Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

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Selinsgrove is a borough in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,383 at the 2000 census. It is the largest borough in Snyder County.

Nestled in the middle of the Susquehanna River Valley in Central Pennsylvania, Selinsgrove is located along US Route 11 & US Route 15, 50 miles north of Harrisburg and about five miles southwest of Sunbury. Routes 11 & 15 once traversed the borough by its primary artery, Market Street. Traffic concerns led to the construction of a bypass to funnel long haul traffic around the historic downtown. Like many similar projects, an unintended consequence of this bypass was the growth of retail and commercial businesses in the communities north of the borough. Selinsgrove's downtown has sought to reinvent itself by emphasizing its historic charm.

The Dauntless Hook & Ladder volunteer fire company provides emergency servics to the borough's residents.

An active commercial railroad line crosses a portion of the borough. No passenger service is available.

Contents

[edit] Geography

Selinsgrove is located at 40°48′9″N, 76°51′47″W (40.802539, -76.862940).GR1 Its elevation is 444 feet.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 5.0 km² (1.9 mi²).

Selinsgrove borders the Susquehanna River. The portion of the borough that is located between Penns Creek and the Susquehanna River is known locally as the "Isle of Que" (pronounced queue). This neighborhood is prone to flooding whenever the river swells its banks. The borough is bisected by Weiser's Run, a small creek that expands substantially when heavy rains occur. The borough provides flooding awareness information. According to the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, "Susquehanna River Basin is one of the nation’s most flood-prone watersheds, experiencing frequent and localized flooding each year. Large-scale, devastating floods occur every 20 years on average."

[edit] Environmental Issues

Ongoing pollution and soil erosion in the region continue to degrade the water quality and the environment locally as well as regionally. Farming, wastewater treatment facilities and industrial spills are cited as contributing factors to loss of water quality. It also contributes to the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay. Controlling the wastewater discharges alone is expected to cost local taxpayers billions of dollars.

The Patriot News, a Harrisburg newspaper, published an eight-page story alleging a cancer cluster. The borough and officials of Susquehanna University denied any environmental cause for the reported cases of cancer. This cancer cluster is not located on the Property of the University itself but previously advertised rental property in the community [1]. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection responded within a week by taking samples of air, soil and ground water. The DEP released preliminary test results showing no current signs of contamination. It has been acknowledged by state and borough officials that there was a leaking underground tank and that a clean up was conducted. Borough and university officials have conducted an extensive public information campaign while expressing concern about the negative economic impact the issue may cause.

The Lower Penn’s Creek Watershed Association’s central purpose is to protect, conserve, and improve the Lower Penn’s Creek watershed by promoting the wise stewardship of the land and aquatic resources. The organization is open to all citizens. The organization has sponsored a main stream assessment The Lower Penn’s Creek watershed is approximately 163 square miles within Snyder and Union Counties. It drains into the Susquehanna River on the northern border of the community of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. It is located within the Lower Susquehanna subbasin. LPCWA’s efforts contribute to the success of the missions of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. The Snyder County Conservation District and the Union County Conservation District both have watershed specialists that participate in LPCWA.

[edit] Government

The borough is governed by an elected council of seven residents. The Borough Council meets the first Monday of the month (with exceptions), in the borough building. There is an elected mayor, a borough manager and a chief of police.

The Borough levys the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax. The tax rate is $52.00 per year and the income limitation for exemption from the tax is $5,000.00 per year. A property tax is also levied.

Local government has been challenged by the increasing amount of property that is tax exempt. In 2004 it was reported that 49.3 percent of the properties were exempted from paying taxes. This includes the land owned by Susquehanna University, the land held by local churches and the campus of the Selinsgrove Area School District. The Borough has been facing a continued decrease in the value of the taxable real estate for many years. The borough has requested "payment in lieu of taxes" from the exempt entities with limited success. There have also been several successful property tax assessment challenges that have decreased tax revenues. Omega Bank donated property to Selinsgrove Borough which was converted into a police station.

