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Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

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Selinsgrove is a borough in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,383 at the 2000 census. It is the largest borough in Snyder County.

Nestled in the middle of the Susquehanna River Valley in Central Pennsylvania, Selinsgrove is located along US Route 11 & US Route 15, 50 miles north of Harrisburg and about five miles southwest of Sunbury. Routes 11 & 15 once traversed the borough by its primary artery, Market Street. Traffic concerns led to the construction of a bypass to funnel long haul traffic around the historic downtown. Like many similar projects, an unintended consequence of this bypass was the growth of retail and commercial businesses in the communities north of the borough. Selinsgrove's downtown has sought to reinvent itself by emphasizing its historic charm.

The Dauntless Hook & Ladder volunteer fire company provides emergency servics to the borough's residents.

An active commercial railroad line crosses a portion of the borough. No passenger service is available.


Map of Snyder County , Pennsylvania with Municipal Labels showing Boroughs (red), Townships (white), and Census-designated places (blue).

Geography

Selinsgrove is located at 40°48′9″N 76°51′47″W / 40.80250°N 76.86306°W / 40.80250; -76.86306Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (40.802539, -76.862940).Template:GR Its elevation is 444 feet.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 5.0 km² (1.9 mi²).

Selinsgrove borders the Susquehanna River. The portion of the borough that is located between Penns Creek and the Susquehanna River is known locally as the "Isle of Que" (pronounced queue).

Environmental Issues

The Patriot News, a Harrisburg newspaper, published an eight-page story alleging a cancer cluster. True cancer clusters involve one type of cancer or several forms of cancer very unusual for a defined population, based on this definition, no cancer cluster existed. Over 1,000 cancer clusters are reported in the United States each year and only a rare few are deemed to be true cancer clusters. The cancers cited in the Patriot News are neither rare nor related to environmental contaminants save the case of melanoma which is often linked to UV exposure. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection responded within a week by taking samples of air, soil and ground water. The DEP released preliminary test results showing no signs of contamination. It has been acknowledged by state and borough officials that there was a leaking underground tank and that a clean up was conducted. It was impossible to tell from any of the articles that the tank contained Number 2 heating oil, disclosure of these mundane contents would have made the articles less compelling. According to some accounts, there are more leaking heating oil tanks in the United States than there are fast food outlets.

On Sunday, April 1st, the Patriot News published an editorial defending the publishing of its stories on Selinsgrove. Many readers have found this editorial curious. Some have dismissed it as a strange apologia, some have labeled it as an attempt to draw attention away from the Patriot News publishing the photographs and biographies of the reporter and photographer, which these readers attributed to naked ambition for journalism prizes.

DEP Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell said, "While some isolated, elevated levels of arsenic, nitrates and herbicides were found, we have not discovered an imminent health threat. However, our assessment is continuing through both ongoing physical testing and the review of local historical land uses so that no possible source of environmental contamination is overlooked." Daily Item April 7, 2007.

Ten surface soil samples were collected from four athletic fields at Susquehanna University and from a location near the water tower. Samples were compared with soil contamination screening levels established under Pennsylvania's Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (Act 2 of 1995).

The samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and metals. Arsenic was detected slightly above DEP's Act 2 residential statewide health standard of 12 parts per million per kilogram (mg/kg) in two samples at concentrations of 15.6 mg/kg and 16.2 mg/kg.

These concentrations are consistent with background levels for this naturally occurring metal in this region. No VOCs were detected in the samples. The SVOC sample results are still being analyzed.

  • Groundwater

Groundwater samples were compared with DEP and EPA drinking water standards and are reported in micrograms per liter (ug/l), also known as "parts per billion."

A groundwater sample was collected from three of the four existing monitoring wells (one contained no ground water) near the Theta Chi fraternity house on university property on March 15 and March 26. The wells were installed following removal of a heating-oil tank several years ago. No VOCs or SVOCs were detected.

