Carly Jane Soules was born March 28, 2013 at 6 pounds 12 ounces, 19 1/2 inches long to Kenneth and Holly Soules.

Carly has four sisters, Shawenee, Samantha, Taylor, and Evelyn and one brother, Brandon.

Carly Jane Soules

Maternal grandparents are William and Carlene Vanteger and Michael Meadows. Paternal grandparent is the late Muriel Soules.

On Sunday, April 21, the North Jackson Ag 4-H club held their second meeting. It was held at the Bewley's home, and was opened by Emily Supancik. The pledge to the American flag was lead by Garrett Conklin, and the 4-H flag was lead by KayLeen Conklin.

After opening the meeting Emory Bewley, our secretary, read the secretary's report, followed by Jamie Supancik, our treasurer, reading the treasurer's report. The 4-H enrollment deadline was May 1.

Congratulations to all the dairy judgers in our club. Great job to the participants in Pork Bowl. At the pork bowl, the senior team placed second and the junior team placed fourth. Thanks to everyone in our club who helped make our window display, we placed second with that. Also thank you to anyone who helped clean up the cemetery. We completed a great community service with fun mixed in.

May 18th is the market lamb and goat tagging deadline. May 18th is also the date for the shooting sports fun day, all participants must be at least 8 years. On May 21st there will be officer training, from 6 to 9 P.M. This event is for any 4-Her to attend, not only officers. Camp Brulè will be from June 22 to 26. That is for any 4-Her from age 8 to 18.

Just a reminder that 4-H Newsletter now comes through email each month. Watch for it! Also please keep in mind that demonstrations are required and it is recommended that they be completed prior to the fair.

Our meeting was adjourned by Jamie Supancik and Katelyn Supancik. Our next meeting will be held at the Valley Lanes bowling alley, at 1:00 on May 25th. It will be followed by a bowling party with pizza.

Environmental regulations for farms are not new. But with increasing pressure to prevent agricultural pollutants from entering local watersheds (especially the Chesapeake Bay), agencies are now focusing regulations on not only large operations, but also smaller farms and properties with backyard pasture animals. Under Act 38, all animal operations are required to complete a Nutrient Management Plan if the farm is defined as a Concentrated Animal Operation (CAO) or a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). Additionally, DEP revisions to the Clean Stream Act, released in fall of 2011, mandates that poultry, horse and livestock operations that are not classified as a CAO or CAFO, as well as all farms that apply manure must have a written Manure Management Plan.

Today, all chicken, horse and livestock operations in Pennsylvania - large and small, production and non-production - are required to have a plan to manage farm nutrients. The majorities of Pennsylvania farms are not concentrated operations and are only required to have a Manure Management Plan. The Manure Management Plan consists of seven sections that must be completed by the farm owner/operator. Included in the plan booklet is a sample plan. The sample is provided to assist writers in writing a plan that is best suited for their individual animal operation. For more information on how to obtain this plan and complete it please contact Laura Holbrook at the Susquehanna County Conservation District at 278-4600 Ext. 262.

With a recent population boom occurring in Susquehanna County due to the Marcellus Shale industry, the area has been struggling to meet housing demands. State Reps. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) today announced that a $10,000 state grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development will provide the funding needed for the county to accurately assess what its housing needs are both currently and for the future.

“Many of the individuals who have recently moved into the district are likely considered temporary depending on their positions within the natural gas industry,” said Major. “That’s why it’s so important to get an accurate housing assessment – so the county can adequately meet current demand, yet doesn’t overbuild to the point that in 10 or 20 years we have empty homes and rental units falling into disrepair and negatively impacting the market.”

Information from the housing assessment will be incorporated into the update of the Bradford County Comprehensive Plan. Partners in this project include the Central Bradford Progress Authority and the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission.

“The Marcellus Shale created considerable economic activity for Susquehanna County but also a number of challenges, especially in terms of affordable housing,” Pickett said. “This funding will make it possible to assess the current and future housing needs so that our communities can work together in making sure we have housing for everyone who wishes to call Susquehanna County home.”

The funding, made possible through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP), provides funding to assist local governments to plan for and efficiently implement a variety of services and improvements, and soundly manage development with an emphasis on intergovernmental approaches.