The Selinsgrove Shade Tree Commission meets the fourth Thursday of the month, in the borough building, if it has business to conduct. Borough plans to cut down many mature shade trees in order to upgrade and repair curbs has been addressed by this group.

Subdivisions are reviewed by the Selinsgrove Borough Planning Commission and the Snyder County Planning Commission and are approved by the Selinsgrove Borough Council. The Selinsgrove Borough Planning Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Borough Office Building, if they have business to attend to. The Selinsgrove Borough Zoning Hearing Board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30pm if they have business to attend to.

Selinsgrove Borough provides curbside recycling on a monthly basis. There is a Borough Spring Cleanup service that hauls away large trash items. Brush and leaves can be disposed of at the Compost Yard at the south end of Strawberry Alley.

Selinsgrove Borough Council participates in the PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) and the Degenstein Foundation to offer summer jobs for college students.

Selinsgrove is in the 85th Legislative District for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. This office is held by Russ Fairchild. The Pennsylvania Senate District 27 office is held by Senator John Gordner. Selinsgrove is in the US House of Representatives 10th district represented by Christopher Carney.

A schism that exists between borough leaders and the school district episodically arises. It is played out in battles over construction projects on the school district campus, routes for the busses, police services to the district and water flooding issues on borough streets especially Broad Street which is prone to flooding in heavy rains.

[edit] Schools

Selinsgrove Area School District is the local public school system. There are approximately 3000 students clustered on a campus located in Selinsgrove borough. Selinsgrove Area High School has about 900 students in grades 9-12. The Selinsgrove Area Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 using a team teaching approach. Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School has students grades 3-5. Primary grades are at Selinsgrove Area Elementary School. Kindergarten is located at Jackson Penn School. In 2007 the district plans to initiate All Day Kindergarten as a method of improving its low elementary math and reading scores. Selinsgrove elementary will be renovated and enlarged to hold all kindergarten, first and second grades. Jackson Penn School will be closed.

Public School busing is provided, but not to most borough residents as they live within walking limit set by PennDOT. In 2005 the high school was ranked 306th out of 601 PA high schools on the annual state testing. The 3rd grade ranked 1215th out of 1779 Pennsylvania third grades.

SUN Area Career & Technology Center New Berlin, Union County, PA 17855 (570) 966-1031. SUN Tech is a regional school that provides area students with skills needed to compete in today’s job market and receive consideration for advanced college placement. SUN Tech also offers adult education classes, vocational education, and technical career training, serving over 1500 people annually. ISO9001 and Middle States Acredited. SUN Tech was presented with the Significant Achievement Award in Education for raising their Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program criteria score to 648 points, a 345 point increase from 303 points in August, 2000.

Residents also have a wide selection of alternative schools. By law, the local public school must provide transportation to schools within 10 miles of the borders of the school district at no charge to the student.

St. Monica School 109 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801 Northumberland County Phone: (570) 286-5983 is a parochial school providing a first class education to grades: PK-8. Their enrollment is about 180.

Sunbury Christian Academy 135 Spruce Hollow Road, Northumberland, PA 17857. (570) 473 - 7592 An ASCI member school preK to 12th grade.

Northumberland Christian Academy 351 Fifth Street Northumberland, PA 17857 570-473-9786. NCS was founded in 1972 and is a ministry of the First Regular Baptist Church of Northumberland, Pa. The school offers a full educational program for students from preschool through high school.

SusQ-Cyber Charter School provides students in grades 9-12 with an electronically delivered accredited high school curriculum. Met AYP

21st Century Cyber Charter School Modifications are made to suit individual student learning styles, varying academic levels and scheduling needs, among others. Most classes are offered in honors, college prep, and career paths. All of our classes are designed to help prepare our students for standardized tests such as the PSSAs.

Central Pennsylvania Digital Learning Foundation - CPDLF K - 12 program.