Water samples were collected March 13 from the four existing monitoring wells located on the former Rhoads Mill property. The samples were analyzed for VOCs, SVOCs, metals, chloride, sulfate, nitrates and nitrites. Two wells had nitrate levels of 13,760 parts per billion (ug/l) and 66,730 ug/l. These concentrations are above the EPA maximum contaminant level for drinking water of 10,000 ug/l.

In addition, water samples from the monitoring well farthest downstream contained the herbicides metolachlor and alachlor at 87.02 ug/l and 30.37 ug/l.

This well was re-sampled March 23. The results of 83.42 ug/l and 16.49 ug/l were consistent with the previous sampling. The EPA limit for alachlor is 2 ug/l. There is no limit established for metolachlor.

Elevated levels of herbicides would be cause for concern if groundwater in the area were used for drinking or bathing. However, the water supply wells for Selinsgrove are located in a different aquifer from the Rhoads Mill monitoring wells, and the nearest well is over one-half mile away in an apparent upgradient direction. Therefore, the herbicides found in the monitoring well near Rhoads Mill do not represent a public health risk.

In June 2007, the Pennsylvania Bulletin reported that the former mill owner plans 2nd cleanup after contamination was found in recent tests.


The Lower Penn’s Creek Watershed Association’s central purpose is to protect, conserve, and improve the Lower Penn’s Creek watershed by promoting the wise stewardship of the land and aquatic resources. The organization is open to all citizens. The organization has sponsored a main stream assessment The Lower Penn’s Creek watershed is approximately 163 square miles within Snyder and Union Counties. It drains into the Susquehanna River on the northern border of the community of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. It is located within the Lower Susquehanna subbasin. LPCWA’s efforts contribute to the success of the missions of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. The Snyder County Conservation District and the Union County Conservation District both have watershed specialists that participate in LPCWA.

Ongoing pollution and soil erosion in the region continues to degrade the water quality and the environment locally as well as regionally. Farming, wastewater treatment facilities and industrial spills are cited as contributing factors to loss of water quality. It also contributes to the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay. Controlling the wastewater discharges alone is expected to cost the region's taxpayers billions of dollars.

The Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies (SRHCES) is a nascent watershed organization whose geographic focus is the entire Susquehanna River West Branch watershed in Pennsylvania. The West Branch Susquehanna watershed drains an area of approximately 4,466 million acres, just under 7,000 square miles. At present, SRHCES partners include representatives from six academic institutions (Bloomsburg University, Susquehanna University, Bucknell University, Lock Haven University, Kings College, and Lycoming College), the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, SEDA-COG, Forum-for-the-Future, and the Geisinger Health System.

Government

The borough is governed by an elected council of seven residents. The Borough Council meets the first Monday of the month (with exceptions), in the borough building. There is an elected mayor, a borough manager and a chief of police.

The Borough levys the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax. The tax rate is $52.00 per year and the income limitation for exemption from the tax is $5,000.00 per year. A property tax is also levied.

Local government has been challenged by the increasing amount of property that is tax exempt. In 2004 it was reported that 49.3 percent of the properties were exempted from paying taxes. This includes the land owned by Susquehanna University, the land held by local churches and the campus of the Selinsgrove Area School District. The Borough has been facing a continued decrease in the value of the taxable real estate for many years. The borough has requested "payment in lieu of taxes" from the exempt entities with limited success. There have also been several successful property tax assessment challenges that have decreased tax revenues. Omega Bank donated property to Selinsgrove Borough which was converted into a police station.

The Selinsgrove Shade Tree Commission meets the fourth Thursday of the month, in the borough building, if it has business to conduct. Borough plans to cut down many mature shade trees in order to upgrade and repair curbs has been addressed by this group.

Subdivisions are reviewed by the Selinsgrove Borough Planning Commission and the Snyder County Planning Commission and are approved by the Selinsgrove Borough Council. The Selinsgrove Borough Planning Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Borough Office Building, if they have business to attend to. The Selinsgrove Borough Zoning Hearing Board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30pm if they have business to attend to.

