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Thousands waiting as funding for home repairs program remains in limbo

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media.) HARRISBURG — Republican concerns about state spending could keep $50 million to help Pennsylvania homeowners with the cost of major repairs out of this year’s budget, despite overwhelming demand and bipartisan support for a similar initiative several years ago. In 2022, state lawmakers created the Whole-Home Repairs Program and funded it with $125 million in federal ...

Treasurer talks long-term fiscal outlook

(The Center Square) - State Treasurer Stacy Garrity enjoyed bipartisan praise for several of the initiatives her office has undertaken during the department’s hearing before the House Appropriations Committee. Her office is in charge of making the state’s 1.7 million monthly payments and making sure the cash is available to fulfill its legislative appropriations. The treasury also manages investments including pension funds and savings plans like educational 529 plans and ABLE savings plans for those living with a disability. They’ve seen success with returning unclaimed ...

Real estate agent wins award for production in listings

Kevin Hodrick, broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty recently announced the Williamsport office monthly awards for January 2025. According to a news release, the award for the sales associate with top production in listings was presented to Amy Fessler and the sales award also went to Amy Fessler. “We are continually impressed by our agents’ commitment to delivering exceptional results, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their ongoing success,” said Hodrick, according to the news release.. “In the everchanging world of real estate, you can rest assured ...

Credit union names chief administrative officer, chief marketing officer

Members 1st Federal Credit Union recently announce key updates to its leadership structure, “reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to growth, operational excellence and member-centric service,” according to a news release. Christy Pavlakovich has been promoted to chief administrative officer. In this role, she will continue to lead critical administrative areas of the credit union, including human resources and training. Additionally, she will now oversee all legal, compliance, security and risk areas of the organization. Pavlakovich, the news release said, brings ...

New president and CEO takes leadership of STEP

The STEP board of directors recently announced Rachelle A. Abbott as the new president and CEO of Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP) Inc. “Following an extensive search by the STEP board of directors, the board appointed Abbott, who has served the agency in various planning and operations capacities since 2011, most recently as chief operations and planning officer,” a news release said. Abbott succeeded Jim Plankenhorn, who stepped down at the end of 2024 after nearly 20 years with the nonprofit in a variety of roles. “Prior to her work with ...

PT competes for $25,000 to advance fall-prevention device

LOCK HAVEN — Every 11 seconds, an elderly person visits the emergency room due to a fall, and every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from fall-related injuries, according to the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Local licensed physical therapist Karen Johnson believes she may have a solution to this crisis — but she needs the public’s help. Johnson is competing in the Entrepreneur of Impact contest, where she is vying for a $25,000 grand prize, an advertorial in Forbes and a one-on-one mentoring session with Daymond John, one of the Sharks on Shark Tank. ...