CLEARFIELD – Four local veterans have been selected to serve as deputy directors of claims in Clearfield County’s Veterans Affairs Office.
At Tuesday’s commissioners’ workshop meeting, John A. Sobel, chair, reported a number of applications were received and selections were made following a series of interviews.
He said they’ve selected Jerome Mick of Houtzdale, John A. Crance of Curwensville, Michael Luongo of Coalport and Patrick Rothdeutsch of Philipsburg.
One of these veterans will provide coverage when Director Betina Nicklas is out of the office on active duty with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, training, vacation, etc.
Sobel said these selections were reviewed with Nicklas as part of the process, and the commissioners will take official action at a future voting meeting.
He said a meeting will be scheduled in the near future between these veterans and Nicklas to ensure everyone understands the processes to keep veterans’ benefits applications running smoothly.
“Hopefully, there won’t be anymore gaps in services for any of our veterans,” Sobel said, “and that this will also take some pressure off Betina when she’s serving our country.”
“We’ve had a number of people over time willing to step up a day here, a day there to volunteer,” added Commissioner Mark B. McCracken.
“I think we felt it was important to have a pool of people available to come in on a non-volunteer basis. …. on top of that, we still have the cooperation of the American Legion.”
For example, Sobel indicated that when Nicklas is out for a one-week period, the American Legion will provide a representative to stand in her place for two days. The remaining days will be covered by one of the selected deputies.
In other business, the commissioners:
- approved an agreement with DEVNET for Property Tax CAMA and wEdge Software License Maintenance and Support.
- approved liquid fuels allocations to Decatur Township ($5,139.03) and Pike Township ($10,113.14).
- approved a tower lease agreement with Greg Swatsworth, who is doing business as GREGG.