Pamela Tokar-Ickes Somerset County Commissioner

This is a comprehensive listing of contacts for COVID-19 Vaccine providers in Somerset County as of today’s date. As vaccine supplies to the region increase, access to appointments will expand. Please don’t get discouraged if you can’t book an appointment - keep trying. COVID-19 VACCINES FOR ALL VETERANS:...Continue reading

Thank you Pennsylvania Game Commission for this virtual peek into the real time life of a Pennsylvania Black Bear! And don’t forget to scroll down for the same opportunity to get up close and personal with a bunch of other creatures. As the grandma of a young hunter-to-be, this was a fun find that I was able to share. Pass it along to those in your life who would enjoy. (Or just spend some time listening to the restful snores coming from the bear den in Monroe County.) It’s a great way to relax! https://hdontap.com//video//pennsylvania-bear-den-live-cam

As a history major at the University of Pittsburgh, one of my most impactful classes was the History of the Holocaust. The class included lecture, readings, speakers that included survivors and extensive film study. It was an academic experience that I still vividly remember today. But, it was the documentation of the atrocities by the Nazi’s themselves that told the true story of their heinous actions. Documented in thousands of spools of grainy black and white celluloid frames, they self-preserved their actions and captured a story that provides a stark lesson for us today. America must continue to stand against evil and thank those who do so today.

Are you 65 or older? Do you have underlying medical conditions? Find out if YOU can receive the COVID-19 vaccine under the new eligibility guidelines announced today by the PA Department of Health!... -> Take the vaccine eligibility quiz now online at www.pa.gov. -> If you qualify, find a local provider on the online interactive map. -> Schedule your appointment directly with one of the local vaccine providers. Time for more Somerset County residents to roll up their sleeves to fight COVID-19 in our community!!! Vaccine supplies are extremely limited so those most at risk for COVID-19 should act now. Hopefully more providers are coming on line. And remember, until you innoculate, mitigate!!! Mask up, wash your hands, social distance and stay out of crowds. It’s up to all of us to keep one another safe!!

Everyone is eagerly awaiting the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in our community. So, the last thing anyone wants to hear are the words be patient, especially with pandemic patience wearing thin. This is the largest and most complex immunization program in our nation’s history. With new variants of the virus now identified in Pennsylvania and complex supply chain issues clear, federal, state and local officials have work to do to get shots in arms as quickly- and effici...ently- as possible. Please double down on your personal mitigation efforts while the public vaccination strategy is finalized. -> Wear your mask. -> Wash your hands regularly. -> Avoid crowds. -> Social distance. -> Please don’t go to work if you are sick. Somerset County is working with state health officials and local healthcare partners to get information to everyone as soon as possible. We are almost there- let’s all do our part.

Thank you Senator Casey for acknowledging the hard work and commitment of Somerset County’s Elections Office and staff- and our wonderful Election Day precinct workers/election boards. They deployed a new voting system, implemented sweeping changes to the PA Elections Code and conducted a Presidential election with a record turnout during a pandemic. This is grassroots democracy at its finest! Thank you to all who had a hand in our electoral process in 2020.

A big thanks to EVERYONE responsible for the installation of the annual Christmas Tree at the Somerset County Courthouse. We are proud to partner with Somerset Inc. -and all of its special elves - in this annual tradition. We all need a little Christmas...right this very minute...in 2020!!!

Happy Birthday Somerset County-holding up pretty good for 225! Learn more about our local attractions and have some socially-distanced outdoor fun!

Breaking News on US Route 219!!! Governor Wolf has committed $6 million dollars to enable the preliminary design work to begin on the final 5.5 mile section of the highway. The announcement was made today by PennDot Secretary Yassmin Gramian during a conference call with local, state and federal stakeholders. ... Although construction dollars will have to be secured, this announcement advances the project. Thank you Governor Wolf, Secretary Gramian and PennDot District 9 Executive Tom Prestash. The consultant procurement process will begin immediately with a Notice-to-Proceed for pre-design activities expected spring 2021. Happy Monday Somerset County!!!

Somerset County’s nonprofits are meeting the needs of our residents and communities during the pandemic. Now, here’s some financial help for them. $500k in CARES Act funding is available through the Somerset County Nonprofit Grants Program. Apply to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies before November 20th!