I-80 hearing Wednesday; Helping veterans; Pike Job Fair and more

Rep. Tarah Probst September 23, 2025 | 1:47 PM

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DEP Hearing: I-80 Reconstruction Project

This is your chance to speak up for our special protection streams and wetlands and urge DEP to prioritize protecting them from harmful degradation. Read more here.

WHAT: DEP hearing to accept additional public comment on the Chapter 102 NPDES Stormwater and Chapter 105 Stream & Wetlands Encroachment permits for Section 1 of the I-80 Reconstruction Project (Section BO1, BO2, 17M) threatening the High Quality (HQ) Pocono Creek and Exceptional Value (EV) wetlands in Stroud Township, Monroe County, PA.
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
WHERE: Monroe County Public Safety Center, 100 Gypsum Road, Stroudsburg.

Talking tax relief with veterans

I was proud to join Rep. Maureen Madden’s Veterans Expo to help answer questions for local veterans and to spread the word about my legislation that would expand eligibility requirements so more disabled veterans can get property tax relief.

PHMC approves historical marker

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of local leaders and historians, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has approved a new historical marker at the spot where Richard Puryear, a Black man, was lynched in Stroudsburg in 1894, before "the Poconos" was nationally known as a tourism mecca.

The recognition comes after years of advocacy by my office, Pike County Commissioner and Monroe County NAACP Past President Christa Caceres, and the Monroe County Historical Association, who spearheaded the nomination and research process that brought this dark chapter of Monroe County’s history to light. Caceres, the first Black woman commissioner in Pike County, brought the story to Stroudsburg borough in 2020, setting off a chain of events leading to the marker confirmation. Read more here.

Discover local resources with PA Navigate

PA Navigate is a powerful tool that helps you access essential services right here in our community. This free, user-friendly website brings together information on dozens of programs — everything from food and housing assistance to mental health support, child care resources, transportation options, and more.

College scholarship opportunity

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year. Any Pennsylvania high school senior planning to attend a college or university in Pennsylvania during the 2026–27 academic year is eligible to apply. Twenty-five scholarships, each valued at $10,000, will be awarded.

Applications are due Jan. 31. More details, including matches by partner institutions, can be found here.

Fall Harvest Job Fair

Pike County Career Center will host the Fall Harvest Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 10 am to 2 pm at the office, 837 Route 6, Unit 2, Shohola, PA 18458.

There is no fee for this event! Businesses can register here.

Ways my office can help you!

Services my staff and I can assist you with:

Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms (for qualified seniors, widows, widowers and people with disabilities).
PACE (pharmaceutical assistance for qualified senior citizens).
PennDOT problems or questions.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).
Information regarding financial assistance for higher education (PHEAA) and PA’s 529 College Savings Plans.
Obtaining birth and death certificates.
Tours of the state Capitol for individuals or groups.
Certificates of recognition or achievements from the PA House of Representatives for outstanding local accomplishments and citations for important family milestones.

For assistance with any state-related matter, visit my office at 18 S. 9^th St. in Stroudsburg, or call us at 570-420-2850. We also have weekly satellite hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Lehman Township and Delaware Township.

Around the District

Happy 102nd birthday Mrs. Fordham! You are beautiful inside and out! It was lovely celebrating you at Spring Village at Pocono.

Constitution Day at The Monroe County Courthouse is such a great annual event through the Monroe County Bar Association, the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney, Stroudsburg Area School District, and East Stroudsburg Area School District. The students are so bright and wonderful to be around. They got to hear from legislators, lobbyists, judges, The Public Defenders Office and local attorneys. They all knew the Bill Of Rights and understood our very important First Amendment right! Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.