Jim Thorpe officials urge state to ‘do something’ about Glen Onoko

Jim Thorpe’s borough council made it clear that state agencies need to step up their game in regard to safety at Glen Onoko.

With two drownings and numerous rescue efforts over the course of the season so far, the area is known for its danger, yet many visitors still take risks by swimming and hiking there.

Jim Thorpe’s fire department is usually the lead on rescues at Glen Onoko, frequently placing their emergency workers in dangerous situations.

As far as borough council is concerned, it’s time for state agencies to step up and take some responsibility.

“I know this is something that goes on every summer, but when is the state going to say ‘enough deaths up at the falls?’ Enough is enough,” Councilman Jay Miller said.

Miller said that emergency services are most often dispatched to rescue visitors from outside the area who ignore the signs. He has also seen people walking around the trails in rubber rafting shoes and other inappropriate gear for the terrain.

“There’s hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people up there all weekend. If you’re not up there, you’re not aware of it. (Fire Chief) Vince (Yaich) knows, I know. It’s terrible,” Councilwoman Joanne Klitsch said.

Those who disregard the safety protocols, Miller said, are putting the first responders at risk.

“We have no answers, but it’s really taxing on the local volunteers. If somebody gets hurt, if one of us gets hurt, then I think it’s time to reconsider the Glen Onoko issue. These are repeat issues. We’ll never turn someone down when there’s a call for help, but this is a different monster,” he said.

Miller’s biggest grievance was the lack of action on the part of state agencies who have a stake in the land.

“The owners don’t seem to care. Now, they’ll tell you they care, but in reality, they don’t, because their inaction tells me they don’t care. Two fatalities in the last three, four weeks? Putting a sign up does not do anything for Glen Onoko,” Miller said.

“The state has to fix this. I don’t care if it’s the Fish and Boat, the Gorge, DEP or the Game Commission, they need to get their heads together. They’re still working for the same state.”

Council President Greg Strubinger said that the council had sent letters expressing similar concerns to the state agencies in previous years.

No direct action was taken at the meeting, though council members did encourage concerned borough residents to contact local politicians.

“I want to talk to the borough manager, and the fire chief, who is also our public service manager, and see what they recommend,” Strubinger said.

“We should push the legislators a little harder and say that they’ve got to do something,” Strubinger said.

“Make it a state park. Post a ranger up there. Close it. Do something.”