Selinsgrove Borough provides curbside recycling on a monthly basis. There is a Borough Spring Cleanup service that hauls away large trash items. Brush and leaves can be disposed of at the Compost Yard at the south end of Strawberry Alley.

Selinsgrove Borough Council participates in the PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) and the Degenstein Foundation to offer summer jobs for college students.

Snyder County Government directory

According to the Megan's Law website of the Pennsylvania State Police there are multiple registered sex offenders living in the 17870 zip code.

Selinsgrove is in the 85th Legislative District for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. This office is held by Russ Fairchild. The Pennsylvania Senate District 27 office is held by Senator John Gordner. Selinsgrove is in the US House of Representatives 10th district represented by Christopher Carney.

A schism that exists between borough leaders and the school district episodically arises. It is played out in battles over construction projects on the school district campus, routes for the busses, police services to the district and water flooding issues on borough streets especially Broad Street which is prone to flooding in heavy rains.

Schools

Map of Snyder County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts

Selinsgrove Area School District is the local public school system. There are approximately 2900 students clustered on a campus located in Selinsgrove borough. Selinsgrove Area High School has about 950 students in grades 9-12. There is a strong emphasis on music education and extracurricular athletics. The Selinsgrove Area Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 using a team teaching approach. Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School has students grades 3-5. Primary grades are at Selinsgrove Area Elementary School. Kindergarten is located at Jackson Penn School. In 2007, the district plans to initiate All Day Kindergarten as a method of improving its low elementary math and reading scores. Selinsgrove Elementary will be renovated and enlarged to hold all kindergarten, first and second grades. Jackson Penn School will be closed.

In 2005, Standard & Poors reported the district's student teacher ratio was 15.9 to 1.[1]

SASD employes about 350 people in 2007. Two hundred of the employees are teachers. The median teacher salary in 2007 is $58,000 plus benefits. Seventy percent of spending is allocated to employee costs. The district reports spending $9800 per pupil in 2007. [2] According to district business manager, Jeffrey Hummel, the costs for building projects coupled with salaries and benefits will mean continued maximum property tax increases.

Public School busing is provided in the district, but not to most borough residents as they live within walking limit set by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

In 2005, the high school was ranked 306th out of 601 Pennsylvania high schools on the annual state testing. The 3rd grade ranked 1215th out of 1779 Pennsylvania third grades. According to Pittsburgh Business Times, which ranks Pennsylvania school districts based on test scores, in 2007 Selinsgrove Area School District was ranked 235th out of 499 state public school districts. According to The Daily Item, in 2007, Selinsgrove also reached adequate yearly progress standards for the first time since the progress analysis began during the 2002-03 school year.

SUN Area Career & Technology Center New Berlin, Union County, PA 17855 (570) 966-1031. SUN Tech is a regional school that provides area students with skills needed to compete in today’s job market and receive consideration for advanced college placement. SUN Tech also offers adult education classes, vocational education, and technical career training, serving over 1500 people annually. ISO9001 and Middle States Acredited. SUN Tech was presented with the Significant Achievement Award in Education for raising their Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program criteria score to 648 points, a 345 point increase from 303 points in August, 2000.

Residents also have a wide selection of alternative schools. By law, the local public school must provide transportation to schools within 10 miles of the borders of the school district at no charge to the student. The tuition for charter schools is paid by the state and local school district, not the student. Additionally, Pennsylvania's Education Improvement Tax Credit program encourages businesses to provide scholarships and other financial support to alternative schools.

St. Monica School 109 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801 Northumberland County Phone: (570) 286-5983 is a parochial school providing a first class education to grades: PK-8. Their enrollment is about 180.

Sunbury Christian Academy 135 Spruce Hollow Road, Northumberland, PA 17857. (570) 473 - 7592 An ASCI member school preK to 12th grade. The accomplishments of the students attending the school are frequently noted by local media outlets.

