Two National Awards For Potter County!

Potter County has received two national excellence awards – one for its services to military veterans and the other for innovations in criminal justice. National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards were presented during a ceremony in Charlotte, N.C. Entrants for the NACo Achievement Awards must meet rigid standards demonstrating innovative thinking, excellence in administration, demonstrated positive impacts and other criteria. This year’s honors are a first for Potter County. Last year, just one entry from all of Pennsylvania was selected for an Achievement Award. Outlines of Potter County's two initiatives will now be circulated by NACo across the nation as recommended models for county-based solutions.

Veterans Affairs Director Will Worthington with
Potter County Commissioners Kefover, Heimel and Morley

NACo’s Achievement Award in Civic Education and Public Information recognized Veterans Affairs Director Will Worthington and the Potter County Board of Commissioners for a series of projects initiated under the title, “No Veteran Left Behind.” Among the elements are a stronger partnership with the Bath (N.Y.) VA Medical Center for expanded services at the VA Clinic in Coudersport; an award-winning newsletter and related programs to honor veterans and inform them of available benefits and services; successful veterans recognition programs that included a sold-out Korean War Veterans Recognition Dinner and several bridge dedications honoring war casualties; and Commissioner Paul Heimel’s advocacy for veterans and military families through leadership positions with both NACo and the County Commisisoners Association of Pennsylvania.

Judges also recognized the work of the Potter County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, under the leadership of President Judge Stephen Minor, for NACo’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Award. Potter County’s entry was titled, “If It's Broke, FIX IT!” It summarized a three-pronged approach to improving criminal justice administration: implementation of DUI/Drug Treatment Courts, start-up of the Women’s Residential Rehabilitation Center at the former Northern Tier Children’s Home, and initiation of a Re-Entry Program to counsel men who are nearing their release from the Potter County Jail on their transition back onto society.

In announcing the awards, NACo President Riki Hokama said, “We applaud Potter County for embracing innovative and more effective ways to serve constituents. The Achievement Awards recognize counties’ outstanding efforts to strengthen services and deliver results for residents across the country.”