One of the most important parts of my job is making sure our communities have the resources they need to grow, stay safe and continue providing quality services for residents. Whether it’s supporting first responders, improving infrastructure, investing in recreation and the arts, or helping local organizations expand their impact, these kinds of projects strengthen our neighborhoods and improve everyday life for families across Monroe and Pike counties.

That’s why I’m proud to announce the award of more than $2.3 million in state funding through the Local Share Account grant program for projects throughout our region.

These investments will make a real difference for families, first responders, local businesses, and municipal services throughout our communities. The funding will help improve wastewater systems, upgrade emergency response equipment, modernize municipal operations, and support arts and recreation while encouraging economic growth. These grants help keep operations afloat and NOT on the taxpayer’s dime.

The LSA program is funded by revenues generated from slot machines and table games at eligible Pennsylvania casinos.

The following projects have been awarded funding:

• Delaware Water Gap Borough Septic Riser Project — $12,256

• East Stroudsburg Borough LSA Bucket Truck — $51,610
• East Stroudsburg Borough Sewer Inflow & Infiltration Monitors — $56,111
• East Stroudsburg Borough Wood Chipper Equipment Purchase — $25,000
• East Stroudsburg Borough LSA Dansbury & Zach’s Pond Equipment — $25,000
• Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder Tanker Replacement — $350,000
• Camp Papillion Animal Shelter Upgrades — $434,031
• DK Stroudsburg Kitchen Project — $50,000
• Habitat for Humanity Vehicles Purchase Project — $150,000
• Pocono Center for the Arts — $40,000
• PSFC - Re-Imagine Ramsey — $169,751
• Smithfield Sewer Authority - Seven Bridge Road Sewer Extension, Phase IIIB — $40,000
• Suburban EMS Power Load System Purchase — $100,000
• Terra Greens Golf Course Mower — $56,510
• Greenwood Creek Personal Care Home Turning Lane Project — $75,000
• Delaware Water Gap Fire Company Turnout Gear — $25,000
• Stroudsburg Parking Meter Modernization Project — $180,000
• Bushkill VFC Firehouse and Emergency Shelter Renovations — $150,000
• PEEC Cabin Project 2025 — $111,828
• Pocono Wildlife Generator Replacement — $185,308

In addition, I was pleased to work with state Rep. Maureen Madden to help secure funding for the following projects:

• Middle Smithfield Township Downtown Development District Plan — $50,000
• System Upgrades for Marshalls Creek Fire Company — $50,000

These awards reflect the kind of practical investments that make a lasting difference for our towns, boroughs and service providers. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding for Monroe and Pike counties.

The deadline for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to December 31. This extension gives eligible Pennsylvanians—including older adults, widows and widowers, and individuals with disabilities—additional time to apply for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. With rising costs continuing to impact households across the Commonwealth, the extension helps ensure more residents have the opportunity to access this important relief program.

The PTRR program has been significantly expanded, increasing the maximum standard rebate to $1,000 and raising income eligibility limits to $48,110 for this filing year, with future adjustments tied to inflation.

Eligible Pennsylvanians must apply each year, and applications can be completed quickly and free of charge through the online myPATH system. Assistance is also available for anyone who needs help completing an application. For questions or help filling out the form, please contact my office at 18 South 9th Street in Stroudsburg, by phone at (570) 420-2850 or by email at RepProbst@pahouse.net.

For those who have already filed, the easiest way to check the status of your rebate is to use the Where's My Rebate? tool. To check on the status of your claim, you will need your Social Security number, claim year, and date of birth.

Volunteers are being sought for the Fort Hamilton archaeological project in Stroudsburg.

The effort is being led by Lenape Chapter #12 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, which is coordinating community involvement in ongoing research at a site believed to be connected to Fort Hamilton, a frontier fort constructed in 1756 during the French and Indian War.

Sites like this are historically significant because they represent the contested frontier period of colonial America, when fortified settlements played a key role in regional defense, supply routes, and interactions between European forces and Indigenous nations. In this case, Fort Hamilton has long been referenced in historical records, but its exact location has been lost over time, making any physical evidence potentially important for better understanding the area’s 18th-century history.

The project area near Ann Street has undergone extensive preparation and study over the past year. Researchers and volunteers are continuing to assess the site using historical maps and non-invasive survey methods such as ground-penetrating radar before any excavation begins.

Those interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to attend Lenape Chapter #12 meetings, held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Middle Smithfield Cultural Center, 5200 Milford Rd.

If you spot a baby animal alone this spring or summer, wildlife officials say the best thing to do is leave it where it is.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says young animals like fawns, birds, rabbits, and raccoons are often not abandoned — their mothers are usually nearby gathering food or watching from a distance. Many species rely on natural hiding behaviors to help protect their young from predators.

Officials are reminding people not to handle or take wildlife from the wild, noting it can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Human contact can expose people to diseases and may prevent animals from successfully returning to the wild.

The agency also warns that removing wildlife from its natural habitat is illegal in Pennsylvania and can result in fines.

If an animal appears injured or truly orphaned, residents should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD or 1-833-PGC-HUNT.

I am always honored to go back to my high school in East Stroudsburg. It was an honor to present my brother’s scholarship award to the senior class. This year, the Troy J. Verwey Basketball Scholarship went to Jaiden Martinez-Tovar! Congratulations to all of the class of 2026 and the scholarship recipients!

There was no better way I could have spent my Saturday morning in the rain. Thank you to the American Legion 346 for the morning memorial and flag replacement at Delaware Water Gap Cemetery.  After that, I always go to the Stroudsburg Cemetery on Dreher Avenue for the Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America Troop 300 for their flag replacement! They had so many volunteers, it was awesome.  It is a moving experience every year, and thank you to all of the volunteers who do this every year.

The Pike County Veterans Affairs had its luncheon honoring Trailblazing Women Of Valor! Congratulations to Katherine Lemon, who received the Citizens Award for her decades of volunteer work in Pike County for our veterans. Well deserved!

Congratulations to Abington Heights School District for winning the Mock Trial, and to Delaware Valley School District in placing second! What great accomplishments with such dedicated teachers and students. Thank you to Monroe County Bar Association and the Monroe County Court Of Common Pleas for hosting Law Day! Oh, and a special shout out to Nicky the courthouse dog. He’s dressed as king Bob. Lol.

Thank you to Go Collaborative, Jim Evanisko, and Jody Singer for coordinating painting the Broad St. Bridge red, white, and blue in celebrating America250, Mc250PA, Stroudsburg Borough, and Monroe County Pennsylvania. It was a perfect day to paint and watch the waterfalls at Ann Street Park. Thank you to Stroudsburg High School: Home of the Mountaineers and East Stroudsburg Area School District students for volunteering! Also volunteering with us were Erik Diemer, Monroe County Controller, Ira Jolley, Monroe County Treasurer, and Ellen Currie, Stroudsburg Borough Mayor.

Celebrating 50 years of membership with the Monroe County Bar Association. The knowledge and expertise of these attorneys are unmatched! Job well done! Stephen Bresset, Esq., William Cramer, Esq., James Gregor, Esq., Mark Love, Esq., James Swetz, Esq., and Jeffrey Lynn Wright, Esq.

District Office

18 South 9th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2850

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-A East Wing  Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1421