Northumberland Christian Academy 351 Fifth Street Northumberland, PA 17857 570-473-9786. NCS was founded in 1972 and is a ministry of the First Regular Baptist Church of Northumberland, Pa. The school offers a full educational program for students from preschool through high school.

SusQ-Cyber Charter School provides students in grades 9-12 with an electronically delivered accredited high school curriculum. Met AYP

Commonwealth Connections Academy provides a form of public school that students attend from home. This unique program combines strong parental involvement, the expertise and accountability of publicly funded education, and the flexibility of online classes. Teachers are all certified. Centered on meeting students needs and goals. Has a K-11 program. This cyber charter school is authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students are required to take all state mandated, standardized tests in person at locations designated by the school.

21st Century Cyber Charter School Modifications are made to suit individual student learning styles, varying academic levels and scheduling needs, among others. Most classes are offered in honors, college prep, and career paths. All of our classes are designed to help prepare our students for standardized tests such as the PSSAs.

Central Pennsylvania Digital Learning Foundation - CPDLF K - 12 program.

The Pennsylvania Distance & Electronic Learning Academy (PDELA) offers a complete K-12 academic program to assist families that want to educate their children at home.

The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School provides a free and appropriate course of study to the children of Pennsylvania families. Parents of cyber school students do not pay tuition. The public school district where the student resides pays tuition with state and local tax money through a state formula.

The Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center, located in Sunbury, provides a one year full time program to prepare the individual to enter a career in licensed practical nursing. Classroom instruction and laboratory experience are offered in Sunbury. Affiliated hospitals, nursing care facilities, doctors' offices and childcare settings provide clinical experience.

Susquehanna University, a 4-year private liberal arts school, is located in Selinsgrove borough. (570) 374-0101.

Libraries

The Selinsgrove Community Library is a public library that is part of the Snyder County Library system. Patrons have free use of the PA Power Library and Access Pennsylvania which provide extensive onlline resources for children and adults. The library is on the corner of High Street and Pine Street, one block west of Market Street in downtown Selinsgrove.

The Selinsgrove Area High School Media Center is open to the public one evening a week during the school year.

Snyder County Historical Society 30 East Market St., Middleburg, PA.17842 570-837-6191 Museum and Library Research services are provided for a fee.

The State Library of Pennsylvania Commonwealth & Walnut Sts., Harrisburg, PA. This library provides information for State Government and citizens, collects and preserves Pennsylvania's written heritage through materials published for, by, and about Pennsylvania.

The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way in 2006 commissioned a study regarding what matters most in area communities. They found that some major concerns were: alcohol and drug use among all age groups and its effects on the community, the dependency on social services and assitance across generations, and a lack of public transportation.[3] It is the intention of the organization to focus spending on these issues.

Parks

Major Anthony Selin Park located on Sassafras Street is equipped with horseshoe, quoit and basketball courts and soccer fields. There is a sophisicated play area for small children which is called Kidsgrove. A large covered pavilion for picnics can be reserved for outings and reunions. This facility also offers a kitchen area, restrooms and game equipment. A “Life Trail”, which is a system of exercise and walking trails, is one feature of the park. Local businesses have donated kiosks that provide information on fitness for active adults.

Music at the Gazebo is a program that runs from June through August with free concerts held in Pump House Park.

Selinsgrove borough government is participating in a regional effort to increase and improve outdoor recreation in Eastern Snyder County. A regional plan has been developed by Shamokin Dam borough, Selingrove borough, Monroe Township, and Penn Township officials. Their hope is to garner state tax dollars through grant and matching fund applications. Officials assert that a poll of 10% of residents showed that they were willing to paying higher taxes to add more recreation facilities to the area.

The East Snyder Park is a multiuse facility which is under development using state grants and local donations. It is located along the upper end of University Ave. near Rt. 522, at the location of the existing Penn Township ball fields. The master plan of the park calls for nine professional grade horseshoe pits, baseball, softball, football and soccer fields, a preschool playground with age appropriate apparatus (Kaboom grant) a playground for older children, and a small wetland conservation education area. The facilities are governed by the East Snyder Regional Recreation Association, a 501 (c) organization with a board made up of interested parties, local youth recreation organization representatives and area government officials.

