LOCK HAVEN — The America250 Clinton County Committee is searching for local artists to submit ideas for Bells Across PA — another initiative made by the Commonwealth to celebrate the United States 250th year in 2026.

Community Development and Housing Coordinator Elizabeth Whitty offered details about the project to the Clinton County Board of Commissioners at its voting session this week.

“We’re seeking designs from Clinton County artists for a Bells Across PA art series which commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” Whitty said.

Whitty said First Energy was kind enough to sponsor one of the 3-foot bell sculptures for the county, with many others being featured throughout the state.

The sculpture will be featured on America250PA and the Clinton County government website.

“The selected artist will also receive $1,250 honorarium to decorate the bell,” she said. “We’re looking for designs that reflect some aspect of Clinton County history.”

Whitty said the committee is excited to invite artists, both pros and up-and-coming talent, to submit designs for consideration.

“If you have an idea we’d really like to see it. Please apply, Clinton County artists, and show us what you got,” she said.

Applications are available at www.clintoncountypa.gov by clicking the “I want to” banner.

Applications and designs may be emailed to america250pa@clintoncountypa.gov with the subject “Bells Across PA.”

Submissions are due by 5 p.m. July 1 and winners will be announced at the following Clinton County Commissioners meeting.

Whitty offered a few other updates regarding America250.

She told the board America250 resolutions were sent to all municipalities within the county, encouraging its leaders to adopt it at their monthly meetings.

“By doing so, they each resolve to make the 250th Anniversary of America epic by adopting the four pillars of EPIC — education, preservation, innovation and celebration,” Whitty said.

She congratulated Chapman and Colebrook townships for already adopting the resolution.

In more exciting news, Whitty told the board Bucktail High School student government and its ecology class are getting noticed state-wide for its efforts to change the state’s official fossil to the Hynerpeton.

“America250PA announced this week that Bucktail High School’s project to change the state fossil… is now an official America250PA recognized project,” she said.

This means the project is featured on the America250PA site and will be updated as the project continues.

“We look forward to seeing them present the proposal in front of the Senate,” she said.

At the conclusion of her updates, Commissioner Jeff Snyder commended both Bucktail and Whitty for their work on the project.

“We appreciate you giving accolades to the students but we also recognize the hard work you’ve put into this project,” Snyder said. “We’re very happy to see this effort coming from Clinton County and the Renovo area, so thank you, too, for your effort.”