Winslow Township investigating noise ordinance

A request for a noise ordinance was the main topic of discussion at the February 8 meeting of the Winslow Township Supervisors.

Angie and Shawn Kniseley, owners of the Bear Claw Country Sports Bar on Route 322 west of Reynoldsville, attended the meeting and renewed their request for a township noise ordinance.

The Kniseleys attended a meeting in September of last year after their outdoor Labor Day Weekend festivities were shut down by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) due to a noise complaint. The PLCB had jurisdiction since there was no noise ordinance in the township.

If the township adopts an ordinance, the Bear Claw could apply for an exemption for the hours when they hold outdoor activities.

With the pandemic, the Bear Claw tries to hold outdoor events to maintain business and comply with Covid-19 restrictions.

“Our business is is being crippled,” Shawn Kniseley commented.

The couple provided a copy of the Sandy Township noise ordinance to the supervisors so they would have an idea of what would need to be adopted.

Kniseley said the bar has a good relationship with its neighbors.

“We’re not trying to get an exemption to bother our neighbors,” he said. “We’re trying provide entertainment to local people who like to come out.”

The supervisors decided to refer the matter to their solicitor. Supervisor Rick August said he would also speak about the matter with the Sandy Township code enforcement officer.