June News from Smithfield

Municipal Center Holiday Closure

The Smithfield Township Municipal Center will be closed Thursday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Primary Election Results

Residents headed to the polls or voted by mail for last week’s primary election. Both major parties have now nominated candidates for the following offices:

Statewide Appellate Courts
Pennsylvania Superior Court
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court

County Court
Monroe County Court of Common Pleas (2 seats)

County Offices
Monroe County Treasurer
Monroe County Coroner

School Board

East Stroudsburg School Board (4 seats)

Township Offices
Smithfield Township Supervisor
Smithfield Township Tax Collector
Smithfield Township Auditor

Election Offices
Judge of Elections
Inspector of Elections

In addition, judicial retention elections for four courts will be held. In these elections, sitting judges names are presented with the question “Shall [Judge] be retained for an additional term as Judge of the [Court]? Yes or No.” Unlike the other races, judicial retentions are not considered partisan elections.

Judicial Retentions
Pennsylvania Supreme Court (3 seats)
Pennsylvania Superior Court (1 seat)
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court (1 seat)

Monroe County Court of Common Pleas (1 seat)

Legislators Secure Grant Funds Benefitting Smithfield

Senator Rosemary Brown (SD-40), Rep. Tarah Probst (HD-189), and Rep. Maureen Madden (HD-115) worked to secure funds for various projects benefitting Smithfield Township residents. Thanks to their support, a $100,000 grant our Township was awarded on behalf of Bushkill Emergency Corps.

The $100,000 will secure powered stretchers for BEC ambulances, ensuring patient accessibility and reducing stress on care providers.

Other projects receiving funds in Smithfield Township include:

• $300,000 for Phase II of SR 209 road improvements in Smithfield Township (Smithfield Gateway)
• $220,000 for sewer expansion along SR 209 in Smithfield Township (Smithfield Sewer Authority)

Funds secured benefit public safety, infrastructure, and economic development in the Township. We express our thanks to our legislators for working to secure grants for our community.

Paul Miller’s Law In Effect June 5

Starting June 5, it is illegal to use a handheld cellphone when driving. For the first year, you will receive a warning. Next June, law enforcement will begin issuing summary violations.

This new law does not impede hands-free technology for phone calls, music/podcasts, and GPS.

Thank you to our Senator, Rosemary Brown, for her steadfast advocacy of this critical legislation.

Summer Stormwater Management Tips

With a new season underway, it’s the perfect time to revisit some easy, eco-friendly lawn care tips that also help protect our community’s waterways.

Stormwater runoff — the rainwater that flows over driveways, streets, and yards — can carry pollutants into our local creeks and streams.

Our MS-4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) page offers practical guidance for homeowners, gardeners, and anyone who wants to be a good neighbor — no mandates or heavy-handed rules, just smart ways to make a difference.

Parks & Recreation Reminders

With summer rapidly approaching, our parks are beginning to buzz with activity!

Please note that the $10 daily fee for out-of-county visitors remains in effect. The only exception is for non-residents attending approved park events, including sporting events and township-sponsored or affiliated activities.

Pavilion rentals are also available for summer gatherings. To reserve a space, call 570.223.5082 x 6 to speak with Conservation & Recreation Director Alex Jackson, Ph.D., or email alex@smithfieldtownship.com.

As a reminder:

• Pets must be leashed at all times
• Fireworks are strictly prohibited
• Smoking and alcohol are not permitted
• Park hours are dawn to dusk

Let’s all do our part to keep Smithfield Township’s parks safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.

Burn Ban Lifted

🔥  Burn Ban Lifted – Know the Rules for Open Burning 🔥

Effective May 23, Smithfield Township lifted the burn ban. Residents are reminded that open burning remains permanently restricted under Township Ordinance § 20-106 – with a few specific exceptions:

✅  Fires to prevent or control a fire hazard (with DEP approval)

✅ Agricultural burning as part of normal farming operations (per applicable laws)

✅  Campfires, small bonfires (up to 50 sq ft), and fires solely for cooking or ceremonial use — as long as they don’t cause a nuisance

Please remember:

– No burning of garbage, recyclables, or yard waste

– No open burning during any future declared fire ban emergencies

If you’re planning a large fire, you’re encouraged to notify the Monroe County Control Center with the time and location.

Let’s keep Smithfield safe and respectful of our neighbors. Questions? Contact the Township Office or view the full ordinance.

River of the Year Festival This Month

Join us at Minisink Park on Wednesday, June 18 from 2 to 8 PM for the Delaware River of the Year Festival — a community celebration of the 2025 Pennsylvania River of the Year and 30 years of the Delaware River Sojourn!

Enjoy an afternoon filled with live music, food trucks, educational activities, special guests & family-friendly entertainment.

This FREE event is open to the public — come celebrate our river, our community, and the natural beauty that makes Smithfield Township so special. The event is rain or shine!

Upcoming Meetings

Unless noted otherwise, all meetings are scheduled to occur at the Smithfield Township Municipal Center, 1155 Red Fox Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Board of Supervisors

Tuesday, June 10th at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24th at 6 p.m.

Planning Commission

Thursday, June 12th at 7 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Council

Tuesday, June 17th at 7 p.m.

Zoning Hearing Board

Tuesday, June 3rd at 7 p.m.