One concept brought out in the Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan is for the region to market riverfront recreation opportunties. This is in direct competition with efforts across the river in Sunbury where local and state officials are working on a riverfront project funded in large part by state tax dollars. This effort includes a third attempt to make use of an abandoned building in the Shikellamy State Park.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Boating access to the Susuquehanna River on the Isle of Que. Primary boating using shallow-draft, lightweight fishing boats, canoes and inflatables is accessible. Parking is available.

Susquehanna Greenway is a regional effort to link natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources along the 500-mile corridor of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

Tax Exempt and NonProfit Organizations

There are 91 tax exempt and nonprofit organizations in Selinsgrove with combined assets of $236,146,919 in 2005 as reported by TaxExemptWorld.com.

Selinsgrove Area Youth Foundation SAYF was founded in 1994. It has endowed assets of approximately $400,000 and has affiliated with the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation (CSCF). The Board of Directors are Thomas Gates (President), Michael Flock (Vice President), John Fischer (Treasurer), Marvin J. Rudnitsky, J.D. (Asst. Secretary), Kendra Aucker, Arthur F. Bowen (Secretary), Dr. Fred Johnson, Kurt Kissinger, Dr. Jay Lemons, and William D. Robinson. SAYF's giving includes $9,000 in scholarships is to four Selinsgrove Area school students. In addition it has funded community projects such as KidsGrove, the Selinsgrove Pool, Snyder County Library System, EconomicsPA. and improvements at the high school's Bolig football field and track fields.

There is a public swimming pool which was founded in the early 1970s. It is run by Selins Grove Area Recreation, INC. community board. The pool is located on Linda Lane, off Rte 522. Parking is available. Annual memberships and daily admissions are sold. Hours vary with the facility open from around Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming lessons are provided. Private parties are accommodated. There is a lap lane and a baby pool for preschoolers. The pool offers an eating pavilion, shaded lounge area and tables with a concession stand and various drink machines.

The Selinsgrove Adult Band gives an annual spring concert utilizing school district facilities. This concert benefits the American Cancer Society raising over $91,000 to help with research, education, advocacy and services for people with cancer.

Crime

In 2005 the following crime statistics were reported to the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System by the borough police department:

Sex related offenses - 11
Robbery - 1
Assaults - 129
Property Offenses - 366
Arson - 1
Drug Violations - 16
Other Alcohol Crimes - 57

In 2006 the following crime statistics were reported to the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System by the borough police department:

Sex related offenses - 14
Robbery - 2
Assaults - 136
Property Offenses - 387
Arson - 2
Drug Violations - 23
Other Alcohol Crimes - 77

PSP Focus Report

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 5,383 people, 1,767 households, and 987 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,076.9/km² (2,790.3/mi²). There were 1,912 housing units at an average density of 382.5/km² (991.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the borough was 94.67% White, 2.73% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.91% Asian, 0.87% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.92% of the population.

There were 1,767 households out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.1% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the borough, the population was spread out with 14.6% under the age of 18, 34.9% from 18 to 24, 18.7% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 77.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.7 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $31,034, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $29,679 versus $22,115 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $13,401. About 7.8% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

The average weekly wage for Snyder County in 2005 was $553. This is equivalent to $13.83 per hour or $28,756 per year, assuming a 40-hour week worked the year around. Center for Workforce Information and Analysis.

Work

While a new office park is being constructed along Pennsylvania route 522 in Selinsgrove. Short commutes to work include to area hospitals, including Evangelical Hospital in Lewisburg, PA about 20 minutes; Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA about 40 minutes; and Sunbury Community Hospital in Sunbury, PA. about 15 minutes. Harrisburg is a source of skilled jobs and lies 60 miles south of the area. Some residents choose to commute north Erie or Wilke-Barre - Scranton and a select few commute to the larger urban centers in the region, including Philadelphia and New York.