The Pennsylvania Distance & Electronic Learning Academy (PDELA) offers a complete K-12 academic program to assist families that want to educate their children at home.

The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School provides a free and appropriate course of study to the children of Pennsylvania families. Parents of cyber school students do not pay tuition. The public school district where the student resides pays tuition with state and local tax money through a state formula.

Susquehanna University, a 4-year private liberal arts school, is located in Selinsgrove borough. (570) 374-0101.

[edit] Libraries

The Selinsgrove Community Library is a public library that is part of the Snyder County Library system. Patrons have free use of the PA Power Library and Access Pennsylvania which provide extensive onlline resources for children and adults. The library is on the corner of High Street and Pine Street, one block west of Market Street in downtown Selinsgrove.

The Selinsgrove Area High School Media Center is open to the public one evening a week during the school year.

Snyder County Historical Society 30 East Market St., Middleburg, PA.17842 570-837-6191 Museum and Library Research services are provided for a fee.

The State Library of Pennsylvania Commonwealth & Walnut Sts., Harrisburg, PA. This library provides information for State Government and citizens, collects and preserves Pennsylvania's written heritage through materials published for, by, and about Pennsylvania.

[edit] Parks

Major Anthony Selin Park located on Sassafras Street is equipped with horseshoe, quoit and basketball courts and soccer fields. There is a sophisicated play area for small children which is called Kidsgrove. A large covered pavilion for picnics can be reserved for outings and reunions. This facility also offers a kitchen area, restrooms and game equipment. A “Life Trail”, which is a system of exercise and walking trails, is under development. Local businesses have donated kiosks that provide information on fitness for active adults.

Music at the Gazebo is a program that runs from June through August with free concerts held in Pump House Park.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Boating access to the Susuquehanna River on the Isle of Que. Primary boating using shallow-draft, lightweight fishing boats, canoes and inflatables is accessible. Parking is available.

Susquehanna Greenway is a regional effort to link natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources along the 500-mile corridor of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

[edit] Tax Exempt and NonProfit Organizations

There are 91 tax exempt and nonprofit organizations in Selinsgrove with combined assets of $236,146,919 in 2005 as reported by TaxExemptWorld.com.

Selinsgrove Area Youth Foundation SAYF was founded in 1994. It has endowed assets of approximately $400,000 and has affiliated with the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation (CSCF). The Board of Directors are Thomas Gates (President), Michael Flock (Vice President), John Fischer (Treasurer), Marvin J. Rudnitsky, J.D. (Asst. Secretary), Kendra Aucker, Arthur F. Bowen (Secretary), Dr. Fred Johnson, Kurt Kissinger, Dr. Jay Lemons, and William D. Robinson. SAYF's giving includes $9,000 in scholarships is to four Selinsgrove Area school students. In addition it has funded community projects such as KidsGrove, the Selinsgrove Pool, Snyder County Library System, EconomicsPA. and improvements at the high school's Bolig football field and track fields.

There is a public swimming pool which was founded in the early 1970s. It is run by Selins Grove Area Recreation, INC. community board. The pool is located on Linda Lane, off Rte 522. Parking is available. Annual memberships and daily admissions are sold. Hours vary with the facility open from around Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming lessons are provided. Private parties are accommodated. There is a lap lane and a baby pool for preschoolers. The pool offers an eating pavilion, shaded lounge area and tables with a concession stand and various drink machines.

The Selinsgrove Adult Band gives an annual spring concert. This concert benefits the American Cancer Society raising over $91,000 to help with research, education, advocacy and services for people with cancer.

[edit] Crime

In 2005 the following crime statistics were reported to the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System by the borough police department:

Sex related offenses - 11
Robbery - 1
Assaults - 129
Property Offenses - 366
Arson - 1
Drug Violations - 16
Other Alcohol Crimes - 57

PSP Focus Report

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 5,383 people, 1,767 households, and 987 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,076.9/km² (2,790.3/mi²). There were 1,912 housing units at an average density of 382.5/km² (991.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the borough was 94.67% White, 2.73% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.91% Asian, 0.87% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.92% of the population.

