Semiquincentennial might be a mouthful.

In this context, it’s simply the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence which will occur in 2026.

Joe McClellan, Warren County’s advisory committee member for the state-wide organization America250PA, provided an update on the group’s efforts to Warren City Council on Monday.

He said the group “seeks to educate and inspire and commemorate America’s birthday” and the role that Pennsylvania served in the founding.

The group is “made up of a very diverse group of individuals” , is “completely bipartisan” and is led by the state’s living former governors.

“As we get closer to the date, we do have some programs we would like to get people involved with,” McClellan explained.

One would see a sprouting from the Liberty Tree in Philadelphia planted somewhere in Warren County.

The Liberty Tree in Boston – a place the Sons of Liberty often met – was destroyed by the British, according to the America250PA website.

“Suddenly, patriots throughout the 13 colonies began to designate new Liberty Trees,” they explained. “The last known original Liberty Tree sat on the campus of Saint John’s University in Maryland, until it was destroyed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.”

Parts of that original tree were revived by a landscaper.

McClellan said another piece of the effort aims to see versions of the Liberty Bell placed in all 67 counties, decorated by local artists.

“We look forward to supporting any and all efforts,” Mayor David Wortman said.

EMS agreement

The City Council on Monday also approved a new agreement with Cherry Grove Township for EMS service.

Fire Chief Dave Krogler said that the city and township had initially entered into a three year agreement for the city to provide primary basic life support coverage from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Cherry Grove’s neighbors, though, approved agreements with the city for the city to serve as backup to either volunteers or EmergyCare, rather than primary.

Zoning ordinance comment period to open

City council also set a public comment window for the city’s new zoning ordinance to start on Jan. 18.

Director of Codes and Planning Randy Rossey said that the proposal is “less restrictive and more user friendly.”

The plan will be available for review online with hard copies located at the city building and the library.