The largest local employers are housing related manufacturers and educational institutions including the public schools and Susquehanna University. Educational Services and Health Care & Social Assistance combined are projected to be about 90.7% of all job growth by 2014 in the central region. Manufacturing of both Non-Durable and Durable Goods are expected to lose over 4,000 jobs (a change of about -9.1% in employment) in the same time period. Construction is the only goods producing sector projecting job growth, where employment may increase by about 210 jobs (or about 2.1%). Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Area

As predicted, ongoing manufacturing job losses continue. In 2007 over 250 manufacturing jobs have been lost. Efforts to improve the downtown have stalled. Public schools, in the region including Selinsgrove, continue to hire specialists in order to meet demands of No Child Left Behind. Several districts are planning major renovations and new construction projects which may mean temporary employement for construction workers.

Selinsgrove CareerLink 713 Bridge Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 374-5751 Low cost computer training, resume writing and job searching assistance provided.

Cemeteries

Evergreen (Baker's)
Saint Paul's United Church of Christ
Trinity (English, New) Lutheran
Sharon (German) Evangelical Lutheran
Wagenseller's Union
Old Lutheran Cemetery - The grave of three time Pennsylvania Governor Simon Snyder is here. Made of Quincy granite, the monument has brass reliefs and is topped with his bust, life size, was erected by the state in 1885.

Churches

  • All Saints Episcopal Church Market and Snyder Streets, Selinsgrove, PA 17870. Services are every Sunday at 10:00AM. Sunday school begins after the Gospal and children return for Holy Communion. "Once you attend, you are considered one of the Saints."
  • Christ United Methodist Church Eighth and Mill Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870. 570 374-8539. Contemporary worship: 8:00-9:00; Sunday School: 9:15-10:15; Traditional worship: 10:30-11:30.
  • Church of the Nazarene West Sassafrass St., Selinsgrove, PA 17870. 570 374-0028. Offers Sunday worship services, a family devotional hour and Sunday School.
  • Sharon Lutheran Church 120 South Market Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 374-8744.
  • St. Paul's United Church of Christ 400 North Market Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 374-8749. Handicapped accessible with a nursery provided. for 10:30 am service.
  • Saint Pius X Catholic Church 610 University Ave Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 374-4113. Mass: Call for weekday Mass times; Sat Vigil 5pm; Sun (Winter 9am & 11:30am); (Summer 8:30am & 10am). Sacrament of Reconciliation: Sat 3:30-4:30pm. Eucharistic Adoration: Mon 6am-Fri 6am.
  • Susquehanna Valley Bible Church 89 Fisher Road, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 743-7811. Handicapped accessible with a nursery provided.
  • Wesley United Methodist Church 300 Rhoads Ave, Selinsgrove, PA 17870. 570 374-8015. Offers Regular and contemporary services along with a youth fellowship and nursery.

Famous residents or former residents

Site of Guinness World Record for "Longest Banana Split," achieved in 1988 when residents prepared a 4-mile, 965-yard dessert.

History

Occuring on October 16, 1755, the Penns Creek Massacre was the first Indian hostility event in the region after General Braddock's defeat in Seven Year War. A marker on the bank of Penns Creek north of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, commemorates the massacre of settlers by Native Americans, with fourteen killed and eleven taken captive. The Leroy Massacre site is about 2 km southeast of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. Near here, John Jacob Leroy was killed by Indians on 16 October 1755, following the Penn's Creek Massacre. In response, Conrad Weiser organizes local defence. Fort Augusta at Shamokin now Sunbury, Pennsylvania, the largest of Pennsylvania's frontier forts, was built in 1756 as a result of this conflict.[4]