There were 1,767 households out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.1% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the borough, the population was spread out with 14.6% under the age of 18, 34.9% from 18 to 24, 18.7% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 77.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.7 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $31,034, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $29,679 versus $22,115 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $13,401. About 7.8% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

The average weekly wage for Snyder County in 2005 was $553. This is equivalent to $13.83 per hour or $28,756 per year, assuming a 40-hour week worked the year around. Center for Workforce Information and Analysis.

[edit] Work

While a new office park is being constructed along Pennsylvania route 522 in Selinsgrove. Short commutes to work include to area hospitals, including Evangelical Hospital in Lewisburg, PA about 20 minutes; Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA about 40 minutes; and Sunbury Community Hospital in Sunbury, PA. about 15 minutes. Harrisburg is a source of skilled jobs and lies 60 miles south of the area. Some residents choose to commute north Erie or Wilke-Barre - Scranton and a select few commute to the larger urban centers in the region, including Philadelphia and New York.

The largest local employers are housing related manufacturers and educational institutions including the public schools and Susquehanna University. Educational Services and Health Care & Social Assistance combined are projected to be about 90.7% of all job growth by 2014 in the central region. Manufacturing of both Non-Durable and Durable Goods are expected to lose over 4,000 jobs (a change of about -9.1% in employment) in the same time period. Construction is the only goods producing sector projecting job growth, where employment may increase by about 210 jobs (or about 2.1%). Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Area

Selinsgrove CareerLink 713 Bridge Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 374-5751 Low cost computer training, resume writing and job searching assistance provided.

[edit] Cemeteries

Evergreen (Baker's)
Saint Paul's United Church of Christ
Trinity (English, New) Lutheran
Sharon (German) Evangelical Lutheran
Wagenseller's Union
Old Lutheran Cemetery - The grave of three time Pennsylvania Governor Simon Snyder is here. Made of Quincy granite, the monument has brass reliefs and is topped with his bust, life size, was erected by the state in 1885.

[edit] Churches

  • All Saints Episcopal Church Market and Snyder Streets, Selinsgrove, PA 17870. 570 374-8289. Services are every Sunday at 10:00AM. Sunday school begins after the Gospal and children return for Holy Communion. "Once you attend, you are considered one of the Saints."
  • Christ United Methodist Church Eighth and Mill Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870. 570 374-8539. Contemporary worship: 8:00-9:00; Sunday School: 9:15-10:15; Traditional worship: 10:30-11:30.
  • Church of the Nazarene West Sassafrass St., Selinsgrove, PA 17870. 570 374-0028. Offers Sunday worship services, a family devotional hour and Sunday School.
  • Sharon Lutheran Church 120 South Market Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 374-8744.
  • St. Paul's United Church of Christ 400 North Market Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 374-8749. Handicapped accessible with nursery provided. for 10:30 am service.
  • Saint Pius X Catholic Church 610 University Ave Selinsgrove, PA 17870.
  • Susquehanna Valley Bible Church 89 Fisher Road, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570 743-7811. Handicapped accessible with nursery provided.
  • Wesley United Methodist Church 300 Rhoads Ave, Selinsgrove, PA 17870. 570 374-8015. Offers Regular and contemporary services along with a youth fellowship and nursery.

[edit] Famous residents or former residents

Site of Guinness World Record for "Longest Banana Split," achieved in 1988 when residents prepared a 4-mile, 965-yard dessert

