State Representative Parke Wentling joined Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity on April 17 to return more than $16,000 in unclaimed property to three owners in Greenville.
The returned funds included an $11,150.40 check presented to Steve and Nicki Godfrey of the Phil Godfrey Ford Dealership, a $4,559.61 check given to Mike Kotyk for the Mercer County Trails Association, and a $400 check awarded to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. These presentations took place at various locations across Greenville including the Shenango River Trail-Downtown Greenville Trailhead and Veterans Park.
Unclaimed property consists of assets such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments and other financial items that have been transferred to the Pennsylvania Treasury until they can be returned. “This program is a great example of government working the way it should,” Wentling said. “Every dollar returned through Treasury’s unclaimed property program is money going back where it belongs – to the people and organizations who earned it. It’s incredibly important that we continue to raise awareness and make sure rightful owners are found so these funds can be put to good use in our communities.”
Garrity said she was pleased with the outcome: “I was thrilled to join Rep. Wentling to return more than $16,000 in unclaimed property to the Mercer County Trails Association, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Phil Godfrey Ford Dealership in Greenville.” She also encouraged individuals and organizations throughout Pennsylvania to search regularly for any owed assets as “Treasury is working to return more than $5 billion in unclaimed property.” The Treasury currently holds billions of dollars waiting for their rightful owners.
Wentling lives in Greenville with his wife Jennifer and their two children according to his official website. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from California University of Pennsylvania and Clarion University of Pennsylvania respectively according to his official website. His professional background includes serving as Republican vice chairman of both Game and Fisheries Committee as well as Subcommittee on Parks within Environmental Resources & Protection Committee according to his official website. He also leads as Republican chair of Subcommittee on Townships within Local Government Committee according to his official website, following 17 years spent working as an educator at Wilmington Area School District according to his official website.
The event highlights ongoing efforts by state officials not only returning funds but also raising awareness about resources available through public programs.