Assistance

  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse In response to the community's growing alcohol and drug abuse problems, which include the overdose death of a local doctor, multiple resources are locally promoted. The support groups' meetings are advertised in the local paper. AL-ANON 1-888-425-2666. Alcoholic Anonymous referral 387-4940, 717-234-5390. Additionally, extensive anti drug programs are run in the public schools. These programs include Red Ribbon Week in the Intermediate School, anti drug and alcohol classes in the middle school guidance classes and a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) in the high school. Susquehanna University makes efforts to deal with the drug and alcohol abuse that relates to their students. On one weekend in February 2006, 35 SU students were involved in alcohol related incidents. Snyder County Drug and Alcohol treatment programs information.
  • Central Susquehanna Sight Services 570-286-1471 Serves Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union counties
  • Snyder County Assistance Office 570 South High Street P.O. Box 56 Selinsgrove, PA 17870-0056 FAX: 570-374-6347, Phone: 570-374-8126, LIHEAP 570-374-8126
  • Snyder County Chapter American Red Cross 10 S Main Street, Middleburg, PA 17842
  • C.O.R.E. Susquehanna AmeriCorps [1] 713 Bridge St. Suite 10 Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570-374-8938
  • Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition (570) 374-7773. SVWIT offers counseling, shelter and other emergency services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Additionally they provide educational programs to combat the pervasive spousal and child abuse in the region.
  • Union - Snyder Transportation Alliance Shared-Ride Program for Senior Citizens and Disabilities 570-743-0029. There is a graduated fee schedule.
  • Union-Snyder Community Action Agency works in partnership with consumers, agencies, and communities to address and alleviate the causes and impacts of poverty. 713 Bridge Street Suite 10, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 (570) 374-0181
  • Sunbury Community Hospital & Outpatient Center Is an inpatient and outpatient care facility providing personalized, caring, and efficient service to patients, with total satisfaction as a top priority. Has Behavioral Health, Diagnostic Imaging, 24 hour Emergency Services, Laboratory, Healthy Woman Resources, Sleep Laboratory, Radiology services. 350 N. 11th Street, Sunbury, PA 570-286-3431 286-3333.
  • Snyder County Times is the county's weekly newspaper. Offers events calendar, church directory, local assistance contact numbers and engaging local history articles.
  • Union/Snyder County Area Agency on Aging, 116 N. Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837; tel. 570/524-2100; 1-800-533-1050 toll free;
  • Snyder County Housing Authority, 103 Drake Court, Middleburg, PA 17842, Telephone 570/837-3979
  • Pennsylvania State Police – Selinsgrove 570-374-8145 non emergency, 911 for emergencies
  • Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law Website - information on registered sexual predators by community.
  • Selinsgrove Borough Police 570-374-8655 non emergency, 911 for emergencies
  • Tapline 1-800-222-9016 Provides emergency mental health services, support, and assessment. Should be contacted immediately when an individual (child or adult) expresses suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts and/or intentions. Serves Columbia, Montour, Snyder, and Union Counties.
  • ChildLine 1-800-932-0313 Pennsylvania’s statewide reporting center for child abuse and neglect. After taking reports, ChildLine refers this information to *Snyder County Children & Youth Services Suite 15, 713 Bridge Street Selinsgrove, PA 17870 (570) 374-4570.
  • FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency - 800-621-3362
  • PEMA - Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency717-651-2001
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency Weather Alert Frequency for Selinsgrove, PA is 162.400
  • Salvation Army 570 742-4231
  • Better Business Bureau Covers Northeastern PA Email: info@nepa.bbb.org (570) 614-4222 4099 Birney Avenue, Moosic, PA. 18507
  • Habitat for Humanity 570-374-2437
  • Haven Ministry 570-286-1672 housing assistance

References

  1. ^ School Matters, Standard & Poors.
  2. ^ Jeffrey Hummel, District Business Manager, WKOK Leaders and Lawmakers Show, July 19, 2007.
  3. ^ "Group works to define quality of life issues." The Daily Item, July 15, 2007.
  4. ^ "Timeline of the Seven Years War", 1754-1763 in North America, July 2007.

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