[edit] Assistance

  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse In response to the community's growing alcohol and drug abuse problems which include the overdose death of a local doctor, multiple resources are locally promoted. The support groups' meetings are advertised in the local paper. AL-ANON 1-888-425-2666. Alcoholic Anonymous referral 387-4940, 717-234-5390. Additionally, extensive anti drug programs are run in the public schools. These programs include Red Ribbon Week in the Intermediate School, anti drug and alcohol classes in the middle school guidance classes and a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) in the high school. Susquehanna University makes efforts to deal with the drug and alcohol abuse that relates to their students. On one weekend in February 2006, 35 SU students were involved in alcohol related incidents. Snyder County Drug and Alcohol treatment programs information.
  • Central Susquehanna Sight Services 570-286-1471 Serves Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union counties
  • Snyder County Assistance Office 570 South High Street P.O. Box 56 Selinsgrove, PA 17870-0056 FAX: 570-374-6347, Phone: 570-374-8126, LIHEAP 570-374-8126
  • Snyder County Chapter American Red Cross 10 S Main Street, Middleburg, PA 17842
  • C.O.R.E. Susquehanna AmeriCorps [2] 713 Bridge St. Suite 10 Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570-374-8938
  • Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition (570) 374-7773. SVWIT offers counseling, shelter and other emergency services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Additionally they provide educational programs to combat the pervasive spousal and child abuse in the region.
  • Union - Snyder Transportation Alliance Shared-Ride Program for Senior Citizens and Disabilities 570-743-0029. There is a graduated fee schedule.
  • Union-Snyder Community Action Agency works in partnership with consumers, agencies, and communities to address and alleviate the causes and impacts of poverty. 713 Bridge Street Suite 10, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 (570) 374-0181
  • Sunbury Community Hospital & Outpatient Center Is an inpatient and outpatient care facility providing personalized, caring, and efficient service to patients, with total satisfaction as a top priority. Has Behavioral Health, Diagnostic Imaging, 24 hour Emergency Services, Laboratory, Healthy Woman Resources, Sleep Laboratory, Radiology services. 350 N. 11th Street, Sunbury, PA 570-286-3431 286-3333.
  • The Daily Item is the region's daily newspaper. Offers events calendar, church directory on Saturdays, local assistance contact numbers.
  • Union/Snyder County Area Agency on Aging, 116 N. Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837; tel. 570/524-2100; 1-800-533-1050 toll free;
  • Snyder County Housing Authority, 103 Drake Court, Middleburg, PA 17842, Telephone 570/837-3979
  • Pennsylvania State Police – Selinsgrove 570-374-8145 non emergency, 911 for emergencies
  • http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/ [Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law Website] - informationon predators by community.
  • Selinsgrove Borough Police 570-374-8655 non emergency, 911 for emergencies
  • Tapline 1-800-222-9016 Provides emergency mental health services, support, and assessment. Should be contacted immediately when an individual (child or adult) expresses suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts and/or intentions. Serves Columbia, Montour, Snyder, and Union Counties.
  • ChildLine 1-800-932-0313 Pennsylvania’s statewide reporting center for child abuse and neglect. After taking reports, ChildLine refers this information to *Snyder County Children & Youth Services Suite 15, 713 Bridge Street Selinsgrove, PA 17870 (570) 374-4570.
  • FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency - 800-621-3362
  • PEMA - Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency717-651-2001
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency Weather Alert Frequency for Selinsgrove, PA is 162.400
  • Salvation Army 570 742-4231
  • Better Business Bureau Covers Northeastern PA Email: info@nepa.bbb.org (570) 614-4222 4099 Birney Avenue, Moosic, PA. 18507
  • Habitat for Humanity 570-374-2437
  • Haven Ministry 570-286-1672 housing assistance

[edit] External links

 v • d • e 
Municipalities and Communities of Snyder County, Pennsylvania
County Seat: Middleburg
Boroughs

Beavertown | Freeburg | McClure | Middleburg | Selinsgrove | Shamokin Dam
Townships

Adams | Beaver | Center | Chapman | Franklin | Jackson | Middlecreek | Monroe | Penn | Perry | Spring | Union | Washington | West Beaver | West Perry
Communities and CDPs

Beaver Springs | Hummels Wharf | Kratzerville | Kreamer | Mount Pleasant Mills | Paxtonville | Penns Creek | Port Trevorton | Troxelville


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