of the fastest growing areas of the state, experiencing nearly 18% population growth in recent years. Read more here. Record Breaking Unclaimed Property Returns to PA Residents
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department returned more unclaimed property in 2025 than ever before: $334.1 million. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, abandoned stocks, uncashed checks, and more. Property is always available for the rightful owner to claim. Tangible property – often the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes – may be auctioned after three years, but proceeds remain available to claim perpetuity. Among the reasons for the record property returns was the General Assembly’s passage of a law that allows Treasury to automatically return unclaimed property valued up to $500. In the program’s first year, nearly $50 million was returned this way. To see if any unclaimed property is available for you, click here. Pottsville Trail Project Awarded $100,000 State Grant
Rep. Tim Twardzik and I were pleased to learn that the City of Pottsville was awarded a $100,000 Keystone Communities grant to support the Pottsville Greenways project. The funding will help build a connector trail from the JFK Park facility to the Pottsville Area School District, linking into the existing 9/11 Trail and improving recreational opportunities for residents. The project will be managed by the city, with phase I supported by the grant and private contributions of approximately $25,000. Investments like this help continue the positive momentum we’re seeing in Pottsville. By improving connections between parks, schools, businesses and neighborhoods, the Pottsville Greenways project will enhance recreation opportunities and strengthen the city for years to come. Around the District
Stephen and William Behun were honored for earning the rank of Eagle Scout Sunday. The brothers are members of Troop 777 of Tamaqua. Stephen, currently a sophomore at Harvard University, constructed steps and platforms at the Hometown Hollow Disc Golf Course. William, a senior at Tamaqua High, designed and constructed a butterfly garden and park benches in Hometown.
Thank you to everyone who joined our scam seminars with PA State Rep. Doyle Heffley in Nesquehoning and Weatherly. Special thanks to David Shallcross from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the thorough presentation about how to avoid falling prey to the latest scams targeting seniors.
The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce’s Business Executive Forum at Penn State Schuylkill featured Dr. Fotis Sotiropoulos, Penn State’s Executive Vice President and Provost. Dr. Sotiropoulos discussed the economic impact of the university, community engagement, workforce development, and the influence of emerging technologies – including artificial intelligence – on our world. Take the Hazleton YMCA Community Needs Survey
The Greater Hazleton YMCA is encouraging the community to participate in their Community Needs Assessment Survey. This is a great opportunity to share your household’s interest and program preferences. Click here to take the survey. Trout Stocking in Full Swing
Trout season opens April 4. The PA Fish and Boat Commission’s 2026 stocking schedule is now available online. Find the schedule and everything you need to plan your fishing season or help with stocking here. Focusing On Our Local Communities: Meet Mayor Mike Harostock
Welcome to another 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. Bear Creek Village Mayor Mike Harostock, a Republican, graduated from Scranton Prep in 2003. He is a graduate of Penn State with graduate degrees from Drexel, Commonwealth Medical College, and Villanova. Harostock currently works for – United One – an information and IT business. “When Mayor Walter Mitchell decided to retire, he reached out to me, and we were making calls throughout the community to see who wanted to step up and run for mayor. All the people that we reached out to; it was either not the right time for them or the timeline didn’t fit for them, so I thought about it, and then I realized it was something that I could do,” said Harostock. “I have always been heavily involved in the community, so I thought I could take the next step to try and help improve our community in any way that I could.” Harostock currently serves on the board for the Bear Creek Youth Camp and Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. In the past, Harostock served on the board of the Wilkes-Barre YMCA and was the executive director for Wilkes-Barre Racing, a charity to raise money through running events to help with costs of foster care and adoption for children. As mayor, Harostock’s main goal is to continue to improve the safety and security of the Bear Creek Village community. “Our big initiative right now is improving safety and security, especially with our roads. We have a young family dynamic here, so safety is very important,” said Harostock. “I want to continue to build off what Mayor Mitchell accomplished, which was an ability to bring the whole community together and fostering great relationships with our state elected officials. Land and environmental conservation are also important to our community.” Upcoming Events in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties
Rep. Dane Watro and I are hosting an electronics recycling event at the Laurel Mall parking lot (lower parking lot of Regal Cinema) on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We can accept a variety of items—please see the flyer above for details. Please note that a fee will apply for larger items due to recycling costs. If you have any questions, please scan the QR code on the flyer or call (570) 453-1344.
Rep. Doyle Heffley and I will host our annual Sportsmen & Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company. The expo will bring together a wide range of vendors and organizations connected to hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor recreation— something for everyone. If you have any questions, please call (610) 377-6363.
Reps. Dane Watro, Tim Twardzik, Jamie Barton JoAnne Stehr, and I will also host a Sportsmen and Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Columbia Hose Fire Company, Shenandoah. In addition to outdoor vendors and organizations, a Hunter Trapper Education Course will also be offered beginning at 7:30 a.m. Those interested in participating must register in advance by clicking here. For questions or additional information, please call 570-773-0891. For a full calendar of upcoming events, please click here. Sign Up for My Veterans E-News
The latest edition of my Veterans E-Newsletter is now available. In an effort to keep veterans in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties informed about local events, legislative updates from Harrisburg, and state resources, my office distributes a veterans e-newsletter every month. If you or someone you know is a veteran, sign up here. Quote of the Week
“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”– Ronald Reagan
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